Having a career in medicine is way beyond being a doctor or a nurse, there are many misconceptions about how being in the medical field is all about being a doctor. Many other people contribute to the proper functioning of the healthcare system, sometimes they do not even come in contact with patients but their works help to improve the quality of lives of patients.
What Does A Degree In Medicine Offer?
Having a degree in medicine allows you to save lives and carry out groundbreaking research that might lead to the discovery of a drug or treatment procedure.
Patient care and well-being are also very important as it determines how effective treatment would be in the long run, to achieve this there are physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists e.t.c that work alongside other members of the medical team who contribute to the diagnosis of their condition. With a degree in medicine you can work as one of the following on a medical team;
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Physiotherapist
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Dietician
- Physiologist
- Biochemist
- Public Health Worker
- Medical Photographer
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Pathologist
This list is not exhaustive as there are many career options in medicine which are important both before the diagnosis and recovery of patients. Medical Research is also an important aspect of medicine where many individuals contribute to the ever-evolving knowledge in the field of medicine.
What Skills Do I Need To Have?
Working in the medical field requires a combination of technical and soft skills. This is because you would come across people from different backgrounds and varying knowledge hence, your approach for each patient may be different from each other. Some of the skills include;
- Interpersonal skills
- Good oral, written and communication skills
- Presentation Skills
- Analysis of medical-related data
- Paying attention to detail
- Ability to make good decisions under pressure
- Adequate theoretical knowledge of basic concepts in the area of speciality in the field of medicine where you work in
- Ability to work effectively on a team
- Proper documentation of patients health record
The Requirement to Study Medical Courses In South Africa
If you have a bachelors degree in biological or applied sciences with a good grade of over 60% in all courses you can be considered for admission at most south African universities provided you pass the entrance examinations administered to prospective students.
If applying with your NSE certificate then, your certificate should show that you have excellent grades with a knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics before beginning your journey as an undergraduate student.
Because of the level of expertise required for medical courses, you might have to either undergo compulsory internships during or after your course with an option for specialization at the postgraduate level.
Documents Required For Application
when applying to most universities, you should prepare the following documents as it would be required for submission before you can take part in entrance examinations.
- Completed application form
- Certified copy of your degree certificate if you have already completed your studies.
- Certified copy of your academic transcript.
- Certified copy of your matric certificate or final school leaving certificate.
- Proof of payment of the Application Fee.
What Kind Of Job Can I Get With A Degree in Medicine?
Some of the areas you can work with a degree in medicine include but are not limited to the places specified below :
- Manufacturing Industries
- Oil and Gas Industries
- Private consulting
- Research Organisations
- Aviation Industries
- Governmental Hospitals
- Military
- Universities (as an academic)
Universities In South Africa Where You Can Study Medical Related Courses
To work in ghana would require that you have a bachelors or masters degree in universities such as:
