Surgical Services, A.S.
Associate in Science
Health SciencesContact Information
(850) 558-4500
healthedu@tcc.fl.edu
Explore this Program:
About this Program
The Surgical Services, A.S. degree teaches the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of a person in the health science occupation and prepares students to become certified surgical technologists, central sterile processing technologists or endoscopic technicians.
This is a limited-access and limited enrollment program. See all Healthcare Program requirements.
Academic Map - Central Sterile Processing Tech Track
Academic Map - Endoscopic Tech Specialist Track
Total Credit Hours:
64
Estimated Time to Complete Program:
5 terms*
*based on 15 credit hours per term
Estimated Tuition Cost:
$6,453.12*
Eligible for Financial Aid:
Yes
Eligible for Veteran's Aid:
Yes
*based on current in-state tuition rate of $100.83 per credit hour
Program Overview & Requirements
Program Purpose:
To prepare students to become certified surgical technologists, central sterile processing technologists or endoscopic technicians.
Note: Students must choose one of the three specializations: surgical technologist specialist, central sterile processing technologist or endoscopic technician.
Surgical technologist (Amy Lynette Bailey Surgical Technology Program): These members of the healthcare team work in operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, central supply, labor and delivery areas, cardiac catheterization laboratories, private physician offices, and other settings where invasive procedures are performed. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly and that the procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. This program prepares students to take the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
Central sterile processing technologist: Central sterile processing technologists (medical equipment preparers) and central service technicians are integral members of the surgical team and are essential for patient safety by being responsible for decontamination, inspection, assembling, disassembling, packaging and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments, supplies and devices. This program prepares students to take the national certification exam through the International Association of Healthcare Central Services Material Management.
Endoscopic technician: These members of the healthcare team are responsible for the safe practice of flexible and rigid endoscopy. Upon completion of all core requirements, graduates of this program will receive a certificate as an endoscopic technician. Students may choose to complete the requirements for certification as an associate with the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates.
Program Length:
64 credit hours
Admission Requirements:
Applicant must have earned a standard high school diploma or GED diploma.
Applicant must be college-ready, which means the applicant does not need developmental education courses in English, reading and/or mathematics. This requirement may be satisfied by one or more of the following options:
- The Florida Statute on Developmental Education exemption
- Adequate placement scores from the Florida Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) or other college placement scores accepted by TCC
- Completion of developmental education courses
- Completion of at least ENC1101 College Composition and a Mathematics State Core course
Note: A student may declare the Surgical Services degree as his or her program of study at any time through the TCC Admissions and Records office. However, the student is not officially admitted into the A.S. degree until the student is enrolled in or has completed one of three college credit certificate programs: Surgical Technology Specialist Certificate (6355) , Central Sterile Processing Technologist Certificate (6360) or Endoscopy Technician Certificate (6361) . The student must contact the Healthcare Professions Division to be officially admitted into the A.S. degree program.
Program Application:
This program accepts students for each Fall and Spring semester. This is a limited-access program with a limited number of seats per class.
Applicants must submit a TCC admission application (www.tcc.fl.edu/apply) and a separate healthcare program application through TCC EagleNet account.
Before submitting the application for admission, students must complete the following portions of the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI A2): Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary and Math.
See Additional Healthcare Program Requirements for important information.
View Healthcare Program Application Deadlines.
Academic Division:
Healthcare Professions, Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education
Contact:
(850) 558-4500 or healthedu@tcc.fl.edu
View Information about Graduation Requirements and Year of Entry .
General Education (15 credit hours)
- ENC1101 College Composition 3 credit hour(s)
- Any General Education Humanities State Core course 3 credit hour(s)
- Any General Education Mathematics State Core course 3 credit hour(s)
- Any General Education Natural Sciences State Core course 3 credit hour(s)
- Any General Education Social Sciences State Core course 3 credit hour(s)
Health Science Program Core (14 credit hours)
- BSC1084C Human Biology: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 4 credit hour(s)
- HSC1000 Orientation to Perioperative Services 3 credit hour(s)
- HSC1000L Orientation to Perioperative Services Lab 1 credit hour(s)
- HSC1538 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals 1 credit hour(s)
- HSC2520 Microbiology for Perioperative Services 3 credit hour(s)
- STS2361 The Art of Teamwork in Surgery 1 credit hour(s)
- STS2365 Professional Skills for the O. R. Team 1 credit hour(s)
Specializations (35 credit hours)
Note: Students may earn only one A.S. degree in this field; they should choose the specialization that best aligns with their career goals.
