Nurse practitioners provide direct primary and acute care in diverse areas of practice including but not limited to family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine, geriatrics, psychiatric-mental health, and women's health care. Both primary and acute care nurse practitioners provide initial, ongoing, and comprehensive care, including taking comprehensive histories, providing physical examinations and other health assessment and screening activities, and diagnosing, treating, educating and managing patients with acute and chronic illnesses and diseases. This may include ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting laboratory and imaging studies; prescribing medication and durable medical equipment; and making appropriate referrals for patients and families. Nurse practitioners work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians' offices, schools, and clinics. Nurse Practitioners have must have an RN license and have earned a graduate (masters or doctoral level) degree, which may require 2 to 4 years to complete.
Occupational therapists help people of all ages accomplish daily living tasks, adapt to permanent losses, learn new skills, fulfill life roles, and participate fully in life. Occupational therapists help those with chronic mental or physical health concerns, stroke recovery, or injuries engage in occupations or everyday activities that are personally meaningful, socially satisfying, and culturally relevant. Services may include comprehensive evaluations of client's home and other environments, recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in use, training in how to modify a task or activity to facilitate participation, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers or long-term care facilities, or community settings such as school systems, home health agencies, or private practice. Occupational therapists typically have earned a graduate degree (masters or doctoral level) and have passed the NBCOT licensing exam.
A Physician's Assistant (PA) is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional who practices medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and the uniformed services. A PA can take a medical history, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, develop treatment plans, counsel on preventive care, assist in surgery, prescribe medications, and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes, though specific duties depend on workplace setting, level of experience, specialty, and state laws. Physician assistants typically need a master's degree from an accredited educational program, which requires at least 2 years of full-time postgraduate study. All states require physician assistants to be licensed.
A clinical pharmacist is trained to be a drug consultant who is directly involved with patients, physicians, nurses, dentists, and health practitioners. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. Pharmacists must understand the use, composition, and clinical effects of drugs. Pharmacists conduct patient interviews and counseling sessions to determine appropriate medication therapy regimens. They may also provide chronic disease state management in community and clinic settings through collaborative practice agreements with physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Pharmacists practice in community pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, home health care, and specialized drug therapy areas. Pharmacy education typically includes a 4-year doctoral program along with possible post-graduate residencies and fellowships.
Biomedical scientists work to gain knowledge on the main principles of how the human body works and to find new ways to cure or treat disease by developing advanced diagnostic tools or new therapeutic strategies. Basic and translational medical science encompasses such curriculums as anatomy, neuroscience, chemistry, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, etc. Basic and translational scientists may work in academic/research, government, nonprofit, or private industry settings. Basic/translational scientists may obtain graduate degrees at the masters and doctoral levels and may pursue postdoctoral residencies or fellowships.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat conditions that limit a person's ability to move and function in daily life. Physical therapists examine and evaluate individuals with disturbed function or impairment and select appropriate therapeutic interventions to alleviate pain; maintain, improve, or restore function; prevent dysfunction; and maintain health. Physical therapists consult and work closely with physicians, surgeons and other healthcare practitioners in establishing treatment. Physical therapists may work in hospitals, private practice and/or outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, home health, hospice facilities, research centers, athletic centers, industrial clinics, academic centers as educators, researchers, or administrators. Practicing physical therapists must have earned a degree from an accredited physical therapy education program and have passed a state licensure exam. All U.S. A doctoral level Physical Therapy degree (DPT) is required as entry to practice.
The practice of registered nursing includes, but is not limited to assessing and analyzing health status, establishing outcomes to meet identified health care needs, prescribing and implementing nursing interventions, administering and delivering medications and treatments, delegating nursing interventions to qualified others, providing counseling and teaching for the promotion and maintenance of health, evaluating and revising responses to interventions, participating in or conducting research, and consulting to improve the practice of nursing. The responsibilities of an RN can vary greatly depending on the healthcare setting, which may include hospitals, clinics, schools, assisted living facilities, homes, and schools. Registered nurses are prepared either through a four-year baccalaureate program; a two-to three-year associate degree in nursing program; or a three-year hospital diploma program. Graduates of all programs take the same licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN.
Doctors of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Doctors of Dental Science (DDS) specialize in oral health and are responsible for diagnosing oral diseases, promoting oral health and disease prevention, creating treatment plans to maintain or restore the oral health of their patients, interpreting x-rays and diagnostic tests, ensuring the safe administration of anesthetics, monitoring growth and development of the teeth and jaws, and performing surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Areas of care include not only teeth and gums but also muscles of the head, neck and jaw; the tongue; salivary glands; and the nervous system of the head and neck. Dentists may work in private practice or hospital emergency rooms, conduct advanced laboratory research, teach, or practice at other institutions such as the government, non-profit groups, and insurance companies. DMD and DDS education typically includes a 4-year doctoral program along with post-graduate residencies and/or fellowships.
