The median salary of a healthcare worker is around $75,000. With the health climate being what it is today, jobs in the industry continue to be in demand and more demanding. If you live in Polk County, Florida, and want to work in healthcare, we’ve got you covered.
The county is home to many hospitals, clinics, and research and development facilities. As a result, healthcare workers are in great demand, from nurses and doctors to pharmacists and lab technicians. There are many health care jobs available in your area!
This article covers the top ten health care jobs in Polk County, FL. Let’s get started so you can find your dream job.
1. Nursing
Nurses are always in high demand. You can enter this field at several levels and work your way up in the industry. Some of the nursing categories in high demand in Polk County include the following.
Registered Nurse
The education of a registered nurse is the most important criterion that employers consider when recruiting. They must have a 2 or 4-year degree from an accredited school of nursing. They must also complete and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Private Duty Nurse
A private duty nurse is a registered nurse who works in the home of a patient. They are responsible for providing care to their patients and performing tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. Private duty nurses have the same qualifications as registered nurses.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a healthcare worker who administers basic care to patients. They assist with monitoring a patient’s vital signs, bathing, and eating. CNAs typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. They complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a healthcare worker who provides basic nursing functions such as administering medication, updating patients’ medical records, and assisting nurses. LPNs also work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics and have their own certification exams.
2. Doctors
There are many different types of doctors and each requires different levels of education and training. Doctors can specialize in one area of medicine or they can be general practitioners. All doctors must complete a four-year undergraduate degree and four years of medical school.
After medical school, doctors complete a residency, which is a three to seven-year program depending on their specialty. Doctors work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.
3. Pharmacists
Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by doctors and other health care providers. They also provide information about the proper use of those medications. In some states, pharmacists can even prescribe certain medications without the need for a doctor.
Pharmacists must complete a four-year undergraduate degree in pharmacy followed by a one- or two-year residency.
4. Lab Technician
Laboratory technicians perform tests on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids. They use a variety of instruments and equipment to perform these tests. Most laboratory technicians have a two-year degree in medical laboratory technology.
5. Patient Care Assistant
Patient care assistants provide basic patient care. They take vital signs, assist with meals and activities, and provide transportation. Most patient care assistants have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn on the job.
6. Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile processing technicians clean and sterilize surgical instruments and medical equipment. They also assemble surgical kits and maintain sterile supplies.
7. OR Care Technicians
Operating room (OR) care technicians assist with surgical procedures. They transport patients to the operating room, prepare them for surgery, and help with post-operative care. Most OR care technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent along with some kind of med tech diploma or certificate.
8. Behavioral Health Specialist
A behavioral health specialist is a mental health professional who provides services to people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Behavioral health specialists can provide a variety of services, including individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, and psycho-educational services.
Most behavioral health specialists have at least a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
9. Medical Equipment Customer Service Representative
Medical equipment customer service representatives provide customer service and technical support for medical equipment. They troubleshoot problems, provide product information, and process warranty claims.
Most medical equipment customer service representatives have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some companies may require customer service representatives to have an associate’s degree or two years of experience in a related field.
10. Registrars
Registrars are responsible for registering patients for appointments and procedures. They collect patient information, verify insurance coverage, and answer questions about billing and payment. Most registrars have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some hospitals may require registrars to have an associate’s degree or two years of experience in a related field.
11. Indigent Health Care Rep
Indigent health care reps are responsible for providing health care services to low-income and underserved populations. They may work in community health centers, hospitals, or government agencies.
Most indigent health care reps have a bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree.
12. Public Health Educator
Public health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote public health. They may work in community health centers, hospitals, or government agencies. Most public health educators have a bachelor’s degree in public health, education, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree.
To be qualified for many of the positions on this list, whether they are contractor jobs, freelancer jobs, or jobs for healthcare contractors, you will need at least an Associate’s Degree in a relevant field. Some of the jobs may require a Bachelor’s Degree, while others may require specific certification in addition to educational requirements.
Land Healthcare Jobs in Polk County, FL
At Job Graze, we want to help you find your dream job in the healthcare industry. We have a variety of available healthcare jobs in Polk County, FL, so you can find one that matches your qualifications.
Whether you’re looking for a hospital job, a nursing job, or any other type of health care job, we can help you find it. Our mission is to connect employers with qualified health care professionals in all categories, so register with us today.