Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves treatment through physical means for people disabled by illness, accident, or congenital handicap. Physical therapy seeks to improve mobility, relieve pain, or minimize permanent physical disabilities.
Common Career Paths
- Clinical practice:
- Acute care
- Rehab/ Sub-acute care
- Extended care
- Wellness and prevention
- Sports and fitness
- Management
- Education
- Research
- Consultation
- Specialties:
- Cardiovascular
- Electrophysiology
- Geriatrics
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
- Sports medicine
- Women’s health
Employers
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics/private practice
- Home healthcare agencies
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Sports and fitness facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Physician offices, particularly orthopedic
- Hospice programs
- Universities and colleges
- Federal and state government:
- Department of Defense
- Public Health Service
- Veterans Health Administration
- Indian Health Service
Strategies
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, patience, and a desire to help individuals of all ages with disabilities. A positive attitude is important when working with patients.
- Obtain knowledge of several basic sciences needed for pursuing additional training including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, psychology, and physics.
- Attain superior grades in pre-physical therapy coursework due to intense competition for admittance to physical therapy programs.
- Volunteer for a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic to gain experience and improve chances of acceptance into a program. Many programs require volunteer or related experiences for admission.
- Understand the demands of physical therapy work such as dexterity and physical stamina.
- Earn a degree or post-bachelor certificate to become a physical therapy assistant or a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), as required for most state licensure.
- Review states licensure requirements which will include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.
- Explore practice areas (consider one-third of physical therapists work in hospitals and another third in physical therapy offices).
- Consider completing a clinical residency after school to gain training and experience in a specialty. Fellowships in advanced clinical areas after residency are also available.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is the treatment of people who are unable to perform some everyday functions due to injury, illness, or disability. Occupational therapists utilize activities with specific goals to enhance the quality of life and increase the in- dependence of individuals who have a mentally, emotionally, or physically disabling condition.
Common Career Paths
- Screening
- Evaluation
- Treatment:
- Physical
- Psychosocial
- Vocational
- Follow-up
- Administration
- Education
- Research
- Population Specialties:
- Geriatrics
- Mental health
- Pediatrics
- Physical rehabilitation
- Task Specialties:
- Driving, eating, low vision, & supportive environment changes
Employers
- Hospitals (psychiatric and rehabilitative)
- Schools
- Outpatient rehabilitation facilities
- Group or private practice
- Nursing and residential treatment facilities
- Adult daycare programs
- Job training centers
- Home healthcare agencies
- Federal and state government:
- Department of Defense
- Public Health Service
- Veterans Health Administration
- Universities and colleges
Strategies
- Build a solid foundation in physical, biological, and behavioral sciences.
- Develop excellent communication skills which are important when interacting with patients and their families.
- Develop and foster patience and a true interest in helping people with disabilities.
- Learn to work well within a team. Many occupational therapists work with other professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, and social workers in the rehabilitation of patients.
- Volunteer in an occupational therapy setting or gain experience in a healthcare setting to improve chances of program admittance.
- Earn a degree or complete a post-bachelor certification to become occupational therapy assistant or a master’s (MOT, MA, MS) or doctoral (OTD) degree in occupational therapy from accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
NOTE: Review licensure requirements for states interested in living in as ACOTE is requiring all programs to transition to bachelor’s degree for assistants and doctoral degree for therapists by 2027. - Review state licensure requirements which will include passing an exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
- Passing the board exam will allow you to become Occupational Therapists Registered (OTR).
- Consider a research-focused doctoral degree and/or gain some practice experience if interested in.
Cytotechnology
Cytotechnologists are highly skilled laboratory professionals who study the patterns of disease progression found in human cells. They detect subtle changes and clues within cells. With expert eyes, the cytotechnologist looks for the smallest abnormalities in color, shape, and size that may indicate clinically significant conditions. This profession provides the potential to help save lives by discovering disease early and uncovering information that informs effective treatment.
Common Career Paths
- Screening and Diagnosis:
- Cancer
- Pre-cancerous abnormalities
- Benign tumors or growths
- Infectious organisms and inflammatory conditions
- Evaluation of Tissue:
- Bladder
- Body cavities
- Bone and soft tissue
- Breast
- Central nervous system
- Female reproductive tract
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Liver
- Lung
- Lymph nodes
- Pancreas
- Salivary glands
- Thyroid
- Technological equipment operation:
- Light microscopes
- Biomedical instrumentation
- Laboratory information systems
- Molecular diagnostic testing
Employers
- Hospital and private laboratories
- Federal and state government laboratories
- Public health facilities
- Research and biotechnology industry
- Healthcare administrative departments
- Educational institutions
Strategies
- Earn a Bachelor or Master of Science in Cytotechnology from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Prepare for and pass the certification examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s Board of Certification.
