5 Underrated Careers In The Medical Field

Are you thinking of working in the medical field? Consider these five careers.

When people think of medical professional positions, they likely think of primary care physicians and surgeons first. You may be surprised to learn that there are many roles within the medical field that often don’t get as much attention, and one of these lesser-known positions might be right for you if you want to pursue a career in health care.

Ultrasound Technician

An ultrasound technician uses a handheld applicator to take ultrasound images of certain parts of the body that are used to identify and diagnose certain medical conditions. Ultrasound technicians are also able to take images of a developing baby inside the womb to see how well the baby is developing. A degree in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited college or university is usually needed to work in this position.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are responsible for helping doctors provide patient care and often perform duties, such as checking patients’ vital signs, collecting testing samples and dressing wounds. Medical professionals may also provide patient education and schedule upcoming surgical procedures. To become a medical assistant, you can enroll in one of the medical assistant programs available in your area and complete the training that’s required to become one of these professionals.

Phlebotomist

If you aren’t grossed out by the sight of blood, a career in phlebotomy may be right for you. Phlebotomists regularly draw blood from patients with the use of needles and syringes and send the blood samples to a lab for analysis. You might not need a college degree to work as a phlebotomist, but you should complete a phlebotomist training program and earn certifications in the field to increase your job prospects.

Perfusionist

When a patient is under general anesthesia for surgery, the perfusionist operates the machinery that’s needed to keep the heart and lungs functioning. This is often a flexible position that doesn’t require you to work full-time, and you might even work on-call whenever you’re needed. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in perfusion science is required to work, and you should also consider getting a post-degree certificate to make yourself more valuable in the field.

Medical Illustrator

If you have a talent for art and also want to work in the health care industry, medical illustration may be your dream job. Medical illustrators are often needed to create images of complex medical conditions and procedures to use as teaching tools. Medical illustrators often work on a freelance basis, but you might also be able to find a position with a company that regularly produces these illustrations. There are no set education requirements to become a medical illustrator, but many of these professionals have at least an art degree along with a degree in medicine, science or biology.

You can do a lot of good for patients who are in need of quality medical care by filling a position in one of these lesser-known health care roles. Once you’ve completed the necessary education and training, you’ll be qualified to embark on your chosen career path.

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