Diversified Health Occupations

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Specialists who work under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Duties include preparing patients for surgery, setting up instruments and operating room supplies, and assisting during surgery by passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon; also known as operating room technicians.

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surgical technologists/technicians (STs)

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Technologists who work under the supervision of radiologists and use X-rays, radiation, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance to diagnose and treat disease.

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radiologic technologists

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Technicians who work under the supervision of veterinarians, assisting with the handling and care of animals, collecting specimens, assisting with surgery, forming laboratory tests, and maintaining records.

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veterinary technicians (VTs)

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A level of proficiency usually requiring a two-year associate's degree or three to four years of on-the-job training.

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technician

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A class of expertise in a health career field usually requiring at least three to four years of college plus work experience.

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technologist

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Licensed health care providers with two to four years of training in nursing who work under the direction of physicians. Although qualified to provide total care to patients, many RNs fill supervisory or administrative roles.

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registered nurses (RNs)

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Therapists who use recreational and leisure activities as forms of treatment to minimize patients' symptoms and improve physical, emotional, and mental well-being; also known as therapeutic recreation specialists.

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recreational therapists (TRs)

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Professionals who specialize in the care of animals

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veterinarians (DVMs or VMDs)
(Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Medicine Doctor).

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Employees who record information on records, schedule procedures and tests, answer telephones, order supplies, and work with computers to record or obtain information.

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unit secretaries/ward clerks/unit coordinators

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Assistants who work under the supervision of veterinarians or veterinary technicians. Duties include feeing and bathing animals, preparing animals for treatment, and sanitizing cages.

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veterinary assistants

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The process whereby a regulatory body in a given health care area administers exams and/or maintains a list of qualified personnel.

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registration

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Therapists who work under physicians' orders and treat patients with heart and lung diseases by administering oxygen, gases, or medications. They also use exercises to improve breathing, monitor ventilators, and perform diagnostic respiratory function tests.

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respiratory therapists (RTs)

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Technicians who work under the supervision of respiratory therapists. Duties include administering respiratory treatments, performing basic diagnostics tests, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and informing therapists of patients' responses and progress.

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respiratory therapy technicians (RTTs)

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Professionals who aid people who have difficulty coping with various problems by helping them make adjustments in their lives and/or referring them to community resources for assistance; also known as case managers or counselors.

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social workers (SWs)

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Therapists who identify, evaluate, and treat patients with speech and language disorders; also called speech pathologists.

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speech-language therapists

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Licensed practitioners who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems and defects.

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optometrists (OD)

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Artists who create illustrations, charts, graphs, and diagrams for health textbooks, journals, magazines, and exhibits.

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medical illustrators

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Technicians who work under the supervision of medical technologists or pathologists and perform many of the routine tests that do not require the advanced training of medical technologists.

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medical laboratory technicians (MTs)

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Assistants who work under the supervision of recreational therapists in carrying out the activities planned by therapists.

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recreational therapy assistants

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The degree awarded by a college or university after the successful completion of one or more years of prescribed study beyond a bachelor's degree.

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master's degree

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Technologists with a bachelor's or master's degree who work under the supervision of pathologists. Their duties include the study of tissue, fluids, and cells to determine the presence or cause of disease; also known as clinical laboratory technologists.

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medical laboratory technologists (MLTs)

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Physicians with specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental illness.

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psychiatrists

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Assistants with training in both clinical and administrative areas who work under the supervision of physicians. The state law, type of facility, and physician specialty determine the kinds of duties that may be assigned to the medical assistant.

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medical assistants (MAs)

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Professionals who study human behavior and use this knowledge to help individuals deal with problems of everyday living.

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psychologists

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Specialists who plan the systems for storing and obtaining information from records, prepare information for legal action and insurance claims, compile statistics for organizations and government agencies, manage medical records departments, ensure the confidentiality of patient records, and supervise and train other personnel.

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medical records administrators (RAs)

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Specialists who organize books, journals, and other print materials to provide health information to other health care professionals; also known as health sciences librarians.

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medical librarians

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Specialists who use word processors to enter data and reports that have been dictated by physicians or other health care providers.

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medical transcriptionists

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The field of dentistry concerned with the prevention and correction of the alignment and malocclusion of the teeth.

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orthodontics
(An orthodontist is a dentist with specialized training in orthodontics.)

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Technicians who work under the supervision of psychiatrists or psychologists. Duties include helping patients and their families follow treatment and rehabilitation plans. They provide understanding and encouragement, assist with physical care, observe and report behavior, and teach patients constructive social behavior.

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psychiatric/mental health technicians

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Technicians who organize and code patient records, gather statistical or research data, and record information; also known as health information technicians.