Surgical Technology Specialization (35 credit hours)
- STS1302 Introduction to Surgical Technology 4 credit hour(s)
- STS1302L Introduction to Surgical Technology Lab and Clinical 2 credit hour(s)
- STS1310 Surgical Techniques and Procedures 4 credit hour(s)
- STS1310L Surgical Techniques and Procedures Lab and Clinical 2 credit hour(s)
- STS1340 Pharmacology and Anesthesia 2 credit hour(s)
- STS2323 Surgical Procedures I 4 credit hour(s)
- STS2323L Surgical Procedures I Simulation Lab 2 credit hour(s)
- STS2324 Surgical Procedures II 4 credit hour(s)
- STS2324L Surgical Procedures II Simulation Lab 2 credit hour(s)
- STS2944 Surgical Technologist Clinical I 3 credit hour(s)
- STS2945 Surgical Technologist Clinical II 3 credit hour(s)
- STS2953 Surgical Technologist Portfolio I 1 credit hour(s)
- STS2954 Surgical Technologist Portfolio II 2 credit hour(s)
Central Sterile Processing Technologist Specialization (35 credit hours)
- BSC2085 Anatomy and Physiology I 3 credit hour(s)
- BSC2085L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory 1 credit hour(s)
- BSC2086 Anatomy and Physiology II 3 credit hour(s)
- BSC2086L Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory 1 credit hour(s)
- DEP2004 Human Development: Birth to Senescence 3 credit hour(s)
- HUN1201 The Science of Nutrition 3 credit hour(s)
- HSC1434C Central Processing Technology Lecture, Lab & Clinical 12 credit hour(s)
- LIS2004 Research Strategies for College Students 1 credit hour(s)
- MCB2004 General Microbiology 3 credit hour(s)
- MCB2004L Microbiology Laboratory 1 credit hour(s)
- STS1925C Endoscopy Basics Theory and Lab 4 credit hour(s)
Endoscopic Technician Specialization (35 credit hours)
- BSC2085 Anatomy and Physiology I 3 credit hour(s)
- BSC2085L Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory 1 credit hour(s)
- BSC2086 Anatomy and Physiology II 3 credit hour(s)
- BSC2086L Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory 1 credit hour(s)
- DEP2004 Human Development: Birth to Senescence 3 credit hour(s)
- HUN1201 The Science of Nutrition 3 credit hour(s)
- LIS2004 Research Strategies for College Students 1 credit hour(s)
- MCB2004 General Microbiology 3 credit hour(s)
- MCB2004L Microbiology Laboratory 1 credit hour(s)
- MNA1161 Introduction to Customer Service 3 credit hour(s)
- STA2023 Introductory Statistics 3 credit hour(s)
- STS1925C Endoscopy Basics Theory and Lab 4 credit hour(s)
- STS1926C Endoscopy Technician Theory and Lab 6 credit hour(s)
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Sample Daily Tasks
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Sample Daily Tasks
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14Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
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- Prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses.
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- Obtain a customer's previous record, or verify a prescription with the examining optometrist or ophthalmologist.
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1Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
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- Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
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Phlebotomist
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
25Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
- Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
- Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
- Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.
- Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.
- Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
- Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures.
- Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
- Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.
- Transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.
- Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.
- Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.
- Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.
- Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
- Train other medical personnel in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques.
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Dental Laboratory Technician
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
1Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
- Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
- Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes and pour materials into molds or over frameworks to form dental prostheses or apparatus.
- Create a model of patient's mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.
- Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
- Place tooth models on apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
- Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
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Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
9Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
- Take and document patients' medical histories.
- Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
- Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
- Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.
- Measure the thickness of the retinal nerve, using scanning laser polarimetry techniques to aid in diagnosis of glaucoma.
- Assess refractive condition of eyes, using retinoscope.
- Photograph patients' eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.
- Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
- Conduct tests, such as the Amsler Grid test, to measure central visual field used in the early diagnosis of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diseases of the eye.
