Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists to implement treatment plans to help patients recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain mobility, manage pain, and improve strength. PTAs observe patients, assist patients with prescribed exercises, and more.
Related: Want To Grow Your Career from PTA to PT? Here's How!
Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare providers who care for the lungs and respiratory system and have some of the highest median annual salaries for all health care jobs. RTs make sure patients’ breathing functions are operating well. RTs care for patients with chronic illnesses and respiratory diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They also administer tests to assess lung capacity, take blood samples, and perform treatments and administer prescription medications to improve breathing.
A phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician draws patients’ blood and prepares blood samples for testing. They may also collect blood for donations. Phlebotomists are found in numerous types of healthcare facilities as they also maintain lab equipment, take care of patients in the lab, and ship blood samples.
Physical therapists are health professionals who improve patients’ quality of life with exercise, hands-on care, and education. PTs treat patients of all ages with injuries, disabilities, and other health conditions requiring treatment. Additionally, PTs work with those wanting to take preventative measures. PTs work with their patients to develop a treatment plan aimed at improving mobility, reducing or managing pain, restoring function to certain parts of the body, or preventing disability.
Occupational therapists help patients do everyday activities again after an illness or injury. They help injured, ill, or disabled patients develop and improve daily skills. By assessing their patients’ abilities and environment, they can make recommendations to help improve the patients’ daily lives as well as improve necessary skills. OTs may help their patients with bathing, dressing, eating, meal prep, skills training, and more. OTs also work with other healthcare providers and help their patients address emotional issues, mental health challenges, and developmental disabilities.
Looking into going into one of these healthcare professions? It's a great place to start if you're looking to start in a field where you can grow your healthcare career and earn a competitive median annual wage. At Fusion Medical Staffing, we're experts in helping medical professionals like you find the best health care jobs where you can take your patient care skills on the road.
Editor's note: salary information was sourced from ZipRecruiter.