There are a lot of different jobs in the medical industry, and all of them have their own education requirements. For example, the education requirements for being a physician or medical doctor are different from those of a registered nurse or a radiographer. In some cases, you can even get involved in the medical industry by providing medical office support for private practices or for companies that sell medical equipment.
Education Requirements for a Physician
Before physicians can practice medicine, they have to get a bachelor’s degree by studying courses in physics, English, mathematics, biology, and organic and inorganic chemistry. On top of that, most colleges require aspiring medical students to take courses in social sciences and humanities. Sometimes the social science courses can be skipped by volunteering at clinics or hospitals where the students can get hands-on training. After getting a bachelor’s degree, all physicians have to attend medical school, which usually takes around four years. The first two years are held in classrooms, while the second two years involve supervised clinics.
Education Requirements for a Registered Nurse
If you’re looking to become a registered nurse, you can choose from three different educational programs: an associate’s degree in nursing, a diploma program or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Keep in mind that while all of these programs allow you to get a job as a nurse, the salaries and room for job advancement vary between each. Within each course of study, you will have to take classes in medical terminology, physiology, nutrition, anatomy and microbiology.
Education Requirements for a Radiographer
Much like registered nurses, there are plenty of educational routes for would-be radiographers. One way is to enter a certificate program, most of which only last about two years. Other options are bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. Classes in these types of programs usually cover medical ethics, medical terminology, pathology, radiation protection, radiation physics and physiology.
Since each field in the medical industry has its own education requirements, it really opens up the door for people who want to get into the medical field without going to school to be a doctor. It also allows people to get into the medical industry early while they continue to study to be a doctor. For example, many people become a registered nurse or a radiographer as soon as they have the experience to do so. This helps them get their foot in the door of the medical community while they finish the courses needed to be a doctor.
photo credit: Checking in with a Patient via photopin (license)
