Exploring 4 Entry-Level Careers In The Medical Field
Posted on: 14 February 2023
Are you a student looking for an entry-level career in the medical field? There are many options available to you. From clinical medical assistants to X-ray technicians, there is something for everyone. Here's a closer look at four entry-level careers that can help you start your journey in the medical field.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Clinical medical assistants work directly with physicians and patients to provide care and support during office visits. Their duties include taking patient histories, performing diagnostic tests, updating patient records, scheduling appointments, and preparing exam rooms. Clinical medical assistants must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable working with patients of all ages. To become one, you will need to attend a certified clinical medical assistant trade school program through a local community college or vocational school.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians provide customer service and assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications. They accept prescriptions from customers, enter prescription information into computer systems, answer customer questions about medications, package medications for customers, and manage inventory levels. Pharmacy technicians must have excellent math skills and be familiar with medication names and their uses. While some pharmacy techs learn on the job, most complete a pharmacy technician trade school program to learn the skills they need for career success.
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Biomedical equipment technicians (BMET) install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair medical equipment used by doctors and other healthcare professionals. They are responsible for ensuring all equipment is functioning properly before it is used on patients and are trusted members of the medical team. Biomedical equipment technicians must have strong technical skills as well as knowledge of safety regulations related to medical equipment use. While many BMETs get an associate's degree in electronics or a related field, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has a new apprenticeship program in place for interested students.
X-Ray Technician
X-ray technicians operate sophisticated imaging equipment to produce X-rays of various parts of the body for diagnostic purposes. They prepare patients for exams, position them correctly, adjust shielding devices, take images using special techniques, process images, and store images electronically. X-ray technicians must be familiar with radiation safety protocols as well as anatomy and physiology principles related to their field of practice.
These four entry-level careers in the medical field offer students a great way to get started on their journey into healthcare professions and segue into other positions later. Whether you are interested in working directly with patients or managing complex pieces of machinery behind the scenes, there is something here that will suit your interests.
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