CT (computed tomography) technologists are radiologic technicians who specialize in taking cross-sectional x-ray images of the tissues, bones, organs and blood vessels in an area of a patient’s body. The x-rays are used to create a three-dimensional image. The scans that a CT technologist produces help doctors diagnose and treat patients with internal diseases or injuries.

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to direct sound waves into the body to produce an image or video used for detecting abnormalities in patients.

Magnetic resonance imaging technologists are specialized medical professionals who operate MRI machinery to create detailed pictures of internal body structures. They are responsible for preparing patients for their scans and safely using the equipment.

Nuclear medicine technologists assist physicians and work directly with patients to explain nuclear medicine procedures. They also administer and oversee nuclear medicine and radioactive procedures and substances.

Radiation therapists provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. They review prescription and diagnosis, act as a liaison with physician and supportive care personnel, prepare equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices. They maintain records, reports, and files and may assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Radiologic technologists work in medical settings and perform x-rays to assist physicians in diagnosing medical ailments. They prepare patients for procedures, adjust imaging equipment, position patients and shield them from excess radiation.

Dietetic technicians are wellness practitioners who develop nutritional plans to promote health, treat illnesses or prevent disease.

Dietitians or nutritionists are health care professionals who develop and supervise diet programs that improve public health. They may serve as clinical dietitians in health care facilities, community dietitians in public health centers or management dietitians in food distribution facilities.

Health information managers handle patient records, a very important and confidential job. They play a part in the quality of a patient’s health care by organizing the medical data. They are also skilled in health care databases and database systems, as well as medical classification systems. HIMs have great knowledge of how financial information relates to clinical data, medical legal issues and security systems.

Medical librarians are information specialists who provide assistance in finding medical documents. Clinical trials, medical treatments or procedures, as well as other pertinent information that applies to the medical industry are common documents sought after by these librarians. Medical librarians are specialized in using databases and reference materials to conduct research for medical information. They can work in medical school libraries, corporations, non-profit organizations or government agencies. Medical librarians commonly have training in the sciences, health or medicine.

Coders are administrative workers in the health care industry who review patient medical care files and assign codes to each procedure for insurance billing purposes. Coders may earn professional certification from an accredited medical coding organization.

Medical records technicians and health information technicians compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. They process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the health care industry’s numerical coding system.

Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings that physicians and other health care professionals make and convert them into written reports. They may also review and edit medical documents created using speech recognition technology. Transcriptionists interpret medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients’ medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents.

Child life specialists are trained to provide care to children and adolescents who may be facing issues such as medical procedures or illness. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices. These professionals are trained to identify children with needs and help address those needs through play or counseling. Child life specialists may also provide support to the families of children who are facing illness or injury and require medical care.

A clinical psychologist’s primary tasks are the assessment and treatment of mental health issues, including emotional or social disorders. A clinical psychologist’s job responsibilities may include development and supervision of mental health programs. Clinical psychologists can work in private practices, mental health organizations and hospitals with individuals, families, couples or groups of all ages.

Health care social workers provide individuals, families and groups with the support they need to cope with serious illnesses. They advise and support family care givers, provide patient education and counseling, and make referrals when needed. They may also provide care and manage treatment plans designed to promote health, prevent disease and address barriers to access to health care.

Mental health counselors work as primary mental health caregivers. They conduct mental health assessments, develop individualized treatment plans and lead therapy sessions. They may make treatment referrals as needed.

Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose, analyze and treat mental health disorders.

Counselors provide all-around counseling and treatment. They work under the direction of a patient’s doctor as they provide counseling and treatment to those with mental health or substance abuse issues. They may work with people who have alcohol, tobacco, drug or other problems, such as gambling or eating disorders. Counselors may work with individuals, families or groups.

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) plan, direct and coordinate the daily patient care activities in a clinical practice. CNSs ensure adherence to clinical policies, protocols, regulations and standards.

Informatics nurse specialists explore how technology, computers and research influence the practice of nursing.

Nurse anesthetists prepare and administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. CRNAs may assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, physicians or dentists.

Nurse midwives diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process. Midwives may work independently or as part of a health care team. Nurse midwives may provide preventive care to women.

Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat both sudden and long-term conditions. They may do physical exams, physical therapy or order tests and therapies for patients. NPs order, perform or interpret results of blood tests, EKGs and X-rays. They use these tools, along with patient symptoms and medical history to develop the right diagnosis.

