Because Americans are living longer lives and the baby boomer generation is getting older and requiring more health care, there are many medical jobs in demand. As demand for health care grows, there are more people needed to provide medical care as well as perform the administrative functions that go along with it. Whether you are looking for an entry level job or are considering what kind of medical degree to pursue, you will find many choices in the health care field.

Physician assistants are becoming more common in doctors offices and this job field continues to grow very fast. This person performs many of the same tasks that the physician does, but they work under the doctors supervision. You can become a physician assistant in approximately two to three years. The duties that assistants can do varies from state to state. Some are able to write prescriptions without a doctors signature while others cannot.

As the health industry grows, there is becoming a need for more medical secretaries. A medical secretary does administrative tasks and can find employment in doctors offices, clinics, hospitals and nursing homes. A degree or certification is not required to be a medical secretary, but as the job market becomes more competitive, the person who has taken some medical secretary classes will have the edge. You will also need to have good office skills.

For hospitalist jobs like medical assistants, they handle some clerical duties like a secretary, but they also perform some basic procedures. The assistant may take a patients temperature, blood pressure and medical history. They may also draw blood for lab testing. It will take approximately ten to eighteen months to become a medical assistant.

As more people need health care, there is a greater need for physicians, surgeons, and nurses. To become a physician or surgeon, you will need to complete four years of college, four years of medical school and another three to eight years for residency training. It will take four years to become a registered nurse. You can become a licensed practical or vocational nurse in twelve months to two years time.

There is also a lot of work available for pharmacists. Because a pharmacist is a doctor of pharmacy, extensive schooling is required. You will spend around 8 years in college to become a pharmacist. They are assisted by pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants. The technician works closely and under the guidance of the pharmacist. It is possible that you could land a job as a pharmacy technician without any formal training, but you will have a much better chance if you become certified. The assistant, on the other hand, handles public contact and other administrative type duties so this is usually an entry level job. Because the pharmacy assistant is usually the person who has first contact with the public, strong customer service skills are helpful.

Some jobs in the health care field can be done from home. Although many are employed in traditional health care settings, some medical billers and medical transcriptionists work from their home. Completing training and working in an office setting as a biller will help you hone the skills you will need to be successful working as a biller out of your home. In order to become a medical transcriptionist, you will need to complete training and you need to have a good understanding of medical terminology. People that are medical transcriptionists can work in offices or from home.

There are many choices for the person just beginning their career or for those who want to try something new. With lots of medical jobs to pick from, it is really up to you to decide which career path fits your interest and qualifications that you have or are willing to attain.