Job Description for Health Care Workers
- Physicians and surgeons are professionals who examine, diagnose and treat patients for a variety of illnesses, injuries and health conditions. They also perform operations that treat life-threatening diseases, remove tumors, re-attach or realign limbs, and cosmetically alter facial features and body parts. Doctors can specialize in a variety of fields, including psychiatry, anesthesiology, dermatology, internal medicine and gynecology.
- Professionals who prepare patients for x-rays are x-ray technicians, also called radiologic technologists. These professionals take diagnostic images of patients' body parts using radiographc equipment and fit radiation protection instruments, such as shields, aprons and gloves, on patients.
- Physician assistants (PAs) shadow physicians in the examination and surgery room, as well as examine and treat patients. Working under the supervision of an M.D., physician assistants record medical histories, take blood samples, request and analyze test results and x-rays, suture and stitch wounds, and diagnose health conditions. PAs confer with and report to doctors on a patient's condition.
- Registered nurses create health care plans for patients that focus on preventative health care through nutrition and the treatment of specific health conditions. This entails administering medication and injections, setting up intravenous (IV) lines, conducting physical therapy and suturing incisions. Registered nurses can specialize according to the disease and body part they treat or the population they serve. For example, public health nurses focus on inner-city and disadvantaged populations by conducting immunizations and health screenings at community centers or public health agencies.
- The educational requirements for physicians are the most rigorous, since they must obtain not only a bachelor's degree but also complete four years of medical school. Following graduation from medical school, doctors enter a three- to eight-year internship or residency. X-ray technicians usually require certification or a college degree in radiologic technology. Physician assistants obtain their education through a two-year program offered at a community college or university. Associate's degrees in nursing are offered by community colleges, but career opportunities for graduates may be limited. As a result, candidates seeking administrative, research and teaching positions opt to pursue either a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing.
- According to a November 2010 PayScale report, the average salary for general-practice physicians was $119,380. X-ray technicians earned an average hourly pay rate of $15.47 to $23.40. Physician assistants made average salaries ranging between $69,939 to $87,956. Registered nurses earned an average of $22.07 to $30.74 per hour.