Medical Care

What it is

Nicole, 26 Medical Assistant

Jobs in medical care vary greatly and can include work directly with patients, with medical equipment and medicines or creating items such as artificial limbs. Aside from doctors (general doctors and specialists), many jobs in medical care are available for physician assistants, radiation therapists, respiratory therapists and anesthesiologists/anesthesiologist technicians.

Eli, 35 Lead Medical Assistant

Physician assistants do much of the same work as a doctor but work under the supervision of a doctor. They should not be confused with medical assistants, who do some clinical tasks and office work. Physician assistants take medical histories, examine patients, order lab tests and X-rays and make diagnoses. They can treat minor injuries, such as providing stitches or making a cast. Radiation therapists operate the machinery that treats people with cancer, and respiratory therapists evaluate people with breathing problems and so that they can receive medical care. Anesthesiologists monitor pain relief for patients, many anesthesiologists work in hospital surgical settings to provide medical care.

What it's like

Medical care jobs are available in hospitals, community clinics and private practices. To learn more about what it’s like to work in medical care, see what Nicole and Eli have to say about their work as medical assistants, or read about Atul's experience working as a physician assistant.

What it takes

Atul, 28 Physician Assistant, training to be a Physician

Training requirements for jobs in medical care vary greatly and range from positions that offer on-the-job training to medical care jobs that require doctoral degrees.

To learn more about medical care jobs, check out the job options to the right.

Jobs in this field

• Anesthesiologist

  Salary range: $114,200 and up Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency Job description:Anesthesiologists supervise the care of surgical patients and pain relief. More

• Anesthesiologist Assistant

  Salary range: $95,000 and up Minimum training:Master's degree Job description:Anesthesiologist assistants assist in developing and implementing anesthesia care plans. More

• Anesthesiologist Technician

  Salary range: $26,618 – $33,968 Minimum training:1-year program; certification required Job description:Anesthesiologist technicians assist the anesthesia team in the planning of technical support for patient monitoring. More

• Medical Assistant

  Salary range: $24,317 – $36,987 Minimum training:On-the-job training Job description:A medical assistant or certified medical assistant performs administrative and medical care tasks. More

• Orthotist / Prosthetist

  Salary range: $38,373 – $55,847 Minimum training:Bachelor's degree; certification required Job description:Orthotists and prosthetists design and assist patients with orthopedic and prosthetic devices, like braces or artificial limbs. More

• Osteopathic Medicine

  Salary range: $102,333 and up Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency; state-issued license required Job description:Osteopathic physicians are physicians that place special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine and holistic patient care. More

• Physician

  Salary range: $102,333 and up Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency; state-issued license required Job description:Physicians diagnose illnesses, prescribe and administer treatment for injury or disease, and counsel patients on preventative health care. More

• Physician Assistant

  Salary range: $70,390 – $98,751 Minimum training:Master's degree; state-issued license required Job description:Physician assistants provide health care services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. More

• Podiatrist

  Salary range: $53,861 – $122,692 Minimum training:Doctorate; state-issued license required Job description:Podiatrists diagnose and treat disorders, diseases and injuries of the foot and lower leg. More

• Radiation Therapist

  Salary range: $69,265 – $93,630 Minimum training:Associate's degree Job description:Radiation therapists use machines to administer radiation treatment to patients with cancer. More

• Respiratory Therapist

  Salary range: $52,973 – $70,886 Minimum training:Associate's degree; state-issued license required Job description:Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. More

• Respiratory Therapy Technician

  Salary range: $45,302 – $62,162 Minimum training:Associate's degree; state-issued license required Job description:Respiratory therapy technicians evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. More

• Surgical Technologist / Operating Room Technician

  Salary range: $36,857 – $55,183 Minimum training:Nine-month certificate program Job description:A surgical technologist or operating room technician assists in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel. More