Look to a Career in the Medical Field for a better job and higher pay

January 16th, 2008

There are many options for continuing your education and completing a medical program that is right for you. The medical field is rapidly growing and the demands for health care professionals are increasing. Medical professionals are making a positive impact in all aspects of health care including health promotion, education, provision and management at all stages.

First, let's evaluate your options. The most important step is determining the medical direction you want to take. For most people, the decision is to work either one-on-one with patients or behind the scenes in a medical administrative position.

Medical Personnel

Medical personnel that work one-on-one with patients have a wider range of career options in the health and medical field. Typically they work in doctors' offices, hospitals, private practices and pharmacies. Students with diplomas, certificates or degrees in the medical field go on to become nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, etc.

This type of individual needs patience and strong interpersonal skills. They should be tactful, emotionally stable, and dependable and should have a desire to help people. They should also be able to work as part of a team and have good communication skills.

Medical Administrator

The duties of a medical administrator range widely with his or her job title and the size of the facility he or she works in. Medical administrators in a small facility may help with patient intake, accounts payable, accounts receivable and office finances. In a larger facility, medical administrators are needed to run everything from employee benefits plans to scheduling nurses' shifts. Medical administrators are responsible for ensuring their medical facility runs smoothly and efficiently.

This type of individual is responsible and organized. They can multi-task well, enjoy reading and working with data, and like to use the computer. It is a perfect career direction for those who like the medical field, but prefer not to work directly with patients.

The next decision to make is to determine the amount of time you are willing to devote to your medical career training. The further you advance in your education, the more options you will have for career advancement and increased earnings potential. Completion time varies so it is important to check with an admissions representative to choose a medical program that is right for you.

Diploma and Certificate Programs

If you are interested in continuing your education but you want a program you can complete in six to eight months, you should consider a Diploma or Certificate program. Typically, more schooling will be needed to advance within your chosen career. This is why it is common for students who receive a diploma or certificate to continue their education in order to complete an Associates or Bachelor's Degree.

If you are a people person and like the idea of working one-on-one with patients, you should consider a medical program such as:

1. Medical Assistant
2. Practical Nursing
3. Massage Therapy
4. Pharmacy Technology
5. Phlebotomy Technology

If you like the idea of working behind the scenes, you should consider a Medical Administrative program in:

1. Medical Billing and Coding
2. Medical Office Management
3. Medical Office Specialist
4. Healthcare Education

If you are looking for a more involved career with more opportunities, consider expanding your education and work towards completing a higher degree.

Associates Degrees

An Associate of Science Degree, an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree or an Associate of Applied Science Degree, on average, takes 18-24 months to complete. A person who receives an Associates Degree in a medical field will have more opportunities for career advancement and higher earnings potential than a person who has only a diploma or a certificate in the same field.

If you are a people person and like the idea of working one-on-one with patients, you should consider a medical program such as:

1. Medical Assistant
2. Veterinary Technology
3. Registered Nursing (LPN bridge option)
4. Physical Therapy Assistant
5. Occupational Therapy Assistant
6. Surgical Technology

If you like the idea of working with numbers, sitting at a desk and filing office documents, you should consider a Medical Administrative program such as:

1. Medical Billing and Coding
2. Medical Assisting
3. Medical Administrative Assistant
4. Medical Office Management
5. Healthcare Administration
6. Veterinary Technology

The opportunity for further career advancement is increased when you advance your degree. The more education you obtain, the more career options you will have.

Bachelor's Degrees

Expand your opportunities for career advancement and greater earnings potential with a Bachelor's Degree. A degree of this magnitude carries a lot of weight within many medical field positions. Typically, a student with an Associates degree in hand can complete this degree in approximately 18 - 24 months.

With a Bachelor's degree, you could find yourself in a highly rewarding profession with increased career opportunities. For a career where you work one-on-one with patients, consider a medical program in:

1. Occupational Therapy
2. Physical Therapy
3. Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
4. Pharmacy Technician
5. Pharmaceutical Sciences
6. Nutrition and Dietetics
7. Sports Medicine
8. Veterinary Technology

For a behind the scenes, medical profession with a Bachelor's degree, consider entering a program in Healthcare Administration or Healthcare Management.

You don't have to stop at a Bachelor's degree. You can continue on to graduate school and obtain your Ph.D. The options are endless!

The demand for medical services will continue to rise as the number of individuals who need medical attention increases. The baby-boom generation's movement into middle age, a period when the incidence of heart attack and stroke increases, will spur the demand for medical services. Increase in the number of elderly individuals will continue to grow and medical personnel will be in the highest demand.

If you choose a career in the medical field, you will have greater opportunities for increased earnings potential and career advancement.