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Audiologist

Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear problems. Requires a doctoral degree.

Chiropractor

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, and other techniques to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain. Requires a doctoral degree.

Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health. Requires a doctoral degree.

Medical Scribe

Medical scribes specialize in charting - encounters in real time, such as during . Depending on which area of practice the scribe works in, the position may also be called clinical scribe, clinical information manager (CIM), ER scribe or ED scribe (in the ). A scribe is trained in and the use of to support it. A scribe can work on-site (at a or ) or from a -secure facility.

Midwife

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) provide health care involving emotional and physical support to women before, during, and after childbirth. They are registered nurses with specialized training in assisting pregnant women and their newborn babies. CNMs must complete an accredited program of study and clinical experience in obstetrical care.

Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse Anesthetists are specially trained registered nurses who administer anesthetics to patients undergoing medical, dental, and obstetrical procedures. They usually work under the direction of the attending surgeon, dentist, or anesthesiologist. Duties include getting supplies and equipment ready for procedures, studying and interpreting pre-surgical tests to determine how the anesthetic will affect the patient, and assuring that an adequate blood supply is on hand in case of an emergency. Requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and specialized graduate education.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide care to patients throughout the lifespan, from premature newborns to the elderly. Two out of three nurse practitioners provide primary care, often specializing in family care, women’s health, pediatrics or adult/geriatric care. Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a master’s degree.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Requires a master’s degree.

Optometrist

Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. Requires a doctoral degree.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They may also conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles. Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), a 4-year professional degree, and be licensed, which requires passing two exams.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists, also known as PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Doctoral program.

Physician

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries such as broken bones, diseases such as cancerous tumors, and deformities such as cleft palates. Almost all physicians complete at least 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients. Requires a master’s degree.

Podiatrist

Podiatrists provide medical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery involving the lower extremities. Doctoral or professional degree.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease such as asthma or emphysema. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients whose lungs are affected by various diseases and breathing disorders. Respiratory Therapists operate mechanical ventilators and use aerosols and other medical gases to assist breathing and or ease breathing difficulty.  They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, shock or traumatic injury.  As of January 2018, all new Respiratory Therapy Programs must be capable of awarding a Bachelor of Science degree to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Speech/Language/Pathology Therapist

Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in patients. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate or autism. Requires a master’s degree.

Veterinarian

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. Veterinarians must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary college and a state license.

There are numerous organizations at the federal, state, and local level whose responsibilities involve the provision and regulation of healthcare services, disease and prevention research and activities, and monitoring of and protection from health hazards. Below is a partial list of Federal agencies that oversee the healthcare field.

There are also non-governmental entities whose mission is to provide oversight and accreditation of healthcare facilities. Examples of these types of organization are also provided here.

Federal Government

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality supports research to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) monitors and regulates the effects of hazardous materials on public health. The ATSDR responds to hazardous material threats, educates the public on HAZMAT risks, and encourages community members and organizations’ participation.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

The Center provides services to consumers and industry groups about food and cosmetics. They perform scientific analysis, develop policy, and handle critical issues related to food and cosmetics.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides health coverage to more than 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. The CMS seeks to strengthen and modernize the nation’s health care system, and to provide access to high quality care and improved health at lower costs. CMS is also responsible for ensuring compliance to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA, which works to reduce costs while protecting patients and providing better medical care, is a major piece of health care regulation and was instituted to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by developing and promoting dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level agency in the executive branch of the federal government. Its mission is to enhance and protect the well-being of all Americans by providing effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health and social services.

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to protect human health and the environment through the writing and enforcing of regulations based on laws passed by Congress.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports citizens and emergency personnel to build, sustain, and improve the nation's capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Food Safety and Inspection Service

The Food Safety and Inspection Service is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and eggs are safe and are properly labeled and packaged.

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for controlling the safety and effectiveness of the country’s drug supply for both humans and animals. The FDA regulates food safety, cosmetics, feed supply for animals, dietary supplements and biologics as well as the national blood supply, medical devices, food additives, product recalls and restaurant inspections.

Food and Nutrition Service

The Food and Nutrition Service provides children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education.

Health Resources and Services Administration

HRSA's mission is to improve and expand access to quality health care for all by eliminating barriers to care, eliminating health disparities, assuring quality of care and improving public health and healthcare systems.

about the mission of these and other Federal agencies.

about opportunities specific to college students and graduates.

