Index of Professions
Chiropractic Medicine
Doctors of chiropractic have a deep respect for the human body's ability to heal itself without the use of surgery or medication. These doctors devote careful attention to the biomechanics, structure and function of the spine, its effects on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems, and the role played by the proper function of these systems in the preservation and restoration of health. A Doctor of Chiropractic is one who is involved in the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the promotion of public health, and a wellness approach to patient healthcare. Source: American Chiropractic Association.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counselors work as members of a healthcare team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family. Source: The National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. Please visit Genetic Counseling Programs for information on specific programs.
Medical Illustration
A medical illustrator is a professional artist with extensive training in medicine and science who creates visual material to help record and disseminate medical, biological and related knowledge. Medical illustrators not only produce such material but function as consultants and administrators within the field of biocommunication. Source: The Association of Medical Illustrators.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are the highest trained practitioners in the broadest scope of naturopathic medical modalities. In addition to the basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics, naturopathic education includes therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, classical Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, pharmacology and minor surgery. Source: The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Nursing
Nurses provide preventative and restorative health care to patients in a multitude of settings. Nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illnesses. Special Masters programs are available for students who would like to become a nurse and already have a B.A. or B.S. degree in a non-nursing discipline. For additional information on the field of nursing, please visit the American Nurses Association and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury. Source: The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
Optometry
Doctors of Optometry specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions. For additional information on the field of optometry, please visit the American
Academy of Optometry and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists are experts in the science of medications and
the art of medication therapy and utilize their knowledge
and skills to improve a patient’s quality of life. For
more information about the field of pharmacy, please visit
the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists, and some physical therapists treat a wide range of ailments, while others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. For more information on Physical Therapy visit the American Physical Therapy Association web site.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants, under a physician’s supervision, perform many patient care tasks that were traditionally conducted by doctors, including physical examinations, providing treatment, prescribing certain drugs, and counseling patients on their health care problems. For additional information on becoming a Physician Assistant contact the American Academy of Physician
Assistants.
Podiatry
Podiatry is a field of medicine that strives to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are physicians and surgeons who practice on the lower extremities, primarily on feet and ankles. In addition to private practice, podiatrists serve on the staffs of hospitals and long-term care facilities, on the faculties of schools of medicine, as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces and the US Public Health Service, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and in municipal health departments. Many podiatrists today are also members of group medical practices. Source: American Podiatric Medical Association.
Sports Medicine
The study of sports medicine relates to the application of medical principals to sport, exercise, and physical performance. In general terms, it is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of sport or athletic related injuries. In addition to the study of those fields that focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of injuries, sports medicine also deals with illnesses and diseases that might have effects on health and physical performance. To learn more about Sports Medicine and accredited training programs visit sportsmedicine.com.
Information shown here has been adapted from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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