Nursing Careers

Advanced Practice Nursing

These men and women have earned Master’s degrees in nursing and work in advanced roles such as: Nurse Practitioner (NP); Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS); Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM); Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA); RN First Assistant; and Nurse Psychotherapist.

Ambulatory Care Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support to individuals and families on a periodic basis outside the hospital environment. These nurses put an emphasis on pain management and patient education to keep those with chronic injuries and illnesses healthy and independent in their home surroundings.

Cardiac Care Nursing

Nurses in this field work with patients and the families of patients who suffer from heart disease. While Cardiac Care Nurses are often specialized Critical Care Nurses in the hospital, they can also work with patients in the home, assisting with cardiac drug monitoring and providing care to patients who have undergone bypass, angioplasty, or pacemaker surgery.

Cardiac Catheter  Lab Nursing

Nurses in this field aid in the diagnosis of heart disease and help administer interventional procedures, including cardiac catheterizations, angioplasties, and valvuloplasties. These men and women are responsible for aiding doctors in the implantation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and must keep up on the latest technologies of this rapidly moving field.

Case Management Nursing

Nurses in this field coordinate care for patients receiving long-term therapy, providing for optimal timing in all aspects of treatment. For cancer patients, for example, they coordinate primary care visits, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A Nurse Case Manager usually specializes in one specific area such as AIDS, geriatrics, or children.

Nurse Anesthetists

These men and women administer local or general anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

These expert nurses hold Master's degrees in many different nursing specialties. They assist RNs and serve as a valuable resource for all consulting health professionals when difficult nursing problems arise. 

Community Health Nursing

Nurses in this field work in government and private agencies, clinics, and other private settings. They focus on populations, working with individuals, groups, and families to improve the overall health of communities. They educate about health care issues, disease prevention, nutrition, and childcare, and also work with community leaders, teachers, parents, and physicians in community health education. 

Critical Care Nursing

Nurses in this field care for patients of all ages who are acutely ill or in critical condition. These nurses often must use sophisticated equipment, and are also responsible for the emotional welfare of patients and their families.

Dermatology Nursing

Dermatology nurses provide education and care for patients undergoing investigation for, and treatment of, wounds and diseases of the skin. 

Developmental Disability Nursing

Nurses in this field provide nursing care for patients with physical or mental disabilities.

Diabetes Nursing

Nurses in this field help those suffering from complications stemming from diabetes, a disease that affects the body's ability to create insulin. They are also specialists in the endocrine system (namely the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive glands).

Domestic Violence Nursing

Nurses in this field work with children, adults, or the elderly. They may work in clinics, shelters for the abused, or do research to prevent domestic violence. Also known as: Violence Nursing; Violence Prevention Nursing; Child Abuse Nursing; and, Elder Abuse Nursing.

Emergency Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care for patients in the critical or emergency phase of an illness or trauma, and must be able to recognize life-threatening problems and rapidly arrange necessary care. These nurses are not limited to only working in the emergency room of a hospital.

Family Nurse Practitioner

These registered nurses have one-to-two years of advanced education beyond a Bachelor's degree and are able to diagnose illnesses and prescribe interventions through interview and physical exam, order specific labs and diagnostic testing, and, in some states, are able to prescribe medications to patients. Because FNPs are trained to provide care, promote health, and treat disease in patients from childhood through old age, they are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases.

Flight/Transport Nursing

These nurses provide intensive nursing care while transporting critical patients by helicopter or ambulance. They may also transport less critical patients via commercial airlines.

Forensic Nursing

Nurses in this field work with law enforcement officials to aid in the investigation of crimes such as sexual assault, accidental death, abuse, and assault. They also treat the victims of these crimes.

Gastroenterology Nursing

Endoscopy Nurses (also called Gastroenterology Nurses) work with patients or with healthcare providers to patients who are undergoing diagnosis or treatment for disorders affecting the digestive system, including reflux, abdominal pain, bleeding, and some cancers.

Genetics Nursing

Men and women in this field provide care to people with genetic diseases and conditions. They're also involved in screening, risk identification, and treatment of these diseases, working with patients of all ages.