- Supervise or instruct ophthalmic staff.
- Perform fluorescein angiography of the eye.
- Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
- Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
- Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures, including electrophysiological, electrophysical, or microbial procedures.
- Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
- Conduct low vision blindness tests.
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Cytotechnologist
Cytotechnologist
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
25Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
- Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
- Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
- Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
- Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
- Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
- Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
- Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
- Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
- Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
- Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.
- Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
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Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainer
Evaluate and advise individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses, or maintain peak physical fitness. May provide first aid or emergency care.
4Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
- Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
- Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
- Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
- Plan or implement comprehensive athletic injury or illness prevention programs.
- Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
- Advise athletes on the proper use of equipment.
- Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.
- File athlete insurance claims and communicate with insurance providers.
- Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
- Accompany injured athletes to hospitals.
- Develop training programs or routines designed to improve athletic performance.
- Inspect playing fields to locate any items that could injure players.
- Recommend special diets to improve athletes' health, increase their stamina, or alter their weight.
- Conduct research or provide instruction on subject matter related to athletic training or sports medicine.
- Confer with coaches to select protective equipment.
- Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, or bruises.
- Lead stretching exercises for team members prior to games or practices.
Wages
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Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests. Includes vascular technologists.
8Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
- Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
- Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
- Prepare and position patients for testing.
- Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
- Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
- Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
- Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.
Wages
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Informatics Nurse Specialist
Informatics Nurse Specialist
Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.
71Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Design, develop, select, test, implement, and evaluate new or modified informatics solutions, data structures, and decision-support mechanisms to support patients, health care professionals, and their information management and human-computer and human-technology interactions within health care contexts.
- Analyze and interpret patient, nursing, or information systems data to improve nursing services.
- Apply knowledge of computer science, information science, nursing, and informatics theory to nursing practice, education, administration, or research, in collaboration with other health informatics specialists.
- Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers using object-oriented models or other techniques.
- Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
- Develop strategies, policies or procedures for introducing, evaluating or modifying information technology applied to nursing practice, administration, education, or research.
- Identify, collect, record or analyze data that are relevant to the nursing care of patients.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in informatics.
- Provide consultation to nurses regarding hardware or software configuration.
- Disseminate information about nursing informatics science and practice to the profession, other health care professions, nursing students, and the public.
- Develop, implement or evaluate health information technology applications, tools, processes or structures to assist nurses with data management.
- Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications to resolve clinical or health care administrative problems.
- Develop or deliver training programs for health information technology, creating operating manuals as needed.
- Analyze computer and information technologies to determine applicability to nursing practice, education, administration and research.
- Design, conduct, or provide support to nursing informatics research.
- Inform local, state, national and international health policies related to information management and communication, confidentiality and security, patient safety, infrastructure development and economics.
Wages
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Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
12Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
Wages
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Occupational Therapy Aide
Occupational Therapy Aide
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
1Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.
- Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.
- Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.
- Supervise patients in choosing and completing work assignments or arts and crafts projects.
- Manage intradepartmental infection control and equipment security.
- Evaluate the living skills and capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
- Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
- Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
- Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.
- Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.
- Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games.
- Adjust and repair assistive devices and make adaptive changes to other equipment and to environments.
- Perform clerical, administrative, and secretarial duties, such as answering phones, restocking and ordering supplies, filling out paperwork, and scheduling appointments.
Wages
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Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologist
Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.
13Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality.
- Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
- Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
Wages
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Low Vision Therapist, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Low Vision Therapist, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
14Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Teach cane skills, including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, and two-point touches.
- Train clients to use tactile, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and propioceptive information.
- Assess clients' functioning in areas such as vision, orientation and mobility skills, social and emotional issues, cognition, physical abilities, and personal goals.
- Teach clients to travel independently, using a variety of actual or simulated travel situations or exercises.
- Monitor clients' progress to determine whether changes in rehabilitation plans are needed.
- Develop rehabilitation or instructional plans collaboratively with clients, based on results of assessments, needs, and goals.
- Recommend appropriate mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, long canes, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
- Train clients with visual impairments to use mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
- Provide consultation, support, or education to groups such as parents and teachers.
- Collaborate with specialists, such as rehabilitation counselors, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists, to provide client solutions.
- Participate in professional development activities, such as reading literature, continuing education, attending conferences, and collaborating with colleagues.
