Jobs in the Health Field

There are many different occupations to choose from within the health-care field. Doctors and nurses may be what first comes to mind, there is much more. There's more than just taking vital signs, writing prescriptions and battling with insurance companies. Even cushy desk jobs can be found.

Health-care Interpreters

• Health-care interpreting is an up-and-coming profession in the health-care field. With growing numbers of patients with limited English-speaking skills, it has become more and more necessary for interpreters. These professionals not only interpret for the patients but also for family members and other health-care staff. Without someone who can properly translate instructions, mistakes can happen. This can prove extremely dangerous for the patient and bring about liability for the health-care provider.

Informaticians

• Another growing field is medical informatics. Informaticians, as they are called, are well versed in health care and information science. One branch of informatics is dental informatics. These informaticians look for new and innovative ways to advance dentistry. Nursing Informatics develops new techniques to enhance the modes of documenting the status of patients. There are also Informatics in mental health, veterinary care and public health.

Orthotists

• If you're in need of a brace---a leg brace, for example--- an orthotist is the person who will make it for you. After your physician writes a prescription for a brace, the orthotist is responsible for the measurements, construction and fitting of the device. The orthotist will also instruct the patient on the proper use of the appliance.

Herbalists

• When one thinks of alternative medicine, an herbalist may come to mind. Herbalists see patients dealing with many different medical problems. They use plants to treat illnesses. Instead of just treating the symptoms, an herbalists goes beyond that and looks at the whole being. Herbalists may advise patients on eating habits as well as any other aspects that may have an effect on their health.

Audiologists

• Much like breathing, hearing is not something we have to think about doing. It just happens. But if you're having problems with your hearing, an audiologist is the person you see. Audiologists use special machinery to test how well one hears. Audiologists often work with other health-care professionals and make decisions regarding tools that aid in hearing. They also instruct patients on different methods to use to be able to function on a day-to-day basis.