Medical Jobs: Occupational & Technical Career Training

Jobs in medicine are demanding, but also rewarding and extremely varied. The job of a pharmacist’s assistant is very different from that of a phlebotomist or an optician’s assistant. Work can take place in a variety of settings, including a pharmacy, lab, or an office. Best of all, competitive salaries are available even to those who receive vocational, online or on-the-job training. Individuals who are detail-oriented and enthusiastic about helping others have a wide range of opportunities in the medical field.

Jobs in Medicine

The field of medicine offers a number of jobs with different responsibilities. Some of the most sought-after jobs in the field offer excellent benefits and opportunities for career advancement. Examples of common jobs in medicine include the following:
  • Medical transcriptionists help to keep records in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and clinics.They take a doctor’s notes, usually dictated into a recorder, and write them up as medical records.They may be employed by offices or by outside transcription companies.
  • Pharmacy technicians or aids are often responsible for filling prescriptions, preparing labels, and reading patients’ charts to prepare medication. They may also work with cash registers and telephones in pharmacies.
  • Phlebotomists draw blood for analysis. While some work in offices or hospitals, others must travel to nursing and elder care facilities in order to collect blood samples. Some phlebotomists are trained specifically to draw blood from the arteries.
  • Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists to rehabilitate individuals after injury or surgery.These professionals may also work in the field of occupational therapy, or in sports medicine. Common duties include providing training and rehabilitation assistance, as well as recordkeeping.

Facts and Figures

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in many medical fields are expected to rise approximately 15 to 30 percent between 2006 and 2016.The number of medical job openings is growing faster than the number of applicants. In addition, the field experiences relatively high turnover, as people eventually seek higher-paying opportunities with greater benefits.
 
Average salary will depend on the specific occupation. That being said, hourly rates can range anywhere from about $10 to $17, and an average salary for a vocationally-trained medical professional is about $33,000 to $50,000 annually.

Education, Training and Work Experience

On-the-job training is usually provided for individuals who seek medical or hospital jobs, with the possibility of advancement as one becomes more acclimated to the job and receives additional education. Although some positions will only require a high school diploma, most employers will prefer candidates who have had some sort of technical training or obtained a degree in the specific field.
 
Many vocational and technical training options are offered at community colleges and online. In most cases, breaking into the medical industry is simply a matter of applying for a job and allowing the company to offer or pay for training.

Related Associations and Groups

There are many groups or associations that can offer resources to those who are interested in jobs in medicine. These organizations may provide career guidance, seminars, and publications which may prove valuable to those interested in advancing in the field:
  • American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
  • Association for Healthcare Documentation
  • National Pharmacy Technician Association
  • National Phlebotomy Association.
 
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