Health Care Pathways, Hospital Departments, and Governmental Agencies

Health Science

Emergency Department (ED/ER) - Clinical/Patient Care Department

The first place patients go for urgent illnesses or injuries needing immediate attention.

Trauma Center - Clinical/Patient Care Department

A specialized hospital unit that handles life-threatening injuries requiring 24/7 specialist care. Patients with major accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, burns, and physical trauma that need quick, expert care.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - Clinical/Patient Care Department

A section for patients who are very sick or unstable requiring constant monitoring and advanced life support.

• MICU (Medical ICU): For patients with serious medical conditions like pneumonia, sepsis, or organ failure. Example: A patient with severe pneumonia who needs a ventilator to breathe.

• SICU (Surgical ICU): For patients recovering from major surgery or who have serious injuries. Example: A patient who just had life-saving surgery after a car accident.

• CICU (Cardiac ICU): For patients with serious heart problems. Example: A patient who just had a heart attack and needs constant heart monitoring.

• NICU (Neonatal ICU): For newborn babies who are premature or have health problems. Example: A baby born two months early who needs help breathing.

• PICU (Pediatric ICU): For critically ill children (not newborns). Example: A child with a severe asthma attack that isn’t improving with normal treatment.

Operating Room (OR) / Surgery - Clinical/Patient Care Department

Where surgeons perform operations to fix injuries, remove diseases, or improve body function.

Anesthesiology - Clinical/Patient Care Department

The department responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery.

Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) - Clinical/Patient Care Department

Department dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health.

Pediatrics - Clinical/Patient Care Department

Department that cares for infants, children, and teenagers.

Oncology (Cancer Care) - Clinical/Patient Care Department

Department specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing all types of cancer.

Radiology / Imaging - Diagnostic & Treatment Support

Department that takes pictures of the inside of the body for diagnostic purposes. (X-ray)

Laboratory / Pathology - Diagnostic & Treatment Support

Tests samples to help diagnose diseases and monitor treatment.

Blood Bank / Transfusion Services - Diagnostic & Treatment Support

Stores and provides blood products for patients needing transfusions.

Pharmacy - Diagnostic & Treatment Support

Prepares and distributes medications for hospital patients.

Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) - Diagnostic & Treatment Support

Special lab where doctors check or treat heart problems using catheters.

Respiratory Therapy - Diagnostic & Treatment Support

Department assisting patients with breathing difficulties.

Endoscopy / GI Lab - Diagnostic & Treatment Support

Department where doctors look inside parts of the digestive system using a flexible camera.

Primary Care / Internal Medicine - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

Department providing routine health checkups and managing chronic illnesses.

Urgent Care - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

Walk-in clinic for medical issues that need attention but aren't life-threatening.

Dermatology - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

Department focused on skin, hair, and nails conditions.

Diabetes / Endocrinology - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

Deals with hormone-related problems, including diabetes and thyroid issues.

Psychiatry / Behavioral Health - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

Department focusing on mental health and behavioral disorders.

Pain Management - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

A clinic helping patients control long-term or severe pain.

Infectious Disease - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

Treats illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs that can spread or are difficult to treat.

Wound Care - Outpatient & Specialty Clinic

Specializes in treating wounds that won't heal properly.

Admitting / Patient Registration - Non-Clinical / Support Services

First stop for patients entering the hospital, managing check-ins and records.

Medical Records / Health Information Management (HIM) - Non-Clinical / Support Services

Keeps all patient medical files accurate, private, and accessible.

Billing & Finance - Non-Clinical / Support Services

Handles hospital payments and insurance claims.

Case Management / Social Services - Non-Clinical / Support Services

Assists patients with discharge planning and additional resources.

Information Technology (IT) - Non-Clinical / Support Services

Maintains hospital computer systems and protects patient data.

Food & Nutrition Services / Dietary - Non-Clinical / Support Services

Prepares healthy meals for patients and ensures dietary needs are met.

Central Supply / Sterile Processing - Non-Clinical / Support Services

Cleans and sterilizes medical tools and supplies for hospital departments.

