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Exploring Careers. Health Occupations.Bureau of Labor Statistics (DOL), Washington, D.C.

ELS -Bull -2001 -117959p.: Photographs will not reproduce deli. Forrelated documents see CE 02B 017-031.Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government FrintinqOffice, Washington, DC 20402.

MF01/PC03 Plus Postage.Allied Health Occupations: Career Awareness; CareerChoice: *Career Exploration: Dental Hygienists:Dentists: Educational Needs; Education WorkRelationship: Employment Qualifications; *HealthOccupations: Junior High Schools; LearningActivities; Medical Laboratory Assistants; *MedicalTechnologists: *Nurses: *Occupational Information;Occupational Therapists: *Physical Therapy;Physicians: Professional Occupations: Rehabilitation:Resource Materials: Self Evaluation (Individuals) :Technical Occupations: Work Attitudes

"Exploring Careers" is a career education resourceprOgram, published in fifteen separate booklets, fog junior highschool-age students. It provides information about the world of workand offers its readers a way of learning about themselves andrelating that information to career choices. The publications aim tobuild career awareness by means of occupational narratives,evaluative questions, activities, and career games grouped infourteen occupational clusters. This eleventh of the series "HealthOccupations," presents an overview of lobs in health-relatedoccupations, such as doctors, nurses and medical technicians.Narrative accounts focus on a registered nurse, a medical laboratorytechnologist,.and a physical therapist, describing what they do andhow they prepared for their careers. Exploring sections relate skillsneeded for these occupations to students' personal characteristics,and learning activities such as volunteering to work in a hospital ofnursing home and taking a first aid course are suggested. A Job Factssection lists nature and places of work, training and qualifications,and other information for thirty-two health occupations, grouped inoccupational clusters of medical practitioners, dental, nursing,therapy and rehabilitation, medical technologist, technician, andassistant, and other health occupations. ("Exploring Careers" is also

available as a single volume of fifteen chapters.) (KC)

*******************************************************************Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made

from the original document.***********************************************************************

Explorin HealthCareers OccupationsU.S. Department of LaborRay Marshall, Secretary

Bureau of Labor StatisticsJanet L. No,wood, Commissioner1979

Bu/leitin 2001-11

1.'nr snif) hy tin) tilliWrintoildmil "f Doctintnts, (4t0,rillin)nt Printing 011iceNV1i,hingt))11. Pi'. 21)402

U S DEPARTMENT OF_HEALTH.EDUCATION &WELFARENATIONAL INSTITUTE OF

EDUCATION

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRO-DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROMLLLF PERSONOR ORGANIZATION ORIGIN -ATINGIT POINTS Of VIEW OR OPINIONSSTATLD DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESE NT Of f IC 'Ai NATIONAL IN5T IT lj TE OFf DM AT ION POSITION OR POI ILY

Photograph Credits

Photography for Exploring Careers was directed by MaxL. Carey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Division ofOccupational Outlook. Members of the Division's staffwlio assisted with obtaining and editing photographswere Anne Kahl, Kathy Wilson, Chester Curtis Levine.and Gloria D. Blue. Contributing photographers wereAl Whitley of Whitley Associates. and Harrison E. Allen,Robert Donaldson. and Fleming P. Rose of the U.S.Department of Labo.', Division of Graphic Services. TheBureau gratefully acknowledges the cooperation of themany government and private sources that either con-tributed photographs or made their facilities available tophotographers. Depiction of company or trade names in

no way constitutes endorsement by the Department ofLabor. Some photographs may not he free of everypossible safety or health hazard.

Government Sources

Federal. Armed Forces Radiobiology Institute: Board ofGovernors of the Federal Reserve System: Bureau ofPrisons: Department of Agriculture; Department ofHealth, Education, and Welfare; Department of theterior; Federal Aviation Administration; GovernmentPrinting Office; National Aeronautics and Space Admin-istration: National Institute of Mental Health: NationalPark Service: SmithSonian Institution: Tennessee ValleyAuthority: and U.S. Postal Service.

Stale and local. City of San Antonio: City of San Diego:

District of ColumbiaDepartment of Human Re-

sources, Police Department; Fairfax County (Va.) Pub-

lie Schools. Public Libraries: Maryland National CapitalPark and Planning Commission: Montgomery CountyPublic Schools (Md.); University of Texas Health Sci-

ence Center at San:Antonio; and Washington Metropol-itan Area Transit Authority.

Private Sources

Individuals. Robert Devlin; Robert Miller: The Honora-ble Eligio de la Garza: The Honorable Henry B. (ion-

ii

zalez: The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye: and David

Membership groups. Air Transportation Association ofAmerica: American Iron and Steel Institute; AmericanPetroleum Institute: Associated General Contractors ofAmerica; Association of American Railroads. Chamberof Commerce of the U.S.A.: Intermitional Association ofMachinists and Aerospace Workers: Motor VehicleManufacturers Association of the U.S., Inc.; NationalEducation Association: and United Brothe-hood of Car-penters and Joiners of America.

Industry and business. Allen-Mitchell and Co.; AmericanTelephone and Telegraph Co.; Arlington Hobby Craf-

ters; Babcock and Wilcox Co.: Badger America Inc.: TheBig Cheese; Blake Construction Co.; Bob Peck Cher. _.let; Carl T. Jones Associates: Chase Manhattan Bank:Chessie System: Cycles Inc.: Del Mercado Shell Seftiice

Center: Everhart Jewelers: General Truck Sales:-TheHecht Co.; Hyatt Regency of Washington; Heritage

Exxon Servicenter: International Business MachinesCorp.: Mayflower Hotel; Merrill Lynch Pierce' Fennerand Smith, Inc.; Navy Marshall and Gordon: Nike ofGeorgetown: Riggs National Bank; Southeast Auto Sup-ply; State Farm Insurance Companies: Texaco Inc.;WGMS Broadcasting Co.. Westinghouse Electric Corp.:

and Westvaco Corp.

Publications. Arlington News: Co-ed Magazine; Law En-forcement Communications: The New Prince George'sPost, and The Washington Post.

Other. Alexandria Archaeology Research Center (V:>..):

American National Red Cross: Catholic Charities of theArchdiocese of Washington: Folger Shakespeare Li-brary: Forsyth County Heart Association (N.C.); GeorgeWashington University Hospital: Model Cities SeniorCenter (D.C.); St. Columba's Episcopal Church (D.C..);

St. riomas Apostle Catholic Church (D.C.); UnitedWay of America: Visiting Nurse Association of Wash-ington. D.C.; and Washington Hospital Center (D.C.).

Exploring Care3rs is available either as a single volume

of 15 chapters or as separate chapters, as follows:

TI,e World of Work and YouIndustrial Production OccupationsOffice OccupationsService OccupationsEducation OccupationsSales OccupationsConstruction pationsTransportation OccupationsScientific and Technical OccupationsMechanics and RepairersHealth OccupationsSocial ScientistsSocial Service OccupationsPerforming Arts, Design, and Communications OccupationsAgriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Occupations

Preface

Exploring Careers is a career education resource for youngsters of junior highschool age. It provides the kind of information about the world of work that youngpeople need to prepare for a well-informed career choice. At the same time. it offersreaders a way of learning more about themselves. The publication aims to buildcareer awareness by means of occupational narratives, evaluative questions. activities.and career games presented in 14 occupational clusters. Exploring Careers emphasizeswhat people do on the job and how they feel about it and stresses the importance of"knowing yourself" when considering a career. It is designed for use in middleschool/junior high classrooms, career resource centers, and youth programs run bycommunity, religious, and business organizations.

This is I of 15 chapters. A list of all the chapter titles appears inside the front

cover.Exploring Careers was prepared in the Bureau's Division of Occupational Outlook

under the supervision of Russell B. Flanders and Neal H. Rosenthal. Max L. Careyprovided general direction. Anne Kahl supervised the planning and preparation ofthe publication. Members of the Division's staff who contributed sections were LisaS. Dillich, David B. Herst, H. Philip Howard, Chester Curtis Levine, ThomasNardone, Debra E. Rothstein, and Kathy Wilson. Gloria D. Blue, Brenda Marshall.and Beverly A. Williams assisted.

The Bureau gratefully acknowledges the cooperation of all the workers who E reed

to be interviewed and photographed, the teachers and students who field tested asample chapter, and all who shared their ideas with BLS. Many people in thecounseling community offered encouragement and support. Special thanks for hergenerous assistance go to Cathy Cockrill. Career Education Curriculum Specialist.Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, Virginia.

Although they are based on interviews with actual workers, the occupationalnarratives are largely fictitious.

Material in this publication other than photographs is in the public domain andmay be reproduced without the permission of the Federal Government. Please creditthe Bureau of Labor Statistics and cite Exploring Careers, Bulletin 2001.

Contents

Page

Health occupations 1

Registered nurse .15

Medical laboratory technologist 12

Physical therapist 28

Job facts 34

4

iv

kj

Exploring HealthCareers Occupations

ca.* ,1..;

In addition to his work at a children's hospital, this pediatrician teaches at amedical school.

1

Exploring Careers

Luther Knight was nervous. The clock read 9:57.almost time for science class. That by itself didn't bother

him; he enjoyed science. Occasionally Ms. Dombrowskitalked too much and the students got fidgety. But Lutherliked Ms. Dombrowski's course in general science, andthe unit in biology they were doing now fascinated him.

He planned to study biology in high school and then incollege. And someday he would he a famous biologist.Every day he looked forward to science class.

Every day. that is, except today. Today Luther wasnervous. Today he was scheduled to give a report to theclass and very soon he would be standing at the front ofthe room and talking while 30 pairs of eyes watched him.Luther had prepared his report: he knew what to say.But the thought of all those eyes on him sent shivers up

his spine.Luther and his classmates sat down as the hell rang. A

minute later, a woman entered the room. She movedquickly and gave an impression of barely containedenergy. After dropping some papers on her desk, shewent straight to the chalkboard and picked tip a piece of

chalk."Good morning, everyone," she began,getting straight

to the point. "Monday, as you remember, we

started talking about the science of health. Yesterday we

got into the history of health care, and today we have

individual reports on health occupations . Ms. Dom-

browski looked up. "I'm sure everyone is ready.- sheadded with a wide smile.

Luther moved nervously in his seat as the teachercontinued. "Before we hear the reports. though. let'sreview yesterday's discussion. What did we say abouthealth care?"

Allison spoke up. "Caring for the sick is one of' theworld's oldest occupations. People have been doing it forthousands of years. But ways of taking care of the sickhave changed a great deal. In the old days, health carewas all mixed up with magic and superstition. Today.medicine is a science and medical researchers keep look-

ing for better ways of treating illness and keeping people

healthy."Many medical procedures, and many of the rules

about good health that we i, se for granted. were discov-

ered quite recently- after lots of scientific observationand research. Anesthetics to keep people from feelingpain and shots to protect them against diseases likesmallpox or polio are such discoveries. We all know how

important it is to keep wounds clean to prevent

infection, but doctors didn't always know that. Centuriesago, operations took place in dirty surroundings; doctorsdidn't realize that the germs on a dirty scalpel mightmake a sick person even sicker.

2

"And.- continued Allison. "new medical discoveries

are taking place all the time. Some medicines and oper-ations that are used today were LTkoown just 5 or 10Years ago'"b

"Although the field of health care is very old." shesaid. speaking rapidly. "it's also very new. And advancesin medical science are taking place so fast :hat the fieldis changing all the time."