Geriatric Nursing

Geriatric/Gerontological Nursing:  With more than 50% of patients in hospitals over age 65, the men and women of this specialty are a necessary force in taking care of older adults.  Whether working in the hospital or in a Long-Term Care facility, these nurses have extensive knowledge about the special care needed in rehabilitating and maintaining the mental and physical health of the elderly.

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

A GNP is a registered nurse with a master's degree from a nurse practitioner program that specializes in the care of older adults. GNPs are educated to diagnose and manage acute and chronic diseases, taking a holistic approach to meet the medical, psychosocial, and functional needs of older patients.

Gynecology/Obstetric Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care, support, and education for female reproductive health, from a woman’s first menstrual cycle through menopause. This field of nursing is often further specialized into Perinatal Nursing and Labor & Delivery Nursing.

Hematology Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care to people with Hemophilia, Sickle-Cell, Leukemia, and other diseases of the blood and blood forming organs. They also help to educate and care for the families of those with similar diseases. Because these diseases are closely associated with cancer, these nurses often specialize in both Hematology and Oncology Nursing.

HIV/AIDS Nursing

Nurses in this field educate individuals on how to prevent the spread of HIV, and help those infected cope with the physical, social, and psychological aspects of their disease, and to minimize pain and maximize independence. They also educate and support loved ones and family members of those infected with the disease.

Holistic Nursing

Nurses in this field provide a multifaceted approach to healthcare, bringing together all available resources to facilitate patient self-care, and promoting a physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well being.

Home Health Care Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care for people in their homes, such as those recovering from illness, an accident, or childbirth. Also known as visiting nurses, these nurses improve the quality of life for thousands of people every day.

Hospice/Palliative Nursing

Nurses in this field provide sensitive care and pain relief to patients in the final stages of life. They protect patients from unnecessary, painful therapies, and often provide care at home, in order to maximize meaningful time patients can spend with family and loved ones.

Independent Nurse Contracting

These nurses contract with healthcare facilities to provide nursing services, usually charging by the hour. Nurse Contractors practice all aspects of the healthcare industry, including home health, nursing homes, hospitals, rehab centers and doctors' offices, among many others.

Infection Control Nursing

Nurses in this field identify and control infections that occur in the community or in a hospital setting. They collect data and instigate infection control and prevention measures. They also work with childhood infections, STDs, HIV, TB, and infections that occur during hospitalization.

Informatics Nursing

Nurses in this field merge information technology, computer science, and nursing science as health care makes the transition from traditional record keeping and care delivery to computerized and automated systems. They implement, teach, and design vendor and IS systems to be more user friendly, with the goal of improving patient care.

Infusion Nursing

Nurses in this field, also called Intravenous Nursing, provide care to patients by administering fluids, medication, or blood products through injections into patients’ veins or by maintaining arterial catheters. These nurses are also responsible for monitoring patients, maintaining their tubing and bandages, and recognizing potential drug interactions and complications. Infusion Nurses work in hospitals, long-term care centers, clinics, and home health agencies.

Labor & Delivery Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care to women who are in labor or who have recently delivered, or for those who may be having complications with labor. They also work with doctors to develop a plan to aid in the safe delivery of healthy babies.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs, or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), as they are called in Texas and California, care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. They provide basic care, taking vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, and assist with bathing patients, monitoring catheters, and applying dressings. Most LPN or LVN programs are about a year long and are offered by technical and vocational schools.

Long-Term Care Nursing

Nurses in this field provide continuing care to patients who have been diagnosed with chronic diseases. The care is referred to as sub-acute, and usually involves elderly or disabled patients and their families.

Managed Care Nursing

Nurses in this field work to keep health care costs to a minimum by educating individuals and families about illness prevention and self-care, and by helping health care providers administer to the sick in an efficient manner.

Medical-Surgical Nursing

The men and women in this field are registered nurses who work in hospitals, acute care units, home care, and long-term care facilities to provide care for primarily adult patients before and after surgical procedures. They also attend to those who are being treated with pharmaceuticals (medications) to manage illness.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support for very sick or premature newborn babies and their families.