- Train clients to use adaptive equipment, such as large print, reading stands, lamps, writing implements, software, and electronic devices.
- Write reports or complete forms to document assessments, training, progress, or follow-up outcomes.
- Refer clients to services, such as eye care, health care, rehabilitation, and counseling, to enhance visual and life functioning or when condition exceeds scope of practice.
- Administer tests and interpret test results to develop rehabilitation plans for clients.
- Obtain, distribute, or maintain low vision devices.
- Teach independent living skills or techniques, such as adaptive eating, medication management, diabetes management, and personal management.
- Identify visual impairments related to basic life skills in areas such as self care, literacy, communication, health management, home management, and meal preparation.
Wages
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Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant
Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.
43Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
Wages
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Respiratory Therapy Technician
Respiratory Therapy Technician
Provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.
0Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Work with patients in areas such as the emergency rooms, neonatal or pediatric intensive care, or surgical intensive care, treating conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, or pneumonia.
- Keep records of patients' therapy, completing all necessary forms.
- Monitor patients during treatment and report any unusual reactions to the respiratory therapist.
- Use ventilators or various oxygen devices or aerosol and breathing treatments in the provision of respiratory therapy.
- Follow and enforce safety rules applying to equipment.
- Collect and analyze arterial blood gas samples.
- Set equipment controls to regulate the flow of oxygen, gases, mists, or aerosols.
- Read and evaluate physicians' orders and patients' chart information to determine patients' condition and treatment protocols.
- Assess patients' response to treatments and modify treatments according to protocol if necessary.
- Prepare or test devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, aerosol generators, or electrocardiogram (EKG) machines.
- Administer breathing or oxygen procedures, such as intermittent positive pressure breathing treatments, ultrasonic nebulizer treatments, or incentive spirometer treatments.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients.
- Interview or examine patients to collect clinical data.
- Provide respiratory care involving the application of well-defined therapeutic techniques under the supervision of a respiratory therapist and a physician.
- Perform diagnostic procedures to assess the severity of respiratory dysfunction in patients.
- Clean, sterilize, check, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment.
- Teach patients how to use respiratory equipment at home.
- Recommend or review bedside procedures, x-rays, or laboratory tests.
- Teach or oversee other workers who provide respiratory care services.
Wages
See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($30,090.25) to highly-experienced workers ($65,051.25). View by annual salary or hourly wage.
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Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
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. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.
23Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
- Review records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.
- Retrieve patient medical records for physicians, technicians, or other medical personnel.
Wages
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Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
14Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
- Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
- Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
- Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
- Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
- Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
- Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
- Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
- Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
- Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
- Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
- Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
- Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
- Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
Wages
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Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Transcriptionist
Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.
11Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.
- Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician's review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients' medical records.
- Transcribe dictation for a variety of medical reports, such as patient histories, physical examinations, emergency room visits, operations, chart reviews, consultation, or discharge summaries.
- Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.
- Distinguish between homonyms and recognize inconsistencies and mistakes in medical terms, referring to dictionaries, drug references, and other sources on anatomy, physiology, and medicine.
- Translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms to ensure the accuracy of patient and health care facility records.
- Produce medical reports, correspondence, records, patient-care information, statistics, medical research, and administrative material.
- Identify mistakes in reports and check with doctors to obtain the correct information.
Wages
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Neurodiagnostic Technologist
Neurodiagnostic Technologist
Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.
9Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Conduct tests or studies such as electroencephalography (EEG), polysomnography (PSG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and intraoperative monitoring (IOM).
- Indicate artifacts or interferences derived from sources outside of the brain, such as poor electrode contact or patient movement, on electroneurodiagnostic recordings.
- Monitor patients during tests or surgeries, using electroencephalographs (EEG), evoked potential (EP) instruments, or video recording equipment.
- Explain testing procedures to patients, answering questions or reassuring patients as needed.
- Attach electrodes to patients using adhesives.
- Conduct tests to determine cerebral death, the absence of brain activity, or the probability of recovery from a coma.
- Measure patients' body parts and mark locations where electrodes are to be placed.
- Calibrate, troubleshoot, or repair equipment and correct malfunctions as needed.
- Measure visual, auditory, or somatosensory evoked potentials (EPs) to determine responses to stimuli.
