Blood bank technicians collect, label and prepare blood, plasma and other components for transfusions. Blood bank technicians properly store blood draws and maintain documentation and records. Technicians work with patients, making them comfortable during the procedure and monitoring vital signs.

Cytogenetic technologists analyze the structure of chromosomes found in various biological specimens and their relationship to a variety of diseases.

Cytotechnologists examine cells from other sites, including lymph nodes, bladder and lungs. Cytotechnology professionals often work with a pathologist to determine whether cells show signs of precancerous lesions, infections and other malignancies.

Histotechnologists and histologic technicians prepare body tissues to be examined by a pathologists. To prepare tissues for analysis, histotechnologists might section and stain tissues, embed them in paraffin or plastic and prepare frozen sections received from the operating room.

Medical laboratory technicians, also known as clinical laboratory technicians, analyze tissue, cells and bodily fluids in order to carry out tasks such as diagnosing disease and measuring medical drug levels.

Medical laboratory technologists prepare samples for analysis, monitoring testing procedures and analyzing results for infection or chemical composition.

Pathologists are physicians who diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. They study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. They may also perform autopsies.

A phlebotomist is a health care professional who is trained to draw blood from a patient in a safe and sanitary manner. Phlebotomists may draw blood samples for tests or collect blood donations.

Dental assistants assist the dentist and keep patient records. They also set up the patient and dental equipment. They assist the dentist in times of emergency and instruct patients in proper teeth cleaning, monitor supplies and inventory and may clean and polish hand-held dental instruments.

Dental hygienists clean teeth and remove stains and deposits from teeth. They look at teeth and gums for signs of disease. They educate patients on brushing and flossing, take and develop X-rays, and apply fluoride or sealants on teeth and help keep the dental equipment in good working order and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.

Dentists care not only for teeth and gums, but also for the muscles and bones within or supporting the mouth. They do routine procedures such as filling cavities, cleaning teeth and repairing broken ones. They may also perform surgeries within or around the mouth to promote dental health, improve appearance and prevent disease.

Oral surgeons, also referred to oral and maxillofacial surgeons, diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and defects in the mouth, jaws, neck, face and skull regions. Common treatments include the removal of impacted teeth, reconstructive surgery, lip reconstruction and insertion of dental implants.

Prosthodontist specialize in crowns, bridges and dentures and other methods to replace missing teeth.  They construct oral prostheses to correct natural and acquired deformation of mouth and jaws to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking, and to improve appearance.

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.

A gerontologist studies the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, and societal effects of the aging process on the human body. Gerontologists are health care professionals who specialize in working with elderly patients. They provide their services to people in nursing homes, senior citizen centers, and other similar facilities.

Medical assistants perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and billing and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examinations and drawing blood.

Physician assistants provide health care services under a physician’s supervision. They perform tasks that are usually performed by doctors. They conduct physical exams and provide treatment, and counsel patients. Physician assistants may prescribe medications.

Biomedical engineers work in a relatively new area of health care, one that joins with engineering. They apply engineering principles to solve biological and medical problems. They might design machines like artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

Medical equipment preparers or sterile processing technicians organize and assemble surgical instrument trays and other sterilized supplies. They clean instruments, disinfecting and sterilizing them. They also examine equipment to find leaks, loose parts or other visible signs of wear. Medical equipment preparers may start equipment before it is used to make sure it is working properly, and maintain records of inventory and equipment use.

Medical equipment repairers test and calibrate equipment and keep records of maintenance, repair and required updates. They take equipment apart, repair and replace any defective parts, and put it back together. They also ensure that the medical equipment is being used properly and safely and may train health care providers on how to use the equipment.

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.

Community Health Workers play a vital role in improving a patient’s health by providing a connection between health systems and community resources, as well as education on how to reduce behavioral health risk factors. They provide encouragement and social support to assist individuals with goal setting and barrier identification. CHWs assist in coordinating care by linking people to appropriate information and services, serve as a liaison between individuals and community healthcare systems, provide appropriate health education to individuals, organizations and/or communities, in an effort to reduce modifiable risk factors and encourage healthy behaviors. They also recognize gaps and advocate for individual and community health needs.

