Health care professionals work in a wide variety of professions with one common goal. That of caring for those in need of medical attention - physically and psychologically. The health care field includes everything from medicine, to nursing, social work and veterinary science.
Health Care Careers
For those wanting to embark on a
health care career, it is advisable to have a genuine interest in people and in helping those around you. Most health care professionals require a license issued by the state in order to practice. These are provided after fulfilling an accepted program of education, and in some cases a general exam, which has to be passed in order to practice. Many health care qualifications also require a period of internship practice before a license for independent practice can be issued. These licenses can be more or less difficult to transfer between countries depending on those countries' bilateral agreements.
In today's environment there is a shortage of
health care professionals in many countries. This is opening the job market up to the possibility of international careers, with a good salary. Earnings within the field vary widely between professions and countries.
Studies Within Health Care
Health care programs with good reputations are widely available all over the world. Depending on what profession and level of education you are aiming for, the length of study can vary from a year to up to six years if you are thinking of starting a medical career. If you have ambitions of an international career, it can be a good idea to check the transferability of your qualifications before choosing your institutions. The cost of education and living also varies widely between countries and institutions.
Medicine (Physician)
Most physicians work within the public
health care systems at hospitals and health centres. In some countries it is common to open your own practice. After a few years of practice, a physician has the option to move on to specialist training within a field such as surgery or orthopedics.
Nursing
Nursing as a profession involves caring for ill individuals, most often within a health care system. Within nursing there are many specialties, and the option of conducting further research in the field.
Midwifery
Midwifery is the profession focused on women's health, especially in the area of prenatal care to expecting mothers. The care extends to postpartum care of mother and child to ensure continued health of both patients.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants work with a variety of individuals who have difficulty accessing or performing meaningful occupations. Their aim is often to help those with disabilities to gain the skills to live a normal and meaningful life.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists are health care professionals with expert knowledge within drug therapy. They often provide the first contact with patients seeking medical advice. They help to otpimize medication use to provide patients with positive health outcomes.
Dentistry
Dentistry deals with the health of the oral cavity. To become a dentist, most European countries require a four year masters degree and two years of internship practice before becoming a fully licensed dentist.
Imaging Sciences
Imaging sciences within the health care field involve such areas radiation technology and medical imaging among others.