"That's an excellent summaryAllison," said theteacher. "Now, what else can we say about health care?Why should we bother to learn about health occupa-

Hesitating at first, Luis finally raised his hand. "Be-_

cause some of'us may want to become doctors and nurseswhen we're older," he said.

"Yes, of course. Luis." answered Ms. Dombrowski."We've already learned that several million people inthis country work in the health field, and that theft arehealth careers of all kinds for people with differentinterests and abilities.

"Many of' these jobs were created by the rapid devel-opments in medicine that Allison just mentioned. Re-member that many of the things that people in the, health

field do today would have been unimaginable 100 years

ago. The health occupations as we know them todaywere "created" by such things as the invention of a newmachine, the discovery of a new way of diagnosingillness, or the introduction of a better way of helpingpeople take care of themselves. New occupations areemerging all the time, and quite possibly the healthoccupations of the future won't resemble the jobs we'regoing to hear about now."

Glancing at her paper again, the teacher continued."We have eight reports to hear today, so let's go aheadwith them. First is Toni Crowley, who will tell us about

medical practitioners.-

Medical Practitioners

Note cards in hand. Toni walked to the front of theroom, faced the class, and began to speak.

"Medical practitioners. whom we usually refer to asdoctors, are called that because they "practice" theprofession of medicine. When they treat patients, theirhardest and most important job is making a diagnosisfiguring out what's wrong and what to do about it. Theyusually start by taking a medical history and doing aphysical examination, plus ordering whatever tests or X-

rays seem appropriate. The results give them the cluesthey need to determine how sick someone really is.

Cominb up with the correct diagnosis can be hard if thepatient is a baby who can't explain what hurts. Or if the

disease is very rare, the kind doctors read about intextbooks but never expect to see. At any rate. diagnosing

Health Occupations

illness and prescribing the proper treatment take so muchknowledge and skill that medical practitioners spendyears and years going to school.

"Most medical practitioners are physicians and have adegree called a Doctor of Medicine, or M.D. Sonicphysicians are general practitioners, doctors who see pa-tients of all ages and treat all kinds of illnesses. But mostphysicians specialize. We're all familiar with some ofthese experts. On television we've seen surgeons Operate.When our mothers were expecting us, they probablyvisited gynecologists or obstetricians. These doctors tookcare of problems related to the pregnancy, and deliveredus when we were born. And many of us have visitedpediatricians, doctors who treat children and youngsters.There are other specialists whom you may not haveheard of. Cardiologists, for example. concentrate on dis-eases of the heart. Neurologists treat problems of thebrain and nervous system. Radiologists specialize in usingX-rays to find or treat illnesmes. The list goes on and on.In fact, there are more than 30 fields of medicine inwhich doctors can take graduate training after they earnthe M.D.

"There are other kinds of medical practitioners you'veprobably heard about. Osteopathic physicians help pa-tients who have problems involving muscles and bones.

4r:A6r7z.s:

a- New

The diagnosis can be difticult if the patient can'texplain what's wrong.

Surgeons must be able to make decisions inemergencies.

They use hand manipulation as a form of treatment inaddition to surgery, drugs. and other conventional med-ical treatments. Chiropractors deal with the nervous sys-tem, and treat patients by manipulating the spine. Andpodiatrists treat foot disease and deformities such ascorns or bunions. They also take care of problems withthe arch, or curve of the foot,-

Toni looked up from her paper. "There arc otherkinds of health practitioners that I haven't mentioned.''she said. "But they will he covered in other reports. Anyquestions'''.

When no hands appeared. Toni returned to her seat."That was very good, Toni," commented Ms. Dom-browski. "And now let. s hear about another kind ofhealth practitioner. the dental practitioner, or dentist.Sharon Dailey's report on dental occupations is next.Then Pilar Chavez will tell us about optical occupations.Sharon'''.

As Sharon walked to the front of the room, Luthershifted in his seat. His ordeal was at least l0 minutesaway. Maybe, if he was lucky, the other reports wouldtake the whole hour and he'd he saved for today. Butthat was too much to hope for

3

Exploring Careers

Dentists need talented hands as well as scientificability.

Dental Occupations

"Dental workers," began Sharon. "are concern :d withthe teeth and gums. Many of us have gone to the dentistto have a cavity filled. But dentists do much more thanthat. They give us advice on taking proper care of ourteeth. They examine teeth and gums for signs of disease.Depending on the problem, they take X-rays, straightenteeth, and treat gum disease. When necessary, they pullteeth and substitute false teeth, called dentures. Some ofus have visited an orthodontist a-dentist who specializesin straightening teeth,

"When you visit a dentist's office to have your teethcleaned, it may not he the dentist who does the cleaning.Dentists often employ dental hygienists to clean andpolish teeth, take X-rays, and tell patients how to cart.for their teeth properly. Many dentists also hiive a denialassistant who makes the patient comfortable in the dental,chair and helps the dentist by handing instruments andkeeping the patient's mouth clean.

"There is one other kind of dental worker whbm werarely see, the dental laboratory technician. This is theperson who makes braces, dentures, crowns, and bridges.

4

41.4**41.Li oi

.o-

Helping people select frames for their eyeglassestakes courtesy end tact.

If you wear braces, you probably remember what it waslike when the dentist took impressions and measurementsof your teeth. The technician used these to make thebraces. Are there any questions?-

Since there were no questions this time, either. Sharongave the floor to Pilar and sat down. Luther couldn'tkeep his eyes off the clock on the wall.

Optical Occupations

"Look around the room." began Pilar, "and noticehow many people wear glasses. Quite a few. And someof you wear contact lenses. Who told you that youneeded glasses? An optometrist, probably. Optometristsare medical practitioners and have extensive training, asdo the other doctors Toni just told us about. But insteadof being Doctors of Medicine they go_ to colleges ofoptometry and earn the degree of Doctor of Optometry.Optometrists examine their patients' eyes and may pre-scribe glasses or contact lense to correct poor vision.When necessary, they can sugges other treatments, suchas eye drops, that don't involve dr surgery.

Health Occupations

"Many optometrists employ an optometric assistantwho helps them the way a dental assistant helps a dentist.Optometric assistants keep patients' records, make ap-pointments. and do other office work. They also preparea patient for an eye examination and help the optometristperform it.

"When I was in fifth grade, the optometrist tested myvision and told me that I needed glasses. At the time. Inever wondered where those glasses came from. But indoing the research for this report, I learned that anophthalmic laboratory technician was the person whoactually made my glasses. Sonic nes these workers arecalled optical mechanics. Anyway, they start with a stan-dard piece of glass, called a lens blank. Using precisiontools. they grind and polish the blank until it fits theprescription. Then they mark and cut the lens to fit theframe.

"I remember the day my father and I picked up theglasses at the office of the dispensing optician. We hadalready been there once, to bring the optometrist's pre-scription and choose the frames. When the glasses wereready, they didn't fit comfortably. They felt funny on my

1111:;;'

This surgical intensive care nurse has had to find herown way of dealing with serious illness and death.

nose and I didn't want to wear them. So the opticianadjusted them for me. Besides fitting glasses, opfft:ianshelp patients select frames. And they write up workorders that the technicians use to make glasses.

"But what if you need more than just glasses? Fortu-nately, I don't. But many people have serious eye diseasesthat require medicine or surgery. These people go to anopluhamologist. Also know as oculists, ophthalmologistsare physiciansmedical doctors who specialize in prob-lems of the eye. Like other physicians, they are licensedto prescribe drugs or,surgery to correct a problem."

Pilar looked around the room and asked for questions.Someone in the back had one. Luther didn't payany attention; he was busy reading his report to himself,afraid he might be called next. His report was as good asthe others, he told himself. There was nothing to beafraid of.... But everyone would be looking at him!What if he tripped as he walked to the front of the room?

"Thank you, Pilar." Ms. Dombrowski was saying."Let's see, who's next?"

Luther crossed his fingers and held his breath."Greg Tanimoto has a report on nursing occupations,"

continued the teacher.Luther relaxed. Greg was sure to give a long report;

he always did.

Nursing Occupations

Standing confidently at the front of the room. Gregpaused to get everyone's attention and then began toread from his note cards.

"When we think of health care," he said, "we think ofnurses as well as doctors. We all know that nurses play'a very important role in caring for the sick. However,there's more to nursing than that.

"Just think about Ms. O'Hare, the school nurse. Likemany nurses, she devotes a lot of her time Io healtheducation--teaching us things about our eating. sleeping,and hying habits that can make us healthier. She alsogives us tips on how to keep from hurting ourselves."

"That's right! She talked to our gym class last weekabout the dangers of skateboarding," broke in Charlie.

"Yes," agreed Greg, a little startled by the interrup-tion. Regaining his composure, he continued. "You maynot know that people in several different jobs providenursing care: Registered nurses, practical nurses, nursingaides, attendants, and orderlies. The differences amongthese workers boil down to training and responsibility.The more training you have. the more rc.-.nonsibilitv youcan assume and the more decisions you can make aboutwhat kind of care the patient should have.

in a hospital or nursing home, registered nurses su-

5

Exploring Careers

pervise nursing care. They keep track of the patients'progress. They must know enough to be able to judge apatient's condition and tell if it is getting worse. If so.tile"), must know exactly what action to take. Nurses see

to it that the physician's orders are carried out andconsult the physician when problems occur. But whenemergencies arise. they may have to take charge and rely

on their own training and experience to do the best thing

for ine patient."Training for this profession takes from 2 to 5 years,

depending on the program. That's considerably moretraining than people in other nursing occupations have,so registered nurses often act as team leaders in providingpatient care. With their extra training they have greaterresponsibility for the patient's health. They not only giveshots, for example, but know what the medicine is forand what side effects it might have.

"Practical nurses help physicians and registered nurses

by handling routine aspects of patient care. They taketemperatures and blood pressures, change bandages ordressings, and give cetain medicines. Their training usu-

ally takes I year. Practical nurses must pass a special

exam in order to use the title "licensed practical nurse"or LPN.

"Nursing aides also help with the daily routine in ahospital or a nursing home. They answer patients' hellcalls, deliver messages, carry food trays into patients'rooms, and feed patients who are too sick to feed them-selves. Orderlies and attendants escort patients to opera-ting and examining rooms. These nursing occupationsrequire the least training---from a few days to a few

monthsand that usually is provided on the job."

Greg looked up from his note cards. "That's it. Arethere any questions?"

Somebody please ask a question, thought Luther as hecounted the minutes remaining in this class period.

"I have a question," said Lisa. "You mentioned theschool nurse and talked about nurses who work inhospitals. I have a cousin who works in the health unitat Consolidated Petroleum, so I know that nurses alsowork in business and industry. Do they work in otherplaces, too?"

"Sure they do," said Charlie before Greg had a chanceto reply. "They work in doctors' offices!"

"Right," agreed Greg. "And nurses work in otherplaces that are a little less obvious. Many nurses andnursing aides work in nursing homes, rehabilitation cen-ters, psychiatric hospitals, and mental health clines. Theatmosphere is different from that in general hospitals,which usually art. pretty hectic places where the patientsare extremely sick, but stay for only a short time. Patientsin nursing homes and mental hospitals may stay formonths or years. Progress can be very slow, and that

6

requires a great deal of patience and cricour;.Tementfrom the nursing staff. These nurses must he good atdealing with people during a difficult period in theirlives. They must he able to reach out and encouragepeople who feel sad and hopeless. In institutions where

the patients need rehabilitation or long-term care. thehuman side of nursing is especially important. Some-times a nurse is the ritient's only friend.