Nephrology Nursing

Nephrology nurses care for patients of all ages who are experiencing, or are at risk for, kidney disease.

Neuroscience Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support for patients diagnosed with dysfunctions of the nervous system, including spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and seizures.

Nurse Midwifery

Nurses in this field provide total care for pregnant women, from prenatal visits through to labor and delivery. They also provide primary health care throughout the course of a woman's reproductive life.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with several years of post-baccalaureate education who are able to diagnose illness and prescribe interventions through interview and physical exam, order specific labs and diagnostic testing, and prescribe medications, while still providing health care education, counseling, and supportive care to an individual, family, or community.

Nurse Researcher

Nurses in this field improve patient care by translating research findings into practice innovations at the bedside. They are responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, solving clinical problems, writing grants, and sharing their findings with the larger healthcare community.

Occupational Health Nursing

These registered nurses provide on-the-job health care for the nation's workforce, striving to ensure workers' health, safety, and productivity.

Oncology Nursing (Cancer Nursing)

Nurses in this field provide care and support for patients diagnosed with cancer. These nurses are responsible for administering chemotherapy and managing symptoms related to cancer illnesses.

Operating Room Nursing (Perioperative Nursing)

Nurses in this field provide care and support to patients before, during, and after surgery. These nurses are responsible for maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room, monitoring the patient during surgery, and coordinating care throughout the process. They are also responsible for making sure the OR team provides the patient with the best care possible.

Ophthalmic Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support for patients diagnosed with disorders of the eyes, including blindness, glaucoma, or eye trauma.

Orthopaedic Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support for patients with musculoskeletal diseases, educating the patients and the families about self-care and available support systems.

Otorhinolaryngology Nursing

These nurses provide care and support to patients undergoing medical and surgical procedures concerning the ears, the nose, and the throat. Also known as Head and Neck Nursing.

Pain Management Nursing

Men and women in this field are responsible for assessing, treating, and monitoring pain, which is often referred to as the fifth vital sign. These nurses are responsible for educating patients about the management of their pain, as well as making sure the patient is safe during the administration of treatment. Pain Management Specialists are Advanced Practice Nurses with Masters Degrees and a Nurse Practitioner Certificate. They may also have certification in Palliative Care or Advanced Oncology.

Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support to children and their families relating to diseases of the endocrine system, the various glands that secrete directly into the blood or lymph. These men and women help patients and the families of patients dealing with problems of physical growth and sexual development in childhood, as well as diabetes, obesity, and other disorders of the endocrine glands.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Nurses in this field have extensive education in pediatric health care and nursing, and serve as health care providers for children and adolescents.  They work with pediatricians and other health care providers to promote and advance children’s health care.

Pediatric Nursing

These nurses specialize in the care and treatment of young patients ranging in age from infancy to late teens. They may specialize in areas such as immunology or oncology.

Peri-Anesthesia Nursing (Recovery Room Nursing)

Nurses in this field provide support and care for patients awakening from anesthesia after surgery. These nurses must prepare patients for surgery, monitor them while under anesthesia, and assist them in their transition to responsiveness.

Perinatal Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support to women and their families before, during, and after childbirth. They also educate mothers about natural childbirth techniques and pre-natal health, provide comfort during delivery, and teach mothers about mother-child bonding after the baby has been born. Also known as: OB Nursing; Postpartum Nursing; Women's Health Nursing; or Mother/Baby/Couplet Care Nursing.

Plastic Surgery Nursing

Plastic or Reconstructive Surgery Nursing: Men and women in this field care for patients undergoing cosmetic procedures to correct aesthetic abnormalities or perceived abnormalities. These procedures range from small and elective, such as dermabrasion, to more complicated procedures necessary for a patient’s physical and psychological well-being, such as facial reconstruction after an accident or breast replacement after a mastectomy, and everything in between.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Also called Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, these men and women are advanced practice registered nurses who provide a full spectrum of psychiatric care, assessing, diagnosing, and managing the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems. They work in various settings, from clinics to hospitals.