- Summarize technical data to assist physicians to diagnose brain, sleep, or nervous system disorders.
- Set up, program, or record montages or electrical combinations when testing peripheral nerve, spinal cord, subcortical, or cortical responses.
- Collect patients' medical information needed to customize tests.
- Adjust equipment to optimize viewing of the nervous system.
- Submit reports to physicians summarizing test results.
- Assist in training technicians, medical students, residents or other staff members.
- Participate in research projects, conferences, or technical meetings.
Wages
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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
25Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
- Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
- Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
- Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
- Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
- Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
- Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
- Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
- Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
- Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
- Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.
Wages
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Medical Secretary
Medical Secretary
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
63Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.
- Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.
- Operate office equipment, such as voice mail messaging systems, and use word processing, spreadsheet, or other software applications to prepare reports, invoices, financial statements, letters, case histories, or medical records.
- Maintain medical records, technical library, or correspondence files.
- Compile and record medical charts, reports, or correspondence, using typewriter or personal computer.
- Greet visitors, ascertain purpose of visit, and direct them to appropriate staff.
- Receive and route messages or documents, such as laboratory results, to appropriate staff.
- Transmit correspondence or medical records by mail, e-mail, or fax.
- Perform various clerical or administrative functions, such as ordering and maintaining an inventory of supplies.
Wages
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Surgical Assistant
Surgical Assistant
Assist surgeons during surgery by performing duties such as tissue retraction, insertion of tubes and intravenous lines, or closure of surgical wounds. Perform preoperative and postoperative duties to facilitate patient care.
9Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
- Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
- Coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or to protect against nerve damage or circulation impairment.
- Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.
- Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
- Apply sutures, staples, clips, or other materials to close skin, facia, or subcutaneous wound layers.
- Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.
- Clamp, ligate, or cauterize blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry, using hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, or electrocautery equipment.
- Discuss with surgeon the nature of the surgical procedure, including operative consent, methods of operative exposure, diagnostic or laboratory data, or patient-advanced directives or other needs.
- Determine availability of necessary equipment or supplies for operative procedures.
- Assess skin integrity or other body conditions upon completion of the procedure to determine if damage has occurred from body positioning.
- Assist with patient resuscitation during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.
- Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.
- Operate sterilizing devices.
- Pass instruments or supplies to surgeon during procedure.
- Monitor patient intra-operative status, including patient position, vital signs, or volume and color of blood.
- Assist in the insertion, positioning, or suturing of closed-wound drainage systems.
- Assist members of surgical team with gowning or gloving.
- Gather, arrange, or assemble instruments or supplies.
- Coordinate with anesthesia personnel to maintain patient temperature.
- Adjust and maintain operating room temperature, humidity, or lighting, according to surgeon's specifications.
- Assist in applying casts, splints, braces, or similar devices.
- Transport patients to operating room.
Wages
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Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienist
Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.
11Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Record and review patient medical histories.
- Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- Expose and develop x-ray film.
- Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
- Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
- Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
- Maintain patient recall system.
- Administer local anesthetic agents.
- Remove excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
Wages
See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($45,601.21) to highly-experienced workers ($74,074.66). View by annual salary or hourly wage.
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Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and Health Services Manager
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
43Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports.
- Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel.
- Direct or conduct recruitment, hiring, and training of personnel.
- Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures for the facility or medical unit.
- Conduct and administer fiscal operations, including accounting, planning budgets, authorizing expenditures, establishing rates for services, and coordinating financial reporting.
- Maintain awareness of advances in medicine, computerized diagnostic and treatment equipment, data processing technology, government regulations, health insurance changes, and financing options.
- Plan, implement and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
- Prepare activity reports to inform management of the status and implementation plans of programs, services, and quality initiatives.
- Establish work schedules and assignments for staff, according to workload, space and equipment availability.
- Maintain communication between governing boards, medical staff, and department heads by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental functioning.
- Establish objectives and evaluative or operational criteria for units they manage.
- Review and analyze facility activities and data to aid planning and cash and risk management and to improve service utilization.
- Manage change in integrated health care delivery systems, such as work restructuring, technological innovations, and shifts in the focus of care.
- Develop instructional materials and conduct in-service and community-based educational programs.
Wages
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Dietitian and Nutritionist
Dietitian and Nutritionist
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
5Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
- Monitor food service operations to ensure conformance to nutritional, safety, sanitation and quality standards.
