The Belgian health system is provided by public services and is based on the solidarity of the country’s working people, contributing to the establishment of long-lasting care structures. It is composed of three main categories: medical, paramedical and social. These professions are essential to the diagnosis, treatment, care, prevention and decision-making in emergency situations. The sector includes more than 200 professions related to medicine and the social environment, offering many opportunities to progress in public or private establishments.
Medical personnel are responsible for taking care of the patient from diagnosis to recovery. They specialize in general medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics and more. Nurses and doctors have general medical training, and then train in a specialty. The duration of studies for Belgian doctors is between 9 and 12 years.
Paramedical personnel provide medical and technical assistance, as well as rehabilitation and medical equipment. They are necessary for the proper functioning of the human health and social action sector.
The social action sector includes a wide range of social services and assistance missions to improve the well-being of Belgian citizens. It involves a variety of actors and fields of support, such as mental and physical disability, social and economic difficulties, childcare, etc. Staff in this sector play an essential role in supporting Belgian citizens and work daily for a fairer and healthier society.
Careers in the medical, paramedical and social action sectors include doctors, pharmacists, regulatory affairs managers, clinical research, nursing assistants, nurses, occupational health nurses, medical representatives, childcare nurses, operating theater nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, orthoptists, dentists, naturopaths, osteopaths, nurse anesthetists, block nurses, and health executives.
