Health care or medical-related jobs that can be done part time and as work from home. Jobs include dental hygienists, psychologists, registered nurses and other medical technologists. Brief description, personal attributes and educational background provided.
The article discusses part time medical-related careers that are worth considering. They can be found in the career sections of newspapers. They can also be researched online.
Description, required skills or personal attributes, and education or training are briefly provided. It is important to note that some careers may have different responsibilities depending in factors such as the type of employment and the size of the hospital or medical organization.
Dental Hygienists Jobs
Dental hygienists provide preventive dental care. They teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene. After examining the patients’ teeth and mouth, hygienists record the presence of disease or abnormalities. If there are plaques and stains that form surrounding the gums, they remove them. Sometimes, they also develop dental x-rays, place temporary fillings and periodontal dressings, and other related tasks.
Some states require that they are licensed. They must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both a written examination and a clinical examination administered by the state or regional testing agency. Dental hygienists should have good interpersonal skills, particularly when dealing with patients who are under stress. Good health and personal grooming are essential.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Jobs
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians make prescription eyeglass lenses or manufacture lenses for other optical instruments. They cut, grind, edge and finish lenses and assemble them in finished product frames.
There are some programs in optical technology, from six to a year, with award certificates. They need knowledge of science and math, as well as visual accuracy for precision work. High school graduates may learn necessary skills on the job. It can take 6 to 18 months to become proficient in all phases of the work.
Psychologists Jobs
Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes in order to understand, and explain changes in people’s behavior. There are different kinds of psychologists in terms of specializations:
Developmental psychologists study developmental patterns and behavior form infancy to adulthood.
Educational psychologists design, develop and evaluate educational programs.
Organizational psychologists work with personnel, administration and management in large organizations.
Research psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional or social aspects of human behavior.
Many psychologists counsel individuals in a series of ongoing sessions while others conduct group therapy sessions and monitor behavior modification programs.
Psychologists who counsel patients in private practice or clinical settings must have either a PhD or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Psychologists should be emotionally stable, sensitive and compassionate. They should have good verbal and writing skills and be able to lead and inspire others. With the presence of computers, it’s an added factor if they are computer literate.
Registered Nurses (RNs) Jobs
Registered nurses (RNs) care for the overall well-being of the sick patients mentally, physically and emotionally. In hospitals, RNs provide bedside care in a specific area, such as surgery, neo-natal or maternity, where thy carry out medical regiments prescribed by physicians. They assess patients’ medical conditions, develop treatments and perform procedures like starting intravenous fluids. Sometimes they may administer immunizations and perform routine tests.
There are three major educational paths: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) from a four-year college or university, a 2-year associate degree (ADN), and a diploma from a two- to three-year hospital-sponsored program. For the RNs, they are required for licensure from an accredited nursing school and should pass a national exam after graduation. Nurses are sympathetic yet have the emotional stability to cope with suffering, emergencies and other daily stresses. They must be able to follow orders precisely and use good judgment. Physical stamina is essential. Those with supervisory responsibilities should have leadership qualities.
Technologists (EEG) Jobs
EEG technologists operate the electroencephalograph (EEG) machines that record electrical impulses transmitted by the brain. Physicians use these readings and relate tests to diagnose brain tumors, strokes, epilepsy, including impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease. Some specialized technologists also administer sleep studies to monitor heart, respiration and brain wave activity in various stages of sleep.
While they may learn skills on the job, some of them complete formal training programs. Essentials are the ability to work well with patients and other health professionals and an aptitude for working in the electronic equipment. They need good vision and manual dexterity.
Technologists (Surgical) Jobs
Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons or senior registered nurses. They set up the operating room with surgical instruments and other materials. They may also prepare, emotionally or psychologically, patients for surgery.
They should have the knowledge of surgical procedures and be able to respond quickly to a surgeon’s instructions. Formal programs, combining classroom study and clinical supervision are offered by community colleges and vocational-technical institutes and hospitals. They are expected to stay up-to-date on new developments in surgical operations. They have the physical stamina and are emotionally stable and able to concentrate during the operation.
Therapists (Occupational) Jobs
Occupational therapists (OT) help people with physical, mental, developmental and emotional needs. They develop and maintain the patients’ skills necessary to live independent and satisfying lives. They begin by helping them take care of their daily needs. From there, patients steadily progress.
Occupational therapists need a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited school. They also undergo some months of supervised clinical internship in addition to course work. Foremost, occupational therapists should be patient. They should be able to adapt to individual needs in different home settings.
Therapists (Physical) Jobs
Physical therapists (PT) help people with injuries, disease, burns or those with arthritis to relieve pain. The idea is to improve patients’ mobility and prevent or limit permanent physical disability. After evaluating a patients’ medical history, they test and measure strength and range of their motion. Beginning with passive exercises, they work on increasing flexibility by stretching and manipulating a patient’s joints and muscles. Later, other exercises are added to progressively improve strength, balance, coordination and endurance. Physical therapists may also motivate patients to use crutches and wheelchairs to aid them.
A bachelor’s degree is acceptable, but in recent times, many employers look for a master’s degree in addition to supervised clinical experience. Physical therapists should enjoy working with people. They should be patient, tactful and resourceful, in order to motivate their patients. They are emotionally stable. Manual dexterity and physical stamina are essential.
Therapists (Recreation) Jobs
Recreation therapists use activities that are medically approved to enhance and maintain their patients’ physical, mental and emotional well-being. These activities may include sports and games, dance, drama, art, music.
A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation is usually required by hospitals and other clinical employers. Recreation therapists should enjoy working with disabled people and be patient, tactful in adapting activities to individual needs. Stamina and good physical coordination are important.
Therapists (Respiratory) Jobs
Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat and care for patients, from premature infants to the elderly who have breathing disorders. They test the capacity of patients’ lungs, analyze oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, and measure acidity or alkalinity levels of the blood.
Training programs are offered in medical schools, colleges and universities, hospitals and vocational-technical institutes. They should be sensitive to physical and psychological needs of patients. Attention to detail, manual dexterity and mechanical ability are important.