Orderly

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Some

Growth

4.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Orderly?

An Orderly is a healthcare professional responsible for assisting medical staff in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. They ensure that patients are transported safely, environments are clean, and supplies are adequately stocked.

Sample job titles:

Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Patient Transporter, Transporter

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Orderly.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Orderly earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$32K per year	$35K per year	$38K per year	$43K per year	$50K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Orderly do?

Work environment

Orderlies typically work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and surgical centers. They spend much of their time on their feet, performing tasks that require physical strength, like moving patients or equipment.

Quick task list

Transports patients between wards, rooms, or operating theaters.
Cleans and sanitizes patient areas and medical equipment.
Assists with basic patient care under supervision.
Stocks supplies and manages inventory.
Assists nurses and other medical staff as needed.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Surgical Orderly: Assisting in operating rooms, preparing surgical areas.
Emergency Room Orderly: Specializing in fast-paced emergency room environments.
Geriatric Orderly: Focused on the needs of elderly patients, often in nursing homes.
Psychiatric Orderly: Working in mental health settings, supporting psychiatric patients.
Pediatric Orderly: Specializing in caring for children in healthcare settings.

Description

Orderlies are integral to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. They perform various tasks that contribute significantly to patient care, though they do not provide direct medical treatment. An orderly's role requires physical stamina, as they are often responsible for moving patients and heavy equipment. They also need to be attentive to cleanliness and safety protocols to prevent the spread of infection.

Good communication skills are essential for orderlies, as they interact with patients, nurses, and other healthcare staff. They often serve as a link between different departments, ensuring that patient needs are communicated and met promptly. Orderlies must be adaptable, capable of handling diverse tasks ranging from housekeeping to technical support for medical equipment.

The role of an orderly can be challenging but rewarding. It offers an opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives and to work as part of a healthcare team. For those interested in a career in medicine, working as an orderly provides valuable experience in a healthcare setting and insight into various medical professions.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing positively to patient care and recovery.
Working in a team environment with other healthcare professionals.
Gaining experience and knowledge in the healthcare field.

You might make a good Orderly if you are...

Physically fit and able to perform tasks that require strength and stamina.
Compassionate and patient, with a genuine desire to help others.
Attentive to detail, ensuring all tasks are completed thoroughly.
A good communicator, able to interact effectively with patients and staff.
Interested in the healthcare industry and eager to learn.

Pros:

Steady employment opportunities in the growing healthcare sector.
Opportunity to work in various healthcare settings.
No extensive formal education required for entry.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially stressful.
May involve exposure to illness and challenging situations.
Often requires working nights, weekends, and holidays.

How to become an Orderly

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. On-the-job training is provided, and some employers may prefer or require certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

High school preparation

Courses:

Health science or biology to understand basic healthcare concepts.
Physical education to build physical strength and stamina.
Psychology to learn about human behavior and patient care.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at local hospitals or nursing homes.
Joining health-focused clubs or organizations.
Participating in sports or physical activities.

Preparation after high school

Obtain certification in CPR or BLS, often offered through community colleges or health organizations.
Gain experience through entry-level positions in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or elder care facilities.
Consider further education or training in a healthcare-related field for advancement opportunities.

More resources

American Heart Association - Provides CPR and BLS certification courses.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed occupational information on orderlies.
National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - Offers certifications and resources for various healthcare careers.
American Hospital Association (AHA) - Resource for hospital employment and healthcare trends.
The Joint Commission - Offers resources on healthcare standards and practices, useful for understanding the environment where orderlies work.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.