Psychiatric Nursing

Nurses in this field aid and support the mental health of patients with acute or chronic psychiatric needs.

Public Health Nursing

Nurses in this field work in government and private agencies, clinics, and other private settings. They focus on populations, working with individuals, groups, and families to improve the overall health of communities. They educate about health care issues, disease prevention, nutrition, and childcare, and also work with community leaders, teachers, parents, and physicians in community health education. 

Pulmonary Care Nursing (Respiratory Nursing)

Nurses in this field work with patients who suffer from diseases that affect the lungs, including tuberculosis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, and also work with patients who are slow to be weaned off ventilators. While Pulmonary Care Nurses are often specialized Critical Care Nurses in the hospital, they can also work with patients in the home, assisting with pain management from diseases like lung cancer and emphysema.

Radiology Nursing

Radiology nurses provide care and support to patients undergoing diagnosis in radiation imaging environments, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance, and radiation oncology. Also known as Cardiac Catheterization Lab Nursing.

Rehabilitation Nursing

Nurses in this field provide physical and emotional support to patients and the families of patients with illnesses or disabilities that affect their ability to function normally and that may alter their lifestyle.

Reproductive Nursing

Nurses in this field provide education and support to individuals, couples, and families regarding fertility, menopause, and other reproductive concerns. These nurses work in clinics that provide treatments, in centers that match egg donors with families, or in counseling programs that help individuals and couples who are having difficulty conceiving.

Rheumatology Nursing

Rheumatology Nurses work with patients or with healthcare providers to patients who are undergoing diagnosis or treatment in the very complex field of Rheumatic diseases including Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, myositis, spondylitis, and Lyme disease. Responsibilities include monitoring patient's blood work and pain response, recognizing and treating symptoms and flares, evaluating and managing the effectiveness of medication, and patient counseling.

Sub-acute Nursing

Nurses in this field provide comprehensive care for patients who have been hospitalized with an acute illness or injury. Oftentimes, this care is more intensive than long-term and traditional nursing home care, but less intensive than acute care.

Substance Abuse Nursing

These men and women are pain management nurses who help regulate medications and provide care for those addicted to drugs or alcohol, or who are suffering from other types of substance abuse.

Surgical Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care and support to patients before, during, and after surgery. Different positions include scrub nurses (who pass sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons), circulating nurses (who work outside the sterile field), and RN first assistants (who deliver direct surgical care to patients).

Telemetry Nursing

Nurses in this field provide care by comfortably connecting patients to machines that measure heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, as well as blood-oxygen level and electrocardiogram information. The machines then send the data to computer screens for these nurses to monitor. Telemetry Nurses must then read and interpret this information to help better determine patient care.

Toxicology Nursing

Toxicology Nurses work with patients or with healthcare providers to patients who have experienced a toxic or poisonous exposure. Often, these nurses will follow the progress of these patients to assist in evaluating diagnostic tests, and clinical, laboratory, and EKG findings. They are also responsible for disseminating poison prevention education. Toxicology nurses must be calm under pressure, as they may be called upon to ease fearful patients in emergency situations while at the same time providing treatment advice and/or possibly evaluating a patient's vocal quality and degree of cough.

Transplant Nursing

Men and women in this field work in the area of organ transplantation, providing support to recipients of organs, living-donor patients offering their organs for transplant, and their families. These nurses are responsible for coordinating and administering care throughout the transplantation process: before, during, and after surgery. These nurses are also instrumental in providing education to patients and their families.

Trauma Nursing

Nurses in this field provide emergency care to patients of all ages. These nurses work to maintain vital signs and prevent complications and death.

Urologic Nursing

Urologic nurses care for patients across the lifespan, providing guidance and treatment for a variety of urologic diseases and concerns. They work in all health care settings, resolving acute problems and managing chronic conditions. Urologic nurses perform exams, perform and interpret diagnostic studies (such as urodynamics), treat bladder dysfunction and incontinence, provide patient education, and teach preventive care.

