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Career Exploration for Entry-Level Roles

Starting a career in healthcare is exciting and rewarding, and understanding the different entry-level roles is an important first step. This guide will help you explore three entry-level healthcare jobs that Proxima supports so you can find one that fits your interests, skills, and goals. Use this guide to learn about your options and choose a role that feels right for you before starting as a Proxima Scholar!

We recommend starting with a career assessment to help you find a role that fits you best. This isn’t about deciding whether healthcare is right for you—it’s about learning what interests you and where your strengths might be a good match. Think of it as a tool to point you toward roles you might enjoy, but remember, it’s just one part of figuring out your path.

Day in the Life: CNA

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing essential care and support to patients. Their day-to-day responsibilities can vary based on where they work, but their primary focus remains the same: ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of their patients. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day in the life of a CNA.

Detailed Profile

Where They Work?

1. Hospitals: In hospitals, CNAs assist nurses and physicians by performing tasks such as taking vital signs, transporting patients, and providing basic patient care. The fast-paced environment requires quick thinking and adaptability as they care for patients with diverse medical needs.

2. Long-Term Care Facilities: These facilities cater to residents who need ongoing care, often due to chronic illnesses or age-related conditions. CNAs play a vital role in supporting daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding residents while building strong, trusting relationships over time.

3. Skilled Nursing Facilities: In skilled nursing facilities, CNAs provide care for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. Their duties often include monitoring progress, assisting with physical therapy exercises, and ensuring patients follow care plans prescribed by medical professionals.

What They Do?

Personal Care

  • Help patients with bathing, grooming, and getting dressed.
  • Assist with toileting and hygiene needs.
  • Provide basic care like brushing teeth and hair.

Mobility Assistance

  • Help patients move, such as getting in and out of bed or a wheelchair.
  • Assist with mobility exercises or physical therapy routines.
  • Reposition patients who are bedridden to avoid bedsores.

Feeding and Nutrition

  • Serve meals and help patients who need assistance eating.
  • Keep track of food and drink intake to ensure they’re getting proper
    nutrition.
  • Follow any special diets or feeding instructions.

Why Go This Path?

Starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great way to get into healthcare with minimal requirements. Earning a CNA certification is quick (3-4 months) and affordable, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience in patient care and learn the basics of the healthcare field.

As a CNA, you’ll play an important role in helping patients feel safe and comfortable. This job also lets you see if a healthcare career is right for you before committing to more advanced roles that take more time and money, like becoming a nurse or other healthcare professional.

It’s a practical and meaningful way to start, giving you experience in different settings like hospitals, nursing homes, or home care. You’ll also meet professionals and learn more about healthcare specialties to help guide your future goals.

Day in the Life: MA

Medical Assistants (MAs) are key members of the healthcare team, supporting both clinical and administrative tasks to keep medical offices running smoothly. Their responsibilities vary by workplace but often include assisting with patient care, performing routine procedures, and managing office duties. They ensure patients receive efficient, high-quality care while helping healthcare providers stay organized and focused.

Detailed Profile

Where They Work?

1. Physicians’ Offices: Supporting doctors in outpatient care with clinical and administrative tasks.

2. Hospitals: Assisting in departments like outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, or specialty units.

3. Urgent Care Centers: Providing quick and efficient care for non-life-threatening emergencies.

4. Specialty Clinics: Working in areas like dermatology, cardiology, pediatrics, or orthopedics.

5. Surgery Centers: Assisting in pre- and post-operative care for same-day procedures.

What They Do?

Clinical Tasks

  • Check vital signs like blood pressure and pulse.
  • Help with exams and minor procedures.
  • Prepare patients and explain what to expect during visits.
  • Collect lab samples and run simple tests.
  • Give medications or vaccines as instructed by a doctor.
  • Assist with wound care and suture removal.

Administrative Tasks

  • Schedule appointments and check in patients.
  • Update and organize medical records.
  • Handle billing, insurance claims, and coding.
  • Answer calls and pass messages to the healthcare team.

Patient Support

  • Teach patients how to take medications or care for themselves after a visit.
  • Explain treatment plans or procedures in easy-to-understand terms.

Why Go This Path?

Becoming a Medical Assistant (MA) is a fantastic way to enter the healthcare field and build a rewarding career. The training is typically quick (10-12 months). As an MA, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in both clinical and administrative tasks, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the medical field. This role is ideal for those who want to make a difference in patients’ lives while exploring different aspects of healthcare. It’s a great stepping stone for advancing to other medical roles, such as nursing or specialized healthcare professions, without the long-term commitment of extensive schooling upfront. Working as an MA also provides the flexibility to work in various settings, like clinics, hospitals, or specialty practices, and allows you to network with other professionals to discover where your true interests lie in healthcare. It’s a practical and fulfilling starting point for anyone passionate about helping others and pursuing a career in medicine.

Day in the Life: EMT

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are an important part of the healthcare team. They respond to 911 calls, provide first aid or basic medical care, and safely transport patients to the hospital. EMTs can also work in emergency rooms, helping doctors and nurses care for patients during critical situations. They play a key role in making sure people get the care they need quickly and efficiently.

Detailed Profile

Where They Work?

1. Ambulance Services: Responding to 911 calls and transporting patients.

2. Fire Departments: Providing emergency medical care alongside firefighting duties.

3. Hospitals: Working in emergency rooms or trauma centers.

4. Search and Rescue Teams: Responding to emergencies in remote or hazardous locations.

What They Do?

Clinical Tasks

  • Assess patient conditions and check vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and breathing.
  • Provide basic medical care, such as bandaging wounds or managing bleeding.
  • Administer oxygen, CPR, and other life-saving treatments.
  • Assist with the use of specialized equipment, such as stretchers or defibrillators.
  • Prepare patients for transport and ensure their safety during emergencies.
  • Deliver medications as allowed by EMT certification and local protocols.

Administrative Tasks

  • Complete detailed patient care reports and document treatments provided.
  • Maintain and organize equipment and supplies.
  • Communicate with hospitals to provide updates on patients being transported.
  • Coordinate with dispatch to plan routes and respond to calls efficiently.

Patient Support

  • Comfort and reassure patients and their families during stressful situations.
  •  Explain the care being provided and what patients can expect during transport.

Why Go This Path?

Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a fast and impactful way to start a healthcare career while making a difference in people’s lives. With training typically completed in 3-4 months, EMTs gain hands-on experience in emergency medicine, learning to respond to crises, stabilize patients, and work under pressure. This role provides opportunities to explore various healthcare settings, such as ambulances, hospitals, and disaster response teams, and serves as a strong foundation for advancing to careers like paramedic, nurse, or other medical professions. It’s a rewarding and practical path for those passionate about helping others in public service or healthcare.

Take a moment to complete a
self-assessment

Taking the time to think about your interests and strengths is an important step toward building a career you’ll enjoy. We hope it’s helped you learn a bit more about yourself and what excites you about healthcare. This is just the start of your journey, and each step brings you closer to finding the right role for you.

Proxima
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