admitting officers/clerks
work in the admissions department of a health care facility; assigning rooms, maintaining records and obtain and process information when patient is admitted and discharged.
art, music, dance therapists
use arts to help patients deal with social, physical or emotional problems.
associate's degree
degree awarded by a vocational-technical school or community college after successful completion of a two-year course of study or its equivalent
athletic trainers (ATs)
usually works with a physician who specializes in sports medicine. Prevent and treat athletic injuries and provide rehab services to athletes.
audiologists
individual specializing in diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders
bachelor's degree
degree awarded by a college or university after a person has completed a four-year course of study or its equivalent
biological or medical scientists
study living organisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and other infectious substances. They assist in development of vaccines, medicines and treatments for diseases
biological technician
work under supervision of biological scientists or biotechnological engineers; assist in the study of living organisms; perform many lab experiments used in medical research on diseases.
biomedical (clinical) engineer
combine knowledge of engineering with knowledge of biology and biomechanical principles to assist in the operation of health care facilities.
biotechnological engineer (bioengineer)
use engineering knowledge to develop solutions to complex medical problems. e.g. pacemakers, blood oxygenators, defibrillators, research metals
biomedical equipment technicians (BETs)
work with the many different machines used to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients
cardiovascular technologist
assist with cardiac catheterization procedures and angioplasty (a procedure to remove blockages in blood vessels), monitors patients during open-heart surgery and the implantation of pacemakers, and perform tests to check circulation in blood vessels.
central/sterile supply workers
involved in ordering, maintaining, sterilizing and supplying all the equipment and supplies used by other departments in a health care facility.
certification
the issuing of a statement or certificate by a professional organization to a person who has met the requirements of education and/or experience and who meets the standards set by the organization
continuing education units (CEUs)
are required to renew licenses or maintain certification or registration in many states.
dental assistants (DAs)
work under the supervision of dentists and prepare patients for examinations, pass instruments, prepare dental materials for impressions and restorations, take and develop radiographs, teach preventive dental care, sterilize instruments, and or perform dental receptionist duties.
dental hygienists
a licensed individual who works with a dentist to provide care and treatment for the teeth and gums
dental laboratory technicians (DLTs)
make and repair a variety of dental prostheses (artificial devices) such as dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances according to the specifications of dentists.
dentists (DMDs or DDSs)
a doctor who specializes in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the teeth and gums; and perform oral surgery
dialysis technicians
operate the kidney hemodialysis machines used to treat patients with limited or no kidney function.
dietetic assistants
also called food service workers. Work under supervision of dietitians and assist with food preparation and service, help patients select menus, clean work areas and assist other dietary workers.
dietetic technicians (DTs)
working under supervision of dietitians, plan menus, order foods, standardize and test recipes, assist with food preparation, provide basic dietary instruction and teach classes on
proper nutrition.
dietitians (RDs)
an individual who specializes in the science of diet and nutrition. They manage food service systems, assess nutritional needs and plan menus according to prescribed diets.
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
focuses on ensuring proper alignment of the spine and optimal operation of the nervous and muscular systems to maintain health
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases or disorders; may specialize
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
treats diseases/disorders, placing special emphasis on the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems and the relationship between the body, mind and emotions; may also specialize
doctorate/doctoral/doctor's degree
degree awarded by a college or university after completion of a prescribed course of study beyond a bachelor's or master's degree
electrocardiograph technicians (ECG)
operate electrocardiograph machines, which record electrical impulses that originate in the heart.
electroencephalographic technologist (EEG)
operates an instrument called an electroencephalograph, which records the electrical activity in the brain.
electroneurodiagnostic technologist (END)
perform nerve conduction tests, measure sensory and physical responses to specific stimuli, perform evoked potential (EP) tests that measure brain response when specific nerves are stimulated.
embalmers
prepare the body for interment by washing body with germicidal soap, replacing the blood with embalming fluid to preserve the body, reshaping and restructuring disfigured bodies, applying cosmetics to create a natural appearance, dressing body and placing it in a casket.