Wound & Ostomy Nursing

Nurses in this field provide support and care for individuals with stomas, vascular and pressure wounds, draining wounds, neuropathic wounds, and fistulas, and help patients manage these conditions.

Art Therapist

Art therapy is mostly used in the treatment of many mental disorders including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, and even neurological problems. However, it can be used to treat patients with physical disabilities or terminal illnesses, as art therapy helps to reduce stress, manage problems and behaviors, increase self-confidence, express feelings and resolve conflict. By using forms of art such as painting, sculpting, drawing and more, art therapists help patients work through their physical, mental and emotional pain.
Art therapy first became recognized as its own profession during the 1940s and has become renowned for its ability to help individuals. While it can be used on individuals of any age, the majority of the time it is used with children, as art allows them to express their feelings and explain what has happened to them or what they are going through by drawing a picture.

Audiologist

You can expect your general responsibilities to include the following tasks:  1) Measuring hearing ability, including central auditory processing function of children and adults.  2) Providing aural rehabilitation to reduce the effects of hearing loss on communication, learning, and job performance.  3) Assessing and fitting amplification and assistive listening devices.   4)Administering and interpreting hearing screening, assessment, and diagnostic procedures.   5) Designing hearing conservation programs in industry and schools to prevent hearing loss from occupational or environmental noise exposure.   6)Initiating clinical (applied) and /or basic research related to hearing loss and its effects.

Cardiovascular Technologist

Works under a physician's directions to diagnose heart (cardiac) and blood vessel (peripheral vascular) problems.  May specialize in any of four areas of practice: - Cardiology – Known as "cardiology technologists," specialists in this discipline help doctors implant cardiac catheters. - Echocardiography – Cardiovascular technologists who choose this specialty perform ultrasound procedures on patients' hearts.  - Electrocardiography – Called "EKG technicians," these professionals perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), run stress tests and equip patients with Holter monitors.  - Vascular technology – These cardiovascular technologists evaluate blood flow abnormalities.
Regardless of specialty,  responsible for talking with patients to explain procedures and to record medical histories.

Cytotechnologist

Under the supervision of a pathologist, a cytotechnologist may be required to: - Prepare slides containing sample cells for examination under a microscope  - Evaluate cells for the presence of cancer, precancerous changes or infections - Provide an interpretation of all patient samples to the pathologist .
In addition, there are opportunities for cytotechnologists in teaching and research.

Dental Hygienist

Daily responsibilities will vary according to the specific regulations set by each state, but will generally include the following: - Collecting information about the patient's oral and medical health history  - Examining teeth and gums as well as inspecting the neck and head to identify any abnormalities or potential health problems  - Removing calculus, stains and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth - Applying preventative materials, such as sealants and fluorides, to the teeth  - Taking and developing dental x-rays - Teaching patients about good oral hygiene and nutrition - Making molds of patients' teeth used for evaluating treatment.

Dental Laboratory Technician

Using the dentists' detailed written directions and molds of the patient's teeth or oral soft tissues, make the following items: - Full dentures for patients who are missing all of their teeth - Removable partial dentures or fixed bridges for those who are missing only one or a few teeth  - Crowns, which cover the tooth and are designed to restore its original size and shape - Veneers, which are bonded to the tooth surface to improve the appearance of discolored, worn, chipped or misaligned teeth - Orthodontic appliances and splints used to help straighten and protect teeth

Dietitian

Duties of a dietitian vary according to the area of specialization: - Clinical and management dietitians work in hospitals or nursing homes and are responsible for menu planning and overseeing the preparation of food.  - Community dietitians teach at-risk groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women and diabetics about which types of food to eat and which foods to avoid.  - Research dietitians study nutrition for commercial food companies.  - Consulting dietitians work in private practice and may counsel patients, test new food products and equipment, and develop new recipes and menus for restaurants and businesses.

Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics provide on-the-scene, immediate medical care to patients in emergency situations such as an automobile accident or heart attack. They also transport the sick or injured to a medical facility.
EMTs and paramedics are typically dispatched to the scene by a 911 operator and often work with a police or fire department. All EMTs must know how to assess the emergency scene, control bleeding, apply splints, assist with childbirth, administer oxygen and perform CPR and other basic life support skills.