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.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide care to sick, injured, recovering or disabled patients and may be supervised by a registered nurse. LPNs administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients’ charts. They also observe patients, note changes in a patients conditions and take basic vital signs like blood pressure and temperature . Providing care also may include dressing wounds, treating bedsores, sterilizing equipment and supplies.

A nurse administrator creates work schedules, gives performance reviews and develops work policies. Other job duties include keeping up established ethical and legal standards for job performance, attending administrative personnel meetings and developing new employee training. Most of the work of a nurse administrator is done in an office and not on the care floor, so an administrator has little or no direct contact with patients. A nurse administrator may work in a hospital, nursing home, private doctor’s office, home health care organization or urgent care facility. Nurse executives are the top leaders responsible for leading overall nursing operations.

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.

Nursing assistants provide basic care to patients under the direction of a nurse. Nursing assistants help patients eat and bathe. Nursing assistants may dress, groom or move patients. They give medications or treatments and answer patient calls, apply clean dressings or bandages under the direction of a nurse or physician.

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.

Psychiatric mental health nursing is a specialty within nursing. Psychiatric mental health registered nurses work with individuals, families, groups, and communities, assessing their mental health needs. The PMHN develops a nursing diagnosis and plan of care, implements the nursing process, and evaluates it for effectiveness.

Registered nurses (R.N.s) care for sick and injured patients. Registered nurses will assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Registered nurses monitor and record patients’ conditions and report any changes to physicians. They maintain detailed reports, record vital signs, and order, interpret and evaluate tests to identify and assess patients’ conditions and work closely with patients and their families.

Academic pharmacists train future pharmacists and conduct research. They share pharmaceutical knowledge and information with other health care professionals and students. Academic pharmacists speak at industry events and contribute to science and education publications. They may have some direct contact with patients.

Clinical pharmacists practice in health care settings directly with health professionals and patients to ensure that the medications prescribed for patients contribute to the best possible health outcomes. They assess the status of the patient’s health problems and determine whether the prescribed medications are optimally meeting the patient’s needs and goals of care and consult with the patient’s physicians and other health care providers in selecting the medication therapy that best meets the patient’s needs and contributes effectively to the overall therapy goals. Clinical pharmacists also educate the patient on other important steps to improve or maintain health, such as exercise, diet, and preventive steps like immunization.

Medical science liaisons are involved with research and development, drug safety, regulatory affairs, and marketing and sales. They keep health care providers and researchers update on latest research, attend conferences, and present new product information to physicians.

Pharmacists are responsible for filling patients’ prescriptions with the correct medicines. They tell them about the medicines and how to use them. Pharmacists work with doctors on choosing the right medicines, making sure they will work with other medications taken by the patient and explaining side effects.

Pharmacy aides will receive, store and inventory pharmaceutical supplies or medications, check for outdated medications and notify the pharmacist when inventory levels are low. They may prepare prescription labels, answer customer calls and refer callers to the pharmacist. They may operate a cash register and accept prescriptions for filling.

Pharmacy managers help ensure customers get the medicine they need and that it is properly filled following the doctors orders. Typically, a pharmacy manager oversees one particular store, but there are positions in which they manage multiple locations. Along with ensuring their pharmacy complies with federal and state regulations, pharmacy managers must ensure staff communicate clearly, effectively, and positively with customers. It is up to the pharmacy manager to instruct and monitor employees to ensure they are professional and courteous in all interactions. They must train their staff to prioritize orders and deliver them within the allotted time frames. Teaching staff how to effectively deal with doctors and medical practitioners is essential as well.

Pharmacy technicians receive prescriptions or refill requests and make sure information is complete and accurate. They might measure, count out, label and record the amounts and doses of medicines, and also make sure drugs are stored and secured correctly.

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.

Creative art therapists use art, music and dance to assess and treat clients with emotional, cognitive, physical, and/or developmental needs and disorders. Creative arts therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, improve physical functioning, alleviate pain, enhance memory and cognitive functioning, improve communication, and provide unique opportunities for interaction. Using their skills in evaluation and psychotherapy, they choose materials and interventions appropriate to their clients’ needs and design sessions to achieve therapeutic goals and objectives.

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.

Physical therapy aides clean and set up the treatment area, move patients and perform clerical duties.

Physical therapy aides clean and set up the treatment area, move patients and perform clerical duties.

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.

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.