"Community health nursing is something else youshould know about," Greg continued. "Puidie healthnurses run clinics that deal with health care needs inneighborhoods where people live housing projects inrundown parts of the city. migrant labor camps. remotecommunities in the mountains or the desert. Visiting

nurses care for people in their homes: often. their patientsare elderly people who are too sick or weak to manageall by themselves. Visiting nurses usually travel by car

and see many patients in the course of a day. They're onthe go all the time, and no two days are alike. Communityhealth nurses do other things. too. They organist neigh-b orhood health programs and try to educate peopleabout good health and sensible living habits. They may,

Visiting nurses are on the go all the time.

Health Occupations

for example, help stars a ctArripaign to wipe out rats; bringin speakers to teach shoppers about the nutritional valueof the food they buy; or teach youngsters about drugabuse,"

Toni raised her hand. "When I was preparing myreport, I came across the term "nurse practitioner.' Canyou explain that?"

Excellent, thought Luther. The more questions thebetter. Greg certainly was wound up about nursing!

"Nurse practitioners," began Greg, "are registerednurses who have gone back to nursing school for ad-vanced training that lasts 1 year or more. The additionalskills they learn enable them to provide basic health careon their own. For example, some nurse practitioners runmaternal health clinicsclinics fdr mothers and babies.They know all about common childhood complaints,and can handle ordinary illnesses so well that the motherdoesn't have to take her baby to a physician. A few nursepractitioners have private practicesjust as doctors anddentists do--and treat patients with routine health prob-lems such as colds, sore throats, sprains, and brokenbones. Nurse practitioners are trained to substitute for aphysician in specific situations.-

"Good job, Greg," said Ms. Dombrowski. "Now let'shear from Kevin about medical record occupations."

Medical Record Personnel

"Medical records are an important part of healthcare,- Kevin began. "Medical records are nothing morethan written information about patients, including their"medical histories" what illnesses they have had andwhen, what doctors they visited, what treatment or drugsthey've had, and so on. The records also contaa X-rayreports, results of laboratory tests, and notes from doctorsand nurses.

"Many people use this information. Of course. doctorusually needs to know your medical history in order totreat you. But medical records serve other purposes, too.Researchers use them in looking for cures for diseases.National and State health agencies use them in devel-oping public health programs. And insurance companiesuse them in setting rates for their policies.

"Medical recordkeeping is a complicated process be-cause the information is so technical. To handle the job,hospitals and clinics employ several kinds of workers.Medical record clerks do the more routine tasks. Theytranslate age and sex information into codes, for exam-ple, so that this information can he stored and easilyretrieved when necessary. They also answer routine re-quests for files. Medical record technicians handle tasksthat require more technical knowledge, such as reviewingrecords for internal consistenty and cross-indexing med-

ical information. In most hospitals. a medical recordadministrator directs the records department and trainsthe technicians and clerks. These workers don't take careof sick people the way doctors and nurses do, but they'rehealth workers all the same. Are there any questions?"

Luther looked around the room hoping to see handsgo up, but none did. He became nervous again as Kevinwent back to his seat and Ms. Dombrowski looked ather :ist. 1 uther glanced at the clock. He was counting onthe hour running out before his turn. Or would it bebetter just to get it over with and not worry anymore?No, giving the report tomorrow would be better thangiving it today ....

"Ramon Ramirez, let's hear your report on therapyand rehabilitation occupations," the teacher said sud-denly.

So far, so good, thought Luther.

Therapy and Rehabilitation Occupations

"Think about the handicapped students in ourschool." began Ramon. "Some have obvious disabilities,such as blindness or a withered arm. Others have prob-lems that aren't noticeable right away, such as hearingdifficulty. But whatever the problem, many of thesestudents learned to cope with their handicap throughtherapy.

"Therapists and rehabilitation workers help peoplewith handicaps learn to move around, communicate, andgo through everyday activities as normally as possible.With therapists help, more handicapped people thanever before are managing very well in schools just likethis one, in college, and in th(.- world of work.

A speech pathologist is helping this little girl over-come her hearing problems.

7

Exploring Careers

"The largest group of therapists includes speech pa-thologists. who treat speaking problems, and audiologists.

who work with hearing problems. Speech and hearingare very closely related, so a specialist in one field mustknow the other pretty well.

"I chose this topic for my report because of my cousinMaria," explained Ramon. "She was in a motorcycleaccident last year and hurt her leg very badly. When shegot out of t' e hospital. she couldn't use her leg at allcouldn't stand on it. or walk, or run. It was aw !';ut

the physical therapist she saw every day helped Marialearn to use the muscles in her leg again. During hertreatment sessions. she did exercises with special equip-ment and practiced "ordinary" things like chin' algstairs. That wasn't an ordinary thing for her. I can tellyou! It took a lot of determination on her part. and a lotof encouragement from the therapist, for her to get hackthe use of that leg. The therapist really inspired her whenher spirits were low; I guess that's a very important partof the job.

"Occupational therapists also work with people whohave trouble using their muscles. The difference is, whilephysical therapists help you use your muscles again.occupational therapists teach practical skills that make

your life easier or make you feel good about yourself.

"I'll give you another example. When my grandmotherhad a stroke. she was paralyzed on one side and couldn'tdress herself or eat without help. She even had troubleusing the telephone. She was very upset about her con-dition because she hates to ask anybody to do things forher. But she's in a nursing home that has occupationaltherapy classes every day. and she is gradually learningto do simple things for herself again.

"Occupational therapists do a lot of' their work withpatients like my grandmother. people who need to re-learn everyday skills because their muscles were dam-aged by illness or an accident. Some occupational ther-apists work with retarded or emotionally disturbed pa-tients in mental hospitals. By teaching these patientssimple skills like gardening or weaving, for example.they hope to give them self-confidence and help pave the

way for emotional stability. And occupational therapistshelp mentally or physically handicapped persons preparefor a job by teaching them skills like typing or the use of

power tools."Ramon looked around for questions. but th':rc were

none. He took his seat while Ms. Dombrowski looked at

her list."We have two reports left." said the teacher. "Which

shall we hear first?"Luther looked at the clock only a few minutes left.

It' he wasn't called now. the hour would run out. I le'd he

saved until tomorrow.

8

tr

Physical therapists encourage their patients to keep

trying, even when progress is slow.

This occupational therapist knows that putting amosaic together is good exercise for stiff fingers.

Health Occupations

This technician operates machinery that records theelectrical impulses in our brains.

Medical laboratory technicians perform tests that

help physicians arrive at a correct diagnosis.

"Cathy Chan will tell us about medical technologists,technicians. and assistants.'' said Ms. Dombrowski fi-nally. "And Luther Knight will he last with a report on

other health occupations.-Bingo. said a voice in Luther's mind.

Medical Technologists, Technicians, and

Assistants

Cathy quickly took her place at the front of the room.

Alter getting the attention of the class she started to read.

"There are many people besides doctors and nurseswho help run a hospital or clinic. Among them are the

technologists. technicians. and assistant. Some operatespecial kinds of equipment. The electrocardiograph, orEKG, for example. measures the rate and strength of a

patient's heartbeat. It takes a specially trained EKG

technician to operate it. Similarly. an electrocncephalo-

graphic technician or technologist is needed to operate anelectroencephalograph. or EEG, This machine recordselectrical impulses from a person's brain.

"For obvious reasons,- Cathy said with a smile. "these

workers usually are called EEG technicians. And next we

come to the radiologic technologist who operates X-ray

equipment.-Cathy paused to turn the page. At the same moment.

a young man walked into the classroom. Luther thought

he recognized him: he worked in the school office. Mov-

ing quietly along the wall so as not to disturb the class.

he went up to Ms. Dombrowski and handed her a note.A minute later he was gone.

Cathy continued reading. "Other workers help in dif-

ferent ways. Medical laboratory workers. for example.

A patient's tile might depend on this medicaltechnologists ability to work under pressure.

Exploring Careers

Alibah4.

Viiittikir: iv'\

Emergency medical technicians must act quicklywhen they arrive at the scene of an accident.

perform tests that help doctors understand and treatdiseases. With microscopes and other equipment. the

laboratory workers analyze samples of blood, tissue, and

fluids from the human body."Surgeons receive important help from operating room

technicians before, during, and after surgery. Technicians

help set up the operating room with instruments, equip-

ment, and linens. They also prepare patients for surgery

by washing, shaving, and disinfecting the parts or the

body where the surgeon will operate. During surgerythey hand the surgeon instruments, sterile pads, andwhatever else is needed. And after the operation theymove the patient to the recovery room and help clean

up."Other medical assistants, reApiratori. therapt workerv,

treat patients who have breathing problems. Also known

as inhalation therupv workery, they give emergency treat-

ment in eases of heart failure, stroke. drowning, andshock. This treatment is very important to prevent brain

damage when a patient stops breathing. Generally, dam-

age to a person's brain occurs if the person has stopped

breathing for 3 to 5 minutes. And after y minutes without

oxygen, a person usually dies. It's no wonder that respi-

ratory therapy workers are among the first medical spe-

cialists called for in an emergency.And speaking of emergencies, enter-gem1. medical

technicians, or EMT's, spe,';illize in handling them. They

Members of a health team are oblivious to the outside world when they are fighting

to save a life.

II)

Health Occupations

are called when someone has an automobile accident ora heart attack. They determine how bad the victim'sillness or injury is and what emergency medical care isneeded. Depending on the case, the EMT's may have torestore a victim's breathing. stop a wound from bleeding,give first aid for poison, or help deliver a baby. Whateverthe situation, though, EMT's must work quickly. Theiremergency care often means the difference between lifeand death."

Cathy looked around the room. "Any questions aboutwhat I've said?" she asked. No hands appeared. but thistime Luther didn't care. There was only a minute left inthe period, not enough time for him to give his report.He smiled to himself.

"Very good, Cathy." said the teacher, walking to thefront of the room. "That leaves us with Luther's report.Normally we wouldn't have time for it, but your schedulehas been changed today. The school office tells me thatyour next-period teacher, Mr. Borden' suddenly got sickand went home. They don't have a substitute, so for thenext period you'll be with me. We'll hear Luther's report.then take a break. After the break we'll discuss thereports. Luther?"

Luther groaned and stood up. Trying to avoid theothers' eves he walked stiffly to the front of the room.There he turned around, looked down, and began toread. His eyes never left the page.

This student nurse volunteers her time to teachsenior citizens about nutrition

Other Health Occupations

"There are several health occupations that don't fitinto any of the other groups," he began nervously. "Butthey are important, too. Take pharmacists, for example.If you are sick, your doctor may suggest you take acertain drug. The doctor writes an order, or prescription.for the drug, When you go to the drugstore. a pharmacistfills that prescription by giving you the exact drug thedoctor ordered. But pharmacists do more than just put-ting pills in a bottle. They test each drug to see howstrong and fresh it is. They must know what goes intoeach drug. how it is used. and what effect it has. Andthey give doctors advice on choosing and using drugsproperly.

