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 Diagnostic Services Pathway.
To discover career options available within the Diagnostic Services Pathway.
To explore the working environment, educational requirements, skills needed and salary of careers available within the Diagnostic Services Pathway.

4. Pathway Overview
Careers focus on the diagnosis and treatment of physical ailments
Positions available include:
doctors (various specialties)
assistants
technicians
researchers

5. Medical Lab Technologist
Career description:
carry out complex medical laboratory tests to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases
train or manage staff
review laboratory findings to check accuracy of results

6. Medical Lab Technologist
Career description:
perform chemical analysis of body fluids such as blood, urine and spinal fluid
use various equipment to perform tests
input data from medical tests and clinical results

7. Medical Lab Technologist
Education/training:
associate’s or bachelor’s degree in medical technology or life sciences
universities and hospitals offer training programs
Median salary:
$57,010

8. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Career description:
develop and calculate doses of solutions of radioactive materials for patient use
measure radioactive materials in therapeutic and diagnostic studies

9. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Career description:
administer radiation treatments to patients
perform blood volume, red cell survival, fat absorption and other studies to determine if treatment is working
record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received by patient

10. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Education/training:
certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine
certification or licensure may be required
Median salary:
$69,450

11. Radiologic Technologist
Career description:
perform X-rays and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) scans
inject materials and medications into patient's blood stream for diagnostic reasons

12. Radiologic Technologist
Career description:
examine and evaluate image quality of developed X-rays, video tape or computer generated information
oversee patients during scanning process
position patient and equipment correctly in order to develop appropriate image

13. Radiologic Technologist
Education/training:
certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiological technology
Median salary:
$55,120

14. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Career description:
create ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for physicians’ use
determine which images to include in patient’s report
examine images for differences between healthy and infected areas

15. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Career description:
monitor screen during scan and make adjustments to equipment as necessary
monitor patient’s safety and comfort throughout procedure
prepare sonogram and oral or written summary of findings for physician

16. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Education/training:
associate’s or bachelor’s degree in sonography
Median salary:
$65,210

17. Nutritionist Career description:
organize and hold food service or nutritional programs
oversee activities of a department providing food services
advise individuals on nutritional requirements
perform nutritional research

18. Nutritionist Career description:
determine nutritional needs, diet restrictions and health plans
guide individuals and groups on good nutrition and eating habits

19. Nutritionist Education/training: Median salary:
bachelor’s degree or higher in dietetics, food and nutrition or a related area
Median salary:
$54,470

20. Cardiovascular Technologist
Career description:
perform tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic reasons
perform or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations and other pulmonary related functions

21. Cardiovascular Technologist
Career description:
observe patients' blood pressure and heart rate with electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment
inform physicians of abnormalities or changes in patient responses

22. Cardiovascular Technologist
Career description:
organize diagnostic procedure reports for physicians to interpret

23. Cardiovascular Technologist
Education/training:
associate’s or bachelor’s degree required in cardiovascular technology
Median salary:
$51,020

24. Discussion Questions
Describe the Diagnostic 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?

25. 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.

26. 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

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

28. Acknowledgements
Production Coordinator Holly Mannan John Carroll Graphics Designer Technical Writer Jessica Odom Vice President of Brand Management Clayton Franklin Executive Producer Gordon Davis, Ph.D.
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