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Healthcare Support

Orderlies

Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Orderlies
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Median pay

$37,700
Median annual pay for Orderlies.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

7,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

54,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Orderlies in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Transportation
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Psychology

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Trunk Strength
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Speech Recognition
  6. 6Static Strength

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Empathy
  4. 4Attention to Detail
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Exposed to Disease or Infections
  3. 3Physical Proximity
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  6. 6Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
  • Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.
  • Disinfect or sterilize equipment or supplies, using germicides or sterilizing equipment.
  • Clean equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or portable medical equipment, documenting needed repairs or maintenance.
  • Respond to emergency situations, such as emergency medical calls, security calls, or fire alarms.
  • Change soiled linens, such as bed linens, drapes, or cubicle curtains.
  • Carry messages or documents between departments.
  • Transport portable medical equipment or medical supplies between rooms or departments.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyElectronic medical record EMR softwareGE Healthcare Centricity EMRMedical record charting software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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