NON-PROFIT AGENCIES

There are also non-profit organizations that serve as watchdogs and accreditation institutions for healthcare in America:

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) works to ensure that healthcare organizations provide quality care. JCAHO employs a system in which health care organizations are examined and then given a score of 1-100, with higher scores being better. These scores are important to health care organizations, as they are a factor when determining reimbursement from Medicare.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) ensures the quality of managed care plans. It was established in 1991 to provide standard and objective information about HMOs.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Art Therapist

Art therapists are board certified mental health professionals who utilize various art media (drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.) to help patients create greater self-awareness, manage behavior/addictions, develop better social skills, increase self-esteem, and reduce anxiety. Therapists often work in schools, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and in private practice.

Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers work with clients to help prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Trainers work in a variety of settings including hospitals, fitness centers, schools, and colleges/universities. Trainers utilize evidence-based practice and therapeutic interventions to assist individuals in physical recovery.

Exercise Physiologist

Develops exercise-based programs that aid in the recovery and rehabilitation from chronic diseases, improve body composition and flexibility, and cardiovascular functioning. Physiologists can work in both clinical and non-clinical settings, depending on their educational background and career aspirations. Each setting comes with its own unique area of practice and patient/client population.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists work on the soft tissues of the body (muscle, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue) to relieve pain, improve healing, and overall enhance a client’s state of wellbeing. Massage therapists can work in private practice, as part of a larger practice, in rehabilitation, and in medical clinics.

Health & Wellness Coaching

Certified Health & Wellness coaches work with individuals who need guidance, support, and motivation to make positive changes in their health behaviors and lifestyle. Coaches attend a certification program, followed by completing a certification examination.

Acupuncture

Acupuncturists are practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncturists can work in private practice, as well as in conjunction with other healthcare providers such as massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and rehabilitation centers.

Recreational Therapist

Works to plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, and/or illnesses. A variety of modalities are used, including dance, drama, music, sports, games, aquatics, and arts/crats. The therapeutic process is systematically designed to utilize these various methods to help address the physical and psychological needs of clients and patients.

Registered Dietitian

Registered nutrition professionals provide a wide range of health services to patients, clients, and community members about the role of nutrition and diet in health and wellness. Training includes education in the biology, chemistry, biochemistry, nutritional science, psychology, and education and counseling. Students then complete a one-year rotation in a variety of clinical settings to gain entry-level knowledge into the field. Registered dietitians can work in healthcare, higher education, private practice, food service, research, industry, and fitness.

Registered Yoga Teacher

Guides people through the physical exercises and practice (Asana) of yoga. There are many styles of yoga, and teachers often train in more than one to be able to work with a wider variety of people. Registration requires at least completing a 200-hour training program from an accredited school/instructor.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Advises and works with people who are dealing with dependency on a variety of chemicals including alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. Counselors provide treatment and support to individuals and family members/friends, and help clients to modify problem behaviors and provide education on how to overcome their dependencies.

Areas of responsibility within healthcare settings include:

• Commercial Health Insurance
• Fundraising/Development
• Government Relations
• Human Resources/Recruiting
• Information Management & Technology
• Marketing & Public Relations
• Materials Management (purchasing of equipment and supplies)
• Medical Practice Management
• Medical Staff Relations
• Nursing Administration
• Planning and Development
• Regulatory Compliance

Commercial Health Insurance

Working in the insurance industry may involve reviewing medical claims, interpreting data, analyzing costs, and coordinating patient benefits. Examiners investigate claims for legitimacy, work to prevent fraud, negotiate settlements, and authorize payments from the insurance company to the healthcare provider.

Finance

Areas of responsibility in finance include planning, organizing, auditing, accounting for and controlling a company's finances. These professionals also manage insurance billing, risk analysis, and reimbursement from private insurers and from Medicaid and Medicare. These careers typically require a bachelor’s degree with a concentration or courses in business, finance and/or accounting. For the management level, a graduate degree in business or health administration with an emphasis on finance is required.

Fundraising/Development

In a not-for-profit organization such as a hospital, development and fundraising professionals are responsible for all aspects of raising money, including funds from foundations, corporations, individuals, and government sources through activities such as grant-writing, annual appeals, special events, and strategic campaigns. Development professionals manage relationships with current and potential donors of an organization in order to encourage charitable donations and long-term support for the mission.

Government relations

Government relations professionals are involved with the development and application of public policy by building and maintaining working relationships with federal, state, and local governments, and the various business, community, and academic organizations within their service area.