emergency medical technician (EMT)
provide emergency, prehospital care to victims of accidents, injuries or sudden illnesses.
endodontics
treatment of the pulp chamber, nerves, blood vessels and root canals of the teeth; often called root canal treatment
entrepreneur
individual who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business
epidemiologists
identify and track disease as they occur in a group of people.
first responder
is the first person to arrive at the scene of an illness or injury.
forensic science technician
(criminalists) investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence.
funeral directors (morticians or undertakers)
provide support to the survivors; interview the family of the deceased to establish details of the funeral ceremonies or review arrangements the deceased person requested prior to death; prepare the body following legal requirements; secure information for legal documents; file death certificates; arrange and direct all the details of the wake and services; make arrangements for burial or cremation; and direct all business activities of the funeral home.
genetic counselors
provide information to individuals and families on genetic diseases or inherited conditions.
geriatric aides/assistants
are nurse assistants who acquire additional education to provide care for the elderly in extended care facilities, nursing homes, retirement centers and adult daycare agencies.
health care administrators
plan, direct, coordinate and supervise delivery of health care and manage the operation of health care facilities.
health information (medical records) administrators (RA)
develop and manage the systems for storing and obtaining information from records, prepare information for legal actions and insurance claims, compile statistics for organizations and government agencies, manage medical records departments, ensure confidentiality of patient information
health information (medical records) technicians
organize and code patient records, gather statistical or research data, record information on patients, monitor electronic and paper-based information to ensure confidentiality, and calculate bills using health care data.
health science technology education (HSTE)
prepare a student for immediate employment in many health careers or for additional education after graduation.
home health care assistants
trained to work in the patient's home and may perform additional duties such as meal preparation or cleaning.
housekeeping workers/sanitary managers
help maintain the cleanliness of health care facility to provide pleasant, sanitary environment.
licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
works under supervision of physicians or RNs; provide patient care requiring technical knowledge but not the level of education required of RNs.
licensure
process by which a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation
massage therapists
usually work under supervision of physicians or physical therapists.
master's degree
degree awarded by a college or university after completion of one or more years of prescribed study beyond a bachelor's degree
medical assistants (MA)
work under the supervision of physicians; prepare patients for examinations; take vital signs and medical histories; assist with procedures and treatments; perform basic lab tests; prepare and maintain equipment and supplies; and or perform secretarial-receptionist duties.
medical illustrators
use their artistic and creative talents to produce illustrations, charts, graphs, and diagrams for health textbooks, journals, magazines, and exhibits.
medical interpreters/translators
assist cross-cultural communication processes by converting one language to another. Interpreters convert spoken word while translators convert written material.
medical (clinical) laboratory assistants
work under supervision of medical technologists, technicians or pathologists; perform basic lab tests; prepare specimens for exam or testing; cleaning and helping to maintain equipment
medical (clinical) laboratory technicians (MLTs)
work under supervision of medical technologists or pathologists; perform many of the routine tests that do not require the advanced knowledge held by a medical technologist
medical (clinical) laboratory technologists (MTs)
work under supervision of pathologists. They study tissues, fluids, and cells of the human body to help determine the presence and/or cause of disease.
medical librarians
organize books, journals, and other print materials to provide health information to other health care professionals.
medical transcriptionists
use a computer and word processing software to enter data that has been dictated on recorder by physicians or other health care professionals.
medication aides/assistants
receive special training to administer medications to patients or residents in long-term care facilities or patients receiving home health care.
mortuary assistants
work under supervision of the funeral director and /or embalmer; assist with preparation of the body, drive hearse, arrange flowers for the viewing, filing and maintenance of records, clean funeral home
multicompetent/multiskilled worker
workers who can perform a variety of health care skills
nurse assistants (nurse aide)
work under supervision of RNs or LPNs/LVNs. They provide patient care such as baths, bedmaking, feeding; assist in transfer and ambulation; and administer basic treatments.
occupational therapists (OTs)
work under the direction of a physiatrist (a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehab). Help people with physical, developmental, mental or emotional disabilities to overcome, correct or adjust to their problems.