Histotechnologist

The duties as a histotechnologist include the following - Preparing slides of human or animal tissue for study - Identifying any abnormalities in tissue structure and cell components for further analysis by the pathologist  - Relating the test results to physiological functions - Implementing new testing techniques and procedures

Medical Lab Technician

Typical duties include the following: -  Monitoring tests and procedures - Preparing blood, urine and tissue specimens for analysis  - Using sophisticated laboratory equipment to look for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms  - Analyzing the chemical content of fluids  - Matching blood for transfusions  - Testing for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment
Technicians may specialize in the areas of chemistry, hematology, cytotechnology, immunology, virology, blood banking or microbiology.

Medical Records Technician

Health information technicians, also called medical records technicians, manage, analyze and organize patient medical records and databases for statistical reports and studies.
They design and manage health information systems to insure they meet medical, legal, and ethical standards. Seeing that each patient's medical record is complete, kept confidential, and safeguarded from individuals not involved with the medical care of the patient are paramount concerns.

Medical Technologist

Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical technologists, are essential members of the health care team. Clinical Laboratory Scientists perform behind-the-scenes laboratory tests that physicians rely on to diagnose and treat patients. Daily activities range from confirming a case of diabetes or strep throat to detecting an early case of leukemia.
Here are some of the responsibilities of a clinical laboratory scientist: - Identifying abnormal blood cells  - Identifying toxic agents, such as anthrax  - Detecting a cancerous tumor with DNA techniques  - Performing cultures and identifying bacteria and viruses - Assuring safe transfusion of blood products  -Correlating test results with patient condition - Selecting and evaluating laboratory equipment and new test methodologies - Monitoring the quality of testing - Supervising support staff  - Managing laboratory operations.

Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists transcribe dictated medical reports that document patient conditions and medical procedures.
In addition to transcribing recorded medical reports and typing it into a computer, transcriptionists edit information for grammar and proper medical terms used in a patient's medical records. Medical transcriptionists must also be aware of the legal standards and requirements that apply to health records.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Working directly with patients and under the supervision of a physician, a nuclear medicine technologist will perform  the following: - Explaining procedures to patients  - Administering radioactive substances to patients  - Producing the images on a computer screen or on film for a physician to interpret - Taking precautions to limit radiation exposure to the patient and yourself
You might also document laboratory operations and participate in scheduling patient examinations.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists work on an individual basis with patients suffering from injuries or disabilities that affect their ability to perform daily tasks. These injuries or disabilities often vary and can include mental, physical or developmental problems.
Occupational therapists lead patients through activities and tasks designed to improve their motor skills in areas where they have lost some of their abilities and functions. In addition, for individuals who have permanently lost certain motor functions or the ability to perform certain tasks, an occupational therapists works with them to develop techniques and methods for compensating for the loss. For example, an individual who has lost an arm may work with an occupational therapist to learn to pick up and grasp large objects using other body parts or certain materials.

Ophthalmic Technologist

An ophthalmic technician, sometimes referred to as an ophthalmic technologist (OT), assists ophthalmologists in providing medical eye care. Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders, vision measurements for glasses, eye muscle exercises and the prevention of blindness.
Duties of an ophthalmic technician include the following: - Obtaining medical histories from patients  - Administering diagnostic tests  - Measuring and recording vision  - Testing eye muscle function  - Providing contact lens education - Administering eye medication  - Maintaining optical and surgical instruments.