Human Resources/Recruiting

Depending on the size of the facility, human resources professionals in a healthcare setting usually consist of human resources assistants, recruiters, placement managers, employer relations representatives, compensation & benefits specialists, training & development specialists, and a director of human resources. Recruiting professionals may work within a healthcare setting or as part of a recruiting firm that specializes in identifying and recruiting healthcare professionals.

Information Management & Technology

The term "health information technology" encompasses an array of technologies to store, share, and analyze health information. It includes managing patients’ electronic health records (EHRs), e-prescribing, and tools to track personal health and fitness.

Medical Scribe

Medical scribes specialize in charting - encounters in real time, such as during . Depending on which area of practice the scribe works in, the position may also be called clinical scribe, clinical information manager (CIM), ER scribe or ED scribe (in the ). A scribe is trained in and the use of to support it. A scribe can work on-site (at a or ) or from a -secure facility

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data. They ensure that the information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. These positions generally require an associate’s degree or certification.

Healthcare Analyst

A healthcare analyst studies and compiles medical data. They are tasked with compiling and maintaining data needed by companies, and finding ways to improve care systems within their place of employment. A healthcare analyst must hold a bachelor's degree, but some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree and experience working with data management systems.

Marketing and Public Relations

Marketing professionals plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by an organization, and identify potential customers. They may work in a hospital or healthcare setting, or in the business sector such as medical device companies. Public relations professionals handle the internal and external communications for a healthcare facility. They interact with physicians, nurses, managers, administrators, and patients, and therefore must have excellent communication skills.

Materials management

In a healthcare setting, materials management professionals ensure the proper tracking of different goods within the organization, quality control, and inventory.

Medical practice management

Within a medical practice, there are a variety of roles and positions for practice management, depending on the size and scope of the medical practice. These areas include financial management, business operations, human resources, information management, legal structure, patient care systems, quality management, and risk management.

Medical Staff Relations

Medical staff relations professionals manage the relationship between a hospital or healthcare organization and its physicians and other clinical professionals. Areas of responsibility include ensuring compliance with licensing regulations and requirements, recruiting and retaining physicians, developing patient safety initiatives, and maintaining communication between hospital administration and medical staff. Most employers (hospitals and healthcare systems) require a college degree and prefer an advanced degree, such as an MBA or a Master's degree in healthcare administration.

Nursing Administration

A nurse administrator is responsible for management of the nursing staff in a healthcare facility. Nurse administrators have a bachelor's degree in nursing, and most nurse administrators hold master's degrees. They may also pursue voluntary certification.

Planning and Development

Planning professionals participate in identifying an organization’s goals and objectives, and developing short- and long-term strategies to achieve those goals. Business Development professionals carry out those strategies by negotiating agreements, and developing and increasing new referrals, admissions, and outpatient volumes.

Regulatory Compliance

Compliance professionals perform research, analysis, and assessment of compliance with federal regulations related to Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, Affordable Care Act, and other government laws and programs, as well as professional accreditation and ethics. They must also keep up-to-date with all the laws, rulings, and regulations governing the healthcare industry. Typically, these professionals have a Law Degree or Master’s Degree in programs with an emphasis in healthcare compliance, health administration, public health, public policy, or other discipline related to government regulation.

Careers in include pharmaceutical sales, , medical equipment sales, and more. Some medical sales jobs may involve selling a service such as healthcare recruiting, billing, , or in-home care services.

Medical Device/Equipment Sales

Medical devices are items of equipment such as artificial joints implanted by orthopedic surgeons, a heart pacer implanted by a cardiologist, or dental implants used by dentists and oral surgeons, for example. Medical devices may also include disposable medical supplies or durable medical equipment.

Pharmaceutical Sales

Pharmaceutical representatives, also known as drug reps, provide drug information and product samples to physicians, and monitor prescribing patterns of physicians in a given geographic territory. In addition to the college degree, pharmaceutical reps must be very polished, professional, and well-spoken.

Behavior Analyst

Behavior analysts provide expertise in the analysis of behavior problems to determine why they occur, and develop and evaluate effective treatments. Behavior assistant positions require some college education, and analyst positions require a master’s degree.

Child Life Specialist

A child life specialist works with and families in hospitals and other settings to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability. They provide children with age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures, and strategies, and and self-expression activities. They also provide information, support, and guidance to family members. This requires a bachelor’s degree in any field of study plus certification.

Community outreach worker

The community outreach worker is the primary point of contact and organizer of volunteers for a non-profit or governmental organization, and acts as a liaison with community partners to further the organization’s goals for community and volunteer education. The position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a field such as Sociology, Psychology or Social Work. Bilingual and multilingual capabilities are heavily favored, depending on the population being served.

