1. Health Careers
Chapter 2

2. Educational Requirements
Depends on many factors & can vary from state to state
Secondary education (high school)
Science, Social studies, English, Math
Computers & Accounting a plus
Health Occupations Education
Prepares for entry level positions or additional education

3. Educational Requirements (cont)
Post-secondary education
After high school graduation
Vocational schools, community colleges, universities

4. Types of degrees Associate’s Degree (AD) Bachelor’s Degree (BS or BA)
Awarded by vocational schools or community colleges
Completion of 2 year course of study
Bachelor’s Degree (BS or BA)
Awarded by college or university
Completion of at least 4 year course of study

5. Types of degrees Master’s Degree (MS)
Awarded by college or university
Requires 1 or more years after BS or BA
Doctorate or Doctor’s Degree (PhD)
Requires 2 or more years after bachelor’s or master’s
Some require 4-6 years of study

6. Methods to ensure competency
Protect health care consumer
Certification
Issued by association or government agency regulating a career
Person needs to fulfill requirements of education & performance. Also meets the standards & qualifications
Examples – CNA CDA CMA

7. Methods to ensure competency
Registration
Done by regulatory board in a health care area (state boards)
Administers examinations & maintains a current list (registry) of qualified personnel
Examples – registered dietician, registered respiratory therapist, registered radiologic technologist

8. Methods to ensure competency
Licensure
Government agency authorizes person to work in a given occupation
Requirements:
Pass an approved educational program
Pass a state board test
Maintain certain standard to obtain & retain license
Examples – physicians, nurses, dentists, physical therapists

9. Methods to ensure competency
Usually need to graduate from ACCREDITED program before granting license, certification, or registration
Ensures that program meets quality competency standards
Accreditation by
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Can contact agencies to determine if school is accredited.

10. Continuing Education Units CEUs
Required to renew license or maintain certification/registration in many states
Must obtain additional hours of education in the specific health care career during a specific time frame
State requirements differ from state to state

11. Training – 4 types
Professional – requires 4 or more years of college & an advanced degree (doctor)
Technologist or Therapist- Requires 3-4 years of college plus work experience, usually a bachelor’s degree (medical lab technologist, physical therapist, speech therapist)

12. Training – 4 types (cont)
Technician – usually 2 year associate degree, special health education, or specific on-the-job training (dental lab technician, surgical technician)
Assistant or aide-requires up to one or more years of training combining classroom & on-the-job training ( dental, medical, or nurse assistant)

13. Multicompetent worker
New trend where workers perform a variety of occupations
Eliminates need for employing specialists for every aspect of care
Often combine basic skills of radiology, medical lab, & respiratory therapy
At times, workers can receive additional education to work in 2nd or 3rd occupation
In some cases, training prepares workers to be cross-trained

14. Entrepreneur
Individual who organizes, manages, & assumes the risks of a business
Much opportunity available
Many must work under the direction of physicians or dentists
Educational programs combine training with business skills
Involves risks & requires a certain level of education & ability
Individual should be self motivated, creative, disciplined, responsible, independent

15. National Health Care Skill Standards
Developed to indicate knowledge & skills expected of health care workers primarily at the entry & technical levels
6 groups of standards
Health care core standards – specify knowledge & skill that the majority of health care workers should have
Academic foundation, communication, employability, legal/ethical issues, safety, teamwork, knowledge about systems

16. National Health Care Skill Standards
Therapeutic/Diagnostic Core Standards
Focuses on direct client care in both diagnostic & therapeutic occupations
Health maintenance practices, client interaction, intrateam communication, monitoring client status, client movement
Therapeutic Cluster Standards
Specify knowledge & skills required of workers involved in changing the health status of the client over time
Data collection, treatment planning, implementing procedures, client status evaluation

17. National Health Care Skill Standards
Diagnostic Cluster Standards
Specify knowledge & skills required of workers involved in creating a picture of the client’s health status at a single point in time
Planning, preparation, procedure, evaluation, reporting

