Want to work in medicine, but have no idea where to start?
If you’re looking for a career with a scientific or medical focus, it’s sometimes hard to know what options are open to you. However, finding a job in medicine doesn’t mean restricting your options solely to becoming a Doctor. There are a number of other great opportunities which may be right for you.
To help you identify the right opportunity for you, here are some of the top jobs in the medical industry:
Dentist
Want a career that places precedence on your pearly whites? This won’t hurt a bit… (and various other clichés).
Whether you like them or loathe them, Dentists provide an absolutely essential role when it comes to personal healthcare and hygiene. It is their job to prevent and treat dental problems, in order to prevent discomfort, pain and also, for cosmetic reasons. Most work on a self-employed basis, and carry out a mixture of NHS and private work.
N.B. To avoid any existential crises, those with a fear of dentists need not apply…
Will I need a degree? Yes. Training typically involves around five years studying at dental school, followed by a further two years of practice under supervision.
Perfect for: People who don’t forget to floss.
Avoid if: You have an intense fear of dentists, needles and/or rinsing.
Midwife
Looking for a career that really delivers? Call the Midwife…
Aside from dealing with poorly made puns and references to certain TV shows, Midwives provide essential support, care and advice to expectant mums. Without them, millions of women would have suffered as a result.
To become a Midwife you’ll need to be calm under pressure, have an excellent bedside manner and be extremely patient and supportive before, during and even months after labour.
It also helps if you’re good with kids. That too…
Will I need a degree? You’ll generally need at least two A-levels, and a degree, to become a Midwife.
Perfect for: People who want to be involved in the Miracle of Life.
Avoid if: You find it difficult to breathe watching One Born Every Minute.
Nurse
If you’re really looking to make a difference, consider nursing. Often called the world’s most trusting profession, it is certainly one of the oldest. Nurses have been dealing with our aches and pains for thousands of years.
They perform a vital role in how our healthcare system operates, and in fact make up the largest group of staff in the whole of the NHS. And whether your choose to work in Adult Nursing, Paediatrics, Mental Health or Learning & Disability, this can be one of the most incredibly rewarding careers in medicine there is.
Will I need a degree? Yes, a degree in pre-registration nursing is generally considered a pre-requisite.
Perfect for: People who love helping people.
Avoid if: You can’t stand the sight of blood…
Nutritionist
Are you always analysing other people’s eating habits? You should be a Nutritionist… (also, possibly less judgemental).
Nutritionists research food and health-related matters, in order to improve the understanding of our diets and general wellbeing. This involves conducting surveys, administering experiments, and a wide range of other research tasks in order to get conclusive results.
This is a great career choice for those with a keen interest in science, who also possess excellent interpersonal and motivational skills. This may not be a great career choice for those who want to sit and eat their lunch in peace.
Will I need a degree? A degree is generally expected. However, some employers may accept an industry specific qualification and a good level of experience in a similar field.
Perfect for: People who are passionate about healthy eating.
Avoid if: You’d rather eat food than talk about it.
Paramedic
Some careers are literally a matter of life and death. And becoming a Paramedic is certainly one of these.
It’s a Paramedic’s job to respond to emergency calls regarding accidents or other medical emergencies. Calm and quick-thinking individuals will prosper in this position, as will those who possess excellent communication skills.
No jokes for this one. Just an incredible career and the opportunity to save lives on a daily basis.
Will I need a degree? No. However, a full, clean driving license will usually be required.
Perfect for: People who put other people first.
Avoid if: You don’t work well under extreme pressure.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are medical professionals who use their extensive scientific knowledge to recommend and prescribe drugs. They could be working anywhere from in a hospital or private doctors surgery to supermarkets or on the high street, but their job remains the same: to help care for patients by dispensing appropriate medication.
They may also be called upon by other healthcare professionals for their input when it comes to finding the right drug for a particular ailment, making Pharmacy a much more varied profession than many people think.
Will I need a degree? Yes. You will also generally need a Masters in Pharmacy (MPharm).
Perfect for: People who are interested in chemistry.
Avoid if: You view the dosage instructions ‘as a guideline only’.
Radiographer
Always thought it would be pretty fun to work with radiation? You’d be right. And by fun, we mean incredibly dangerous.
There are two main types of Radiographer – those who specialise in diagnosing problems using medical imaging, and those who help in assisting therapy in a similar way. And, although seen by some as simply a kind of medical photographer, the profession is far more consultative than many people think.
In fact, many Radiographers now help assist in the analysis of problems using their own image interpretation. They may also operate across a wide range of different mediums outside of the traditional X-ray, including CT, MRI, Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound.
Careers in Radiography – worth looking into.
Will I need a degree? Yes. However, before you apply you will need to decide whether you want to specialise in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography.
Perfect for: People who are interested in anatomy and physiology.
Avoid if: Your photos always come out too blurry for words.
Speech Therapist
Not all careers in this field need to be related to traditional medicine.
Speech Therapists help patients who have communication problems. This could range from children finding it difficult to express themselves through their speech, to patients with physical speech impediments or even difficulties eating.
If you’re an excellent listener and want to help motivate people to break down their barriers, this could be the right role for you.
Will I need a degree? Generally yes. Although you may need to be able to break into the industry with experience in similar roles and some industry specific training.
Perfect for: People who help others find their voice.
Avoid if: You’re not really a fan of public speaking.
View all Speech Therapist jobs
How to become a Speech Therapist
Honourable mentions: Chiropodist, Obstetrician, Paediatrician, Psychologist, Surgeon.
Ready to embark on a career in the medical industry? Start searching now.
