Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic medical sonographers use specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body, which are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.  Ultrasound technology produces high frequency sound waves (like sonar) that are reflected by internal organs in varying patterns.  These are then converted by a computer into a moving picture, or image, which sonographers are trained to examine for subtle signs of problems.  Sonographers prepare patients physically and mentally, explain procedures, position patients, and obtain medical images used for diagnosis.  Sonographers can work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization.  They may perform ultrasonic examinations at the bedside or in surgery.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled health care professionals who perform administrative and clinical duties. They obtain and record patients’ vital signs, assist physicians in physical examinations and minor office surgery, and perform diagnostic procedures such as EKGs, laboratory tests, and spirometry. In addition, a medical assistant schedules appointments and prepares medical insurance forms as well as other office documents. Medical assistants are employed by physicians’ offices, health clinics, HMOs, hospitals, laboratories, and home care agencies.

Nuclear Medicine Technology

The nuclear medicine technologist is a highly specialized health care professional who works closely with the radiologist.  Nuclear medicine technology uses radiopharmaceuticals to "see" organ images (i.e., heart, lungs, liver, kidneys), body functions, and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.  Skilled in patient care, nuclear medicine technologists instruct patients before medical procedures.  Under the direction of a physician, they calculate dosages and administer appropriate radioactive drugs.  Technologists also must document the use and disposal of radioactive materials.  Nuclear medicine technologists are usually employed in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient imaging centers. 

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistants assist the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient’s responses. Physical Therapist Assistants’ work may occur in a hospital, in a school system, in an orthopedic or sports rehabilitation clinic, in the patient’s home through a home health agency, or in a hospital that specializes in rehabilitating patients after serious injury or disease.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy technology, also known as radiation therapy, comprises another subset of workers known as radiologic technologists.  These professionals administer doses of radiation to treat patients afflicted with cancer.  By applying radiation in the form of x-rays, gamma rays, and electron beams to specific body parts, the radiation therapist attempts to halt the spread of disease or offer relief from symptoms.  Radiation therapists deliver the course of radiation, give support and information to the patient, and work closely with oncologists to weigh treatment options and monitor patient progress.  Cancer patients and their families often develop a meaningful relationship with these health care providers over the course of treatment. Radiation therapists work in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, cancer centers, physician offices, equipment sales, technical applications and education.

Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, use x-ray machines and other equipment to create images of the internal structures of the body. This allows physicians to study the organs and bones for injury and disease. They give patients contrast agents so those body organs will be visualized. Radiologic technologists process and evaluate film, and educate patients on procedures. Radiologic technologists usually work under the direction of radiologists or other physicians. Radiologic technologists usually work in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and public health departments.

Registered Nurse

Nurses care for the whole person, including physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual human responses to the entire range of health issues. Often they care for the ill or injured, but they are also involved in education and other health-promoting activities for patients, families, and communities. Usually nurses work as part of a larger team including physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and other health care practitioners. RNs direct and supervise nursing support personnel. They monitor their patients’ conditions, give medications, and provide treatments prescribed by physicians or advanced practice nurses. Nurses can work in a variety of settings and with various populations such as infants, children, women, or the elderly. They may also work with special groups of patients such as those requiring dialysis (kidney machines), rehabilitation, or the mentally disabled. Hospital nurses may work on general surgical or medical units or in a variety of specialties such as emergency department, pediatrics, operating rooms, maternity, or many types of critical care units. Outpatient nurses may work in institutions in a variety of specialties or in private offices. Geriatric nurses care for older adults and can choose positions in varying levels of care including nursing homes, adult homes, and day treatment centers. Home health nurses/visiting nurses provide periodic services, prescribed by a physician, to patients at home. Community health nurses work in government and private agencies, clinics, schools, retirement communities, and other community settings. Occupational health or industrial nurses provide nursing care at worksites to employees, customers, and others with minor injuries and illnesses. Travel nurses, with some experience, can work for agencies that offer opportunities all over the country.

Respiratory Care Therapist

Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with heart and lung problems. A respiratory therapist performs assessment, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures such as oxygen and medication administration, blood gas analysis, lung function, or cardiac function tests. Respiratory therapists may specialize in cardiopulmonary diagnostics, critical care, neonatal care, pulmonary rehabilitation, or sleep laboratories. Respiratory therapists also provide life support to patients by providing mechanical ventilation, physiologic monitoring of blood, airway control, and CPR if necessary. Respiratory therapists work in many areas of hospitals, including ICU, ER, laboratory, pulmonary/cardiac rehabilitation, and sleep studies.

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