The following descriptions of the different Allied Health Professions were taken from the “Health Professions Career and Education Directory” published by the American Medical Association. Students interested in finding out more about these professions as well as a list of schools offering these majors should consult this directory.
ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT
The anesthesiologist assistant functions as a specialty physician assistant under the direction of a licensed and qualified anesthesiologist, principally in medical centers. Involved in developing and implementing the anesthesia care plan. May include: (1) collecting preoperative data, (2) performing various preoperative tasks, (3) performing airway management and drug administration for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, (3) assisting in the administering and monitoring of regional and peripheral nerve blockage, (4) administering supportive therapy, adjusting anesthetic levels on a minute-to-minute basis, (5) performing intraopertive monitoring, providing recovery room care, and (6) functioning in the intensive care unit. It is a 2-year post-baccalaureate program.
ART THERAPIST Art therapy is a human service profession that uses art media, images, the creative art process, and patient/client responses to the artwork as reflections of an individual's development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts. Art therapy, through the nonverbal qualities of art media, can help individuals access and express memories, trauma, and intrapsychic conflict often not easily reached with words. Art therapy master's degree programs are no less than 2 years and must include a minimum of 21 graduate credit hours in the art therapy core curriculum.
ATHLETIC TRAINER
The athletic trainer, with the consultation and supervision of attending and/or consulting physicians, is an integral part of the health care system associated with physical activity and sports. Through preparation in both academic and practical experience, the athletic trainer provides a variety of services, including injury prevention, recognition, immediate care, treatment, and rehabilitation after physical trauma. Baccalaureate degree programs require 4 years of study. Post baccalaureate programs are generally 1 to 2 years.
AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Audiologists are professionals educated in the study of normal hearing processes and hearing loss. Audiologists specialize in prevention, identification, assessment and rehabilitation of hearing disorders. They prescribe and sometimes dispense hearing aids, and instruct hearing impaired individuals in the use of the aid to gain the most help in day-to-day living. Audiologists also are involved in programs of hearing conservation, particularly in industry. They serve as consultants to government in such areas as noise abatement. Audiologists conduct research into environmental influences on hearing, new testing methods, and new devices.
Speech-language pathologists are professionals educated in the study of human communication, its development, and its disorders. Speech-language pathologists treat such disorders as stuttering, delayed or impaired language, and voice and articulation problems. New computer applications developed to assist those with severe communication disabilities, such as nonverbal individuals, one among the most exciting research advances in the field.
A strong liberal arts focus is recommended on the undergraduate level. Typically, students obtain a degree in communication sciences and disorders. In both professions, graduate work is necessary for receiving credentials, including ASHA certification and most states’ licenses. A doctoral degree is required for work in some areas.
BLOOD BANK TECHNOLOGY-SPECIALIST
Specialists in blood bank technology perform both routine and specialized tests in blood center and transfusion services, using methodology that conforms to the Standards for Blood Centers and Transfusion Services of the American Association of Blood Banks. Most of the educational programs are approximately 12 months. Some programs offer a master’s degree and take longer to complete. Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in any of the biological or physical sciences and have work experience in a blood bank.
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE / MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTION:* Laboratory tests play an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases. Medical technologists perform these tests in conjunction with pathologists (physicians who diagnose the causes and nature of disease) and other physicians, or scientists who specialize in clinical chemistry, microbiology, or the other biological sciences. Medical technologists develop data on the blood, tissues, and fluids in the human body by using a variety of precision instruments.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS:* In addition to the skills possessed by medical laboratory technicians, medical technologists perform complex analyses, fine line discrimination and correction of errors. They are able to recognize interdependency of tests and have knowledge of physiological conditions affecting test results in order to confirm these results and to develop data which may be used by a physician in determining the presence, extent, and, as far as possible, the cause of disease. Medical technologists assume responsibility for, and are held accountable for, accurate results. They establish and monitor quality control programs and design or modify procedures as necessary. Tests and procedures performed or supervised by medical technologists in the clinical laboratory center on major areas of hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis.
EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS:* Most medical technologists are employed in hospital laboratories. The remainder are chiefly employed in physicians' private laboratories and clinics, by the armed forces, by city, state, and federal health agencies, in industrial medical laboratories, in pharmaceutical houses, in numerous public and private research programs dedicated to the study of specific diseases, and as faculty of accredited programs preparing medical laboratory personnel.
COUNSELING-RELATED OCCUPATIONS
The counseling profession differs from other human service professions in its developmental approach to problem solving. Counselors deal with human development concerns through support, therapeutic approaches, consultation, evaluation, teaching, and research. Simply stated, counseling is the art of helping people grow. Community counseling, school counseling, and student affairs practitioner programs are a minimum of 2 full academic years – 4 semesters or 6 quarters of approved graduate-level study with a required minimum of 48 semester-hour or 72-quaarter-hour credits. Mental health counseling and/or marriage and family counseling/therapy compose graduate-level study with a minimum of 60 semester-hour or 90 quarter-hour credits required of all students.
CYTOTECHNOLOGY / HISTOTECHNOLOGY
A cytotechnologist's primary responsibility is working with a microscope to detect a variety of diseases, including cancer and pre-cancerous changes. However, they also are qualified in the detection of viral changes, nutritional disorders, and changes secondary to therapy. They may assist in the collection of cells from body sites including female genital, respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, as well as the oral cavity. Their skills have a wide application in clinical cytopathology and research in such places as hospitals, private laboratories, university medical centers, federal and state laboratories, and in industry. Cytotechnology practice is well suited to the hearing-impaired or physically handicapped who desire a career in allied health.
The histotechnologist's primary responsibility involves the preparation of tissues for microscopic study. This involves the fixation or freezing of tissues, followed by embedding and sectioning of the tissue. Thin sections of tissues are mounted on slides and stained in various ways to make the tissue structures and cellular components visible for examination and diagnosis by a pathologist. The skills of a histotechnologist are utilized in hospital labs, marine biology, botany, veterinary medicine, forensic medicine, and pharmaceutical testing, as well as in industry and university research.
Training in both cytotechnology and histotechnology creates multicompetence, enabling a greater selection of job settings, as well as enhanced background for research and teaching positions.
Educational requirements include a good background in the biological sciences and basic chemistry. This entails successful completion of at least 20 semester hour in the biological sciences, chemistry courses equaling or exceeding 8 semester hours and some mathematics. The length of the program depends significantly on its organizational structure. In general, after completion of the prerequisite course work, at least 1 calendar year of structured professional instruction in cytotechnology is necessary to achieve program objectives and to establish entry-level competencies.
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER
The sonographer provides patient services in a variety of medical settings in which the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. In assisting physicians in gathering sonographic data, the diagnostic medical sonographer is able to obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results; perform appropriate procedures and record anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician; record and process sonographic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician; exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic services; provide patient education related to medical ultrasound; and promote principles of good health. Educational programs range between 1 to 4 years. All applicants must demonstrate satisfactory completion of college level courses in general physics, biology, algebra and communications.
DIETITIAN / NUTRITIONIST
Dietetics is the science of applying food and nutrition to health. Dietitians and nutritionists integrate and apply the principles derived from the sciences of food, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food management, and behavior to achieve and maintain the health status of the public they serve. The professional component is a minimum of 2 years at the baccalaureate or master’s degree level. Post-baccalaureate supervised practice programs vary from 6 months to 2 years, depending on study design and integration in a graduate program. Following completion of academic and supervised practice requirements, individuals are eligible to take a national certification examination for registered dietitians.
ELECTRONEURODIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGIST
Electroneurodiagnostic technology is the scientific field devoted to recording and studying the electrical activity of the brain and nervous system. Electroneurodiagnostic technologists possess the knowledge, attributes, and skills to obtain interpretable recordings of patients’ nervous system functions. They work in collaboration with the electroencephalographer. Programs may be 12 months or more and may be integrated into a college-sponsored program leading to a degree.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN – PARAMEDIC
Emergency medical technician-paramedics, working under the direction of a physician (often through radio communication), recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies of acutely ill or injured patients in pre-hospital care settings. The EMT-paramedics work principally in advanced life-support units and ambulance services under medical supervision and direction. Some programs are designed as a part-time study model, whereas others are organized as full-time collegiate curricula. The average length of training is 1,000 hours.
GENETIC COUNSELOR
The genetic counselor is a health professional academically and clinically prepared to provide genetic services to individuals and families seeking information about the occurrence, or risk of occurrence, of a genetic condition or birth defect. Practicing as part of a genetic services delivery team, the genetic counselor communicates genetic, medical, and technical information in a comprehensive, understandable, non-directive manner with knowledge of and insight into the psychosocial and ethno cultural experiences important to each client and family. The counselor provides client-centered, supportive counseling regarding the issues, concerns, and experiences meaningful to the client’s circumstances. Post-baccalaureate programs take 2 years to complete and require a baccalaureate degree in biology, psychology, or genetics...
HEALTH INFORMATION ADMINISTRATOR / MEDICAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTION: Medical record administrators are responsible for the management of health information systems consistent with the medical, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements of the health care delivery system. Although medical record administrators are not often directly involved in patient contact, their work with the medical and hospital administrative staff is of critical importance to patient care. Because medical record administrators deal with medical records and reports, they should not be confused with medical librarians who work chiefly with books, periodicals, and other medical publications.
JOB DESCRIPTION: The overall responsibility of medical record administrators is to see that complete medical records are developed and preserved for all patients treated in the hospital, clinic or medical care center, and that the confidentiality of the medical information is maintained. Duties include designing health information systems: planning, organizing, directing and controlling medical record services; developing, analyzing, and evaluating medical record indexes; cooperating with the medical staff in developing methods for evaluation of patient care; and working with the medical and administrative staff in research projects utilizing health care information. Responsibilities vary according to the type and size of the facility where the medical record administrator is employed.
EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS: The demand for medical record administrators is greatest, in hospitals. Other areas employment are ambulatory and long-term care facilities, state health departments, professional standards review organizations, government agencies, and private industry. Medical record administrators interested in education may accept faculty appointments as instructors in university educational programs for medical record administrators or college programs for medical record technicians.
MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION
Medical illustrators are highly trained, specialized artists whose role is to create visual materials which communicate vital information in the ever-expanding frontiers of the scientific world.
Improvements and changes in technology are contributing to rapid growth trends in all scientific fields. Each advance brings with it the need to inform colleagues, patients and the general public. Illustrations are a critical component of this information exchange. The job of the medical illustrator is to transform complicated technical information into artwork that communicates and/or teaches.
Some medical illustrators become specialized, devoting the majority of their efforts either to specific markets, such as advertising and editorial illustration; or, specific medical subjects such as ophthalmology or plastic surgery. The majority of medical artists, however, tend to remain generalists. They handle an ever changing variety of assignments from two dimensional techniques such as pen and ink, water color, airbrush, and computer graphics; or through three dimensional techniques, that include the design and production of portable exhibits, museum displays, teaching models, and prosthetic devices used to replace missing or damaged body parts.
Programs are generally 2 years, resulting in a master’s degree.
MUSIC THERAPIST
Music therapy is a health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address individuals’ physical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment, including creating, singing, moving to and/or listening to music. Though musical involvement in the therapeutic context, patients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports the effectiveness of music therapy in any areas, such as facilitating movement and treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expressing feelings.
