Therapeutic Services

State Standard 2) Prepare a paper or electronic career profile for at least one occupation in each of the five health science career areas (biotechnology research, therapeutic services, support services, health informatics, and diagnostic services), to be included in the student’s health science portfolio. Draw on print and online sources, such as government occupational profiles, and/or interviews with health care professionals to capture at minimum the following: a. Job description b. Roles and responsibilities c. Essential knowledge and skills needed for the career d. Programs or paths of study available to reach occupational goals, beginning with high school and proceeding through postsecondary e. Required personality traits for the career f. Licensure and credentialing requirements g. Non-educational job requirements such as physical fitness tests, minimum age, and psychological evaluations h. Photographs or digital prints of each career (refer to HOSA Medical Photography guidelines)

Objectives To gain a basic understanding of the Therapeutic Services Pathway. To discover career options available within the Therapeutic Services Pathway. To explore the working environment, educational requirements, skills needed and salary of careers available within the Therapeutic Services Pathway.

Pathway Overview Careers focus on working with patients to facilitate the improvement of their medical conditions Duties include: working with athletes providing assistance to doctors and surgeons serving as the first source of help for patients before seeing licensed practitioners

Athletic Trainer Career description: examine, counsel and treat athletes recovering from injury perform initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness use physical therapy equipment, techniques and medication to care for injuries

Athletic Trainer Career description: determine athletes' readiness to play and give clearance to participate apply protective devices such as tape, bandages or braces

Athletic Trainer Education/training: Median salary: bachelor’s degree or higher in athletic training typically required Median salary: $42,400

Dental Hygienist Career description: clean teeth and inspect oral areas for signs of oral disease teach patients oral hygiene take and develop X-rays keep records of disease or any abnormalities

Dental Hygienist Career description: inspect gums for sores and signs of disease may administer anesthetics prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for dentist to interpret

Dental Hygienist Education/training: high school diploma required accredited dental hygiene school based on college entrance exam scores pass a written and clinical exam must be licensed

Dental Hygienist Median salary: $69,280

Certified Nurse Assistant Career description: provide basic patient care following direction of nursing staff feed, bathe, dress, groom or move patients reposition bedridden patients to help prevent bedsores respond to patient’s call signals

Certified Nurse Assistant Education/training: high school diploma required complete training program Median salary: $24,190

Physical Therapist Career description: establish, organize and assist in rehabilitative programs help improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and decrease/prevent deformity in patients examine patients

Physical Therapist Career description: assess effects of treatment and make necessary adjustments perform manual exercises, massage or traction for patients

Physical Therapist Education/training: Median salary: accredited physical therapist program must be licensed Median salary: $78,270

Physician Career description: diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases and injuries of the general population prescribe or give treatment, therapy, medication and other medical care

Physician Career description: order and review tests, study records and exam information to diagnose patients observe patients' conditions and progress, changing treatments if needed gather patient information such as medical history, reports and exam results

Physician Education/training: Median salary: four years of undergraduate school and four years of medical school three to eight years of internship and residency Median salary: varies widely

Registered Nurse Career description: determine patient health issues and needs create nursing care plans and manage medical records provide nursing care to ill, injured, recovering or disabled patients inform patients on preventative health care

Registered Nurse Education/training: Median salary: diploma, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing must pass a licensure exam master’s degree is required for advanced practice nursing specialties Median salary: $65,950

Respiratory Therapist Career description: evaluate and care for patients with breathing disorders take primary responsibility for all aspects of respiratory care oversee respiratory therapy technicians perform therapeutic procedures keep patient records

Respiratory Therapist Education/training: associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy Median salary: $55,250

Surgical Technician Career description: assist in operations, supervised by surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel assist in set up of operating room prepare and move patients for surgery

Surgical Technician Career description: manipulate lights and equipment provide instruments to surgeons and surgeon's assistants hold retractors, remove sutures and help count supplies and instruments

Surgical Technician Career description: arrange patients on operating table and cover with sterile surgical drapes offer technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses and anesthesiologists clean and sterilize equipment

Surgical Technician Education/training: Median salary: certificate, diploma or associate’s degree required nine to 24 month programs available programs provide classroom and clinical experience Median salary: $40,950

Discussion Questions Describe the Therapeutic Services Pathway and the careers available within the pathway. What education and training requirements are needed for most careers in this pathway? What are the working conditions for most careers in this pathway?

Discussion Questions Describe the average earnings of some careers in this pathway and why they differ from other careers. List three character traits you possess which would make you successful in a career in this pathway.

Activity Finish the Career Ranking Activity You must rank the careers again now that you have a better idea of what they are. Share your rankings with 2 other people, what differences do you see? Explain why your ranking changed. Complete the questions at the bottom of the activity

Resources U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Washington, D.C.: Jist Works, 2013. http://online.onetcenter.org/

Acknowledgements Production Coordinator Holly Mannan John Carroll Graphics Designer Technical Writer Jessica Odom Vice President of Brand Management Clayton Franklin Executive Producers Gordon Davis, Ph.D. ©MMXIII CEV Multimedia. Ltd.