1. Therapeutic Services

2. 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)

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Dental Hygienist
Median salary:
$69,280

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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?

29. 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.

30. 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

31. Resources U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Washington, D.C.: Jist Works, 2013.

32. 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.
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