"Another important person is the dietitian. As you can.tell from the word itself, dietitians are experts in diet ornutrition. They help plan meals fir patients in hospitalsand clinics. Since doctors sometimes prescribe certainfoods for their patients. dietitians in a hospital may haveto plan hundreds of individualized meals every day. Ofcourse, not all dietitians work in hospitals. Many workin nursing homes, large companies. and schools like ours.And some work in neighborhood health centers, organ-izing programs to teach people about nutrition, mealplanning, and the importance of good eating habits.-

Luther turned the page without looking up. "But let'sgo hack to the hospital for a moment." he continued."We've heard about many of the people who work there:Nurses, doctors, laboratory workers, technicians, dieti-tians, and so on. It's clear that a hospital needs somepeople to coordinate the activities of all the others andmake everything run smoothly. This is the job of healthadministrators, They supervise the operations of hospi-tals, nursing homes, and other health facilities. This jobrequires a great deal of business and organizationalskillthe top administrator, after all, is responsible forkeeping costs within a budget. hiring and training staff.and purchasing all the supplies. But health care is a very"chnical field. Moreover, it's one that's in the public eyeand subject to lots of regulations. Administrators need toknow about all the different aspects of providing andpaving for health care in this country.

"There are many other important health occupations.Let me tell you about just a few of them. Plivsiciatiassistants, sometimes called physician associates. performmany patient care tasks traditionally handled by doctors.They may do physical examinations, prescribe certaindrugs, and advise patients about their health problemsall under the direct supervision of a physician. Theirwork frees doctors to devote their time to more complexdiagnoses and treatments.

"Heatth sciences librarians do things that arc Lion,: in

Exploring Careers

any library. They order library materials and organize

them as conveniently as possible for use by readers. But

these libraria,.. are different. They have a very special-ized knowledge of hooks, journals. and reports in thefield of medicine and health. Medical researchers, stu-dents, physicians and nurses, and many other healthworkers use their services.

''Medical illustrators are people with artistic talent-as

well as a strong science background. They create draw-ings, sculptures, and other art forms to illustrate medicaland surgical procedures. Their work appears in books.films. exhibits, and on television, and is important forresearch and for teaching purposes.

"Hiamedical engineers use their knowledge of chemis-

try, physics, engineering, and other fields to design med-ical equipment such as cardiac pacemakers, heart-lungmachines, artificial kidneys, and electroencephalographmachines. Biomedical equipment technicians install and

repair such equipment."There's one last occupation I want to mention. All

along we've talked about health care for people. But it'your dog or cat got sick, what kind of doctor would vou

visit'? A veterinarian, of course. Many veterinarians treatonly small animals and pets. Others specialize in farmanimals. Still others inspect meat for public health agen-

cies or do research. Whatever they do. though, their

Experience working with animals can help you

decide about a career as a veterinarian

I_2

work is very important because animal diseases canspread to people and because animals have value in

themselves.-There was nothing more on the page to read. so Luther

looked up. Everyone was staring at him. After a nervoussilence. he remembered what came next. "Are there any

questions' ?" he asked.Nobody moved. Finally. the teacher ended the uncom-

fortable silence. "Thank you. Luther. That was verygood. You may sit down now.

"All right, class, let's take a 7'i-minute break," contin-

ued Ms. Dombrowski. "Then we'll ta:Is about theseoccupations some more.-

What Makes a Good Health Worker?

After the break, Ms. Dombrowski led the class discus-

sion. "We've just heard about doyens of different healthcareers,- she began. "We were told what each workerdoes. Now let's see if we can figure out what kind ofperson is best suited for a job in this field. Doe., anyonehave any ideas' ?"

Greg raised his hand. "It seems to me," -1; said, -that

the health field is so broad there is room for people with

all kinds of interests.""That's a very important point. Greg." said Ms. Dom-

browski. "Jobs in this field aren't all alike. There arecareers in health for people who enjoy running machinesand handling equipment; for people who like to workwith numbers or scientific data; for people who like towork with others; for people who are interested in busi-

ness: and for people who are interested in consumer and

public interest issues."Toni spoke up. "But people in many of the health

occupations do have something in common. They'reworking in scientific surroundings: Collecting specimens

of blood or tissue, for example; analyzing them; inter-preting laboratory results; and making decisions on thebasis of scientific data and research. It seems to me thatyou'd have to like science to observe very strict proce-dures, as a laboratory technician has to. Or to understandhow the muscles in our body work. as a physical therapist

must.-"Good point. Toni.- said Ms. Dombrowski. "Science

and math are important.- she wrote on the chalkboard.And the way vol leI about your science courses in

school may a sign of whether or not you'd like ahealth career. Now what els..?"

Luis had something to say. "The main thing aboutthese occupations is liking people. That's what healthcare is really all about. If I'm a doctor, nurse, or whatev,,.

I want to help niv patients. That means more thanexamining them or giving them medicine. It also means

Health Occupations

putting them at ease and making them confident that Ican help them. That confidence might make the differ-ence in their recovery.-

"Health workers should be good at working with peo-ple," Ms. Dombrowski wrote. "We often call that "hav-ing a good bedside manner." That's good, Luis. Doesanyone have more to say about that?"

Saul had a comment. "Getting along with people ismore than just being nice. Look at speech pathologists,for example. Often their patients are retarded or emo-tionally disturbed. Progress often comes slowly or not atall. These workers must have a positive outlook and he

able to inspire their patients to keep trying.""You're right, Saul," said the teacher. "What else?"The next hand in the air was Kevin's. "Liking people

is important in some of the occupations," he said, "butnot in all of them. Look at the medical record personnelfor example. They work with the patients' Or thelaboratory workers, who test blood and tissue samples.Or the dental lab technicians, who make dentures. Theseworkers never see the patients. So while many workersmust have a good bedside manner, not all of them do.-

"That's a good point, Kevin," said the teacher. "Youdon't have to be warm and outgoing for all of these jobs.And just because you can't stand the sight of blooddoesn't mean you should rule out the health field either!Now what other qualities are important?"

Jessica spoke up. "My cousin is a phye'cian, and shetalks about how much motivation the job Lakes. It's morethan just patience or compassion: it's the ability to keep

yourself going when you want to give up. My cousin hadyears of hard training that left her little time for otherthings. And ever now, as a doctor, her work still cutsinto her private life. She never would have made it ifpracticing medicine hadn't been so important to her.-Jessica paused and thought about it. Then she added,"I guess nurses, emergency medical technicians, andmany other health workers need the same kind of moti-vation. They have to get through difficult training, orwork long hours, or do some work that is very unap-pealing. It helps if' they consider their work important."

"I think that's true, Jessica," answered the teacher."Feeling that their work is important may not he theonly reason they do what they do, but it is a big part.Does anyone else have a suggestion?"

This time no hands appeared. "Well, let me make acouple," continued Ms. Dombrowski. "Health practi-tioners, dental workers, nurses, technicians. and othersperform many detailed tasks with their hands. Theseworkers must have good manual dexterity, which meansthe ability to work well with their hands. Not everyonehas that quality.

"One other characteristic we should mention is theability to work under pressure. Surgeons and emergencymedical technicians, to name only two, often have tothink and act quickly to save a patient. They can't letthe pressure make them upset or careless.

"Does anyone have anything to add to the list? No?Well, I think we've covered the most important qualitiesof good health workers. And since you've all contributed

5

Emergencies require expert medical teamwork.

4.-

13

Exploring Careers

so much today, you deserve a rest. You Mai/ use theremainder of the period as you wish.-

Training

No matter how much or how little time you're willingto put into training after high school, th;:re may he ahealth career for you. You could start working as ahospital orderly without finishing high school: you'dreceive your training on the job. Before becoming aphysician, however, you'd have to train for I() years ormore after high school graduation. Those are the ex-tremes. The training, required for each of 32 healthoccupations is described in the Job Facts at the end ofthis chapter.

While formal training for a health career may beseveral years away, there are things you can do now toexplore your interest in the field.

Science is very important in many of these Occupa-tions, and high school courses in biology, chemistry.

physics, and mathematics provide the foundation you'llneed for the science courses you'll take later on. Sciencefairs give you an opportunity to do projects on medicine

and health.Join a Health Careers Club if there is one in your

scl:ool. The school nurse or science teacher often is thesponsor, and club activities may feature films, speakers,hospital tours, and other ways of providing informationabout health careers.

Volunteer to work in a health setting. Many hospitalshave "candy striper" programs open to both boys andgirls. The American National Red Cross provides avariety of volunteer opportunities for youngsters. Posi-

tions for Red Cross youth volunteers are available innursing homes, day care centers, day camps, bloodmo-biles, and in programs for the handicapped. Organiza-tions concerned with diseases or health problems such asheart disease or cancer use volunteers to assist in theirpublic education efforts. Working in such volunteer po-sitions will acquaint you with what goes on in a health

care setting.

Ny

It takes years of rigorous training to become a physician

'

114

14 tua

Health Occupations

Registered Nurse

..- . ._,;-1

t ,- ., t ;

r ,' l-,'

........---n,_

Kathy Wright works in an intensive care unit where she takes care of patients whoare in serious condition following surgery.

I 5

Exploring Careers

Kathy Wright is a nurse at Leeds Memorial Hospital.

She works in the surgical intensive care unit and takescare of patients who are in serious condition followingsurgery. Most pa'ents go back to their rooms after anoperation. But r all of them. Kathv's patients are insuch critical, condition that they are in a special unitwhere they can be watched every minute for changesthat could mean life or death.

To provide the 24-hour care so necessary for thesepatients, the nurses at Leeds Memorial work day, eve-ning, or night shifts of 8 hours each. The shifts rotate, sothat Kathy and the other nurses in surgical intensive caretake turns on each of the three shifts. This week Kathyis working from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kathy grew up in a household where medical researchand hospital gossip were ordinary topics of dinner tableconversation. Her father is a sales representative for adrug company, and her mother is a pediatrician. As agirl, she heard enough about the "real world" of medicineand nursing to dispel any romantic notions that shemight have picked up from novels or from television.Listening to the adults talk about their work, Kathy soon

came to realize that a professional health career meanslots of work and responsibility.

To become a registered nurse (RN), Kathy completed

a 5-year program at a university that led to a degree ofB.S. in nursing. As a student nurse, she had a heavy doseof science courses, including chemistry, anatomy, micro-

biology, physiology, nutrition, and public health. Clinicalpracticeworking in the university hospital under theclose supervision of the nursing instructor--was anotherimportant part of her training.

After graduation, Kathy took the State board exami-nation for licensure. In New York. as in all States, nurses,

must have a license. Just as a driver's !icense is prodthat you know how to drive, the license required topractice nursing, medicine, dentistry. dental hygiene, orpharmacy, for example, shows that you know enoughabout your profession to provide safe and proper care.

Kathy chose the B.S. program in nursing because shewanted to keep her options open. She knew. from hertalks with her mother, that advz.ncement opportunitiesfor nurses were best for those with a. bachelor's degree.And she felt that, after several years of bedside nursing,she might want to move into another kind of job.

At this point, just a few years out of nursing school,she thinks she'll probably stay in hospital nursing. Still.

from time to time Kathy thinks seriously about makinga change. She wonders what it would be like to fulfillher youthful dream of nursing needy people abroad asa Peace Corps volunteer or a Medico nurse. She alsothinks about returning to nursing school for the master'sdegree or Ph. D. she would need to teach or do research.