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medical records technicians

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Technicians who work under the supervision of ophthalmologists and optometrists. Responsibilities include preparing patients for examinations, taking ocular measurements, administering basic vision tests, maintaining ophthalmic and surgical instruments, adjusting glasses, and teaching eye exercises.

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ophthalmic technicians (OTs)

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Technicians who cut, grind, finish, polish, and mount the lenses used in eyeglasses and other optical instruments such as telescopes and binoculars.

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ophthalmic laboratory technicians

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An employee who has skills and training in several areas of patient care.

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multicompetent/multiskilled worker

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Therapists who use various activities to assist patients in learning the skills required to manage the activities of daily living.

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occupational therapists (OTs)

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Employees who work under the supervision of funeral directors or embalmers. Responsibilities may include assisting with preparation of the body and other duties before, during, and after the funeral service.

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mortuary assistants

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Technologists who work under the supervision of ophthalmologists. Responsibilities include obtaining patient histories, performing routine eye tests and measurements, fitting patients for contact lenses, administering prescribed treatments, assisting with eye surgery, and performing advanced diagnostic tests.

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ophthalmic medical technologists (OMTs)

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Specialists with two or more years of college plus specialized training who work under the supervision of physicians. Duties include taking medical histories, performing routine physical examinations and basic diagnostic tests, making preliminary diagnoses, treating minor injuries, and prescribing and administering appropriate treatment.

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physician assistants (PAs)

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Unlicensed employees who work under the supervision of RNs or LPNs/LVNs to provide patient care such as bed making, feeding, assisting in transfer, and ambulation; also known as nurse aides, nurse technicians, patient care technicians, or orderlies.

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nurse assistants

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Professionals who examine patients, order tests, make diagnoses, perform surgery, treat diseases and disorders, and teach preventive health.

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physicians

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An emergency medical technician with additional in-depth training in patient assessment, advanced life support, ECG interpretation, endotracheal intubation, and drug administration.

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paramedic (EMT-P)

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The field of dentistry that specializes in the replacement of missing teeth.

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prosthodontics
(A prosthodontist is a dentist with specialized training in prosthodontics.)

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Physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders of the eyes.

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ophthalmologists

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Unlicensed employees who work under the supervision of RNs or LPNs/LVNs to provide patient care such as bed making, feeding, assisting in transfer, and ambulation; also known as nurse assistants, nurse aides, nurse technicians, or orderlies.

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patient care technicians (PCTs)

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Individuals who make or sell lenses, eyeglasses, and other optical supplies.

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opticians

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Specialized assistants who work under the supervision of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and/or ophthalmic technologists or technicians. Duties include preparing patients for examinations, measuring visual acuity, performing receptionist duties, helping patients with frame selection and fitting, ordering lenses, and performing minor adjustments and repairs of glasses.

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ophthalmic assistants (OAs)

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Secondary education that prepares students for employment in health occupations or further education in these fields.

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health occupations education (HOE)

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Specialists who operate the heart-lung machines used in coronary bypass surgery; also known as extracorporeal circulation technologists.

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perfusionists

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Process by which a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation.

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licensure

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Therapists who usually work under the supervision of physicians or physical therapists and use a variety of massage techniques to provide pain relief for chronic muscle conditions.

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massage therapists

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The field of dentistry that specializes in the treatment of young children; also known as pediatric dentistry.

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pedodontics
(A pediatric dentist is a dentist with specialized training in pedodontics.)

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The field of dentistry concerned with the surgical treatment of the mouth and teeth. (

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oral surgery
An oral surgeon is a dentist with specialized training in oral surgery.)

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Therapists who provide treatment to improve mobility and prevent or limit the permanent disability of patients with disabling injuries or diseases.

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physical therapists (PTs)

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Professional trained to dispense medications per written order from physicians, dentists, and other people authorized to prescribe medications.

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pharmacists (PharmDs)

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Assistants who are trained to work in the patient's home and perform duties including preparing meals and cleaning.

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home health care assistants

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The field of dentistry that specializes in the treatment of the gums and other soft tissues of the oral cavity.

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periodontics
(A periodontist is a dentist with specialized training in periodontics.)

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Nurses who work under the supervision of physicians or RNs to provide patient care requiring technical knowledge but not the level of education required for RNs.

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licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs)

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Technicians who work under the supervision of pharmacists in performing duties that include helping prepare medications, labeling medications, performing inventories, ordering supplies, preparing intravenous solutions, and helping maintain records.

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pharmacy technicians

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Specialists who collect blood and prepare it for testing; also known as venipuncture technicians.