Medical Doctors (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) diagnose and treat human disease, ailments, injuries, pain or other conditions and specialize in one or more areas such as dermatology, family medicine, cardiology, anesthesiology, surgery, etc. Course work in MD and DO degree programs is typically four years in length and includes background in pathophysiology, recognition of signs and symptoms of disease, application of scientific method to the understanding of disease, and training in patient interviewing skills and physical examinations. Graduates of MD or DO programs go on to intensive residency training that lasts at least three to eight years. Physicians work in a variety of settings, and career options including specialization, private practice, teaching, research, hospital and business leadership, and public health and advocacy.
The cardiovascular perfusionist operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during medical procedures during which a patient's circulatory or respiratory functions are temporarily supported or replaced, such as during open-heart surgery or other heart procedures. A perfusionist must command extensive knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and surgical techniques and must be proficient in clinical mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Perfusionists may work in hospitals which perform open-heart surgery, chemotherapy, long-term respiratory or cardiac support, dialysis, blood salvaging during surgery, and heart/lung/liver transplants. To become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP), candidates must graduate from an accredited Perfusion program, complete 125 hours of perfusion procedures, and pass a two-part exam administered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who practice in all 50 states in settings in which anesthesia is delivered, including traditional hospital surgical suites, office-based settings, ambulatory surgical centers, the military battlefield, and in pain management clinics. Nurse anesthetists administer all methods of anesthesia and provide care to all patient populations. Nurse anesthesia programs include science-based, anesthesia focused curriculum that averages 28 months in length. By 2025, all nurse anesthesia programs will offer a doctoral degree as entry to practice.
Relying on training in psychology, interpersonal communication, human behavior, law and ethics, as well as access to state and local agencies and resources, social workers interact with individuals and groups to strengthen relationships, assist in recovery from abuse, and help improve quality of life. Social workers may work with communities, advocate for people in court or government proceedings, and help shape public policies. Becoming a social worker typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Social Services, two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and state licensure. Working as a counselor in private practice, supervisor, program manager, agency director or teacher will require a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a doctoral degree (DSW or PhD).
Psychologists are health professionals who assess human behavioral and mental function and well-being, study how human beings relate to each other, and work to improve these relationships. Psychologists work in myriad settings, including academic research, private psychology practice, K-12 schools, hospitals, the armed forces, court systems, prisons, and business/industry to diagnose and treat people, conduct basic and applied research, serve as consultants to communities and organizations, or teach future psychologists. Terminal degrees in Psychology (PhD, PsyD) generally require 4-7 years to complete and may include internships or residencies.
Certified medical assistants (CMA) work in physicians' offices, clinics, or other healthcare facilities, and are responsible for performing administrative and clinical duties that help medical facilities run smoothly, including scheduling, arranging admissions, greeting patients, taking medical histories, assisting during exams, collecting and preparing specimens, conducting basic laboratory tests, and preparing and administering medications as directed. Many medical assistants become certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants, which requires completion of an accredited medical assisting program and certification exam. A certified nursing assistant (CNA), helps patients or clients with healthcare needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Becoming a CNA requires completion of a training program and competency exam.
Licensed professional counselors are mental health service providers prepared with graduate education to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders. LPCs make up a large percentage of the work force employed in community mental health centers, agencies, and organizations. LPCs also work with active duty military personnel and their families. The practice of professional counseling includes, but is not limited to, the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, including addictive disorders; psycho -educational techniques aimed at the prevention of such disorders; consultation to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations; and research into more effective therapeutic treatment modalities. State licensure requirements typically include completion of masters or doctoral degree in counseling, minimum of 3000 hours supervised clinical experience, and NCE or similar exam.
A chaplain is an ordained clergy member who provides religious services and support to patients, hospital staff, and family members. Their goal is to provide spiritual and/or moral guidance and counseling to help people who may be experiencing spiritual distress, anger, or grief as a result of a medical crisis. Chaplains may also provide educational programs. Hospital chaplains typically hold a graduate degree (masters or doctoral) in religion, pastoral counseling, divinity, or theology.
Medical laboratory technologists collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. Specifically, a medical laboratory technologist may analyze body fluids and record normal or abnormal findings, study blood samples for use in transfusions, operate sophisticated laboratory equipment and computerized instruments, log data from medical tests and enter results into a patient's medical record, discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians, and supervise or train medical laboratory technicians. Medical laboratory technologists work in hospitals, doctors' offices, and diagnostic laboratories. An entry-level job for technologists usually requires a bachelor's degree in medical technology or life sciences, which may include courses in chemistry, biology, microbiology, math, and statistics.
Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They advise on what to eat to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. Dietitians and nutritionists typically assess patients' and clients' nutritional and health needs, counsel patients on nutrition and healthy eating, develop and evaluate meal plans, promote diet and nutrition health, monitor nutritional science research, and write reports to document patients' progress. Dietitians and nutritionists work in many settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and cafeterias, or for state and local governments. Most dietitians and nutritionists have a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, or a related area. Many dietitians and nutritionists have graduate degrees (masters or doctoral) and may be required to pass a certification exam.