- Advise patients and their families on nutritional principles, dietary plans, diet modifications, and food selection and preparation.
- Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
- Consult with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client.
- Plan, conduct, and evaluate dietary, nutritional, and epidemiological research.
- Purchase food in accordance with health and safety codes.
- Manage quantity food service departments or clinical and community nutrition services.
- Write research reports and other publications to document and communicate research findings.
- Coordinate diet counseling services.
- Make recommendations regarding public policy, such as nutrition labeling, food fortification, or nutrition standards for school programs.
- Inspect meals served for conformance to prescribed diets and standards of palatability and appearance.
- Select, train, and supervise workers who plan, prepare, and serve meals.
- Organize, develop, analyze, test, and prepare special meals, such as low-fat, low-cholesterol, or chemical-free meals.
- Prepare and administer budgets for food, equipment, and supplies.
- Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in teaching.
- Plan and prepare grant proposals to request program funding.
- Advise food service managers and organizations on sanitation, safety procedures, menu development, budgeting, and planning to assist with establishment, operation, and evaluation of food service facilities and nutrition programs.
- Plan and conduct training programs in dietetics, nutrition, and institutional management and administration for medical students, health-care personnel, and the general public.
- Develop policies for food service or nutritional programs to assist in health promotion and disease control.
- Coordinate recipe development and standardization and develop new menus for independent food service operations.
Wages
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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
14Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved with the care of a patient.
- Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled clients.
- Attend continuing education classes.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- Alter treatment programs to obtain better results if treatment is not having the intended effect.
- Work under the direction of occupational therapists to plan, implement, or administer educational, vocational, or recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments.
- Teach patients how to deal constructively with their emotions.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, collecting data, or documenting health insurance billings.
- Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual or creative arts or games.
- Assemble, clean, or maintain equipment or materials for patient use.
- Attend care plan meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.
- Order any needed educational or treatment supplies.
- Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
- Design, fabricate, or repair assistive devices or make adaptive changes to equipment or environments.
Wages
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Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.
2Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
- Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
- Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
- Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
- Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
- Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
- Record and process results of procedures.
- Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
- Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
- Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
- Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy.
- Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
- Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment.
- Train or supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists.
Wages
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Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays.
14Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Complete and maintain necessary records.
- Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- Train caregivers how to provide for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
- Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
- Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate those impaired because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
- Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
- Recommend changes in patients' work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.
- Design and create, or requisition, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces, and computer-aided adaptive equipment.
- Develop and participate in health promotion programs, group activities, or discussions to promote client health, facilitate social adjustment, alleviate stress, and prevent physical or mental disability.
- Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs or coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
- Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
- Help clients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination, and perceptual skills, using computer programs.
- Provide training and supervision in therapy techniques and objectives for students or nurses and other medical staff.
- Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
- Conduct research in occupational therapy.
- Advise on health risks in the workplace or on health-related transition to retirement.
Wages
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Physical Therapist Aide
Physical Therapist Aide
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
24Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- Record treatment given and equipment used.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
- Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
- Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Wages
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Dietetic Technician
Dietetic Technician
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
2Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Observe patient food intake and report progress and dietary problems to dietician.
- Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
- Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
- Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
- Analyze menus or recipes, standardize recipes, or test new products.
Wages
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Ophthalmic Medical Technician
Ophthalmic Medical Technician
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
8Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- Take and document patients' medical histories.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
- Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
- Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
- Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
- Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
- Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.
- Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
Wages
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Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapist
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
1Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
- Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
- Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
- Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
- Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
- Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
- Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
- Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
- Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
- Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
- Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
- Schedule patients for treatment times.
- Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.
Wages
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Medical Equipment Preparer
Medical Equipment Preparer
Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
16Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
- Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
- Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
- Record sterilizer test results.
- Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
- Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.
- Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.
- Stock crash carts or other medical supplies.
- Start equipment and observe gauges and equipment operation to detect malfunctions and to ensure equipment is operating to prescribed standards.
- Check sterile supplies to ensure that they are not outdated.
- Attend hospital in-service programs related to areas of work specialization.
Wages
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Orthotist and Prosthetist
Orthotist and Prosthetist
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
0Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
- Maintain patients' records.
- Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
- Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- Make and modify plaster casts of areas that will be fitted with prostheses or orthoses, for use in the device construction process.
- Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
- Construct and fabricate appliances or supervise others constructing the appliances.
- Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.
- Update skills and knowledge by attending conferences and seminars.
- Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
- Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
- Research new ways to construct and use orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
- Publish research findings or present them at conferences and seminars.
Wages
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Orthoptist
Orthoptist
Diagnose and treat visual system disorders such as binocular vision and eye movement impairments.
2Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Perform diagnostic tests or measurements, such as motor testing, visual acuity testing, lensometry, retinoscopy, and color vision testing.
- Examine patients with problems related to ocular motility, binocular vision, amblyopia, or strabismus.
- Provide instructions to patients or family members concerning diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Provide nonsurgical interventions, including corrective lenses, patches, drops, fusion exercises, or stereograms, to treat conditions such as strabismus, heterophoria, and convergence insufficiency.
- Evaluate, diagnose, or treat disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision or abnormal eye movements.
- Interpret clinical or diagnostic test results.
- Develop or use special test and communication techniques to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of children or disabled patients.
- Develop nonsurgical treatment plans for patients with conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, and other visual disorders.
- Provide training related to clinical methods or orthoptics to students, resident physicians, or other health professionals.
- Refer patients to ophthalmic surgeons or other physicians.
- Assist ophthalmologists in diagnostic ophthalmic procedures, such as ultrasonography, fundus photography, and tonometry.
- Prepare diagnostic or treatment reports for other medical practitioners or therapists.
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, or other specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases.
- Participate in clinical research projects.
- Perform vision screening of children in schools or community health centers.
Wages
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Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.
11Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
- Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
- Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
- Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
- Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.
Wages
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Medical Appliance Technician
Medical Appliance Technician
Construct, fit, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices, such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
1Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools that will be required.
- Drill and tap holes for rivets and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices.
- Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools.
- Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components.
- Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns.
- Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications.
- Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
- Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments.
- Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures.
- Fit appliances onto patients and make any necessary adjustments.
- Take patients' body or limb measurements for use in device construction.
- Polish artificial limbs, braces, or supports, using grinding and buffing wheels.
- Instruct patients in use of prosthetic or orthotic devices.
- Service or repair machinery used in the fabrication of appliances.
Wages
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Radiologic Technician
Radiologic Technician
Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes.
9Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Position x-ray equipment and adjust controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance.
- Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation.
- Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
- Prepare and set up x-ray room for patient.
- Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
- Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
- Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
- Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
- Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
- Collect and maintain records of patients examined, examinations performed, patient medical histories, views taken, or technical factors used.
- Coordinate work of other technicians or technologists when procedures require more than one person.
- Assure that sterile or non-sterile supplies such as contrast materials, catheters, films, chemicals, or other required equipment, are present and in working order or requisition materials.
- Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
- Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
- Provide students or other technicians with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
- Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
Wages
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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
25Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
- Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
- Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
- Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
- Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
Wages
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Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselor
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
24Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
- Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy.
- Confer with physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals to develop and implement client rehabilitation programs.
- Arrange for physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and developing rehabilitation plans.
- Analyze information from interviews, educational and medical records, consultation with other professionals, and diagnostic evaluations to assess clients' abilities, needs, and eligibility for services.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community referral sources, such as schools or community groups.
- Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Develop diagnostic procedures to determine clients' needs.
- Collaborate with clients' families to implement rehabilitation plans, such as behavioral, residential, social, or employment goals.
Wages
See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($28,556.27) to highly-experienced workers ($46,365.70). View by annual salary or hourly wage.
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Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistant
Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens. May transfer or transport patients. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
217Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.
- Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
- Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
- Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.
- Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.
- Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.
- Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.
- Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
- Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
- Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.
- Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.
- Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.
- Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
- Prepare or serve food trays.
- Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.
- Record height or weight of patients.
- Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician.
- Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.
- Change bed linens or make beds.
- Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.
Wages
See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($18,954.54) to highly-experienced workers ($29,542.67). View by annual salary or hourly wage.
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.
5Annual Openings
Sample Daily Tasks
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
- Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
- Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
- Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.
- Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.
- Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.
- Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.
- Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.
- Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Wages
See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($54,931.75) to highly-experienced workers ($80,462.61). View by annual salary or hourly wage.
Employment Projections
A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.
All career information provided by Career Coach
Learn More About This Career