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phlebotomists

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Employees who maintain the cleanliness of the health care facility in order to provide a pleasant and sanitary environment; also known as environmental service workers.

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housekeeping workers/sanitary managers

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Assistants who work under the supervision of physical therapists and help carry out prescribed plans of treatment.

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physical therapist assistants (PTAs)

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Degree awarded by a college or university after the completion of a prescribed course of study beyond a bachelor's or master's degree.

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doctorate/doctor's degree

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An individual who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business.

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entrepreneur

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Those who provide support and funeral services to the survivors; also known as morticians or undertakers.

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funeral directors

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Specialists who operate electrocardiograph machines to diagnose heart diseases and monitor the condition of the patient's heart.

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electrocardiograph (ECG) technicians

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A professional who specializes in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the feet or the leg below the knee.

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Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

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Nurse assistants who have additional education and provide care for the elderly in settings such as extended care facilities.

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geriatric aides/assistants

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A professional who treats diseases and disorders by placing special emphasis on the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems, and the relationship between the body, mind, and emotions.

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Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

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Specialists in providing emergency and prehospital care.

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emergency medical technician (EMT)
*The three levels are emergency medical technician ambulance/basic (EMT-B), emergency medical technician intermediate (EMT-I), and emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P).

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The field of dentistry concerned with the dental pulp and periapical tissues.

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endodontics
(An endodontist is a dentist with specialized training in endodontics.)

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Managers who plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of health care and manage the operation of health care facilities; also known as health services managers.

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health care administrators

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A technologist who operates the equipment that records the electrical activity of the brain.

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electroencephalographic (EEG) technologist

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A professional trained to focus on ensuring the proper alignment of the spine and the optimal operation of the nervous system to maintain health.

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Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

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An electroencephalographic technologist who has advanced training and is qualified to perform nerve conduction tests, measure sensory and physical responses to specific stimuli, and operate other monitoring devices.

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electroneurodiagnostic technologist

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A professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases and disorders.

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Doctor of Medicine (MD)

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Specialists who prepare the body for internment.

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embalmers

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Employees who are involved in ordering, maintaining, and supplying the equipment and supplies for use by other departments in a health care facility.

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central/sterile supply workers

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Registered professionals with a bachelor's degree who manage food service systems and perform other services, including assessing patients' or residents' nutritional needs and planning menus.

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dietitians (RDs)

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Professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease of the mouth, teeth, and oral tissues

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dentists (DMDs or DDSs)
(Doctor of Medical Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Surgery).

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The degree awarded by a college or university after the successful completion of a four-year course of study or its equivalent.

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bachelor's degree

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Technicians, usually with an associate's degree, who work under the supervision of dietitians in planning menus, ordering foods, standardizing and testing recipes, assisting with food preparation, and providing basic dietary instruction.

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dietetic technicians (DTs)

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Technicians who operate the kidney hemodialysis machines used to treat patients with limited or no kidney function. Training requirements vary by state.

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dialysis technicians

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Specialists in preventing and treating athletic injuries and in providing rehabilitative services to athletes.

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athletic trainers (ATs)

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Assistants, often with on-the-job training, who work under the supervision of dietitians and assist with food preparation and service; also known as food service workers.

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dietetic assistants

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Specialists in the installation, testing, service, and repair of equipment used in patient treatment.

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biomedical equipment technicians (BETs)

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Credits earned for ongoing education. These are required in some states or fields for the renewal of licenses or the maintenance of certification.

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continuing education units (CEUs)

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Specialists who must work in accordance with the written prescription of a dentist in the creation and repair of dental appliances such as dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances.

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dental laboratory technicians

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Licensed specialists in dental prophylaxis (cleaning teeth), taking X-rays, and patient education.

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dental hygienists

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The issuing of a statement or certificate by a professional organization to a person who has met the requirements of education, experience, and standards set by the organization.

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certification

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Specialists who must work under the supervision of a dentist and are trained in both clinical and administrative duties relating to dental care.

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dental assistants (DAs)

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Specialists who assist with heart treatments such as cardiac catheterization and angioplasty, and monitor patients during open-heart surgery.

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cardiovascular technologists

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Specialists in the use of the arts to help patients deal with social, physical, or emotional problems.

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art, music, dance therapists

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The degree awarded by a vocational-technical school or community college after the successful completion of a two-year course of study or its equivalent.

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associate's degree

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Specialists in the admissions department of a health care facility that gather new patient data, maintain records, assign rooms, and process discharge information.

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admitting officers/clerks

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The level of occupational proficiency at which an individual can work in an occupation after a relatively brief period of education or with only on-the-job training.

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assistant