10 Different Career Paths for Medical Professionals Who Want to Help Couples Experiencing Fertility Issues

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Joseph Gerard

Sonographer doing ultrasound scanning procedure for young woman. Female patient in medical face mask lying on daybed during ultrasonography. Concept of healthcare, medical examination and sonography. Written by Veronica Turner

Approximately 17.5% of adults, or 1 in 6, experience infertility. Giving people access to affordable fertility treatment can improve many people’s ability to start a family.

But even with this access, we still need incredible medical professionals who have the training to educate couples and treat infertility issues at their source. If you choose one of the career paths in this article, you could be one of those professionals who help others with infertility.

10 Different Careers in Fertility Medicine

Going into medicine is a noble pursuit, and if you want to focus on fertility medicine, you have plenty of options. Here are 10 different careers in fertility medicine you should explore.

Sonographer

A sonographer is a medical professional who uses ultrasonic imaging equipment to diagnose various ailments. Getting an ultrasound during pregnancy is common, as it helps parents determine the age and health of the fetus. Ultrasounds can also be used for fertility issues.

After explaining the process to the patient, sonographers will capture clear ultrasounds of a patient’s uterus, ovaries, and endometrial lining to help physicians diagnose potential problems.

Lab Technician

A lab technician is responsible for performing technical, mechanical, and diagnostic tests in a laboratory. A lab technician who works for a fertility clinic or is trained to address fertility issues will use their knowledge to run the lab tests needed for a couple or an individual who is experiencing infertility.

Lab technicians may test samples for the presence or absence of hormones that help with family planning. They’ll also help with ordering supplies and managing equipment.

Medical Assistant

A medical assistant does a wide range of tasks, including showing patients to exam rooms, checking their height and weight, and taking them to the exam room. They would do the exact same thing in a fertility clinic, including sterilizing equipment with an autoclave.

A very experienced medical assistant will assist with on-site lab work (but is unlikely to take blood) and explain various fertility treatments or solutions to couples and individuals. They may administer the medications or explain the proper way to take them.

Patient Coordinator

A patient coordinator manages administrative tasks to ensure their patients receive comprehensive care. They’re often responsible for educating patients on registration, finances, and insurance companies. Some coordinators may speak to families about their fertility.

For example, they may suggest that patients work with a fertility app like Flo to track their menstrual and ovulation cycle.

Registered Nurse

A registered nurse (RN) is a medical professional who provides hands-on care in different medical and community settings. An RN in a fertility clinic could be responsible for administering in-vitro fertilization treatment and teaching patients how to self-administer treatment.

A fertility clinic RN will educate patients about their options before they make a decision. Nurses with a research focus or background, can help researchers come up with new reproductive technologies. A nurse can also pursue various certifications to expand their knowledge.

Embryologist

An embryologist works with patients, often indirectly, with fertility. They do this by helping with the different stages of IVF, from retrieval to the egg development and womb transfer. While they aren’t a doctor, their skills allow them to work with delicate cells like sperm cells and eggs.

Embryologists are also responsible for storing these cells for later use and relaying available treatment options to a patient’s doctor if they aren’t able to do this task themselves.

Midwife

A midwife can offer prenatal support to expectant patients. Some midwives are able to provide routine reproductive care, like Pap tests, but they often have to work alongside obstetricians and gynecologists. Many mothers choose a midwife to have a non-medicated/natural birth.

In regards to fertility specifically, midwives will provide psychological support and order medical tests to help parents through family planning. They may create comprehensive fertility plans.

Gynecologist

A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the female reproductive system. They administer multiple services and tests, including pelvic exams and pap tests. They’ll also consult patients on menstruation issues, diagnose reproductive diseases, and help with family planning.

If a patient sees a gynecologist for fertility issues, they will conduct fertility monitoring. They’ll also consider how other health problems may impact fertility and create treatment plans.

Fertility Specialist

Fertility specialists are trained medical doctors who specialize in infertility-related conditions for both men and women. They’ll educate patients on fertility preservation, infertility treatments, and genetic diseases. Some further specialize in conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS).

A fertility specialist can administer a wide variety of treatments, including ovulation induction therapy, intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Urologist

A urologist specializes in treating diseases of the urinary system for both men and women. Since the reproductive systems of males and females are closely linked to the urinary system, a urologist may be needed to diagnose and treat various fertility and reproductive issues.

In some cases, a urologist will conduct analysis on reproductive cells, perform imaging tests, or recommend genetic testing. They often work closely with other reproductive specialists.

