Orderly Educational Requirements and Career Opportunities

This post provides detailed information on the educational requirements to become an orderly, including the certification and license needed to work in that career.

It also highlights the various career opportunities one can explore with an orderly training and background and how to succeed in the career, and other information to help boost your knowledge about the orderly career.

Before we dive into it, let’s get to know who an orderly is:

Who is an Orderly?

An orderly is a person who works in a hospital and does tasks that do not need advanced medical knowledge.

A typical orderly job consists of assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Their duties include taking vital signs, preparing medications, cleaning rooms, performing physicals, and helping doctors and nurses perform procedures.

Why Choose Orderly Career?

The job of an orderly is to provide assistance to doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals during their work hours.

These are some of the reasons and benefits why you should choose a career as an orderly:

1. It allows you to be part of the healthcare team.

You can help patients by providing them with basic needs, such as food, water, and rest.

This also gives you a chance to learn more about the different types of diseases and conditions that people face.

2. It provides you with a flexible schedule.

As an orderly, you have the opportunity to work on days off or at night when there aren’t many patients around.

3. It offers good pay.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May, 2023 report, the mean annual wage for orderlies is $38,440 per year.

4. It requires little training.

An orderly doesn’t require any special skills or education beyond high school graduation.

However, it helps if you have experience working in a similar field because this will make your transition into the profession easier.

5. It has few physical requirements.

In most cases, you don’t need to lift heavy objects or stand all day long. You may occasionally need to bend over but this isn’t common.

Orderly Education Requirements

To become an orderly, you must complete a certificate program. There are two options available: one-year programs and two-year programs.

Both programs include classes in anatomy, physiology, nursing, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and first aid.

Some schools offer both options while others only offer one year programs.

Orderly Continuing Education

In addition to completing the required courses, you must attend continuing education classes every three years.

These classes cover topics such as infection control, CPR, and bloodborne pathogens. 

Orderly Certification/License

If you want to practice medicine after you finish your orderly training, you will need to get licensed.

To qualify for licensing, you must pass a national exam covering general medicine.

After passing this test, you will receive a license from the state board of medical examiners.

You can also earn certification through the American Red Cross.

This is a voluntary process where you take a series of tests covering topics like emergency response, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Once you successfully complete these tests, you will receive a certificate.

Orderly Career Opportunities

With an orderly training and background, you can also pursue related careers and become any of the following:

1. Medical Assistant

A medical assistant works under the supervision of a physician and assists them with patient care.

They perform tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing medications, administering injections, and drawing blood samples.

Their duties vary depending on the type of hospital they work in.

2. Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician performs various tasks related to pharmaceuticals. They might prepare prescriptions, count pills, or package drugs.

Their responsibilities depend on the size of the pharmacy they works in.

3. Nursing Assistant

A nursing assistant helps people who are recovering from surgery or other illnesses. They care for them by assisting with bathing, feeding, and dressing wounds.

4. Physician Assistants

A physician assistant helps physicians do their jobs. They assist doctors with procedures that require specialized knowledge, including performing ultrasounds, inserting IV lines, and giving shots.

5. Physical Therapist

A physical therapist uses their hands to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases.

They might use massage techniques, exercise machines, electrical stimulation, heat, cold, ultrasound, and water therapy to improve patients’ health.

Others include:

• Radiologic Technologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Chiropractor
• Podiatrist.

How to Advance your Orderly Career

Here are some pointers to consider in advancing your orderly career:

1. Be flexible.

You may not be able to find a job right away if you have no experience. However, it’s important to keep looking until you find something that fits your skills and interests.

2. Keep learning new things.

Ask someone who knows how to do something if you don’t know how to do it yourself.

There are many ways to learn new things, so try different ones until you find one that suits you best.

3. Get involved.

Volunteering at an organization where you’re interested in working could give you valuable insight into what kind of job you’d enjoy most.

4. Don’t limit yourself.

It’s okay to apply for positions that aren’t exactly what you had in mind. The more opportunities you explore, the better chance you’ll have of finding something that matches your skills.

5. Network.

When you meet people, make sure to introduce yourself and tell them about your background and why you decided to pursue this career path.

Many employers are willing to hire candidates who show interest in their company, and word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful tools.

How to find a Good Orderly School

There are several options available to students who want to become orderlies. Some schools offer programs online while others require students to attend classes in person.

Here are some things to think about while selecting a school:

1. Accreditation

Accrediting agencies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) oversee schools to ensure that they provide quality education.

This is especially important because these accreditations can affect whether or not a student will receive financial aid.

2. Check Reviews

You should always check out reviews before enrolling in any program. These reviews can be found on websites such as Yelp, Google, and Angie’s List.

3. Location

If possible, choose a school that offers classes near home. You’ll save money on gas, and you won’t need to travel far every day.

4. Curriculum

The curriculum offered by each school should match the needs of students.

For example, nursing schools typically offer courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and nutrition.

Other programs might focus on health care administration, medical terminology, or public health.

5. Faculty Qualifications

Good faculty members are essential to good education. They should be knowledgeable, supportive, and patient.

How to be Successful in your Orderly Career

Here are some tips to help you succeed in your orderly career:

1. Know what you want: Before pursuing a career in healthcare, think about what you want from your work. Do you want to work with patients?

Are you interested in administrative jobs? Or maybe you just want to earn a paycheck and get paid well.

Whatever your goals are, make sure you understand what you want and what you don’t want.

2. Learn more about your profession.

3. Read books and articles about the field. If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, read up on nursing so you know how it works.

4. Watch educational videos on YouTube. There are many great ones available.

5. Ask your family and friends if they know anyone who has worked in the field. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be very helpful.

Qualities of a Good Orderly 

These are qualities that all orderlies should possess to be successful:

1. Patience

Patient employees are often overlooked, but they are critical to a successful organization.

Orderlies must have patience and be able to deal with difficult situations calmly.

2. Kindness

Kindness goes a long way. It makes people feel cared for and appreciated. Being kind to patients and co-workers helps them to trust you.

3. Patient Care Skills

As an orderly, you must have excellent communication skills. In addition to speaking clearly, you must also be able to listen carefully.

It’s important to remember that you are serving those around you and you need to treat everyone with respect.

4. Attention to Detail

An orderly must pay attention to detail. They must be organized and meticulous when completing tasks.

5. Flexibility

Working in healthcare requires flexibility. An orderly may be required to work overtime, take time off for personal reasons, or attend training sessions.

Orderly Salary

The average salary of an orderly in the United States is $38,440 per year, according to the May, 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.

However, the Ziprecruiter Feb24 2025 data gives the salary as $53,420 per year while Glassdoor in its Jun 6, 2024 data shows that orderly in the U.S. earns $48K/yr.

Conclusion

If you want a fulfilling career in healthcare, then you may consider applying for an orderly position.

Orderlies provide valuable services to their employers and patients alike. They are a smart choice for any healthcare professional looking for a new career path.

This post has provided in great detail information about the orderly career to help you make the best decision about becoming an orderly.