- Supplement curriculum with courses in biology that emphasize body structure, development, tissue organization, and function. Recommended courses include histology, cellular biology, and genetics. Additional recommendations may include other biological sciences such as zoology or ecology.
- Become comfortable with applied learning techniques. Most programs utilize a combination of training activities such as microscopic evaluation, laboratory skills development, case presentations, research, community health projects, and supervised clinical laboratory site experiences.
- Develop problem solving as well as effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Display personal characteristics such as accuracy, responsibility, and motivation. Become comfortable making important decisions.
- Plan to learn new technology and techniques to stay abreast of developments in the field.
- Specialty certifications exist for those who want supervisory or other advanced positions.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists help people of all ages maintain optimal oral health by working with dentists to prevent and treat tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other conditions that affect oral function.
Common Career Paths
- Specific areas of activity for dental hygienists include:
- Gathering data for a dental diagnosis
- Recording medical and dental histories
- Screening and charting oral structures and conditions
- Exposing and processing oral radiographs
- Dietary analysis:
- Providing oral disease prevention information and instruction
- Monitoring oral health status of individuals
- Providing therapeutic services
- Removing calculus and plaque from teeth
- Applying fluoride and dental sealants to teeth
Employers
- Private dental offices and dental clinics
- Federal, state, and local health departments or associated institutions
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- School districts or departments of education
- Private business/industry
- Correctional facilities
- Private and public centers for pediatric, geriatric, and other individuals or groups with special needs
- Managed care organizations
Strategies
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is required to enter the field in nearly all states.
- A passing score on the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and state or regional clinical examination is also required for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
- The scope of practice for dental hygienists is determined by individual states.
- Opportunities for practice are available throughout the world, particularly with the military, the US government, and US owned corporations.
- A master’s degree in dental hygiene is available at some institutions.
- Dental hygienists with bachelor’s or master’s degrees may work in teaching, research or administrative positions.
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills and an attention to detail.
Health Information Management and Health Informatics
HIM and informatics professionals play critical roles in maintaining, collecting, and analyzing the data that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers rely on in the delivery of quality health-care.
Common Career Paths
- Patient health information management
- Operations/Medical records administration
- Health information technology
- Computer information systems management
- Revenue cycle management/billing and coding
- Personnel and budget administration
- Quality management and improvement
- Risk management and compliance
- Privacy and security
- Utilization review
- Management
- Research
- Health informatics specialties:
- Clinical
- Clinical research
- Consumer health
- Dental
- Mental health
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Primary care
- Public health
- Telemedicine and mobile computing
- Translational bioinformatics
- Veterinary
Employers
- Hospitals
- Physician offices and clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Home care providers
- Behavioral health facilities
- Information systems vendors
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Research facilities
- Consulting firms
- Educational institutions
Strategies
- Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Health Information Management or Health Informatics from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
- A passing score on a national examination is required for certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
- Visit a health information management department in a hospital to better understand the role of health information managers.
- Research career opportunities through The American Health Information Management Association and The American College of Medical Informatics.
- Develop strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, orientation to detail, flexibility, and advanced technology skills.
- Federal legislation regarding Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has transformed this field in recent years.
Medical Laboratory Science
Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical technologists, work together with other members of the healthcare team to perform and supervise laboratory analyses on blood, body fluids, and tissue. They also provide data to detect, diagnose, and monitor disease. Medical technologists use medical equipment such as microscopes, computers, and other highly technical instruments to assist them in their work.
Common Career Paths
- Hematology
- Immunohematology (blood banking)
- Microbiology
- Clinical chemistry
- Immunology
- Urinalysis
- Mycology
- Parasitology
- Histocompatibility
- Molecular diagnostics
- Laboratory product development and sales
Employers
- Hospital and private laboratories
- Public health laboratories
- Biotechnology industry
- Pharmaceutical and chemical companies
- Research and forensic laboratories
- Veterinary clinics
- Transplant and blood donor centers
- Fertility clinics
- Universities and colleges
Strategies
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
- Be prepared to participate in supervised clinical experiences.
- Many states require a license to practice. Obtain licensure by passing a certification exam given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.
- Attain good grades in pre-medical technology course work, including biology, anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.
- Develop manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and an attention to detail. Be willing to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Visit a clinical laboratory. Talk with practitioners to gain critical knowledge of the profession.
Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory therapy involves the treatment of respiratory issues. A respiratory therapist works alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to help diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect lung functioning.
Common Career Paths
- Patient Assessment
- Diagnostic Testing
- Treatment:
- Ventilator management
- Oxygen therapy
- Airway clearance
- Sleep disorders
- Breathing exercises and rehabilitation
- Specialties:
- Long-term care
- Neonatal-pediatrics
- Surface and air transport for emergency transports
- Pulmonary rehab
- Polysomnography
- Critical care
- Home care
- Pulmonary diagnostics
- Education
- Case management
Employers
- Hospitals:
- Emergency rooms
- Critical care units
- Neonatal intensive care units
- Emergency transports
- Operating rooms
- Nursing care facilities
- Physicians’ offices
- Asthma education programs
- Smoking cessation programs
- Sleep laboratories
Strategies
- Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
- Strong interpersonal skills, attention-to-detail, and problem-solving skills will help you excel in respiratory therapy work.
