Scrubs are fun, relaxing work attire. These outfits come in a variety of colors and styles that allow you to express your inner self. And the bonus is they are super comfortable to sport when you are on the job. So what type of work do you need to do in order to wear scrubs? Let’s take a look at a few jobs you can wear scrubs to work at.
1 . Nursing
What they do: Nurses are caregivers at heart who engage in a variety of patient care tasks. Their job includes taking care of patient needs, performing physical exams, encouraging patients with educational and health promotion information, coordinating care of patients, directing other practitioners and engaging in research.
Salary: The median salary for nurses in 2014 is $66,640, and some of the best-paid nurses can make up to $98,880.
Education/training level needed: Nurses require a diploma or ADN or bachelor’s degree to practice nursing. Nurses must also pass a certification exam as well. Depending on the type of role the nurse desires, additional specialty specific certification and continuing education may be required.
Important aspects of job: There are a variety of aspects that make nursing important, including social interactions, challenging work, great salary and benefits, and a degree of autonomy in practice. Overall, nurses make a huge difference in the lives of their patients.
Different fields: There are a multitude of specialties in nursing that fit any sensibility. A few different types of fields include critical care, emergency department, OB, cardiac nursing and nursing informatics.
2 . Veterinarian Technician
What they do: Wouldn’t you just love to take care of cute little puppies and kittens all day long? Well, that is exactly what veterinarian technicians do. Vet techs also engage in blood and tissue collection, urinalysis and medication administration.
Salary: The median salary for veterinarian technologists is about $32,047 and can range from $19,663-$41,738.
Education/training level needed: Vet techs require a certificate or associates degree program. There is also additional training or externships that help vet techs learn the skills needed to be in the clinical environment, and licensure of these techs is also required in many states.
Important aspects of job: Caring for animals is a very rewarding aspect of this job. You can also reflect your love for these cute critters by displaying it on the scrubs you wear to work. No furry patient will doubt your passion in caring for them.
Different fields: There are a wide variety of vet tech specialties, including dentistry, internal medicine, surgery, microbiology, exotic animal care, and canine and feline practice. Many of these specialties require certification.
3 . Imaging Technologist
What they do: Imaging technologists perform imaging scans of the body. These professionals use a number of different technologies, including MRI, CT scan and mammography. These scans are then used to help diagnose the patient.
Salary: The median salary for a radiologic imaging technologists is around $64,000. This is impacted by geography and years of education, and those in other specialties may make different salaries.
Education/training level needed: An imaging technologist requires an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. In addition, these professionals must have certifications to perform imaging scans.
Important aspects of job: Patient interaction is one way these professionals make a difference. The pay for this role is not too shabby, and there are a variety of different work settings that are attractive to those seeking flexibility.
Different fields: Imaging technologists can choose from an array of specialties, including radiation oncology, interventional radiology, medical physics, diagnostic radiology and pain medicine. The education and training requirements differ depending on the type of specialty you choose.
4 . Dental Assistant
What they do: Dental assistants are those you go and see when you need your teeth cleaned. A dental assistant performs a number of activities, which include taking dental X-rays, assisting the dentist during treatment, inquiring about the patient’s medical history, helping to comfort patients during procedures, providing patients with care instructions, performing some office management tasks and serving as an infection control officer.
Salary: The median salary for dental assistants is $34,557, making it one of the lower-paying roles on this list.
Education/training level needed: Dental assistants primarily receive on the job training if they have a high school diploma or GED. However, there are one-year dental assistant programs and certifications that are required to be a dental assistant.
Important aspects of job: The dental assistant maintains the primary relationship with the patient. They prep the patient and help educate the patient about the care of their teeth and gums. When a patient has a question, the dental assistant is usually there to meet their needs.
Different fields: Dental assistants primarily work in a dentist or orthodontist’s office. Although there are no particular specialties, dental assistants are trained to do X-rays and other activities that aid in treating dental patients.
5 . Massage Therapist
What they do: Need we say more? A massage therapist is someone who performs massages for clients. Their primary goal is to manipulate the muscles and soft tissue during a relaxation session for their client.
Salary: The median salary for a massage therapist is $22,000, making it the lowest-paying job mentioned here.
Education/training level needed: Massage therapists must engage in training and continuing education hours. Many states delineate these requirements and will not provide licensure unless these measures are met.
Important aspects of job: Massage therapists can build a relationship with their clients. Their healing touch can make a difference in the lives of others. And massage therapists have a degree of flexibility these other roles do not.
Different fields: Massage therapists can learn a number of techniques, including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, hot stone massage and Shiatsu.
6 . Physical Therapy Assistant
What they do: Physical therapy assistants or PTAs work with physical therapists to help patients. PTAs typically engage patients in exercise, training, use massage to treat patients and help with balance and coordination.
Salary: The median income for physical therapy assistants is about $46,000.
Education/training level needed: PTAs typically need to have an associate’s degree in PTA. State licensure is also required as a part of this process.
Important aspects of job: Many individuals who engage in physical therapy are hoping to restore function. PTAs make a huge impact in the lives of patients by facilitating this process.
Different fields: PTAs typically choose an environment to specialize in. For example, they may work in a hospital or an outpatient clinic.
7 . Pharmacy Technician
What they do: The word pharmacy gives you a little bit about what these professionals do. Primarily, pharmacy techs assist with supplying, filling and formulating medications for patients. They also help manage supplies and supervises pharmacy staff.
Salary: The average salary for a pharmacy technician is $36,000 per year.
Education/training level needed: Pharmacy techs can choose to complete a certification program or do on-the-job training. Techs must also become certified to practice.
Important aspects of job: These technicians provide needed support to pharmacists. They work in an environment that uses technology and is consistently changing. They also serve an important customer service function.
Different fields: Similar to PTAs, the specialization pharmacy techs receive is typically confined to the environment they choose to work in. For example, techs can work in a hospital or retail environment.
Whatever type of career you choose, wearing scrubs to work makes at least your wardrobe an easy choice to make. You can still express your personality wearing these fun frocks. And there are a variety of occupations that allow you to wear these items.
About the Author
Sarah Landrum
Sarah Landrum is a freelance writer, blogger, and aspiring world traveler. Sarah is also the founder of Punched Clocks, a site on which she shares advice for young professionals on navigating the work world, and finding happiness and success at work. For more on all things career follow her @SarahLandrum
