Healthcare is the general care or development of good health through the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, relief, or rehabilitation of illness, disease, injury, and other bodily and mental disabilities in humans. Health care professionals deliver healthcare and medical services. Some occupations related to healthcare include nursing, physician assistants, and pharmacy technicians.
Nursing is a field of medicine that addresses the medical aspects of the life of humans. Nurses work with people in all phases of their lives. They treat acute and chronic illnesses, foster health, manage pain and disease, and educate patients on wellness. Nurses are professionals who can work in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, private practices, government organizations, schools, and the military.
Physician assistants assist physicians by providing administrative support and facilitating patient interaction. They can perform basic patient care duties, such as administrative support, diagnostic care, and covering laboratory tests. They are required to follow doctors’ instructions and counsel patients on a wide range of healthcare topics. The scope of responsibilities includes evaluating the physical condition of a patient, keeping records of medical procedures and test results, and communicating with patients’ families. Physician assistants also facilitate medication refills, administer intravenous fluids, and give educational information to patients and their families on nutrition, exercise, and healthy aging.
A professional who is interested in becoming a healthcare professional can pursue different career options such as physical therapy, pharmacy technician, and occupational therapist. These professionals provide physical therapy and occupational therapy services to patients with illnesses or injuries that limit their ability to function normally in their daily activities. Occupational therapy professionals provide tasks that help patients with performing their daily activities in their workplaces. Some of these include application of therapeutic equipment to provide relief from pain, helping patients learn how to perform daily tasks without causing injury, and more. Both physical therapy and occupational therapy professionals need to have a four-year degree in healthcare to work in this field.
Students can also pursue bachelor degrees in areas such as criminal justice and public administration to provide healthcare workforce training. Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be obtained at an accredited university. For nurses, a two-year degree program may be acceptable to work in a hospital or other health care facility.
The field of healthcare is constantly evolving. As people become sick and experience all types of conditions, the need for professionals who have a holistic approach to healthcare solutions is growing. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, consider pursuing one of the ethical, flourishing careers offered online through RN licensure programs.