16

ne isachelor's degree program that Kathy completedisn't the only way to become a nurse. Hospitals offer 3-

year diploma programs.and community and junior col-leges offer 2-year associate degree programs. However,

the bachelor's degree program in nursing g:.:nerally opensmore doors than either of the other two. It's importantto look into all three ways of preparing for a nursingcareer.

Kathy gets off the elevator at the third floor, walksthrough the heavy double doors, and stops at the nurses'station. There she spends few minutes with Mr. Cochraneand Ms. Wall, the two nurses who have been on duty allnight. It is customary for the nurses going off duty togive a general report to the incoming nurses. The groupis joined by Ms. Rubel, the nurse who will be on the dayshift with Kathy this week.

Ms. Wall begins talking to Kathy about the patientsthey "share." "Mr. Young needed medication for painat 2 o'clock," she explains. "and Ms. Lance's temperaturerose to 102 degrees around midnight, .wt went downshortly thereafter. Otherwise, their vital signs were nor-mal. Ms. Vaughn slept very well. Ms. Lance is scheduledto he discharged from intensive care tomorrow."

"Fine," replies Kathy. "See you tomorrow."The nurses in the surgical intensive care unit at Leeds

Memorial practice primary nursing. This means that

each nurse is responsible on a 24-hour-a-day basis forthe continuity, planning, and evaluation of nursing carefor one to three patients. Currently, Kathy is responsiblefor Mr. Young, Ms. Lance, and Ms. Vaughn, while Ms.Rubel is responsible for two other patients. Nurses mayact as associate nurses to patients during the absence oftheir primary nurse.

Kathy enters Mr. Young's room. Mr. Young is re-covering from open heart surgery. She checks his vitalsigns: Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratoryrate. All appear normal. Then she checks his skin color.and afterwards sees to it that he is comfortable. Kathyrecords the information on his chart for the doctors whowill be by later on. She looks carefully at the tubeinserted in his chest to drain blood and restore pressurearound the lung after the open heart surgery. Everything

is as it should be.She also checks a tube inserted into the bladder to

drain urine into a plastic bag. Kathy removes the bag,

measures the amount drained, records this measurement,and replaces the bag. Kathy then examines the tubinginserted in a vein in Mr. Young's left arm to feed himwhile he is unable to eat. Kathy makes sure that the fluidis flowing smoothly into his blood stream, then looks tosee if there is enough fluid in the bottle suspended froma floor stand next to the bed.

Kathy checks patients' vital signs regularly. Sometimesshe must change dressings. When he was first admitted

4

Health Occupations

to the intensive care unit, Mr. Young was so weak hecouldn't even breathe without help. He needed a respira-tora machine that breathed for him mechanically.Now that he's breathing on his own again -a goodsign--Kathy checks often to make sure that Mr. Youngis coughing and doing deep breathing to help clear hislungs.

Next, Kathy goes to see Ms. Lance, a young womanwho underwent surgery a few days ago. Her doctors hadordered surgery because they suspected lung cancer, butwhen they tested the tissue they removed during theoperation, they found that the tumor in her lung was notcancerous after all. Mr. Lance was overjoyed to learn hiswife didn't have cancer; her children are too young tounderstand what all the fuss is about. Kathy bends over

,s4 ''

I observe every little thing about my patient'sconditionand I have to understand what I see:"emphasizes Kathy.

to listen to Ms. Lance's chest and lungs. checks for signsof infection, and changes her dressing. Everything issatisfactory. Since Ms. Lance is scheduled to he trans-ferred to.another part of the hospital tomorrow. Kathydiscusses the details of her transfer with her and tells herwhat to expect.

Kathy visits her third primary patient, Ms. Vaughn,who is recovering from surgery to repair a large aneu-rysm in her abdomen. An aneurysm is an expansion inone of the arteries caused by a weakening in the arterialwall. If the artery were to burst, the-patient could diefrom internal bleeding. Fortunately, the surgeon repairedMs. Vaughn's aneurysm in time. Ms. Vaughn is dozingbut wakes up as she hears Kathy approaching her bed.

"Hello, Ms. Vaughn, how do you feel today ?"Ms. Vaughn doesn't reply, just points to her stomach

to show that she is in great pain. Kathy gives her somemedication and tells her to wait until the pain eases todo her coughing and deep breathing exercises. WhileKathy is bathing Ms. Vaughn and making her comfort-able in bed, Dr. Church enters the room. Kathy tells himabout the severe pain. She also says that Ms. Vaughn'slungs sound clear and that she has bowel sounds, andsuggests that Ms. Vaughn might be fed orally instead ofintravenously. After further examination, Dr. Churchagrees, orders the intravenous tube removed, and writesa prescription for a stronger medication for pain.

The remainder of the day goes smoothly. Just beforelunch. Kathy receives a message to call Mrs. Young, theworried wife of her open heart patient. Kathy makes thephone call and reassures Mrs. Young. "Your husband isgetting alqng nicely. He needed medication for pain lastnight, but he rested well and is making good progress. Ilooked in on -him early this morning."

Mrs. Young thanks Kathy and adds, "I'll be aroundto see my husband this afternoon after work." In inten-sive care, only family members may visit and only forshort periods of time.

At 3 o'clock. Kathy and Ms. Rubel meet the incomingnurses and give their report. -No emergencies, no unu-sual circumstances," comments Kathy.

"This is the first time in weeks that there have beenno major problems in the unit," puts in Ms. Rubel. "Ican't quite believe it."

Kathy can't believe it, either. She can, however. recallthe many times when she has placed an emergency callto the enident or intern on duty'. Emergencies alwaystake a lot out of her, although it doesn't show. Kathyresponds cooly to the tense, highly charged atmosphereof a crisis in the intensive care unit; she move, quicklyand does what has. to he done. She likes being part of anefficient health care team and she also likes being in alarge hospital that has very sophisticated medical equip-men( itrid technk.)1q.y. In an emergency,' Kathy handles

17

Exploring Careers

her share of the work as smoothly as if she were amachine herself. Her years of training show. But after-wards, when the crisis is past, she unwinds.

Sometimes. despite the efforts of the doctors andnurses, a patient dies. That'... 'hard on everyone. AndKathy, like everyone else in the unit, has had to find herown way of coming to grips with the sorrow of seriousillness and the reality of death.

"1 guess 1 will remain in medical-surgical nursing afterall," muses Kathy as she walks through the parking lottoward her car. "After all," she continues, '!althoughquiet days like this one are nice for a change, I reallylike the pressure of working in the intensive care unit.And I like the fact that the job is so exacting and precise.'We really zero in on the patient's problem. I constantlyobserve every little thing about my patient's conditionand I have to understand what I see. If the patient's

lk?t,

After a crisis. Kathy takes time to unwind.

18

breathing or heart rhythm changes. it's up to me to knowwhat that might mean and to make a decision aboutwhat to do next ... Yes, hospital nursing seems right for

me."

Exploring

Nurses must be concerned about good health,

Do you eat a well-balanced diet?Do you get enough sleep?Do you see the dentist regularly?Do you pay attention to warnings about alcohol,drug, or tobacco abuse?When you ask someone how he or she is feeling, areyou really concerned or do you merely consider it asocial custom?

Nurses must have an interest in science,

Do you like science?Do you enjoy doing projects for a science class orscience fair?Do you read articles about science in magazines orthe newspaper'?Do you like to visit museum exhibits on science andtechnology?Do you enjoy watching medical programs on televi-sion?

Nurses must be able to tolerate unpleasant sights and

sounds.

Does the sight of blood upset you?Do you look the other way when you pass the sceneof an automobile accident?Does it bother you to change a diaper?Do you feel uneasy about going with an injuredfriend to the emergency room of a hospital'?Do the sights and smells bother you when you visitpeople in a hospital or nursing home?Does the idea of dissecting a frog in a science classbother vou?

Nurses must be very observant. They must recognizedanger signals right assay.

Can you tell when your pet isn't feeling well?Can you tell when you have had too much sun?Can you tell when you should take a break from abaseball game or other athletic activity'?

Health Occupations

Can you tell when a car needs a tune-up?Do you notice minor changes in television or radioreception?Do you notice it when a movie reel is chanbed?Can you tell when something is missing from yourroom?

Nurses must carry out instructions precisely. There's noroom for error when they give measured doses of medi-cine to patients.

Are you good at following written instructions forassembling things?Can you remember road directions when someonegives them to you over the phone?Do you remember jokes and anecdotes?Can you memorize plays and coaches' instructions infootball, basketball, and other sports?Can you remember a teacher's exact instructions fora homework assignment or a test?

Nurses should care about people. They deal with patientswho often are at their worst during an illness or accident.

Do you put up with friends even when they arcgrouchy?Do you mind hearing people complain?Do you vc't r:latives or neighbors when they aresick?Are you patient with your younger brothers or sisterswhen they are tired or irritable?

Nurses must stay calm during emergencies. A nursemight have to set up an oxygen tent, administer artificialrespiration, or treat a patient having a heart attack.

Could you keep calm and get help right away if yourkitchen caught fire?Would you know what to do if an infant go.t hurt orstopped breathing while you were babysitting?Would you act sensibly if a pet were injured?Would you know what to do if a friend injuredhimself or herself on the playground?

As members of a health team, nurses must be good atgiving and taking instructions and also must understandthe limits of their authority.

Can you give orders to your younger brothers andsisters?Do people do what you ask without getting angry?Do you recognize the need for laws. even thosedealing with relatively minor offenses such as litteringor jaywalking?

Can you judge how far you can go when arguingwith a teacher over a grade?

Nurses must have stamina. They spend a lot of time ontheir feet.

Do you like to be active most of the time?Do you enjoy activities such as sports. hiking, back-packing, dancing, or gardening?

Nurses must keep accurate records of patients' medica-tion, blood pressure, temperature, and so forth.

Do you keep good records when you're a club treas-urer or secretary?Do people ask you to keep score in bowling and otheractivities?Are you good at taking the minutes at meetings?Are you conscientious when you take notes in class?

Nurses must have manual dexterity to handle patientsand medical equipment.

Do you like working with your hands?Are you accustomed to using tools for work aroundthe house?Are you good at setting up displays for class projectsor school exhibits?

Nurses cannot afford to become emotionally involvedwith their patients.

Can you remain calm when a friend or relative tellsyou about a serious problem?Does it upset you to visit someone who is very sick?Can you comfort a friend or family member duringa time of sorrow?Can you argue a point calmly in a heated discussion?

Nurses keep up with the field by reading professionalliterature and attending lectures and conferences.

Do you like to read for pleasure?Do you like to read popular science magazines?Do you show initiative in doing research on subjectsof personal interest?When you are curious about something, do you go toan encyclopedia or library to learn more about it?Do you look up words you don't understand in thedictionary?Do you like to browse in the "new hooks" section ofyour library?

19

Exploring Careers

Suggested Activities

Volunteer to work in a hospital, nursing home, or clinicyour community. Volunteers typically provide en-

tertainment; deliver mail and flowers to patients; writeletters for patients and read to them; visit patients tocheer them up: run errands; direct visitors; conductplay activities for children; and provide babysittingservices for visitors. They also do clerical jobs such astyping, filing, and stuffing envelopes. .

