Information on Occupations in Health Professions
- Athletic Trainer
- Respiratory Therapist (Cardiopulmonary Sciences)
- Radiographer (Radiologic Sciences)
- Physical Therapist
What is an Athletic Trainer?
The athletic trainer is a vital member of the medical support staff for athletes and active individuals. Athletic trainers are different from physical therapists and personal trainers, but they share some aspects of those professions. The job of an athletic trainer includes prevention of injury, recognition and evaluation of injuries and illnesses, emergency care, rehabilitation, and administration. Athletic trainers in traditional settings (high schools, colleges, professional sports) provide on-the-field care for athletes who sustain injuries and can continue providing care as the athlete goes through surgery, rehabilitation, and returns to play.
In addition to employment in schools and professional sports, Athletic trainers are also employed by the military, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, theater and dance organizations, and industry. The responsibilities of athletic trainers at these settings vary widely. Athletic trainers require continuous focus and decision making skills in times of stress and excitement.
Further information on Training, Other Qualifications, Employment, Job Outlook, Earnings, and Sources of Additional Information. http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos294.htm
What is Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory therapists are life support specialists who assist physicians in stabilizing cardiopulmonary parameters in patients with a wide range of medical and surgical problems. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to, life support through the use of mechanical ventilators, maintenance of arterial blood gasses, hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients, and rehabilitation of the pulmonary and cardiac systems.
Graduates in cardiopulmonary sciences provide services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, local health departments, clinics, private offices, mobile units and laboratories. Excellent career opportunities for respiratory therapists exist in intensive care units of hospitals, emergency and trauma centers, diagnostic laboratories, physician groups, flight medicine, pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation centers and home care. In clinical practice, respiratory therapists with four-year degrees qualify for advancement to supervisory or managerial positions in a respiratory therapy department. They may also advance from the care of general patients to patients with significant critical problems in other organ systems such as the heart or kidneys.
Further information on Training, Other Qualifications, Employment, Job Outlook, Earnings, and Sources of Additional Information. http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos084.htm
What is a Radiographer?
A radiographer is a professional specialist who performs medical imaging procedures for the diagnosis of disease and injury. The radiographer performs an interesting and challenging variety of examinations/procedures that may include conventional radiography, fluoroscopy, vascular imaging, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and quality management. Radiographers are integral members of the health care team dedicated to providing high quality patient care.
Excellent career opportunities exist for radiographers in hospitals, imaging centers and physician's offices. Career advancement opportunities include positions in administration, education, quality management and public health facilities.
Graduates have advanced to be supervisors, then to department administrators or directors. With experience in the field, some graduates can work as sales or training representatives for radiopharmaceutical manufacturing firms or as radiation safety officers in regulatory agencies or hospitals.
Further information on Training, Other Qualifications, Employment, Job Outlook, Earnings, and Sources of Additional Information. http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos105.htm
What is a Physical Therapist?
Physical Therapists (PT's) assist in the prevention and treatment of illness and injury in order to promote the optimal physical functioning of over 100,000 people every day in the United States. PT's are able to diagnose and manage movement dysfunctions, restore and promote physical function, and make a positive difference in the quality of people's lives. PT's take a personal approach to assisting others with injury or illness. They can assist patients to walk again, to relieve pain, to drive a car, to dress or bathe, or return to a leisure or sporting activity. Physical Therapy is a dynamic and rewarding profession with a well-established scientific and theoretical base.
PT's are a highly respected member of the health care team. They work with many other health care providers, such as physicians, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers, and speech and language pathologists. They work with patients of all ages, races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.
Therapists graduate with an entry-level degree and may work in a variety of areas, including orthopaedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, women's health, aquatics, cardiopulmonary, education, acute care, and geriatrics. PT's may later choose to receive specialist certification in certain areas.
According to numerous national reporting agencies, the job outlook for competent physical therapists should remain strong well into the 2lst century. Although PT's may work in hospitals or medical centers, over 70% are employed in rehab centers, sports facilities, home health settings, pediatric facilities, research institutions, nursing centers, and many other large corporations. PT's may be employees or serve as owners or partners in private practice settings.
Further information on Training, Other Qualifications, Employment, Job Outlook, Earnings, and Sources of Additional Information. http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos080.htm