Music therapists must have an interest in people and a desire to help others empower themselves. The essence of music therapy practice involves establishing caring and professional relationships with people of all ages and abilities. Empathy, patience, creativity, imagination, receptivity to new ideas, and self-understanding are also important attributes. Because music therapists are musicians as well as therapists, a background in and love of music are also essential. Individuals considering a career in music therapy are advised to gain experience through volunteer opportunities or summer work in nursing homes, camps for children with disabilities, and other settings that serve the needs of people with disabilities.
Undergraduate students in music therapy undertake a 4-year baccalaureate program of 127 semester hours. Successful completion of a 1,040 hour supervised clinical internship is also required. The master’s degree in music therapy requires at leas 30 semester hours for completion.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST
Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that uses the nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the anatomic or physiologic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with unsealed radioactive sources. The skills of the nuclear medicine technologist complement those of the nuclear medicine physician and of other professionals in the field. The professional portion of the program is 1 year in length. Institutions offering accredited programs may provide an integrated educational sequence leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree over a period of 2 or 4 years.
NURSING
The demand for nurses and nurse specialists is very strong and salaries are rising to respectable levels. The variety of job settings such as home, hospital, school, community, industry, outpatient clinic, research center or long-term care facility provides for much diversity in the practice of nursing. In many nursing schools the number of men training to be RNs has exceeded ten percent. The most recommended programs for Furman students are those leading to the Bachelor's degree (BSN) in a 2 (years at Furman) + 2 (years in nursing school) arrangement. If a student wishes a dual degree from Furman and the nursing school, the arrangement would be 3 + 2.
Emory University has a nursing program that is quite compatible with a dual degree arrangement with Furman. If you wish to pursue admission to the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University, call (404) 329-7980. Furman students can apply after 3 or 4 yrs to MUSC’s BSN/MSN program.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS (MN or MSN)
| Child Health (Pediatric nursing) | Neonatal-Perinatal | Nurse Practitioner |
| Correctional Health | Nursing Administration | Occupational Health |
| Critical Care | Nurse Anesthetist | Oncology |
| Gerontology | Nurse Education | Pediatric Oncology |
| Mental Health | Nurse Midwifery |
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy is the use of purposeful activity and interventions to achieve functional outcomes to maximize the independence and the maintenance of health of any individual who is limited by a physical injury or illness, a cognitive impairment, a psychosocial dysfunction, a mental illness, a developmental or learning disability, or an adverse environmental condition. Post-baccalaureate programs leading to a certificate or master’s degree are generally 2 years. Following completion of all educational requirements, individuals take a national certification examination.
Students are encouraged to participate in the Collegiate Educational Service Corps (CESC), organized by the Student Center. It provides an opportunity for students to get experience through volunteer work at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, etc.
Pre-occupational therapy students are also encouraged to do an O.T. preceptorship as part of an Independent Study course (Bio 83). They will observe practicing Occupational Therapists, become familiar with related types of therapy, read about issues facing the field, write a term paper, and present a talk to a seminar session.
It is good for potential occupational therapists to acquire some manual skills such as weaving, ceramics, woodworking, leather, etc. Opportunities for learning such skills are available in short courses offered by the Office of Continuing Education. They are also skills that can be practiced in certain CESC programs.