Direct Support Professional

A direct support professional works directly with people with hysical and/or , assisting them with , providing supervision during skills building activities, and implementing individual treatment plans. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including a care facility, in a medical setting, or in the home. A college degree is not required.

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Master’s degree required.

Patient Navigator

In a hospital setting, a patient navigator helps to coordinate patient care, connect patients with resources, and help them understand the healthcare system Typically requires a college degree. In the private sector, patient navigators are often nurses, social workers, and physicians hired by patients and their families to help with such issues as disease research, insurance problems, finding doctors, and understanding treatment and care options.

Program Specialist

Health program specialists work primarily in conjunction with , but the size and nature of the organization varies greatly. Public hospitals as well as their private counterparts employ these specialists to ensure the proper distribution of important information about services. Smaller entities, such as community clinics, also use these professionals to design and implement outreach programs that offer free or discounted care to individuals within the community who are in need. Typically requires a college degree.

Those interested in careers in healthcare can work in many different healthcare settings. Some of these include:

• Ambulatory care (outpatient) facilities
• Assisted living/ long-term care facilities
• Consulting firms
• Government and regulatory agencies
• Healthcare associations (organizations providing resources to members of a specific profession)
• Health insurance organizations
• Home health agencies
• Hospices
• Hospitals and hospital systems
• Integrated delivery systems (a network of organizations under a parent holding company; they provide a continuum of care all within one healthcare system)
• Managed care organizations (such as HMOs and PPOs)
• Medical group practices
• Mental health organizations
• Public health departments
• Universities or research institutions

(These careers typically do not require a four-year degree; certification is obtained through community college programs or from private training institutions.)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Provides services and care to outpatients and inpatients under the supervision of a fully licensed physical therapist. PTAs assist in carrying out the therapeutic plan designed by the physical therapist, and provide ongoing support in patient care.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Provides care and therapy to outpatients and inpatients as designed by a fully licensed occupational therapist. OTAs work to provide the appropriate care, treatments, and ongoing assessment of patients with their recovery, developmental, and disability needs.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy techs work under the supervision of a pharmacist to assemble medications to fill prescriptions, provide medication information to patients and other healthcare professionals, and can also produce medicines in pharmaceutical and clinical settings.

Emergency Medical Technician

EMTs provide entry-level patient care to those suffering from a medical emergency or crisis. EMTs, once they arrive, will often provide patient assessment, wound or illness management, and CPR, and work to remove patients from dangerous situations in order to transport them to a medical facility.

Dental Hygienist

Works with dentists to help in cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral disease, and provide other forms of dental/oral health related care. Hygienists perform patient screening, take radiographic images, provide direct cleaning and care to teeth, and can be involved in patient education on oral health and hygiene.

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants work alongside dentists to provide care to patients including initial assessment, patient history, x-rays and examinations, and oral care. This can occur in both a private practice as well as clinical settings.

Anesthesiologist Assistant

A non-physician professional who works with licensed anesthesiologists to operate the anesthesia equipment, monitor patient status, and provide high quality care to patients receiving anesthesia. Assistants will often take a complete health history, do pre-testing, calibration and other important facets of anesthesia delivery.

Psychiatric Tech

Working in psychiatric hospitals, residential mental health centers, and addiction treatment centers, psychiatric techs care for patients requiring mental health care. Technicians work in all aspects of psychiatric patient care.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Operates the equipment that creates images of the body of patients requiring nuclear imaging. Skills in computer processing and the analysis of biologic specimens are required as well. Technologists also prepare the radioactive drugs and administer them to patients.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists & Technicians

Analyze work environments and procedures to ensure that workplaces are safe and in accordance to state and federal health and safety regulations. Additional responsibilities include designing policies and educational programming to prevent disease and injury to employees. Technicians work to collect data on the health and safety conditions of a workplace. Technicians work along with safety specialists in conducting tests, measuring hazards, and other necessary assessments.

Surgical Technologist

Assists surgeons during clinical operations. Tasks include preparing the operating room, arranging equipment, and assisting the physician during surgery. Additionally, technologists work to help prepare equipment and maintain sterile and aseptic conditions in the operating room, and can perform incisions and other hands-on work during the surgery.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease such as asthma or emphysema. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients whose lungs are affected by various diseases and breathing disorders. Respiratory Therapists operate mechanical ventilators and use aerosols and other medical gases to assist breathing and or ease breathing difficulty.  They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, shock or traumatic injury.  As of January 2018, all new Respiratory Therapy Programs must be capable of awarding a Bachelor of Science degree to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).