In Conclusion…

Fertility issues are difficult to work through on your own. If you pursue one of the career paths listed in this article, you could do a lot to help those experiencing infertility. Many of these careers don’t even require medical school, so you can more easily switch to these roles quickly.

Author Bio: Veronica Turner is a health and lifestyle writer with over 10 years of experience. She creates compelling content on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and overall wellness.

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What to Know When Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

Posted on November 10, 2023December 14, 2023 by Joseph Gerard

Friendly and attractive of a woman practitioner standing in a glass hall office of the clinic and examining documents Written by Victoria Maxwell

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is a rewarding and challenging journey. NPs are advanced practice nurses who provide a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions. If you’re considering a career as a nurse practitioner, it’s essential to be well-informed about the path you’ll need to follow. This guide will provide valuable insights and information on what to know when becoming a nurse practitioner.

1. Educational Requirements

Becoming a nurse practitioner requires extensive and challenging schooling. It usually begins with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or comparable degree, which teaches nursing fundamentals. After getting an RN license, you can pursue higher study, such as an MSN or DNP. Aspiring nurse practitioners get specific clinical training from these postgraduate degrees. The program emphasizes advanced clinical practice, specialization, and preparing students for larger patient care and healthcare leadership positions. Becoming a nurse practitioner requires effort, knowledge, and a desire to improve patient care.

2. Specialization and Certification

Nurse practitioners often specialize in family practice, pediatrics, adult gerontology, women’s health, and more. After completing their school, they must get specialist certification. Reputable organizations like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center provide certification. These organizations set and enforce nurse practitioner standards, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to succeed in their industry. Specialization certification boosts a nurse practitioner’s reputation and validates their expertise in their field. It also shows their dedication to providing high-quality care to patients.

3. Licensing and State Regulations

Nurse practitioner licensing standards vary by state or nation. Understanding local legislation and licensing requirements is crucial. Some states allow nurse practitioners to work independently and offer patient care. Other states require nurse practitioners to collaborate with doctors under collaborative practice agreements. Understanding and meeting license requirements is crucial for legal compliance, practice scope, independence, and patient care as a nurse practitioner.

4. Clinical Training and Residency

Clinical training gives nurse practitioners excellent hands-on experience to develop their specialization-specific abilities. Nurse practitioners gain practical knowledge and skills throughout their studies to succeed in their careers. Some nurse practitioners choose postgraduate residencies or fellowships to improve their clinical skills. These extra training possibilities help nurse practitioners flourish in their healthcare professions by deepening their knowledge and skills in their field. They can become leaders and specialists in their disciplines by improving their clinical abilities via postgraduate residencies and fellowships.

5. Prescriptive Authority

Nurse practitioners can prescribe drugs in most states, although their authority varies. Nurse practitioners must comprehend the laws and regulations that allow them to prescribe pharmaceuticals, including prohibited substances, in their practice region. It is important to know your state’s prescriptive authority legislation since it determines its reach. Nurse practitioners can offer patients the right drugs and restricted substances within their licensure and meet the highest standards of patient care and safety by being aware of these legal limits.

6. Continuing Education and Recertification

Lifelong learning is essential for nurse practitioners. Healthcare is always changing. Therefore, continual education and recertification are essential. Nurse practitioners must commit to continued professional development to stay current on healthcare trends and best practices, according to most certification organizations. Learning is a professional commitment and a way to provide high-quality patient care. Nurse practitioners can maintain their accreditation and function as critical healthcare professionals in the changing healthcare environment by maintaining their education and recertification.

7. Collaborative Practice or Independent Practice

One significant decision to make when considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner is whether to pursue a collaborative practice or an independent practice. This choice can impact the nature of your role and the type of healthcare facility where you’ll work. Nurse practitioners often have a range of opportunities, with nurse practitioner jobs available in collaborative settings within hospitals, clinics, and medical practices, as well as the option to operate independently in certain states. Each path has its advantages, and the decision should align with your career goals and the level of autonomy you desire. Whether you opt for a collaborative practice or an independent one, the demand for nurse practitioners is on the rise, offering a promising and rewarding career in the healthcare field.

Conclusion

Becoming a nurse practitioner is a significant commitment involving education, specialization, certification, licensing, and ongoing professional development. As advanced practice nurses, NPs play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, providing primary and specialized care to diverse patient populations. Understanding the educational, regulatory, and professional aspects of the nurse practitioner role is essential for a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare.

Author Bio:

Victoria Maxwell is an aspiring author residing in New Hampshire. When not writing, she loves hiking in the White Mountains and learning about all things backpacking.