4 answers
Ashlynn
Student
Newton Falls, Ohio
3
Questions
Asked
493 views
what are some good medical field jobs?
I am interested in things like physical therapy and veterinary I like helping with stuff like that. I am a sophomore in high school and I just don't know what I entirely want to do yet so I was hoping to hear from people who have all sorts of different jobs in the medical field.
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4 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
282
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
There are so many different members of a health care team!
Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacy techs, respiratory therapists, medical assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, radiology technologists, medical social workers, echocardiographers...
And there are many jobs in hospitals that one might not think of:
Hospital administrators, supply chain experts, human resource professionals, biomedical engineers, security, environmental services...
So - Learn a lot about common things such as physiology, anatomy, biochemistry... and supplement that with a broad group of classes. Communication is vital in healthcare, so English and other languages, writing, and psychology can be helpful.
Spend time finding opportunities to go and see different roles at work (not always easy, but try). Consider becoming an EMT - they interact regularly with emergency departments, and you get to witness how doctors, nurses, and others do their work as you hand off your patients.
Take advantage of any career counselors to which you have access.
Good luck!
Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacy techs, respiratory therapists, medical assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, radiology technologists, medical social workers, echocardiographers...
And there are many jobs in hospitals that one might not think of:
Hospital administrators, supply chain experts, human resource professionals, biomedical engineers, security, environmental services...
So - Learn a lot about common things such as physiology, anatomy, biochemistry... and supplement that with a broad group of classes. Communication is vital in healthcare, so English and other languages, writing, and psychology can be helpful.
Spend time finding opportunities to go and see different roles at work (not always easy, but try). Consider becoming an EMT - they interact regularly with emergency departments, and you get to witness how doctors, nurses, and others do their work as you hand off your patients.
Take advantage of any career counselors to which you have access.
Good luck!
Vanessa Mandal
Medical Director
36
Answers
Rocklin
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Physical therapy is a profession built on one of the most powerful concepts in medicine: movement is health. Physical therapists help people maintain independence, recover function, and live fuller lives. Every day, PTs work one-on-one with individuals facing challenges such as stroke recovery, Parkinson's disease, sports injuries, chronic pain, and age-related mobility problems. They do not simply treat a diagnosis. They help people regain the ability to walk, climb stairs, return to school or work, and participate in the activities they love.
One of the most rewarding aspects of physical therapy is seeing tangible results. A therapist may help an older adult reduce their risk of falls and remain safely at home, guide a stroke survivor through months of rehabilitation until they regain function, or help a person with Parkinson's disease maintain balance and mobility. The hands-on nature of the profession creates meaningful relationships with patients and families. You become part of their journey and celebrate their progress with them.
The need for physical therapists is expected to continue growing because the U.S. population is aging and more people are living longer with chronic conditions that affect movement. The profession combines science, problem-solving, compassion, and human connection in a way that technology can support but never replace. For students who enjoy biology, exercise, helping others, and building personal relationships, physical therapy offers a uniquely fulfilling career.
A few recommended resources:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Career Information: APTA Careers in Physical Therapy
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Physical Therapist Career Outlook: BLS Physical Therapists
https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/workforce-data
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/physical-therapy
One of the most rewarding aspects of physical therapy is seeing tangible results. A therapist may help an older adult reduce their risk of falls and remain safely at home, guide a stroke survivor through months of rehabilitation until they regain function, or help a person with Parkinson's disease maintain balance and mobility. The hands-on nature of the profession creates meaningful relationships with patients and families. You become part of their journey and celebrate their progress with them.
The need for physical therapists is expected to continue growing because the U.S. population is aging and more people are living longer with chronic conditions that affect movement. The profession combines science, problem-solving, compassion, and human connection in a way that technology can support but never replace. For students who enjoy biology, exercise, helping others, and building personal relationships, physical therapy offers a uniquely fulfilling career.
A few recommended resources:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Career Information: APTA Careers in Physical Therapy
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Physical Therapist Career Outlook: BLS Physical Therapists
Vanessa recommends the following next steps:
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
33
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
Look at allied health professions. You are sort of an assistant but there are different degrees of liability and independence.
Once you learn about them, then you can pick considering education time, cost for getting the education and additional steps for certifications or licenses.
Once you learn about them, then you can pick considering education time, cost for getting the education and additional steps for certifications or licenses.
Christina Dean
Healthcare administration
8
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Christina’s Answer
The medical field is always expanding, which is a great part of being in this industry. I've been fortunate to have 11 years of experience and am now pursuing my doctorate. Being with patients is truly rewarding. Helping save lives through surgery has been especially meaningful for me. It showed me my true calling. That's what you need to discover first: your calling. If you love working with kids and babies, pediatrics might be perfect for you. Find what sparks your passion, and you'll find your path. Good luck!