A good career is one that offers enough pay to make a comfortable living and has enough demand so that positions are easily found anywhere in the country. But for many, a fulfilling career is one makes a positive difference in other people’s lives. The following five careers make others grateful that someone is on the job.
Physical therapist
Physical therapists combine exercise, heat and cold, electrical stimulation, and devices such as wheelchairs and walkers to treat a patient who suffer from movement impairments or injuries. They often focus on a specialty such as geriatrics, orthopedics, or sports medicine. The career requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, which typically demands prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry.
Psychologist
When someone is suffering from emotional, mental, or behavioural problems, he or she can turn to psychologists for relief. These mental health professionals use counselling, individual or group therapy, testing, and research to understand and treat a patient. They often offer suggestions and plans to modify non-constructive behavior. They start their career paths by getting a traditional or online degree in Psychology before continuing with a Doctor of Psychology. In some cases, such as for industrial-organisational psychologists, a master’s degree is sufficient.
Teacher
Teachers prepare young minds with the knowledge and skills they need to survive in society. Although their subjects and methods vary by the age of the student, they all assess their class, develop lesson plans, determine assignments and tests, supervise behavior, and evaluate progress. Every school requires at least a PGCE for teaching in schools.
Social worker
Social workers treat social, behavioural, and mental issues by helping their clients cope with everyday problems. They may develop treatment plans with other helping professionals, refer clients to government and community programmes, and follow up with clients to ensure the effectiveness of any help.
Registered nurse
The demand for registered nurses is only going to increase with a growing general population and the ageing baby boomers who need medical attention. These medical professionals take care of patients, assist doctors, set up and administer treat plans, and explain what to do during and after treatment.
While many of these careers offer work in government and charitable settings, such as social workers in state agencies, many also offer opportunities in private industry, such as industrial psychologists who work for a corporation. All offer a chance to improve the world, one person at a time.
Would you like a career which could make a difference to other people’s lives? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Nana B Agyei / Flickr
Karleia is a freelance blogger and mother to two young daughters.
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