EXAMPLES OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
| GERIATRICS | PHYSICAL DISABILITIES | OTHERS |
| Retirement homes & programs | Rehabilitation hospitals | Mental retardation facilities |
| Nursing homes | General hospitals | Obstetrics & Prenatal Care Program |
| Restorative Care Centers | Medical/Surgical centers | Military career |
| Senior Citizen programs | Veteran's hospitals | Hospices |
| PEDIATRICS | Hand rehabilitation | Public Health agencies |
| Emotionally disturbed children's clinics | Burn Centers & Trauma Units | Home Health programs |
| National Easter Seal Society centers | Industrial accident recovery programs | Delinquency centers & prisons |
| Developmental Centers (infant stimulation & child growth program) | Tuberculosis sanitoria | Sheltered workshops |
| Perceptual motor training & remedial programs | Acute care clinics | Programs for the deaf & blind |
| Facilities for birth defects (cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, etc) | Family practice centers | Colleges & universities as clinicians & educators |
| Day Care facilities | PSYCHIATRIC | Consultants for barrier free design of buildings |
| Mental Health centers | ||
| Acute Care Psychiatric centers | ||
| State hospitals | ||
| Home Health & follow up | ||
| Adolescent counseling centers |
ORTHOPTIC / OPHTHALMIC TECHNOLOGY
Ophthalmic medical assistants assists ophthalmologists by performing delegable tasks, collecting data, and administering or supervising treatment ordered by ophthalmologists. Their duties may include: (A) taking a medical history, administering diagnostic tests, making anatomical and functional ocular measurements, testing ocular functions (including visual acuity, visual fields and sensorimotor functions), administering topical ophthalmic medications, instructing the patient (as in home care and in use of contact lenses); (B) care and maintenance of optical instruments; care, maintenance and sterilization of surgical instruments; and maintenance of ophthalmological office equipment; (C) assisting in ophthalmic surgery in the office or hospital; (D) making optical measurements, administering orthoptic and pleoptic procedures; (E) carrying out ocular electroneurological procedures; (F) assisting in the fitting of contact lenses; (G) fitting, making minor repairs on, and adjusting spectacles; (H) clinical photography; and (I) such other tasks as may be delegated consistent with sound medical practice.
At the Medical University of South Carolina applicants admitted will be selected from college and university students who have, or will have completed, 60 semester hours of transferable college courses. Applicants should have some background in biology and psychology. Emory University requires that the applicant have a B.S.
ORTHOPTIST AND PROSTHETIST
Orthoptics and prosthetics are applied physical disciplines hat address neuromuscular and structural skeletal problems in the human body with a treatment process that includes evaluation and transfer of forces using orthoses and prostheses to achieve optimum function, prevent further disability, and provide cosmesis. Othoptists and prosthetists work directly with a physician and representatives of other allied health professions in the rehabilitation of the physically challenged. The orthoptist designs and fits devices, known as orthoses, to provide care to patients who have disabling conditions of the limbs and spine. The prosthetist designs and fits devices, known as prostheses, for patients who have partial or total absence of a limb. Orthoptic and/or prosthetic education occurs in two forms; baccalaureate degree and certificate programs.
PEDIATRICS
Emotionally disturbed children's clinics National Easter Seal Society centers Developmental Centers (infant stimulation & child growth program) Perceptual motor training & remedial programs Facilities for birth defects (cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, etc) Day Care facilities PHYSICAL DISABILITIES Rehabilitation hospitals General hospitals Medical/Surgical centers Veteran's hospitals Hand rehabilitation Burn Centers & Trauma Units Industrial accident recovery programs Tuberculosis sanitoria Acute care clinics Family practice centersPSYCHIATRIC Mental Health centers Acute Care Psychiatric centers State hospitals Home Health & follow up Adolescent counseling centers OTHERS Mental retardation facilities Obstetrics & Prenatal Care Program Military career Hospices Public Health agencies Home Health programs Delinquency centers & prisons Sheltered workshops Programs for the deaf & blind Colleges & universities as clinicians & educators Consultants for barrier free design of buildings
PERFUSIONIST / EXTRACORPOREAL CIRCULATION TECHNOLOGY
OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTION: The perfusionist provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used during extracorporeal circulation. During cardiopulmonary bypass the perfusionist may administer blood products, anesthetic agents, or drugs through the extracorporeal circuit on prescription. The perfusionist is responsible for the induction of hypothermia and other duties when prescribed. Perfusionists may be administratively responsible for purchasing supplies and equipment as well as for personnel and departmental management.
JOB DESCRIPTION: A perfusionist is a skilled person, qualified by academic and clinical education, who operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function. The perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and is responsible in consultation with the physician to select the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.