Instructors teach about nursing in classrooms and clinical settings. Nursing instructors lead, develop and organize teaching programs. They keep informed about developments in the field of nursing and may collaborate with other faculty to address teaching and research issues.

A cardiovascular technologist assists with the diagnosis and treatment of heart issues. They conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. They may conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

Medical dosimetrists use training in anatomy, physics and radiobiology to calculate effective radiologic treatment doses for cancer patients, while minimizing side effects.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) technicians, also known as electroneurodiagnostic (END) or neurodiagnostic technicians, are individuals who use specialized machines to monitor the electrical activity of a patient’s brain in order to observe and diagnose irregularities such as strokes, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Perfusionists assemble, operate and monitor equipment that keeps oxygen-rich blood pumping through the circulatory system. When cardiac surgeons perform open-heart surgery, they rely on a perfusionist to operate machinery that continues to pump oxygenated blood through the patient.

A sterile processing technician operates and maintains steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads and maintenance procedures performed. They clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization, record sterilizer test results, organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filing special requests as needed. They also examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts or other indications of disrepair.

Surgical technologists assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses (R.N.s) and other surgical personnel with surgical procedures. They help ensure patient and operating room safety, as well as the functionality and sanitation of surgical equipment.

Athletic trainers help prevent injuries among athletes and help them recover from injuries. They are health care professionals that diagnose and treat injuries caused by stress to the musculoskeletal system. They are also trained to teach injury prevention methods to people who work in jobs that have a high demand of physical activity.

Audiologists have studied the science of hearing. They study, diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance disorders. They identify hearing problems and help people improve their hearing. Audiologists conduct ear exams, train clients in speech and lip reading, and teach people how to use hearing aids or other devices.

Music therapists are clinicians who treat medical conditions using various forms and genres of music to bring about health benefits. Music therapy may involve both playing and listening to music. Music therapists plan activities like song writing, music improvisation and receptive music listening.

Occupational therapists (OTs) use practical movement and exercise to rehabilitate patients with disabilities or injuries. Therapists may also design work or home environments to suit an individual’s needs, thereby enabling them to succeed in daily care activities and in the workplace.

Occupational therapy assistants assist occupational therapists in treating patients. They help patients improve their lives and perform daily tasks. They could help a person learn how to move from a bed to a wheelchair or help an injured worker re-learn how he can perform his job. OT assistants also make sure exercises are done correctly and provide assistance.

Orthotists and prosthetists make and fit devices that help people move. A certified prosthetists makes and fits devices that replace the arms or legs of patients who lost them through injury or disease. A certified orthotists designs and fits braces like surgical supports and corrective shoes. Both may use computers to create the devices and tools, like hammers, drills and saws, to manufacture prosthetics.

Physical therapist assistants assist the physical therapist in treating patients. They may help them exercise, apply hot or cold packs, or perform special ultrasound or electrical treatments. They may help patients increase their strength and assist in developing treatment plans or keep track of the patient’s progress.

Physical therapists assess patients and create plans to help them improve their movement, relieve pain and increase strength. They evaluate the effects of treatment and adjust to maximize the benefits. Physical therapists also test the patient’s strength, motor skills and functions, sensory perceptions, respiratory or circulatory efficiency and show patients how to perform the prescribed exercises and review progress. Physical therapists help decrease or prevent problems due to disease or injury.

Recreational therapists work with people who have physical, social or emotional disabilities. They help people by providing treatments and recreation activities to people who are ill or disabled. This helps them improve or maintain their physical, mental and emotional well-being. It also helps reduce depression, stress and anxiety.

Rehabilitation Counselors help disabled people who may have physical, mental or social disabilities. The goal is to help them get back to satisfying and productive lives. They might counsel patients about job training and help them find a job. They also may counsel them in adjusting to their new work environment.

Respiratory therapists work under a physician’s supervision to take care of patients with lung problems. The patients might have chronic asthma or have suffered a heart attack, stroke or other disease or illness.

Respiratory therapy technicians assist respiratory therapists with monitoring patients and performing diagnostic tests.

Speech pathologists assess, diagnose and treat disorders related to speech, fluency, language, cognitive-communication and voice. They work with people who have trouble producing speech sounds or who have speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering. The speech problems that they treat can be congenital, developmental or acquired due to a health problem or disorder.