Health Care Careers Overview

OT: Occupational Therapist - aids patients in improving their ability to perform daily activities.
CLS: Clinical Laboratory Scientist - conducts lab tests crucial for diagnosing diseases.
CNM: Nurse Midwife - provides care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
DMD: Doctor of Dental Medicine - dental professional focusing on oral health.
EMT: Emergency Medical Technician - offers emergency medical care and transportation.
DO: Doctor of Osteopathy - emphasizes holistic treatment and wellness in medicine.
CBET: Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician - specializes in medical equipment maintenance.
RN: Registered Nurse - provides direct patient care and education.
OD: Optometrist - examines and treats vision problems, not a medical doctor.
RD: Registered Dietitian - advises on nutrition and diet-related issues.
DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery - dental professional practicing oral surgery.
ATC: Certified Athletic Trainer - prevents and treats sports-related injuries.
DPM: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine - specializes in foot and ankle disorders.
CMA: Certified Medical Assistant - assists with clinical and administrative tasks.
ECG: Electrocardiograph Technician - operates ECG equipment to record heart activity.
PT: Physical Therapist - helps patients recover mobility through exercises and treatments.
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic - focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders.
LPN/LVN: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse - provides basic nursing care under supervision.
MD: Doctor of Medicine - practices allopathic medicine with a focus on medical treatment.
CRNP: Nurse Practitioner - provides advanced nursing care and can prescribe medications.
CLT: Clinical Laboratory Technician - performs lab tests assisting physicians in diagnosis.
DVM/VMD: Veterinarian - specializes in animal health care.
EEG: Electroencephalographic Technologist - records brain electrical activity.
RT: Respiratory Therapist - treats patients with breathing difficulties.

Degrees and Licensing

Associates degree typically takes 2 years to complete.
Bachelors degree usually requires 4 years of education.
A Masters degree takes 1 or more years beyond a bachelors.
Doctorate degree often requires 1 or more years beyond a masters.
Licensure: essential for practicing, requiring approved education and state board exam.
Certification: involves meeting educational performance standards.
Registration: ensures a current list of qualified practitioners.

Specialized Professions

Orthodontist: focuses on teeth alignment.
Ophthalmologist: medical doctor specializing in eye diseases.
Psychiatrist: treats mental health disorders.
Oral Surgeon: performs surgeries on the oral cavity.
Neurologist: handles brain and nervous system issues.
Gynecologist: specializes in female reproductive health.
Family Physician: treats a wide range of illnesses across all age groups.
Periodontist: focuses on gum and bone health.
Oncologist: specializes in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiologist: focuses on heart and blood vessel diseases.
Gerontologist: studies health issues in elderly populations.
Pediatrician: specializes in children's health and illnesses.
Obstetrician: focuses on pregnancy and childbirth.
Dental Hygienist: cleans teeth and supports dental health.
Epidemiologist: studies disease patterns in populations.

Support Roles and Responsibilities

Health Information Technician: organizes patient health records and data.
Medical Coders: assign specific codes to diagnoses and services.
Health Care Administrator: manages health facility operations.
Geriatric Aide: assists elderly patients with daily tasks.
Pharmacist: dispenses medications based on prescriptions.
Recreational Therapist: uses activities to promote patient health.
Forensic Science Technician: analyzes evidence for crime investigations.
Medical Translators: facilitate communication by translating medical information.
Genetic Counselor: advises families on genetic health issues.

Educational Requirements

Technician roles typically need 2 years of schooling or extensive work experience.
Technologist roles generally require 3-4 years of schooling and work experience.
Multiskilled workers: versatile professionals who can perform varied healthcare functions.
Small facilities employ these workers to offset costs and maintain efficiency.

Entrepreneurial Characteristics

Entrepreneurs: manage and take risks with healthcare businesses.
Characteristics include motivation, self-confidence, responsibility, creativity, and independence.