Security & Environmental Services - Non-Clinical / Support Services

Security keeps everyone safe and responds to emergencies. Environmental Services (EVS) cleans and sanitizes all hospital areas to prevent infections.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Collects data about jobs, wages, and unemployment to help understand the U.S. economy. It protects workers by providing accurate information for fair labor policies and job safety programs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Monitors and prevents disease outbreaks, promotes public health, and provides safety guidelines. It protects Americans from health threats like COVID-19, flu, and foodborne illnesses.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Oversees the nation’s public health insurance programs — Medicare and Medicaid. It helps provide affordable healthcare to seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities.

Medicare: Federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, younger people with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.

Medicaid: Joint federal and state program for low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Conducts and supports medical research to improve health and find cures. It helps protect citizens by advancing knowledge of diseases and developing treatments.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Assures safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards. It protects workers by preventing job-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Provides healthcare, benefits, and support to military veterans and their families. It ensures those who served the country receive proper medical and financial care.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Regulates food, medicine, cosmetics, and medical devices to ensure safety and effectiveness. It protects the public from unsafe or mislabeled products.

U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)

Promotes and protects the nation’s health through public health programs and emergency response. It provides medical care, disease prevention, and disaster relief.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Represents drug companies that research and develop new medicines. It works to improve patient access to safe and effective treatments.

The Joint Commission (JCAHO)

Accredits and inspects hospitals and healthcare organizations to ensure quality care. It protects patients by maintaining high healthcare safety and performance standards.

American Cancer Society (ACS)

Funds cancer research, supports patients, and promotes cancer prevention. It helps save lives by providing education, resources, and screenings.

American Heart Association (AHA)

Raises awareness and funds research on heart disease and stroke prevention. It helps Americans live longer, healthier lives through education and support programs.

American Red Cross (ARC)

Provides disaster relief, blood donations, and emergency assistance. It protects and supports communities during crises and natural disasters.

March of Dimes (MOD)

Works to improve the health of mothers and babies. It funds research and provides education to prevent birth defects and premature births.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Leads global efforts to monitor, prevent, and control diseases worldwide. It protects global health by coordinating international responses to pandemics and health emergencies.

Support Services

Includes departments that keep the facility functioning.

Informational Services (Administrative & IT)

• Business management

• Document and process information

Therapeutic Services

Provides treatment to patients

Diagnostic Services

Determines the cause(s) of illness or injury

Biotechnology & Research

Science & Research

All the career pathways report to who?

The board

Acute Care

Provides short-term, immediate treatment for severe injuries or sudden illnesses (like heart attacks or surgeries).

Ambulatory Care

Outpatient care where patients come in for diagnosis or minor procedures and go home the same day.

Behavioral and Mental Health Services

Helps people with emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric issues through counseling, therapy, or medication.

Home Care

Medical or personal care provided in a patient’s home, often for recovery, disability, or chronic illness.

Long-Term/Residential Care

Provides ongoing support for people who can’t live independently due to age or health conditions.

Nursing Homes

Facilities that offer 24-hour nursing care for elderly or disabled patients who need daily assistance.

Assisted Living Facilities

Provide housing, meals, and personal help for seniors who can live somewhat independently.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)

Offer short-term rehabilitation or medical care after surgery, injury, or hospitalization.

Medical and Dental Practices

Clinics where doctors and dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent common health and dental problems.

Optical Centers

Provide vision exams, glasses, contact lenses, and treatment for eye conditions.

Emergency Care Services

Handle life-threatening or urgent situations such as car accidents, heart attacks, or severe bleeding.

Hospice

Provides comfort and support for patients in the final stages of terminal illness, focusing on quality of life.

Inpatient

Patient stays overnight or longer in a hospital for treatment or recovery.

Outpatient

Patient receives care and goes home the same day.

Cosmetic Surgery Centers

Perform elective procedures to improve appearance, such as facelifts or liposuction.

Orthodontics

Specializes in correcting teeth and jaw alignment using braces, retainers, or Invisalign.

Pulmonology

Focuses on diagnosing and treating lung and breathing disorders like asthma or COPD.

Surgical Centers

Provide outpatient (same-day) surgeries like gallbladder removal, joint repair, or biopsies.