Pharmacist

Typical duties include the following: - Dispensing drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners - Educating and informing consumers and patients about the use and possible effects of medication  - Advising physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and effects of medications   - Maintaining confidential records of patients' medications to ensure their safety and monitor their progress   - Providing specialized disease management services for patients with conditions such as diabetes or asthma   - Preparing drug therapies in areas such as oncology and intravenous nutrition support

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians are supervised by licensed pharmacists. They perform duties such as labeling prescription bottles and counting medication.
Unlike pharmacy assistants who run the cash register or answer phones, pharmacy technicians work closely with the pharmacist, specifically to ensure safe and accurate handling of each prescription.
A pharmacy technician's duties may include: - Assisting with prescriptions by counting pills - Measuring medications  - Labeling products - Verifying prescriptions from doctors - Maintaining patient records  - Tracking insurance information  - Assisting patients with insurance forms
Technicians are not permitted to consult with patients about their medication. Those questions fall under the expertise of the licensed pharmacist.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are allied health professionals who draw blood from patients or blood donors for medical testing. They can also prepare and process blood tests.
Phlebotomists are also responsible for: - Explaining the procedure to patients  - Updating patient records  - Preparing stains and reagents  - Cleaning and sterilizing equipment - Taking a patient’s blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate - Sending urine and fecal samples for lab testing

Physical Therapist

A physical therapist works with an individual who has a physical disability or has suffered an injury that has altered their physical abilities. Each individual and their needs are different, thus physical therapists work one-on-one with the individual to complete therapy that is the most beneficial to them. Often times physical therapists work with individuals on flexibility, range of motion, posture, strength, balance, and coordination, although they may do other things as well.

Physician’s Assistant

A physicians assistant performs the same functions as a doctor, handling all but the most complex cases. Typical duties include the following: - Taking medical histories  - Examining and treating patients  - Ordering and analyzing lab tests and x-rays - Prescribing medication  - Treating minor injuries
You may also take on managerial duties, supervising various medical staff and ordering supplies.

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists work in coordination with radiologists to implement therapeutic treatment plans for patients.
Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients under the instruction of oncologists and radiologists. They work intimately with cancer patients, preparing them for therapy and subsequently monitoring their physical and psychological progress.
Radiation therapists locate tumors, measure the amount of radiation, and update treatment reports. Most importantly, they follow regulated standards to protect patients and practitioners from high doses of radiation.

Radiologic Technologist

Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, X-ray technologists, or imaging technologists, X-ray various parts of the body, and then pass these images on to radiologists who diagnose and treat health conditions such as cancer, ulcers or broken bones.
Working directly with patients, radiographers explain the procedure to patients, set up and work the machine. Radiographers must follow important safety procedures by using a radiation shield to protect the patient and themselves from dangerous radiation from the equipment.
Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures. For fluoroscopies, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist to see soft tissues in the body.

Respiratory Therapist

A respiratory therapist works with individuals who have heart problems or difficulty breathing. They provide treatment and services that assist a patient in breathing, such as providing them with oxygen, connecting them to a ventilator, or giving them medicine that helps to open the air passages to allow more air to enter their lungs. In addition, they may work with patients individually to teach them how to recognize and treat breathing difficulty before it becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate action by a doctor or physician.

Sonographer

Sonographers, also called ultrasound technicians and diagnostic medical sonographers, use ultrasound high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body tissues to help a physician diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy and cancer.
Working directly with patients, sonographers explain the procedure to patients, operate the machine, gather and record patient histories, process and analyze diagnostic sonographic data, and provide a summary of findings to physicians for diagnosis. Many sonographers also assist in patient scheduling, record keeping and computerized image archiving.

Speech Therapist

A speech-language pathologist, often referred to as a speech therapist, evaluates and treats children and adults with speech, language and swallowing problems. Pathologists help children and adolescents with language disorders to understand and give directions, convey ideas and improve language skills that lead to better academic performance. They also evaluate and treat persons with swallowing disorders that may result from illness, surgery, stroke or injury.

Surgical Technologist

A surgical tech (ST) must be able to work well under pressure, respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations, and work with speed, accuracy and concentration.

Veterinary Technician

Responsibilities vary depending on the work environment. Most vet techs work in veterinary clinics and emergency centers caring for domestic animals. In these private practices, Veterinary Technicians assist in the following types of procedures: - Physical examinations - Dental procedures - Spaying and neutering - Immunization - Birthing and euthanasia