The Common Types of Healthcare Jobs Explained

March 18 2021 - Healthcare had over 130 million workers in the industry in 2018, making it the largest U.S. employer.

But what are the different types of healthcare jobs? What are the best healthcare jobs and what does each job entail?

If you're pursuing a career in this sector, knowing the differences is crucial. In this article, we'll be outlining the most popular types of healthcare jobs and their respective duties.

Pharmacist

If you have routine medications, you probably see your pharmacist often. They provide patients with medicine and wellness resources.

Their job is to fill prescriptions and inform us about any risks or side effects. They figure out whether medications are reacting negatively and providing immunizations.

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants work at clinics and hospitals, aiding your doctor during routine procedures. They get patient histories, examine patients, and perform other background tasks.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners perform advanced registered nurse duties like prescribing medication and diagnosing illnesses. They're quite experienced and educated, hence their heavier responsibilities.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help ill, disabled, or injured patients perform daily tasks. This includes getting dressed and walking around their homes. You'll see them in nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.

RN

RN stands for "registered nurse," and describes some of the most important people working in healthcare. RNs are healthcare workers who assist physicians with basic patient care. RNs usually hold bachelor's degrees and state licenses. They oversee administrative and documentation duties. RNs also provide emergency care if needed.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help patients manage their pain and perform daily tasks. They teach exercises, diagnose physical issues, and provide physical therapy. Most, if not all physical therapists hold master's degrees.

LPN

A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, handles various administrative and clerical duties at hospitals. They're valuable professionals who work under RNs and doctors. You'll find LPNs in nursing homes, hospitals, and group homes.

Home Care

Home care workers are personal care aides or nursing assistants that support people with everyday tasks in their own homes. This includes getting around the house, eating meals, and social or physical activities. Home care jobs are available in care homes or in people's own homes.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are healthcare workers that help draw blood samples. They're intimately familiar with sanitation procedures and  routinely label and store blood samples. Phlebotomists typically hold a state license and must be approved by a governing healthcare board.

CNA

Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, act as assistants to RNs and LPNs and hold one of the most important jobs in healthcare. They typically perform tasks for patients in their ward that RNs and LPNs might not have time for. In some cases, a patient interacts with their CNA more than anyone else.

Leverage Different Types of Healthcare Jobs

Healthcare's diverse job field leaves you plenty of opportunities to get involved. Use this article to navigate the different types of healthcare jobs and begin your healthcare careers 

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