Healthcare Occupations

Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.

Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulating the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene.

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or to conduct tests.

Dietitians and nutritionists plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities.

Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs to help people improve their health.

Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects.

Health information technologists and medical registrars advise organizations on computerized healthcare systems and analyze clinical data.

Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care.

Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints.

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.

Medical dosimetrists calculate doses of radiation and design and oversee treatment plans for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.

Medical records specialists compile, process, and maintain patient files.

Medical transcriptionists use electronic devices to convert voice recordings from physicians and other healthcare workers into formal reports.

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment.

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.

Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to work environments and procedures.

Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.

Occupational therapy assistants and aides help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients, or they do routine tasks such as preparing treatment rooms.

Opticians fit customers for eyeglasses and contact lenses and help them select which frames and lenses to buy.

Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.

Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt medical devices, such as supportive braces and artificial limbs, for patients who have disabling conditions.

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use.

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.

Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.

Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.

Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.

Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities.

Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.

Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people who have communication disorders.

Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations.

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers handle routine animal care and help scientists, veterinarians, and others with their daily tasks.

Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.