Get in touch with the American National Red Crossabout opportunities to work as a youth volunteer. RedCross youth volunteers serve as tutors for youngerchildren and as aides in hospitals, day care centers,and nursing homes; recruit blood donors; help withprograms to combat drug abuse among young people;and play and study with homebound and handicapped

Contact the Boys' Club or Girls' Club in your commu-nity. Clubs offer a wide variety of p.-ograms includingvolunteer service at hospitals and work with retardedand handicapped children.

Babysit for a younger brother or sister. Take care of aneighbor's child. How does it feel to have someonedepend on you?

Care for neighbors' pets when the owners go away.You'll have the experience of being responsible for ananimal's basic needs.

Ask your teacher to arrange a class tour of a hospital ornursing home.

Invite one or more nurses to speak to your class abouttheir jobs. Ask the speakers to discuss their duties,their training, and the rewards and frustrations ofnursing. If possible, arrange for a panel discussion bynurses in several different specialties: A school nurse,a psychiatric nurse, a public health nurse, and anemergency room nurse, for example.

Contact your local chapter of the American NationalRed Cross to arrange a demonstration, talk, or movieon first aid for your science or health class.

Take a course in first aid from a certified instructor.First-aid courses teach you how to prevent accidents:how to protect accident victims; how to give emergencycare for severe bleeding, stoppage of breathing, or oralpoisoning; and how to take care of minor injuries.

Ask the school nurse to teach you how to take someone'spulse, blood pressure, and temperature.

20

Join a Science Club or a Heath Careers Club if ther: isone in your school.

Use nursing as a topic for class assignments. Read abiography of Florence Nightingale for a book reportin an English class. Prepare a report on the history ofnursing for a social studies class. Explore an issue inpublic health, such as pollution, smoking, or drugabuse, for a science or health class. Choose a topic inbiology or medicine for a science fair project. Reporton metric measurements in the health field for amathematics class.

Use first aid as a topic for a report in a science or healthclass.

Describe what should be done for severe bleeding.When should a tournique, be used?Explain the dangers 'of moving a seriously injuredperson, Tell how you would decide what methodto use. Demonstrate a chair carry and a two-personcarry. Show how to improvise and use a stretcher.Demonstrate how to apply an adhesive bandage.a large gauze compress held in place by tape, adressing on the eye with a cravat, and a rollerbandage on the ankle and foot, wrist and hand,forearm, and finger.Explain how to recognize and treat unconscious-ness, shock, convulsions, poisoning by nu ..th,burns, and injuries to joints.Explain the objectives of artificial respiration.Demonstrate mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-noserescue breathing as well as the chest-pressure arm-lift and back-pressure arm-lift.Explain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Take a course in lifesaving from a certified organization.The Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America bothoffer courses in Junior Lifesaving.

Join an Explorer Post if there is one in your area.Exploring, open to young men and women aged 14through 20, offers programs in nursing, medicine andhealth careers, physical or natural science, child care,and emergency first aid. To find out about Explorerposts in your community. call "Boy Scouts of Amer-ica" listed in your phone hook, and ask for the "Ex-ploring Division."

If you are a Boy Scout, earn a merit badge in PublicHealth, 'First Aid, General Science, Lifesaving, orEmergency Preparedness.

If you are a Girl Scout, see if your local troop has theFrom Dreams to Reality program for-exploring ca-reers. Troops also sponsor service aide and community

r

Health Occupations

action projects in the health field, and offer proficiencybadges in First Aid. Nursing, Lifesaving, PublicHealth, and Science.

Write for career information to the National League forNursing, Career Information Services, 10 ColumbusCircle, New York, New York 10019, and to the Vet-erans Administration, Department of Medicine andSurgery, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington,D.C. 20420.

Related Occupations

Registered nurses work in many different settings.Some of these are listed below. Choose the statementthat applies to each nurse's specialty.

1. School nursea. Finds cures for contagious diseases peculiar to

childrenb. Gives immunizations and maintains students'

health recordsc. Teaches in a school of nursing

2. Public health nursea. Prescribes medication for acneb. Writ.. Is advertisements for drug companiesc. Teaches neighborhood residents about nutrition,

hygiene, and other aspects of good health

3. Nurse-midwifea. Works under the supervision of a cardiologistb. Delivers babies and teaches new mothers sound

health practicesc. Trains ambulance personnel

4. Nurse anesthetista. Administers drugs so that patients don't feel pain

during operations or childbirthb. Examines ears, nose, and throat for signs of

diseasec. Develops vaccines for protection agaihst disease

5. Office nursea. Prepa,:a a physician's patients for examination

and provides whatever help the physician needsb. Gives first .aid to office employeesc. Tests for the presence of bacteria in a commu-

nity's water supply

6. Private duty nursea. Plans nutritious meals for hospital patientsb. Provides nursing care, for a fee, in the patient's

home or in a hospital or nursing homec. Operates an artificial kidney machine

7. Occupational health or industrial nursea. Teaches blind patients new job skillsb. Directs research to protect industrial workers

from radiation hazardsc. Treats employees and customers who become ill

or have an accident in a department store, fac-tory, or other business firm

8. Psychiatric nursea. Studies effects of high-altitude flying on airplane

pilotsb. Carestfor patients who are mentally illc. Performs brain surgery

9. Rehabilitation nursea. Cares for patients who have chronic or disabling

conditions, conditions that can't be curedquicklyif ever

b. Converts old bhildings into nursing homesc. Estimates future hospital costs for insurance

companies

10. Consultant nursea. Organizes volunteer services in a hospital or

nursing homeb. Sells drugs to hospitalsc. Advises hospitals and nursing homes on ,,..ays to

improve their nursing care

See answers at end of chapter.

21

Exploring Careers

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Roberto Torres' interest in science led to a career as a medical technologist.

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Health Occupations

I'm Roberto Torres, a medical technologist at St.John's Hospital. In the medical laboratory where I work,we do tests to find out exactly what's wrong with peoplewho are sick. Doctors need to know what the problem isin order to take care of it.

Our medical laboratory is divided into four depart-ments: Clinical chemistry, bacteriology, hematology, andthe blood bank. I'm in bacteriology, or microbiologyhave been ever since I started work here at St. John's.My training covered the other areas, though, and chancesare that sooner or later I'll be in hematology or one ofthe other departments of the lab.

I became interested in chemistry during my freshmanyear in college. I did so well in it that Professor Reiberencouraged me to consider a career in science. Followinghis suggestion, I visited the Kroner Laboratories andtalked to some of the people who worked there. Onething led to another and I decided to become a medicaltechnologist. My college offered a B.S. in medical tech-nology and that's the degree I have.

During my senior year in college, I worked at CityHospital, rotating among the various departments of themedical laboratory. Clinical rotations give you a chanceto put your classroom knowledge to work in a real lifesituation. They're part of the training for just about everyhealth occupation, I guess. After I graduated, I took aspecial exam and when I passed I was officially "regis-tered" as a medical technologist. Exams, certification,registration--it's a way of protecting the public and youfind it in most health careers. But from my point of view,registration helps in getting a job and, sometimes. ahigher salary. All the medical technologists at St. John'sare registered.

A pathologist is in charge of the medical laboratoryhere. He's a physician, of course, one who has spentyears studying the ways in which disease shows up inthe tissues and fluids of our bodies. More people work ina medical laboratory than you might think. St. John'sisn't a huge hospital, yet there are about 70 peopleworking in the medical laboratory here. In addition tomedical technologists like myself, there are techniciansand assistants who take care of the more routine kindsof lab work. They didn't have to take as much trainingas I did, just 1 or 2 years in most cases.

Yesterday was a fairly typical day in the bacteriologydepartment. We had the usual sorts of things to test:Samples of urine, spinal fluid, throat cultures, materialfrom wounds, and blood. Physicians have samples sentto bacteriology when they suspect an infection or adisease. I'll give you an example. One of the patientswe're trying to help is a woman who's worried and upsetbecause she's gradually losing the strength in her legs,and the doctors don't know why. They've tried lots of

different tests, and yesterday she had an extremely pain-ful one: The doctor used a long hypodermic needle toremove some fluid from her spinal canal. Now we'retesting that fluid to see what it can "tell" us. If some ofthe cells are abnormal, we'll know she has a nervedisease, which could explain her weakness.

This morning, a throat ct re came in to the lab. Thedoctor who sent it suspects an infection and wants tofind out which antibiotic to prescribe for the patient'ssore throat. An antibiotic is a chemical substance thatdestroys bacteria. But since there are so many kinds ofbacteria that make people sick, and so many differentantibiotics to combat them, the first step is to find outexactly what we're dealing with. That's where the labcomes in.

The culture arrived on a swab in a sterile tube. I placedsome of it in a special dish containing nutrients thatmake bacteria grow, then put the dish in an incubatora warm place where the bacteria probably will growovernight. Tomorrow morning I'll try to identify thebacteria, using chemicals. I'll also make slides and ex-amine them under a microscope. Then I'll experiment tofind out which antibiotic works against the strain ofbacteria I have identified.

When I finish all the tests the doctor has asked for, I'llrecord the results and notify her. We come up with

A technologist must do accurate testing. "A patient'slife could depend on it,- says Roberto.

23

Exploring Careers

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Roberto confers with a coworker. The hospital staff is a team,' notes Roberto,so you have to depend on each other."

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results quickly. I'd say. I usually have something toreport in 48 to 72 hours. Once in a while. when testresults don't make sense to the patient's physician. werun tests on another specimen just to make sure. Youcan't he too careful in a medical lab. But mistakessometimes happen. and our test results can he wrong.That's why the human factor judgment is so impor-tant.

Jessica just started working in the lab last week, She'sin the clinical chemistry department and operates ma-chinery that tests blood for sugar, salt, fat. and proteincontent. and for disease. She's testing for sugar contentright now. Six begins by placing tubes of blood in amachine that spins very fast, so fast that the blood cells

fall to the bottom of each tube. The material that remains

on top is the serum. It looks like water and contains thesugar: chemicals in the machine make the sugar turn

cblue. Knowing whether or not a patient has the properamount of sugar in his blood helps a physician treat himproperly. Many of the machines Jessica works with are

24

linked up with a computer. enabling her to run literallythousands of different tests in a very short period of time.Computers have made a big difference in medicine, and

you really appreciate that in a lab.I ate lunch with Fritz today. as usual. Fritz has worked

at St. John's nearly as long as I have, and we're goodfriends. He's in hematology, where they specialize intesting blood. Fritz does blood counts much of the time:he's concerned with the number of red cells and whitecells in the blood. I guess you know already that red cellscarry oxygen -and white cells tight infection. Fritz oper-ates machinery that places drops of a blood sample ona slide, stains the sample with colored dyes to helpidentify the cells, and smears the blood across the slide.

Then he sets the slide under a microscope and looksclosely at the white blood cells. Red cells all look alike.but white cells don't. Fritz can differentiate among white

cells. and his count of the various kinds of white cells inthe patient's blood will give the physician a good idea ofwhether or not something is wrong.

Health Occupations

Another friend of mine, Wanda, works in the bloodbank. Wanda and I talk about our jobs a lot. One of thethings we both like is that our jobs rarely intrude on ourpersonal time. In short, we leave our work in the labo-ratory. Wanda and the other technologists in the labdraw blood from blood donorshealthy people whodonate blood to the blood bank. This blood is refriger-ated in plastic bags and usually stays healthy for 21 days.The laboratory receives patients' blood samples in tubesfrom other parts of the hospital or from private physi-cians. These patients often are scheduled to undergosurgery, and doctors need to have blood available fortransfusions. Medical technologists in the blood bankmust find donors' blood that is compatible with patients'blood samples sent to the lab.

