Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Emergency Medicine Careers?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There are several types of emergency medicine careers a person may consider. Among the most common are emergency medicine doctor, surgeon, and nurse careers. Some nurse practitioners also specialize in the emergency category of medicine. An individual also can enter the emergency medicine field as an emergency medicine technician. Likewise, there are radiologists in emergency medicine careers as well.

An individual who is considering an emergency medicine career might choose to become a doctor or a surgeon. Doctors evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who have emergency medical needs. They also order further testing and prescribe medication when required. Surgeons also play a role in the evaluation and diagnoses of critically ill or injured patients and then treat them using surgical procedures. Like other doctors, they can also order testing and prescribe medications.

Emergency personnel may work as an ambulance driver and respond to accidents.
Emergency personnel may work as an ambulance driver and respond to accidents.

An emergency nurse practitioner also provides emergency illness and injury care. These nurses typically have more education and training than registered nurses and can often provide much of the same care as a doctor. In fact, an individual may receive evaluation and treatment from a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor.

Nursing is also among the most common emergency medicine careers. An emergency medicine nurse helps to evaluate and treat critically ill and injured patients under the supervision of doctors. These nurses often help to carry out required testing and monitor patients as well. They also typically make a record of the symptoms a patient is having as well as his vital signs, and try to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Nurses in this position usually spend more time with patients than doctors do.

Emergency medical technicians treat patients while en route to the hospital.
Emergency medical technicians treat patients while en route to the hospital.

A career as an emergency medicine technician also falls in the category of emergency medicine careers. An emergency medical technician is a person who travels to patients who are in the midst of emergency medical situations. Usually, his job is to provide evaluation and care as necessary and keep the patient as stable as possible while transporting him to a hospital or urgent-care facility.

An emergency room nurse is responsible for judging the severity of patients' conditions in order to prioritize the use of emergency room facilities.
An emergency room nurse is responsible for judging the severity of patients' conditions in order to prioritize the use of emergency room facilities.

The job of an emergency radiologist is also among the emergency medicine careers. An emergency radiologist usually performs diagnostic imaging tests on individuals who have illnesses and injuries that are classified as emergencies. For example, an emergency radiologist typically performs such diagnostic tests as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and computerized tomography (CT) scans and then interprets them. Their interpretations of test results help emergency medicine doctors to diagnose and treat patients. Additionally, emergency radiologists also provide some treatments that involve the use of radiology.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Emergency personnel may work as an ambulance driver and respond to accidents.
      By: maxim1804
      Emergency personnel may work as an ambulance driver and respond to accidents.
    • Emergency medical technicians treat patients while en route to the hospital.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Emergency medical technicians treat patients while en route to the hospital.
    • An emergency room nurse is responsible for judging the severity of patients' conditions in order to prioritize the use of emergency room facilities.
      By: michaeljung
      An emergency room nurse is responsible for judging the severity of patients' conditions in order to prioritize the use of emergency room facilities.