occupational therapy assistants (OTAs)
work under the guidance of occupational therapists, help patients carry out programs of prescribed treatment.
ophthalmic assistants (OAs)
work under supervision of ophthalmologists, optometrists and/or ophthalmic medical techs; prepare patients for exams, measure visual acuity, receptionist duties, help with frame selections, order lenses, repair glasses.
ophthalmic laboratory technicians
cut, grind, finish, polish and mount lenses used in eyeglasses, contact lenses, telescopes, binoculars
ophthalmic medical technologists (OMTs)
working under supervision of opthalmologist; obtain patient histores, perform routine eye tests and measurements, fit patients for contacts, administer prescribed treatments, assist with eye surgery, perform advanced diagnostic tests.
ophthalmic technicians (OTs)
work under supervision of ophthalmologists or optometrists. Prepare patients for exams, obtain medical histories, take ocular measurements, administer basic vision tests, maintain instruments, adjust glasses.
ophthalmologists
are medical doctors specializing in diseases, disorders,and injuries of the eyes. The diagnose and treat diseases; perform surgery and correct vision problems or defects.
opticians
an individual who makes or sells lenses, eyeglasses, and other optical supplies
optometrists (ODs)
a licensed, nonmedical practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vision defects; prescribe corrective lenses.
oral surgery
surgery on the teeth, mouth, jaw and facial bones; often called maxillofacial surgery
orthodontics
alignment or straightening of the teeth
paramedic (EMT-P)
perform all the basic EMT duties plus in-depth patient assessment, provision of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), ECG interpretation, endotracheal intubation, drug administration, and operation of complex equipment.
patient care technicians (PCTs)
work under supervision of RNs or LPNs/LVNs. They provide patient care such as baths, bedmaking, feeding; assist in transfer and ambulation; and administer basic treatments.
pedodontics
treatment of teeth and oral conditions of children and adolescents
perfusionists
also called extracorporeal circulation technologists, are members of open-heart surgical teams and operate the heart-lung machines used in coronary bypass surgery.
periodontics
treatment and prevention of diseases of the gingiva (gums), bone and structures supporting the teeth.
pharmacists (PharmDs)
dispense medications per written orders from physicians, dentists & other health care professionals authorized to prescribe medications
pharmacy technicians
working under the supervision of pharmacists, help prepare medications for dispensing to patients, label medications, perform inventories and order supplies, prepare intravenous solutions, help maintain records
phlebotomists
also called venipuncture technician; individual who collects blood and prepares it for tests
physical therapists (PTs)
often work under direction of a physiatrist; provide treatment to improve mobility and prevent or limit permanent disability of patients with disabling joint, bone, muscle and/or nerve injuries or diseases.
physical therapist assistants (PTAs)
working under supervision of physical therapists, help carry out prescribed plans of treatment. Perform exercises and massages, administer applications of heat, cold and/or water; assist patients to ambulate with canes, crutches or braces; provide ultrasound or electrical stimulation treatments; inform therapists of patients; responses and progress.
physicians
examine patients, obtain medical histories, order tests, make diagnoses, perform surgery, treat diseases/disorders, and teach preventive health.
physician assistants (PA)
work under the supervision of physicians, take medical histories; perform routine physical examinations and basic diagnostic tests; make preliminary diagnoses; treat minor injuries; and prescribe and administer appropriate treatments.
process technician
working under supervision of biological scientists or research physicians; operate and monitor the machinery that is used to produce biotechnology products
prosthodontics
the construction of artificial appliances for the mouth: artificial teeth or dentures
psychiatric/mental health technicians
work under the supervision of psychiatrists or psychologists; help patients and their families follow treatment and rehab plans. They provide understanding and encouragement, assist with physical care, observe and report behavior and help teach patients constructive social behavior.
psychiatrists
are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness.
psychologists
study human behavior and use this knowledge to help individuals deal with problems of everyday living.
radiologic technologists (RTs)
working under supervision of radiologists; use X-rays, radiation, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance to diagnose and treat disease.
recreational therapists (TRs)
use recreational and leisure activites as forms of treatment to minimize patients' symptoms and improve physical, emotional, mental well-being.