- Respiratory therapy programs typically include courses in human anatomy and physiology as well as therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and testing. Accredited programs give students opportunities to gain supervised, practical experience in treating patients.
- Licensure in respiratory therapy is required, and this process varies state by state. Contact a state’s health board to confirm their specific requirements for licensure.
- Most respiratory therapists will also have a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, and some specialties/jobs in this field may also require the advanced level Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential as well.
- Plan on getting the RRT credential if wanting advancement into managerial positions. Degrees in business administration or public health can help set you up for advancement as well.
- An advanced degree is often required for advancement in education roles.
- Some respiratory therapy specialties require additional credentials, e.g., Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist (NPS), Asthma Educator-Certified (AE-C), Certified Case Manager (CCM), or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) credentials.
Health Education
Health education focuses on teaching people about behaviors that promote wellness. This could include educating individuals, communities, or even healthcare workers.
Common Career Paths
- Assessment of individual and community health needs
- Developing:
- Programs and events
- Materials on various health topics
- Program / Educational materials evaluation
- Advocacy for improving health resources and policies
Employers
- Government programs
- Hospitals
- Community health programs
- Insurance companies
Strategies
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion, public health, or another health-related major.
- Employers tend to prefer applicants with some form of health education certification. Consider different certifications you could pursue to make you a stronger job applicant and open up more advancement opportunities.
- Build skills in providing instruction, program development, event planning, program evaluation, statistics and data analysis, and communication.
Diagnostic Technology
Diagnostic technology involves administering various diagnostic imaging examinations, e.g., x-rays, magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), mammograms, computed tomography (CT), electrocardiogram (EKG), and ultrasounds, in order to help physicians diagnose and ultimately treat a variety of medical conditions.
Common Career Paths
- Diagnostic imaging examinations
- Specialties:
- Sonography
- Radiography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs)
- Mammography
- Computed tomography (CT) imaging
- Cardiography or electrocardiogram (EKG)
Employers
- Hospitals
- Physicians’ offices
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories
- Outpatient care centers
Strategies
- Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or complete a vocational or certificate program in an accredited program in sonography, radiography, or cardiovascular technology.
- Even if a state doesn’t require certification or licensure in your intended diagnostic technologist field, most employers prefer applicants who have earned a certification in their field.
- Many diagnostic technologist fields require basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications, and employers prefer applicants who have these certifications.
- Coursework for this career path include human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology. Depending on your specialty, you may also need coursework in patient care, pathology, radiation physics and protection, image evaluation, and applied sciences.
- Build skills in communication, operating complex machinery and computerized instruments, and practice tasks that require attention to detail.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a highly specialized field that involves preparing and administering radioactive chemical compounds (radiopharmaceuticals) and performing imaging procedures using radiation-detecting equipment. Nuclear Medicine Technologists process data and provide images, analysis, and patient information to physicians who make diagnoses.
Common Career Paths
- Diagnosis and treatment (some applications):
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopedic,
- Renal,
- Cardiac
- Pulmonary
- Specialties:
- Nuclear cardiology
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Clinical Research
- Education
- Administration
- Training
- Sales
Employers
- Community hospitals
- Teaching hospitals
- Medical centers
- Public health institutions
- Research institutes
- Outpatient imaging facilities
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories
- Physician offices
- Private clinics
- Commercial radiopharmaceutical suppliers
- Nuclear imaging equipment manufacturers
Strategies
- Earn a degree from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).
- Secure a strong foundation in science and mathematics, along with interests in computer technology and medicine.
- Develop strong interpersonal skills, as nuclear medicine technologists work directly with patients interviewing and providing instruction.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadowing experiences with professionals, and plan to tour nuclear medicine facilities to confirm interest in the field.
- Seek volunteer experience in a clinical setting, nuclear medicine if possible.
- Seek certification through one of two national accrediting agencies: Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT); certification requirements vary by state and employer.
- Consider specializing further in nuclear cardiology or positron emission tomography (PET).
- Approximately two-thirds of Nuclear Medicine Technologists work in hospitals. Professionals may be on call in some hospital settings.
- Part-time or shift work may be available.
Getting Started and Advancing in Major
Professional Associations
- American Association for Respiratory Care
- American Dental Hygienists’ Association
- American Health Information Management Association
- American Medical Technologists
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Public Health Association
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
- American Society for Cytotechnology
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Related Resources
Occupational Outlook
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
- Dental Hygienists
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- Medical Records Specialists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Radiologic and MRI Technologists
- Respiratory Therapists