18. National Health Care Skill Standards
Information Services Cluster Standards
Specify knowledge & skills required of workers involved with documentation of client care
Analysis, abstracting, coding, information systems, documentation, & operations to enter, retrieve, & maintain info

19. National Health Care Skill Standards
Environmental Services Cluster Standards
Specify knowledge & skills required of workers involved with creating a therapeutic environment to provide direct or indirect client care
Environmental operations, aseptic procedures, resource management, aesthetics

20. Careers in each cluster
Therapeutic
Diagnostic
Info Services
Environ-mental
Chiropractor
Dentist
Physician
Nursing
Pharmacy
Radiation Tx
Respiratory Therapy
Veterinarian
EKG tech
EEG tech
Radiology
Genetic counseling
Laboratory ER
Admitting
Admini-
Stration
Education
Insurance
Medical Records
Ward clerk
Biomedical
Engineer
Central Supply
House-
Keeping
Grounds
keeper

21. Careers Dental – teeth & mouth soft tissues
Preventive, repair/replace diseased or damaged teeth, treating gums
Places of employment
Specialty
General dentistry
Endodontics
Orthodontics
Oral surgery
Pedodontics
Periodontics
Prosthodontics

22. Levels of Dentistry Dentists- doctors, entrepreneurs
Supervise, examine, diagnose, treat
Dental hygienists –
Supervised by dentists, prelim exams, remove stains/deposits, xray, place restoratives, remoe sutures
Dental lab techs- make/repair dental prosthesis
Dental assistants – under dentist supervision
Prepare pts for exam, pass instruments, take xrays, sterilize, receptionists

23. Diagnostic Services
Perform tests/evals to detect, diagnose, & treat disease, injury, or conditions
Electrocardiograph workers (EKG)
Operate EKG, stress tests, holter monitors, thallium scans.
With education, (AS or BS), can be cardiovascular techs in a cath lab

24. Diagnostic Services Electroencephalograph techs (EEG)
Operate EEG to record electrical activity of brain
Electroneurodiagnostic tech
Advanced EEG training to perform nerve conduction tests, monitor sensory & physical response to stimuli, operate equipment
Sleep disorder evals

25. Diagnostic Services Medical laboratory technologists
Study tissues, fluids, cells to determine presence or cause of disease
Biochemistry, blood bank, cytotechnology, hematology, histology, microbiology
Medical laboratory technicians
Work under supervision of technologist
Performs routine tests that do not require advanced knowledge
Medical laboratory assistants
Prepare specimens, clean/maintain equipment, perform basic lab tests
Phlebotomists – draw blood

26. Diagnostic Services Radiologic technologists
Work with xrays, radiation, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, MRI, PET scan to diagnose & treat
Different types of scanners
Biomedical equipment technicians
Install, service, test, & repair machines
Must be ACCURATE

27. Emergency Medical Services
Provides emergency, prehospital care
First responder – first person to arrive at scene – usually police, fireman, security
CPR certified, CFR – airway, oxygen, bleeding control
EMT (B)–basic emergency medical technician
Medical emergencies, bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, BLS, oxygen, childbirth, rescue, transports victims

28. Emergency Medical Services
EMT-D – EMT with additional training in defibrillation
EMT – I – EMT intermediate
Same tasks as EMT-B
Can also assess, manage shock, use IVs, esophageal airways
EMT-P – EMT paramedic
More thorough pt. assessment, ACLS, interpret EKGs, endotracheal intubation, administer drugs

29. Information & Communication Services
Maintains complete & accurate medical records, distribute health information, researches & maintains info, uses computers
Medical records administrator
Plans systems for storing & obtaining info from records, prepares info for legal action & insurance claims, compiles statistics, manage records dept., ensure confidentiality, supervise/trains, operates computers

30. Information & Communication Services
Medical records technicians
Organize & code pt. records, gather statistics, record info, use computers
Medical transcriptionists
Use word processor to enter data dictated by health care providers
Unit secretary, ward clerk
Records info on records, schedules tests, answers telephones, order supplies, operates computers

