Learn: Healthcare Professions: Definitions and Roles in Medical Fields

Occupational Therapist

Helps people develop or regain the skills

needed to perform everyday activities and

live as independently as possible.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Performs complex laboratory tests on blood, tissues, and other specimens to help

diagnose and treat disease.

Nurse midwife

Provides healthcare for women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum, as

well as reproductive care.

Doctor of dental medicine

A dentist who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases and problems of the teeth and mouth.

emergency medical technician

Provides emergency medical care and transportation to patients before and during

transport to a healthcare facility.

doctor of ostheopathy

A physician who diagnoses and treats illness using the same medical practices as an MD

while also emphasizing the body's structure and function

Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician

Maintains, repairs, tests, and manages medical equipment used in healthcare facilities.

Registered nurse

Provides patient care, administers medications, monitors health conditions, and

coordinates treatment.

Optomitrist

Examines, diagnoses, and treats vision and many eye conditions and prescribes glasses or contact lenses.

Registered Dietitian

Uses nutrition science to help patients manage health conditions and develop appropriate nutrition plans.

Doctor of dental surgery

A dentist who diagnoses, treats, and prevents conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth.

Certified athletic trainer

Prevents, evaluates, treats, and rehabilitates injuries related to physical activity and sports.

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs.

Certified Medical Assistant

Performs clinical and administrative tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients,

and assisting healthcare providers.

Electrocardiograph Technician

Performs electrocardiograms (EKGs/ECGs) to record and monitor the electrical activity of the heart.

Phisical therapist

Helps patients improve movement, strength, balance, and function after injury, illness,

or surgery.

Doctor of chriopractic

Provides care focused primarily on the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, joints, and related conditions.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

Provides basic nursing care such as monitoring patients, administering certain

medications, and assisting with daily care under appropriate supervision.

Doctor of Medicine

A physician who diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and other health conditions

using medical and surgical treatments.

Nurse Practitioner

An advanced practice nurse who assesses patients, diagnoses conditions, provides

treatment, and may prescribe medications depending on state law

Clinical Laboratory Technician

Performs laboratory tests on patient specimens to help healthcare providers diagnose

and monitor conditions

veterinarian

A doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries in animals.

Electroencephalographic Technologist

Performs EEG tests that record the electrical activity of the brain.

Respitory therapist

Evaluates and treats patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary problems and

manages respiratory equipment such as ventilators.