Health Care Careers Overview

Study Notes

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.

Description

Explore various health care careers including Occupational Therapist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, and Registered Nurse among others. This quiz provides insights into each profession's roles, responsibilities, and areas of expertise. Test your knowledge of the diverse opportunities in the health care field!