Careers in Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Medical Dosimetrists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Emergency Medical Technicians

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Paramedics

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Dietetic Technicians

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

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.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Pharmacy Technicians

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Psychiatric Technicians

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Surgical Technologists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Requires Vocational Training or a Diploma