The perfusionist is educated to conduct extracorporeal circulation and to ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring the necessary variables. Perfusion (extracorporeal circulation) procedures involve specialized instrumentation and/or advanced life support techniques, and may include a variety of related functions. Final medical responsibility for extracorporeal perfusion rests with the surgeon-in-charge. Extracorporeal Circulation Technologists (Perfusionists) are designated as C.C.P. upon successfully passing the certification examination of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS: The demand for perfusionists exceeds the supply. This is a new occupation involving employment in hospitals, by surgeons, and as part of a medical service group. The supply and demand ratio affects salaries that are competitive depending upon experience, job description, and geographic location. Perfusionists may work weekends and night duty, including emergency calls, as well as working on an on-call system depending upon the number of perfusionists employed by the institution.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE PROFESSION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY:
· Formerly on the "top 10 list of Hottest Careers," according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
· Since 1990, number of educational programs has nearly doubled, from 110 to 195 accredited programs today
· Highly competitive, with the number of applicants in the 300-800 range for 30-80 spots in the class
· Graduates received multiple job offers upon graduation, many with incentive or signing bonuses.,, with good salaries ($45-60,000 starting)
· Move from mostly hospital-based to more outpatient or private practice settings.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
The physical therapist is legally and ethically responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating a physical therapy program. This responsibility often includes instructing the patients and their families and supervising the physical therapist assistants, physical therapy aids, students, and other health workers in carrying out the program or selected parts of it. In planning the program of physical therapy, the physical therapist reviews the patient's problem(s). Physical therapists perform tests and evaluations which provide information about: joint motion, strength and endurance of muscles, functional ability, status of muscle tone and reflexes, appearance and stability of walking, need and use of braces and artificial limbs, function of the heart and lungs, integrity of sensation and perception, and the performance of activities required in daily living. The physical therapist consults and works closely with the patient's physician and other health practitioners in establishing treatment objectives which are realistic and consistent with the patient's needs. The treatments given by the physical therapist include exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; the use of heat, cold electricity, sound, and water to relieve pain and stimulate motor activity, and instruction in activities of daily living and the use of assistive devices. Research is another important aspect of physical therapy. Clinical research is being conducted to develop more effective treatment in methods of evaluation in order to improve patient care.
EMPLOYMENT
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Schools of handicapped children
Private offices
Rehabilitation centers
Community health centers
Research centers
Industry
Universities
Sports medicine facilities
ESSENTIAL PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The following personal attributes are essential for anyone pursuing a career in physical therapy. It is important for you to consider these characteristics when you assess your suitability.
1. Integrity and honesty.
2. Emotional stability enables you to work constructively with people under stressful conditions.
3. Ability to express self adequately verbally, non-verbally, and in written form.
4. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal interaction.
5. Ability to instruct, motivate, and be patient with other people.
6. Human warmth and understanding with high interest in being in a helping, caring relationship.
7. Ability to work equitably with people whose value systems might differ from your own.
8. Ability to work equitably with people of another race, sex, color or creed.
9. Ability to assume supervisory responsibilities.
10. Willingness to accept direction and instruction and assume responsibility for your own actions.
11. Firm commitment to the successful study of physical therapy.
12. Ability to communicate your understanding of your own strengths, weaknesses, self-confidence, and leadership skills.
CAREER PLANNING FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY:
The estimated 70,000 active physical therapists and the more than 18,000 licensed physical therapists assistants in the United States today are members of one of the most exciting and fastest growing professions in the country. In fact, the profession is flourishing at such a rapid rate that the demand for services far exceeds the available supply. It is estimated that by the year 2000 there will be 39,000 new career opportunities.
Physical Therapy is such a popular career choice that the number of applicants to PT programs far exceeds the class size of such programs. To be competitive the applicant should have a GPA of well over 3.2 and have at least 50 hours of documented observation time in settings where registered physical therapists (RPTs) practice. An effective option for attaining this is the Independent Study Internship program offered through the Departments of Biology or Health and Exercise Science.