31. Information & Communication Services
Medical illustrator
Use artistic talent to produce illustrations, charts, graphs,& diagrams for health textbooks, journals, magazines, exhibits
Related field – medical photographer
Medical librarian –
Organizes books, journals to provide health information
Uses computer to create or provide info
Specialize in researching info for large pharmaceutical companies, insurance, lawyers, industry, or government

32. Hospital/health care facility services
Operates support departments – administration, admitting, business office, central/sterile supply, housekeeping
Health Care Administrators (CEO) –
Plans, directs, coordinates, supervises delivery of health care, manages personnel, supervise department heads, determine budget, establish policies/procedures, coordinates all activities
Admitting clerk
Obtains necessary info, assigns rooms, maintains records, processes discharge info

33. Hospital/health care facility services
Central/sterile supply workers
Order, maintain, & supply all the equipment & supplies used, sterilizes equipment/supplies, inventory materials, fill requisitions
Housekeeping/Environmental service
Maintains cleanliness of health care facility to provide pleasant & sanitary environment

34. Medical Careers
Involved with diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases & disorders
Physicians
Examines pts, obtains medical histories, order tests, make diagnoses, perform surgery, treat diseases
MD – medical doctor
DO – doctor of osteopathic medicine
DPM – doctor of podiatry
DC – doctor of chiropractry

35. Medical careers Physician assistants Medical assistants
Routine physical exams, basic diagnostic tests, medical histories, preliminary diagnosis, treat minor injury, prescribe & administer treatments
Medical assistants
Prepare pts for exams, take VS & medical histories, basic lab tests, prepare/maintain equipment, secretarial duties

36. Mental & social services
Help individuals function to their maximum capacity
Psychiatrists – physician
Diagnoses & treats mental illness
Psychologists –
Study human behavior & uses knowledge to help deal with problems

37. Mental & social services
Psychiatric/mental health technicians
Help pts follow treatment & rehab plans, help with physical care, provide understanding & encouragement, observe & report behaviors, teach pts social behavior
Social workers
Assist pts who are unable to cope & help make adjustments to change, refer pts to community services

38. Mortuary Careers Prepare body for burial/cremation
Funeral directors/morticians/undertaker
Provide support to survivors, interview family for details of ceremony, review prior arrangements, prepare body, secure info for legal documents, arrange/direct services, arrange for burial/cremation, direct business activities, provide post-death counseling & support

39. Mortuary careers Embalmers – Mortuary assistants –
Prepare body for interment, wash body with germicidal soap, replace blood with embalming fluid, reshape & restructure disfigurements, apply cosmetics, dress body, place in casket, maintain records of reports & valuables
Mortuary assistants –
Assist with body preparation, drive hearse, arrange flowers, assist with preparations, help with filing & record maintenance, clean funeral home

40. Nursing Careers Provide care for a pt. under dr. direction
Registered Nurses (RN)
Provide total care, observe pts & report, administer meds & treatments, teach health care, supervise other workers
Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse educators, nurse anesthetists
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN)
Provides pt. care that requires technical knowledge but not at the depth of a RN

41. Nursing Careers Nurse assistants Surgical technicians/technologists
Provide pt care such as baths, bedmaking, feeding, transfer, ambulation, basic treatments
Surgical technicians/technologists
Prepare pt for surgery, set up operating room with equipment, instruments, & sterile supplies, pass instruments & supplies to surgeon

42. Nutrition & Dietary Services
Dieticians or nutritionists
Manage food service system, assess nutritional needs & plan menus, teach proper nutrition, purchase food & equipment, enforce sanitary & safety rules, supervise/train personnel
Dietetic technicians
Plan menus, order food, standardize & test recipes, assist with food preparation, provide basic diet info
Dietetic assistants
Assist with food preparation & service, help pts select menus, clean work areas, assist as needed

43. Therapeutic services Focus on functioning at max capacity
Occupational Therapist
Help people with disability overcome, correct, or adjust to problem, use activities to assist with ADLs or job skills, help pts acquire independence
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Helps pt carry out program of treatment, directs pts in art/crafts, recreation, social events, teach & help carry out rehab & exercises, uses games to develop balance & coordination, assist pts in ADLs, report pt response & progress to therapist