recreational therapy assistants
work under supervision of recreational therapist or other health care professional. They assist in carrying out the activities planned by therapists and, at times, arrange activities or events. They note and inform therapists of patients' responses and progress.
registered nurses (RNs)
work under direction of physicians and provide total care to patients. Observe patients, assesses patients' needs, reports to other health care personnel, administers prescribed medications and treatments, teaches health care and supervises other nursing personnel.
registration
process whereby a regulatory body in a given health care area administers examinations and/or maintains a list of qualified personnel
respiratory therapists (RTs)
under physicians' orders, treat patients with heart and lung diseases by administering oxygen, gases or medications; using exercise to improve breathing; monitoring ventilators; and performing diagnostic respiratory function tests.
respiratory therapy technicians (RTTs)
work under supervision of respiratory therapist and administer respiratory treatments, perform basic diagnostic tests, clean and maintain equipment, and note and inform therapists of patients' responses and progress.
social workers (SWs)
also called sociologists, case managers or counselors; aid people who have difficulty coping with various problems by helping them make adjustments in their lives and/or by referring them to community resources for assistance.
speech-language pathologists
identify, evaluate and treat patients with speech and language disorders. The help patients communicate as effectively as possible and teach them to cope with the problems created by speech impairments.
surgical technologists/technicians (STs)
work under supervision of RNs or physicians; prepare patients for surgery; set up instruments, equipment,and sterile supplies in the operating room; and assist during surgery by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon.
unit secretaries/ward clerks/unit coordinators
employed in hospitals, extended care facilities, clinics and other health care facilities to record information on records; schedule procedures or tests; answer telephones; order supplies; and work with computers to record or obtain information.
veterinarians (DVMs or VMDs)
work to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. Specialties include surgery, small-animal care, livestock, fish and wildlife, and research.
veterinary assistants (animal care takers)
feed, bathe, groom and exercise animals; prepare animals for treatment; assist with examinations; clean and sanitize cages, exam tables and surgical areas, maintain records
veterinary technologists/technicians (VTs) (animal health technicians)
work under supervision of veterinarians, assist with handling and care of animals, collect specimens, assist with surgery, perform lab tests, take and develop radiographs, administer prescribed treatment, and maintain records.
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and/or disorders of the feet or of the leg bellow the knee
Technologist or Therapist
3 - 4 years of college plus work experience, usually bachelor's and at time master's degree
technician
2 year associate's degree, special health science tech education or 3 - 4 years of on the job training
assistant or aide
specific number of hours of specialized education or 1 or more years of training combining classroom and/or on the job training
Pathology assistants
work under supervision of pathologist & perform both gross and microscopic autopsy exam
specialty assistants
assistants who work for physicians who specialize
biochemistry
study of chemical analysis/composition of body fluids/living organisms
blood bank technology
collection and preparation of blood and blood products for transfusions
cytotechnology
study of human body cells and cellular abnormalities
hematology
study of human body tissue
histology
study of human body tissue
molecular biology
complex protein and nucleic acid testing on cell samples
microbiology
study growth and characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms
radiographers
take x-rays of body for diagnostic purposes
radiation therapists
administer prescribed doses of radiation to treat disease (usually cancer)
nuclear medicine technologist
prepare radioactive substances for administration to patients.
ultrasound technologist/diagnostic medical sonographers
use equipment that sends high-frequency sound waves into the body.
mammographer
uses a special mamography machine to produce images of the breast, used to detect cancer
computer tomography technologist
use a special x-ray machine, computerized axial tomography CT or CAT Scanner to obtain cross-sectional images of body tissues, bones and organs. Scans help locate tumors
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Technologist
use superconductive magnet and radio-waves to produce detailed images of internal anatomy.
positron emission tomography (PET) technologist
inject a slightly radioactive substance into patient and then operate the PET scanner which uses electrons to create a 3-dimensional image of body parts & scan body for disease processes.
biophysicists
study the response and interrelationship of living cells and organisms to the principles of physics
physiologists
study the life functions of plants and animals