One major change that is happening in physical therapy today is that many programs are shifting from a master’s degree level to doctorate degree level. Either type of program will prepare you to enter the field of physical therapy. You should ask the institutions you are interested in attending if there are plans to change to the master’s degree so that you can prepare for any changes that you might need to make in your plans. You can also acquire information from the Directory of Physical Therapy Educational Programs available in Chief Health Careers Advisor office or by writing the American Physical Therapy Association, 11 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1488.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
The physicians assistant is a member of the health care team who, working in a dependent relationship with a supervising physician, provides comprehensive medical care. The PA is educated to provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care in order to free the supervising physician to spend more time with complex patient problems only the physician can treat. The PA is qualified to perform a minimum of 70% of the clinical procedures carried out by a general practice physician. The PA obtains patient histories, performs comprehensive physical examinations, orders and interprets diagnostic laboratory tests, prepares a diagnosis, implements basic treatment procedures for common illnesses, and treats emergency cases.
Most PA programs accept students who have had two years of college, as well as prior experience in health care delivery settings. About one-third of accepted applicants have worked as orderlies or nurses aides, one-fourth are emergency medical technicians, one-third as clinical technicians, and 13% as medical corpsman. Of those who entered PA programs in 1980-81, 45% entered the programs with a bachelor's degree. Ninety-one percent of the students had some prior college education. PA programs should not be looked upon as stepping stones to medical school, but rather as entry into a unique professional role in health care.
PAs work in settings such as private practice, multispecialty private practice, comprehensive health clinics, hospitals, satellite clinics, federal and state prison systems, the military services, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, industrial clinics, student health services, the Veterans Administration and Public Health Service. Seventy-five percent of PAs practice in primary care specialties (family/general practice, general internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology), while the remaining 25% are spread evenly in the surgical specialties (general surgery, orthopedic surgery, thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, urology, and neurosurgery) cardiology, allergy, dermatology, industrial and occupational medicine, psychiatry, public health and preventive medicine.
RADIOLOGIC THERAPIST
Radiation therapists deliver prescribed doses of radiation to patients for therapeutic purposes. They provide appropriate patient care; apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the administration of treatment protocols, tumor localization, and dosimetry; and maintain appropriate patient records. Programs may be 1, 2, or 4 years.
RADIOGRAPHER
Radiographers use radiation equipment to produce images of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels of the body, as prescribed by physicians, to assist in the diagnosis of disease or injury. Programs are 2 to 4 years.
REHABILITATION COUNSELOR
Rehabilitation counselors assist people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities to become or remain self-sufficient, productive citizens. Disabilities may result from birth defects, illness and disease, work-related injured, automobile accidents, the stresses of war, work, daily life, and the aging process. Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with disabilities deal with societal and personal problems, plan careers, and find and keep satisfying jobs. They also may work with individuals, professional organizations, and advocacy groups to address the environmental and social barriers that create obstacles for people with disabilities. The rehabilitation counselor builds bridges between the often isolated world of people with disabilities and their families, communities, and work environments. Education programs are between 18 and 24 months of academic and field-bases clinical training.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
The respiratory therapist applies scientific knowledge and theory to practical clinical problems of respiratory care. Programs are usually 2 years leading to an associate degree.
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Surgical technologist prepare the operating room by selecting and opening sterile supplies. Preoperative duties also include assembling, adjusting, and checking nonsterile equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order. Common duties include operating sterilizers, lights, suction machines, electrosurgical units, and diagnostic equipment. Educational programs vary from 9 to 24 months.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST
Practiced in clinical, residential, and community settings, the therapeutic recreation profession uses treatment, education, and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities, and other conditions develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, independence, and well-being. Educational programs range from 18 to 24 months.
Child Health (Pediatric nursing) Correctional Health Critical Care Gerontology Mental Health Neonatal-Perinatal Nursing Administration Nurse Anesthetist Nurse Education Nurse Midwifery Nurse Practitioner Occupational Health Oncology Pediatric Oncology