Orderlies

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Support
• O*NET-SOC code: 31-1132
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Carry messages or documents between departments.
• 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.
• Transport portable medical equipment or medical supplies between rooms or departments.
• Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.
• Collect and transport infectious or hazardous waste in closed containers for sterilization or disposal, in accordance with applicable law, standards, or policies.
• Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
• Collect soiled linen or trash.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Windows, Adjustable hospital beds, Automated blood pressure cuffs, Automated external defibrillators AED, Desktop computers, Electronic medical record EMR software, Electronic patient thermometers, GE Healthcare Centricity EMR, Hydraulic patient lifts

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Nursing Assistants
• Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Home Health Aides
• Surgical Assistants
• Surgical Technologists
• Medical Assistants
• Psychiatric Aides

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Orderlies — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.