People who work in the anatomy and physiology field primarily deal with the body, its functions, and the various parts. Today, there is an array of jobs associated with anatomy and physiology, as these subjects are the basis for therapy, medicine, forensic science, biomedical research, and pharmaceutical industries.
Depending on your interest in the field, anatomy and physiology careers will need several years of rigorous study and training and/or a few years of schooling. As is clear from the title, this guide will detail the different jobs in anatomy and physiology.
But, before that, we need to understand what these two terms mean separately. Let us get started.
What are anatomy and physiology?
Until a few years, even I used the terms anatomy and physiology interchangeably. But that is not right. Of course, anatomy and physiology cover a similar area of science, meaning they are both related to the human body, but they do not imply the same. There is no denying that they are complementary sciences, but there is a minor difference between anatomy and physiology.
Anatomy
The study of the function and structure of the human body is known as anatomy. It includes several sub-parts of anatomy.
- Microscopic anatomy – The study of the structures not visible to the naked eye, like the study of tissues or histology and the study of cells or cytology.
- Gross Anatomy – The study of the organs and tissues visible to the naked eye, like the study of kidneys or nephrology and the study of the heart or cardiology.
Physiology
Typically study of living systems and their respective functions within the body is referred to as physiology. It includes the physics and chemistry of the body’s physical structures. Primarily, physiology focuses on the study of how the body’s systems maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis indicates healthy system functioning. It implies a stable balance of conditions.
If you wish to study anatomy and physiology in detail, you can take up a course in the field. You can find some anatomy and physiology online courses offered by the top and recognized universities and colleges. These courses can help you progress further in the field and make a career.
Jobs in anatomy and physiology
There is no dearth of jobs in anatomy and physiology. So, if you have studied the subjects in your bachelor’s or master’s, you can apply for the below-listed jobs depending on your specialization.
Along with your current study, if you wish to specialize in a particular aspect of anatomy or physiology, you can find some related course suggestions on TangoLearn.
Now, let us detail to you some available job options.
1. Medical Laboratory Technician
As part of this career, your primary responsibility would be to collect and test the samples. Also known as a lab tech, a medical laboratory technician is a medical professional who earns compensation of $19.42 per hour. Your job would demand you handle the bodily fluids for tests that help with further diagnosis. Medical laboratory technicians must know the precise use and maintenance of the specialized equipment utilized to conduct the tests.
2. Physicians and Surgeons
Doctors study the symptoms, diagnose the disease, and help you manage, control, and cure it. They study the patients, analyse their medical history, conduct diagnostic tests, and recommend the course of treatment. Surgeons perform operations or surgeries to get rid of the disease or combat an illness. Physicians acquire further specialization and training in areas like paediatrics, anesthesiology, gynaecology, family medicine, obstetrics, or dermatology. The compensation varies according to the specialization.
On average, the salary for a specialist in endocrinology and diabetes is about $236,000. For orthopaedic surgeons, the salary is around $482,000. Hence, the physicians dealing with anatomy have one of the highest-paid jobs.
Firstly, the doctors have to get a bachelor’s degree in life science. It is an undergrad major dealing with the study of anatomy and physiology. Following this, the aspiring physicians spend four years in a medical school.
After this, they will have to undertake about three to eight years of residency training and internship according to their specialization. If they seek a license, they will have to appear for the US Medical Licensing Examination.
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics survey, the average compensation for surgeons and physicians is about $208,000 as of 2019.
3. Physical therapist assistant
Physical therapist assistant makes an average salary of $22.5 per hour. They assist in administering physical therapy to the patients. The assistants work under a physical therapist and directly work with the patients, aiding them in their everyday care process.
Further, they will document the patient’s progress and jot down any specific issues they patients encounter.
Further, they will also appreciate the correction of any concern they earlier experienced. In addition, the physical therapist assistant guide patients using ambulatory aids like prosthetic limbs and crutches.
4. Registered Nurses
Registered nurses have to manage and give care to the patients. They keep a record of the patients and provide them with treatment and medicines, help while conducting diagnostic tests, execute doctor’s orders, and educate the family and patient about the disease management.
Nurses can take up a specialization course. So, they can choose to be a cardiovascular, addiction, neonatology, rehabilitation, advanced practice registered, nephrology, critical care, or a genetics nurse.
As an aspiring registered nurse, you need a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Alternatively, you can also take up a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nursing. Both of these are majors, and you will have to pursue anatomy and physiology for them. In the diploma programs, you get hands-on training.
So, you will be employed with a medical facility or a hospital. Typically, the nurses opt for a bachelor’s degree. It provides them with an in-depth study of leadership and sciences and the diploma programs and associate’s degree requirements.
In addition, the registered nurses also have to clear the National Council Licensure Examination for licensing.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, the average compensation for surgeons and physicians is about $73,300 as of 2019.
5. Personal trainer
Lastly, studying in the anatomy and physiology field also makes you eligible to be a personal trainer. You will receive an average compensation of $22.55 per hour, and your primary responsibility will be as a fitness professional.
Hence, as part of your work, you will assist clients in understanding and undertaking different exercises. As time progresses, you will educate the patients on the safe and correct performance of the exercises. You will also have to design a tailored exercise plan according to the client’s concerns and fitness levels.
So, you will help people achieve their fitness goals, track their performance, and advise them on adjustments as and when needed.