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What Are the Different Types of Trainee Medical Jobs?

K. Kinsella
K. Kinsella

Hospitals and other medical service providers employ large numbers of people who wish to become doctors, nurses and paramedics in various types of trainee medical jobs. Other individuals take on trainee roles in which they receive the necessary on-the-job training to become medical billers or administrators. Some trainee medical jobs are only available to college undergraduates or medical school students. Other types of trainee jobs are often filled by high school graduates or seasoned professionals.

Typically, those wishing to become a nurse or paramedic must undergo extensive medical training. Some of these individuals complete college degrees while others enroll in short-term vocational training courses offered through community colleges or hospitals. Having completed their academic studies, prospective nurses and paramedics normally apply for trainee medical jobs since they must complete a certain amount of on-the-job training before they can work without being under the direct supervision of a manager or experienced co-worker. Depending on the complexity of the role, individuals may be classified as trainees for a period of weeks, months or years.

Dental hygienist begin their careers as trainees.
Dental hygienist begin their careers as trainees.

In many countries, medical school students combine classroom-based studies with practical training. These individuals often work in hospitals or other medical facilities in trainee medical jobs. Typically, an experienced physician oversees the student's work and in some instances, students are allowed to perform minor surgeries or attend to the needs of patients. Depending on local or national laws, this training period may last for several years. When the training reaches its conclusion, trainees normally have to pass an examination before they become fully qualified to work as physicians and surgeons.

Paramedic trainees must complete on-the-job training under the direct supervision of an experienced paramedic.
Paramedic trainees must complete on-the-job training under the direct supervision of an experienced paramedic.

Insurance companies and service providers employ large numbers of people as medical billers and administrators. These individuals must have some knowledge of basic medical procedures and good accounting and administrative skills. Many firms employ high school graduates or college graduates in trainee jobs during which they receive on-the-job training and work alongside experienced colleagues. Seasoned administrators can also apply to work in trainee medical jobs during which they are prepared to take on managerial roles. Typically, these individuals must first complete a college degree in business or administration before applying to become trainee managers.

Dentists, opticians and other medical professionals employ individuals in various types of trainee medical jobs. Dental hygienists often receive extensive on-the-job training before being allowed to work unsupervised. Likewise, optician’s assistants often begin as trainees before being offered permanent positions. Many large medical firms also employ medical school graduates in roles such as trainee dentists or opticians before offering these individuals permanent jobs.

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    • Dental hygienist begin their careers as trainees.
      By: michaeljung
      Dental hygienist begin their careers as trainees.
    • Paramedic trainees must complete on-the-job training under the direct supervision of an experienced paramedic.
      By: corepics
      Paramedic trainees must complete on-the-job training under the direct supervision of an experienced paramedic.