Chapter 3: Careers of Heath Care

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.