Technologists perform chemical tests to determine thetype of blood in the sample. Blood may be typed A, B,

AB, or 0. In addition, technologists must determine theRh factor as Rh positive or Rh negative, referring to thepresence or absence of certain inherited substances inthe red blood cells. The technologists then find storedblood that matches the blood in the patient's sample,and retest it as a precautionary measure. To be usable,the stored blood must be exactly like the patient's blood.In the event that no compatible blood is in storage, thetechnologists would contact the Red Cross to obtain theappropriate type.

Accuracy is essential in the blood bank and the work-ers here are under great pressure to avoid mistakes. Amistake by a laboratory technologist can kill a patient.Take the case of someone in an automobile accident whoneeds emergency surgery. If the lab made an error intesting and the patient received the wrong blood duringthe operation, he or she could die. That's an awesomeresponsibility.

Last fall I was invited to supervise some medicaltechnology students who were doing their senior yearclinical rotation in the biochemistry department here. Iwas surprised to discover how much I enjoyed teaching!I'm thinking of going back to school for a master's orPh. D. so that I can teach full time in a college oruniversity program in medical technology. But that's apretty big step, after all.

Although my job can be routine at times, I knowenough science to understand what the tests really mean.Once I've run some tests, I usually have an idea ofwhat'sgoing on inside the body of a patient with this or thatdisease. That makes the work interesting,.and I don'tknow whether I want to give it up to teach.

And another thing. If I went into teaching, I mightmiss the day-to-day contact with the hospital staff. I likebeing part of the team effort here to help sick people.Well, I guess I'll have to give it a lot more thought ....

Exploring

Medical technologists must have a strong interest inscience.

Do you like science? Are you interested in biologyand chemistry?Do you like to do laboratory experiments in class oron your own?

4. Do you pursue science projects independently?Have you ever entered a science lair?Are you curious about the unknown?Do you like to study things under a microscope?Do you like to experiment with chemistry sets?

Medical technologists must be very accurate. Sometimesthey are under pressure to work quickly, but they mustbe precise just the same. A patient's life might dependon it.

Do you check your homework for errors?Do you check your answers on a test before handingit in?Do you do things in a methodical way?

Medical technologists must have an eye for detail. Theyhave to detect even the slightest variations in the samples

they examine.

Do you enjoy identifying trees, leaves, or birds?Do you collect and identify sea shells?Can you tell that something is missing from yourroom?Can you find a place on a road map quickly?Do you like to do word-finds and other games whereyou must find hidden objects in pictures?

Medical technologists need manual dexterity to handlemedical equipment such as test tubes, slides, and micro-

scopes.

Do you like working with your hands?Do you enjoy building models, setting up electrictrains, framing pictures, making ceramics, makingelectronic equipment from a kit, or working with

photographic equipment?Are you accustomed to using tools for work aroundthe house?Are you good at setting up displays for class projects

or school exhibits?

25

Exploring Careers

Medical technologists don't spend much time with pa-tients. They work with laboratory equipment instead.

Do you like building things'?Do you like collecting things?Do you enjoy class assignments that involve workingwith scientific equipment?

Medical technologists must be able to follow strict lab-oratory procedures.

Do you pay attention to instructions when you'retaking a test or doing a homework assignment?Are you good at following a recipe?Do you use patterns for sewing, knitting. or needle-work?Do you follow the instructions carefully when youmix chemicals from your chemistry set, build amodel, or assemble electronic equipment from a kit?

Medical technologists are members of a health careteam. They must work well with others.

Do you enjoy working with other people on classprojects? Do you accept your share of the responsi-bility?Do you like working with others on school clubs orcommittees?Do you like team sports?Do you like to organize group activities such asparties, sports events, picnics, and dances?

Medical technologists must be concerned about goodhealth.

Do you eat a well-balanced diet?Do you see the dentist regularly?Do you get enough sleep?Do you pay attention to warnings about aleohol,drug, or tobacco abuse?When you ask someone how he or she is feeling, areyou really concerned or do you consider it a socialcustom?

Medical technologists keep up with the field by readingprofessional literature and attending lectures and confer-ences.

Do you like to read for pleasure?Do you like to read popular science magazines? Doyou read articles on medicine and health in maga-zines and newspapers?

26

Do you show initiative in doing research on subjectsof personal interest?When you are curious about something. do you go toan encyclopedia or library to learn more about it?Do you look up words you don't understand in adictionary?Do you like to browse in the "new hooks" section ofyour library?

Suggested ActivitiesStimulate your interest in science by reading and doing

experiments or projects.Work with a chemistry set. the kind available inhobby shops/or department stores.Prepare slides and examine them under a micro-scope.Do a project in the life sciences for a science fair.Read popular science 'magazines.

Join a Science Club or a Health Careers Club if there isone in your school.

Contact your local chapter of the American NationalRed Cross to arrange a talk for your science or healthclass on the Red Cross blood program.

Ask your teacher to arrange a class tour of a medicallaboratory.

Invite a medical technologist to speak to your class abouthis or her job. Ask the speaker to bring and explainsome of the equipment used in a medical laboratory.Ask him or her to talk about job duties, training, andthe rewards and frustrations of this kind of work.

Volunteer to work in the medical laboratory of a hospital,clinic, or nursing home. You might be able to runerrands, wash equipment, or do clerical work.

Get in touch with the American National Red Crossabout opportunities to work as a youth volunteer. RedCross youth volunteers help recruit blood donors,serve as tutors for younger children, and as aides inhospitals, day care centers, and nursing homes.

Join an Explorer Post if there is one in your area.Exploring, open to young men and women aged 14through 20, offers programs in medicine and healthcareers, physical or natural science, and emergencyfirst aid. To find out about Explorer posts in yourcommunity, call "Boy Scouts of America" listed inyour phone book, and ask for the "Exploring Divi-sion."

If you are a Girl Scout, earn a proficiency badge inScience, Public Health, or First .Aid.

Health Occupations

If you are a Boy Scout, earn a merit badge in GeneralScience, Public Health, First Aid, Lifesaving, or Emer-gency Preparedness.

Take a course in first aid from a certified instructor.

Prepare a report for a science or health class on thediseases spread by rats, flies, worms, and ticks. Explainhow people catch yellow fever, rabies, hookworm,typhoid fever, and tetanus.

Write for career information to American Medical Tech-nologists, 710 Higgins Road, Park Ridge, Illinois60068; American Society for Medical Technology,5555 West Loop South, Bellaire, Texas 77401; Amer-ican Society of Clinical Pathologists, Board of Regis-try, P.O. Box 4872, Chicago, Illinois 60680; and Inter-national Society for Clinical Laboratory Technol-ogy, 818 Olive Street, Suite 918, St. Louis, Missouri63101.

Related Occupations

Medical technologists aren't the only people whosework in laboratories helps us to understand and treatdisease. Ten other occupations are listed below. See ifyou can choose the correct job duty for each.

1. Medical laboratory techniciana. prepares patients' medical recordsb. does routine laboratory tests for use in diagnos-

ing or treating diseasee. mixes drugs under the direction of pharmacist

2. Veterinary laboratory techniciana. investigates animal diseases that can be caught

by humansb. inspects livestock in slaughterhousesc. prepares vaccines that protect .animals against

disease

3. Medical laboratory assistanta. stores and labels plasma and does other routine

work in a blood bankb. performs autopsies to determine the cause of

deathc. conducts research to protect medical laboratory

personnel against infection

4. Pathologista. runs a machine that does computerized brain

scans

b: studies disease and its effect on the cells andtissues of our bodies

c. studies insects and their relation to plant life

5. Chemista. conducts research and experiments on gaseous,

liquid, and solid materialsb. develops computer programs for drug manufac-

turersc. designs biomedical laboratory equipment

6. Cytotechnologista. measures radioactivity in the cells of workers at

nuclear reactorsb. studies bee culture and breedingc. stains, mounts, and examines human body cells

under a microscope

7. Zoologista. designs natural habitats for animals in zoosb. studies origin, classification, habits, and diseases

of animalsc. plans breeding studies to improve varieties of

plants

8. Histologic techniciana. prepares sections of body tissues for examination

by a pathologistb. removes deposits and stains from teethc. operates ultrasound diagnostic equipment to pro-

duce pictures of internal organs

9. Biochemista. specializes in taking X-rays of specific parts of

the bodyb. measures impulse frequencies from the brainc. studies chemical processes of living organisms in

order to understand allergies, vitamin deficiency,hormonal imbalance, and other medical prob-lems

10. Geneticista. handles legal problems in the field of inheritance

taxesb. conducts research on inherited traits such as hair

and eye color and resistance to diseasec. tests blood samples using an automatic blood

analyzer

See answers at end of chapter.

27

Exploring Careers

Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is teaching patients how to help themselves," says Julie.

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Health Occupations

Doctors Hospital, with 500 beds, always seems busy,and the physical therapy department isn't immune fromthat hustle. Two patients were already in the waitingarea when Julie arrived at 7:45. A middle-aged man wassitting quietly in a wheelchair and a fellow in his 20'swas lying on a transport bed. Both were inpatientspatients staying at the hospital. Julie greeted them, saidhello to the receptionist, and then went on to the treat-ment rooms. There, two other physical therapists werepreparing for the patients in the waiting room.

"Hi, Tom."Tom Harmon was adjusting the water temperature in

the Hubbard tank for his burn patient, Joe Power. Joehad been badly burned when the gasoline can he hadbeen holding had exploded. He had second and thirddegree bull's on his legs and arms and first degree burnson his face. Joe had been using gasoline to restart thefire in a pile of smoldering weeds. He prefers not to talkabout the accident.

The water in the Hubbard tank will make bending theburned limbs easier and soften the dead skin tissue soTom can remove it. This was one of the treatments thatphysical therapists like Tom and Julie liked the least,because the patient usually is in so much pain. Withoutthe treatment, though, the burned skin would tighten upand leave the patient with much less mobility after theburn healed. It gives the therapists some comfort to knowthe pain is worthwhile in the long run.

"Good morning, Nicki."Nicki Bathista was the other therapist. She was setting

up the parallel bars. Her first patient had lost his teg ina construction accident. He had just been fitted with anartificial leg and Nicki would help him learn to walknormally with it.

Julie was bound for room 514 and a patient she hadseen several times in the last. 2 days. After collecting thepatient's records, she headed for the elevators.

"I hope the swelling in his leg is down today," Juliethought. While she waited for the elevator and on theride up to the fifth floor, she reviewed Mark's case. Markis an 18-year-old gas station attendant. Two nights ago,he was riding his motorcycle on the freeway when adrunken driver swerved into his lane, knocking him tothe pavement. Mark's helmet prevented any head inju-ries and probably saved his life, but he didn't escapeunharmed. He wound up with a cracked forearm, afractured hip, and a badly fractured femur or thigh bonethat was giving him a lot of trouble. The fracture hadsevered some important arteries in his leg. The surgeonshad reconnected the arteries, but the swelling in his legwas considerable and the doctors weren't sure there wasenough blood circulation. Inadequate circulation couldmean that Mark would lose his leg. Before the fractured

leg could be set and Mark wrapped in a cast to immo-bilize his hip and leg, the swelling had to be reduced andthe surgeons had to be sure there was adequate circula-tion.

