The Diverse Careers in Healthcare (Part I)

2024-02-15

 

 

 

The healthcare field offers a multitude of career paths beyond the traditional role of a doctor. Each path comes with its academic qualifications, responsibilities, and opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives. 

 

 

We will examine various medical roles in this issue and the next. 

 

 

Nurse

 

Nurses are the backbone of patient care.  They administer medication, coordinate treatment plans, and provide emotional support to patients. 

 

 

In the UK, students need a degree in nursing and must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after obtaining a master’s degree.  They must choose one of the four nursing specialities – adult, children, mental health, or learning disability to focus their studies. 

 

 

In the US, students must complete an authorised nursing program to become registered nurses.  Nursing diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees are among the options available.  In addition to their nursing training, students must attend general education classes as part of their bachelor’s degree program.  After completing their nursing programme, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

 

 

In Canada, aspiring nurses must complete either a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma.  Additionally, all nurses in Canada must obtain a Canadian Nursing license from the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) from a Canadian province of choice as a Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).  They must also prove proficiency in English (or French if wishing to work in Quebec). 

 

 

In Australia, students who are interested in this profession must complete an accredited three-year bachelor’s degree in nursing to qualify for licensure.   On the other hand, an Enrolled Nurse usually has completed an 18-month or 2-year Diploma of Enrolled Nursing via the Technical and Future Education (TAFE) or a similar training centre.  All nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), and meet its standards for practising in Australia. 

 

 

 

Pharmacist

 

Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare, ensuring the quality and legality of medicines supplied to patients, as well as the appropriateness of the medicines prescribed. 

 

 

To qualify as a pharmacist: 

 

 

In the UK, aspiring students must complete a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree, accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).  This degree typically requires four years of full-time study.  Upon graduation, individuals are required to undergo a one-year pre-registration training programme.  After this, they must be registered with GPhC before practising in the UK. 

 

 

In the US, students need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from a college accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), complete a certain number of internship hours in public hospitals or government health organisations (which varies by state).  After this, they must apply for licensure through the state board of pharmacy where they intend to practice.  

 

 

In Canada, students are expected to complete either a bachelor’s or a doctorate in pharmacy from one of the country’s eleven universities.  After completing the degree, they must pass a national board examination administrated by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), Quebec being the exception.   Additionally, they must gain practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship programme. 

 

 

In Australia, students need to obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.  After this, they must register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, and complete a one-year internship with a registered pharmacist. 

 

 

 

At Bearing Academy, our professional medical education advisory service is designed to support you at every step, from preparing for your foundation programme to selecting a specialty and beyond.  Contact us by emailing info@bearing-academy.com to learn more about how we can assist you in your medical career. 

 


<< Back