44. Therapeutic Services Pharmacists Pharmacy technicians
Dispense meds, provide drug info, order & dispense health care items, recommend nonprescription items, check compatibility of drugs, monitor drug usage
Pharmacy technicians
Prepare meds for dispensing, label meds, inventory & order supplies, prepare IVs, maintain records

45. Therapeutic Services Physical Therapists Physical therapy assistants
Treat joint, bone, muscle, nerve injuries by exercise, massage, & applications of heat, cold, water, light, electricity, ultrasound
Assess function & plan treatment, promote help by developing exercise programs
Physical therapy assistants
Carry out treatments, perform exercises & massages, administer applications, assist with ambulation, provide ultrasound or electrical stimulation, report pt. response to therapists

46. Therapeutic Services Massage therapists Recreational therapist
Use massage, bodywork, therapeutic touch to relieve pain, improve lymphatic circulation, relieve stress & tension
Recreational therapist
Use recreation & leisure activities as treatment to minimize symptoms & improve wellness.
Provide activities like athletic events, dances, arts/crafts, music, drama, field trips movies to allow pts to gain independence, self-confidence & relieve anxiety

47. Therapeutic Services Recreational therapy assistants
Assist in carrying out activities planned by therapist, arrange activities & events, note & report progress
Respiratory therapist
Treat pts with heart & lung diseases by administering oxygen, gases, & meds, use exercise to improve breathing, monitor ventilators, provide diagnostic function tests

48. Therapeutic Services Respiratory therapy technicians
Administer respiratory treatments, perform basic diagnostic tests, clean & maintain equipment, note & record pt. progress
Speech pathologists
Identify, evaluate, & treat pts with speech & language disorders, help pt. communicate as effectively as possible, teach pt to cope with problems of speech impairment

49. Therapeutic Services Audiologists Art, music, & dance therapists
Work with the hearing impaired, test hearing, diagnose problems, & prescribe treatment including hearing aids, speech, or lip reading, test noise levels in workplaces
Art, music, & dance therapists
Use arts to help pts deal with social, physical, or emotional problems, Usually work with the emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded, or physically disabled but may work with people with no disabilities to promote wellness

50. Therapeutic Services Athletic Trainers Dialysis technicians
Prevent & treat athletic injuries, provide rehab to athletes, teach nutrition, apply tape or padding, treat minor injuries, administer first aid, help carry out rehab
Dialysis technicians
Operate kidney hemodialysis machines, monitor pt during dialysis, provide emotional support, teach correct nutrition
Perfusionists (extracorporeal circulation techs
Members of open heart surgical teams that operate heart/lung machine & monitor pt

51. Veterinary Careers Veterinarian (DVM) Veterinary technicians
Prevent, diagnose, & treat diseases of animals, may be specialized
Veterinary technicians
Assist with handling & care of animals, collect specimens, assist with surgery, perform lab tests, take/develop xrays, administer treatments, maintain records
Veterinary assistants
Feed, bathe, groom, exercise animals, prepare for treatment, clean & sanitize cages, exam tables, & surgical areas, assist with exams

52. Vision Services Ophthalmologist Optometrists
MD specializing in eye diseases/disorders, diagnose & treat disease, perform surgery, & correct vision problems
Optometrists
Examine eyes for vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses or exercises, use drugs for diagnosis & treatment, refer to ophthalmologist as needed

53. Vision Services Ophthalmic medical technologists
Perform routine eye tests & measures, fit pts for contacts, administer treatments, assist with surgery, infection control
Ophthalmic medical technicians
Prepare pts for exams, obtain medical histories, take ocular measurements & perform basic tests, teach eye exercises, adjust glasses, measure for contacts, act as receptionist

54. Vision Services Ophthalmic assistants Opticians
Prepare pt for exams, measure visual acuity, act as receptionist, help pts with frame selection & fittings, order lenses, teach proper care of contacts
Opticians
Make & fit glasses & contact lenses
Ophthalmic lab technicians
Polish, cut, grind, finish, & mount lenses, work with glasses, contacts, telescopes, & binoculars