Anyone interested in a healthcare career needs to begin somewhere, right? Sometimes the professional journey starts in a classroom setting, and sometimes the first steps happen through a first healthcare job in medical support. Aspiring medical workers eager to jump right into employment, whether simultaneously with school or not, most often attain work in one of several medical support professions.
Many high school graduates, for example, are able to manage the level of responsibility common to most medical support professions. Many of these jobs are entry level and require minimal experience, and often require certifications that are widely accessible. For someone just starting out in the medical field, it's idea. The opportunities for growth and on-the-job education are outstanding.
Many healthcare support jobs are noticeably similar in nature to one another, yet they possess certain differences that can influence where job seekers choose to apply. Below is an overview of various medical support jobs, including factors that make each one distinct. The inside scoop can help provide some guidance and direction for those fresh to the healthcare scene.
Orderlies and Attendants
What they do:
Medical attendants and orderlies transport patients from one location to another throughout a medical facility, maintain stocks of medical supplies, and clean or transport medical equipment.
Before they're hired:
Most attendants and orderlies can apply straight out of high school, although some organizations require previous experience working with patients. Many employers prefer to train new hires under existing staff for ease of continuity. It is helpful for people in this field to be physically fit to avoid injury while lifting patients and heavy equipment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says:
55-percent of attendants and orderlies work in nursing facilities and residential care establishments. State and private hospitals comprise the second largest place of employment.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
What they do:
CNAs assist registered nurses (RN) with unit management by admitting, transferring and discharging patients, keeping records, answering phones, checking and recording vital signs of incoming patients, and observing the condition of patients. CNAs also assist patients with mobility, personal hygiene, and keeping their environments clean.
Before they're hired:
CNA certification requires a minimum of 75 training hours and 16 in-clinic practice hours. Certification classes are typically offered through accredited community colleges, although some employers and high schools also offer courses. Since each state recognizes its own Nurse Aide Registry, it's important to look online for information regarding each state's laws and regulations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says:
CNAs can look forward to 20- to 28-percent projected job growth over the next 10 years, which is faster than average compared to other occupations.
Home Health Aides
What they do:
Home health aides spend their workdays providing services inside patients' homes. Duties often include assisting patients with feeding, running errands, changing linens, conducting personal hygiene and getting around. Aides also help patients manage their medications, perform prescribed exercises, and keep living environments clean and safe.
Before they're hired:
Most home health aides can work right out of high school, but some employers prefer hiring workers with a CNA certification.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says:
It goes without saying that home health care agencies employ the largest number of home health aides. Home health services are provided through clinics, hospitals, government agencies and private home health care agencies. Residential facilities for the elderly or the mentally ill also employ home health aides.
Medical Assistant
What they do:
Medical assistants (MAs) take and record patients' vital signs, medical history and test results. They collect and transport specimens for testing, prep patients for the physician, and explain treatment, medication and any subsequent instructions. MAs communicate with testing facilities, insurance companies and pharmacies. Additionally, MAs answer phones, check patients in or out, take messages or dictation, complete paperwork, take inventory of medical supplies, make appointments and perform bookkeeping tasks.
Before they're hired:
MA certification is offered by a variety of establishments, and several schools offer a one- or two-year program. The two-year program allows students to earn a two-year associate's degree on top of the MA designation. Moreover, students can specialize their MA certification by focusing on an area such as optometry, podiatry or ophthalmology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says:
Hospitals, clinics and physician's offices are the most common employers of medical assistants. Facilities such as occupational healthcare centers, long-term care facilities and other practitioner offices also employ MAs.
Medical support professionals play an important role in keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly. By looking closely at the differences between each support position, it's easier to identify where these professionals fit within various healthcare organizations and the specific value they each provide. Whether a healthcare professional begins a career as an attendant, home health aide, CNA, or MA, each path can lead toward a fulfilling career.
Which medical support profession appeals to you the most? Which distinct factors influence your preference? Please share your comments with us!