The elevator doors opened onto the fifth floor andJulie strode down to 514.

"Good morning, Mark," she said as she looked overhis chart. "How is the leg?"

"It liurts a lot.""W. 11, when the swelling goes down, that will im-

prove,- Julie told him. The exercises she was about tohelp him with were supposed to reduce the swelling.

Mark looked unhappy. Although she didn't ask. Julieguessed that no one had visited him yet. Yesterday, Markhad told her that no one had come to see him. He wassure no one cared.

"Come on, Mark. Let's get to We'll have you upand out in no time!" Julie tried to encourage Mark andboost his morale. Realizing that she was concerned abouthim would, she hoped, ease his loneliness.

The exercises Mark performed were prescribed by aphysician. After she had performed the emergency sur-gery on Mark's injured leg, the surgeon had written an"order" or prescription for Mark to receive physicaltherapy. Ordinarily, Julie would know exactly what todo after reading the order, but Mark's injuries wereextensive and Julie wanted no chance for an error in histreatment. So, before six even visited with Mark, sheconsulted with the physician and discussed her goals forMark's treatment.

The surgeon wanted her to exercise Mark's injured legto promote improved circulation and prevent the musclesfrom withering away. Mark would be hospitalized a longtime and where muscle tone is concerned, "If you don'tuse it, you lose it."

"We'll start out slowly, Mark. Just wiggle the toes onthis injured leg." The exertion caused Mark some pain,but Julie explained how necessary the exercises were tothe leg's recovery, so Mark didn't complain.

"O.K. Now tighten your thigh muscles to move yourknee caps."

"He's doing pretty well," Julie thought. "In spite ofhis depression, he's trying hard at his therapy, so, as hisphysical condition infproves, his spirits probably willimprove too."

Julie's next patient was a special one. Sarah was a 5-year -old with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects thebrain so that the patient has great difficulty controllingthe muscles used for moving about. Physical coordina-tion is greatly hampered, but with the proper therapy,improvement usually is possible. Julie's evaluation ofSarah at this time indicated the child had the physicalcoordination of an 8-month-old baby. Sarah was still

29

Exploring Careers

The best part of my job is sharing the joy of

patients who are making progress."

improving, though, so she may eventually learn to walk.The damage from cerebral palsy is difficult to identify.The therapist doesn't know the limits of a patient'sabilities until he or she reaches them. When the patientstops improving, then the therapist knows the extent ofthe damage.

"Good morning, Sarah. Let's practice our rolling."She and Sarah then rolled around on the floor mats of

the treatment room. First, Julie rolled overdemonstrat-ing the move with considerable enthusiasm. Then, with

Julie's help, Sarah took her turn."She almost has the knack of rolling over," thought

Julie. "Maybe next week I can start teaching her tocrawl."

After crawling, Julie would try to tea:...h Sarah to sit,

then kneel, then stand, P, n d , she hoped, walk.As Sarah and her mother wee leaving, Toby Pappas

walked in. Toby, a high school junior, is a volunteer aidehere in the P.T. department. Two months ago, when hefirst started working here, he transported patients to andfrom their rooms. Since then, he has gradually beenlearning how to assist with the treatments. His friendly,easygoing manner has won him quick acceptance from

the patients. Toby obviously enjoys helping Julie, andshe takes extra time to explain the equipment and pro-cedures to him. Toby is a bright student and Julie hopes

to interest him in physical therapy as a career."Hi, Toby. Want to help with a stroke patient?"-,"Sure, JL'lie, but I haven't had experience with a stroke

victim."Julie exp:ained that a stroke occurs when the flow of

blood is cut ott to some part of the brain. "Without thelifegiving oxygen supplied by fresh blood from the lungs,

30

brain cells will be damaged after only a few minutes. Ifthe interruption is complete enough, the brain cells willdie in less than 10 minutes. The effects of the strokedepend on the area of the brain involved.

"The first job of the therapist, Toby, is to evaluate thepatient. Every stroke patient is different. Some patientscan't use their legs. With others, only the arms areaffected. Many can't talk. So you have to isolate themuscle groups that are affected and then work to reed-ucate those muscles and raise the patient's level of func-tioning to his or her full potential.

"Mr. Davis' stroke left him with his right side para-lyzed. At first, he wasn't even aware of the position ofhis right arm or leg. We first moved the arms and legs

for him to maintain the capability for motion in hisjoints. Then we helped him roll from side to side on hisbed. After he could do that by himself, we taught him tosit up in bed. Now we are going to work on teachinghim to kneel, to stand, and to walk.

"Of course, all that will take time. And, if the strokecompletely killed the brain cells that control those func-tions, Mr. Davis won't make any more progress."

What can I do to help today?" asked Toby."I'll be teaching Mr: Davis how to move his body

from a sitting position to a kneeling one. He won't beable to master that today, though, and that may discour-age him. You can help boost his spirits by encouraginghim and giving him praise."

"I'll do my best.""C:i, Toby. One more thing. Mr. Davis' speech was

affected by his stroke. A speech therapist is working withhim, but he still can't talk. Don't worry, though. Heunderstands every word that is said."

Toby went to the waiting room and brought Mr. Davisto the treatment area while Julie reviewed his treatmentrecord.

After Mr. Davis had completed his routine, Toby tookhim in his wheelchair back to his room.

It was lunchtime for Julie, and she had been lookingforward to it. A quick lunch at the El Sombrero, arestaurant across the street. "Come on, Toby, I can't waitfor those tacos and tamales."

At night the El Sombrero was a posh dining spot withmariachi singers and substantial prices. At noon, how-ever, it offered a quick and reasonable lunch.

After they were seated, Toby asked Julie how she firstbecame interested in physical therapy.

"Doing volunteer work, just like you," replied Julie."I volunteered to help at St. John's Hospital and wasassigned to the P.T. department. I liked the work somuch that I majored in physical therapy when I went tocollege."

"What was the course work like in college?"

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Health Occupations

"A lot of science. I had courses in chemistry, biology,physics, neurology, physiology, and anatomy. Psychol-ogy was required, too, and that proved to be very helpful.A course in psychology of the handicapped really openedmy eyes to the way handicapped persons view the worlda.nd helped me understand some of their hopes andfears."

Julie went on to explain the "rotating" assignmentsshe had had during the last half of her senior year incollege. "That was a valuable experience. It gave me ataste of the day-to-day work in most of the specialtya"eas as well as the general practice of physical therapy.I spent 1 week in. Children's Hospital, 6 weeks in theWheaton Rehabilitation Center, 2 weeks at PleasantView Nursing Home, and 5 weeks here at DoctorsHospital.

"It was during my rotation that i discovered I reallypreferred working with a variety of patient problemsthe sort of variety you're most likely to find in a hospitallike this. After I passed the State board examination andgot my license to practice physical therapy, I appliedhere at Doctors.

"Since then," she said with a. smile, "I've had to takeup swimming just to keep my weight down and still eatlunches here at El Sombrero."

Exploring

Physical therapists must be concerned about good health.

Do you eat a well-balanced diet?Do you get enough sleep?Do you see the dentist regularly?Do you pay attention to warnings about alcohol,drugs, or tobacco abuse?When you ask someone how he or she is feeling, areyou really concerned or do you consider it a socialcustom?

Physical therapists must be interested in science.

Do you like science courses?Do you enjoy doing projects for a science class or ascience fair?Do you read articles about science in magazines orthe newspaper?Do you like to visit museum exhibits of science andtechnology?

Physical therapists must teach patients special exercises.

Do you like to help your friends with homework?

Are you good at teaching children sports or directingthem in arts and crafts?Are you good at teaching a child to swim or ride abicycle?Have you ever tutored elementary school children?Do you help your younger brothers or sisters withreading, writing, or arithmetic?

Physical therapists don't see the results of their workright away. They must remain supportive and hopefuleven when progress is slow.

Do you appreciate small gains or progress?Do you have the patience to grow a garden?Can you stick with a diet or exercise program?Do you appreciate the eventual benefit of having

races on your teeth right now?Do you have the patience to practice a musicalinstrument faithfully?

Physical therapists must believe that one can succeed ifhe or she really tries.

Are you an optimistic, upbeat person?Can you make people believe in themselves?Do you look at the bright side of things?Can you talk someone into a good mood?Are you able to comfort a younger brother or sisterwhen his or her feelings have been hurt?Are you good at boosting a friend's confidence whenhe or she is nervous about an exam, a tryout, orasking someone for a date?Would you be good at coaching a team that's on alosing streak?

Physical therapists who are physically fit are more effec-tive on the job. They serve as models for their patients.

Are you in good physical condition?Do you enjoy strenuous activities such as sports,hiking, backpacking, climbing, track and field, danc-ing, and gardening?Do you like to be active most of the time?Do you consider physical exercise and developmentas important as mental development?

Physical therapists need manual dexterity. They must begood with their hands to help patients perform exercisesand to handle equipment.

Do you like working with your hands?

31

Exploring Careers

Do you enjoy building models, setting up electrictrains, framing pictures. making ceramics, weaving,

or doing macrame?Are you accustomed to using tools for work around

the house?Are you good at setting up displays for class projects

or school exhibits?Have you ever helped build the props for a school

theatrical production?

Physical therapists keep up with the field by readingprofessional literature and attending lectures and confer-

ences.

Do you like to read for pleasure?Do you like to read popular science magazines?Do you show initiative in doing research on subjects

of personal interest?When you are curious about something, do you go toan encyclopedia or library to learn more about it?Do you look up words you don't understand in thedictionary?Do you like to browse in the "new books" section of

your library?

Physical therapists are part of a health team. They workwith physicians, psychologists, nurses, and social workersin planning patient care.

Do you enjoy working with other people on class

projects?Do you like working with others on school clubs or

comriittees?Do you like taking part in recycling campaigns orscrap paper drives?Do you like. to help organize trips, parties, sportsevents, picnics, and dances?

Suggested activities

Volunteer to work in a hospital, nursing home, or clin;c

in your community.

Look for opportunities to spend time h handicappedor retarded children. Studying an playing with hand-icapped children will help you develop the natural,accepting manner that physical therapists .must have

to deal effectively with disabled patients. Girls' Clubsand Boys' Clubs in many communities offer programsincluding volunteer service at hospitals and work withretarded and handicapped children. Red Cross youth

32

volunteers play and study with homebound and hand-icapped children. Scout troops, Campfire Girls, andother youth organizations offer similar opportunities.

Ask your teacher to arrange a class tour of the physicaltherapy department of a local hospital or nursing

home.

Invite a physical therapist to speak to your class abouthis or her job. Suggest that the speaker bring someequipment and demonstrate its use. Ask him or her todiscuss job duties, training, and the rewards and frus-

trations of the work.

Interview a friend or classmate who has undergonephysical therapy. Find out about his or her treatmentand relationship with the physical therapist.

Help manage a team involved in a contact sport such asfootball is whicll bone, muscle, and nerve injuries arecommon. Observe the kinds of therapy the injuredplayers are undergoing.

Take the Junior Life Saving Course offered by theAmerican Red Cross or the Boy Scouts of America, ora course offered by another certified organization.

Develop your teaching skills by volunteering to helpdirect children in sports or arts and crafts at a day carecenter or summer recreational program.

Join an Explorer Post. if there is one in your area.Exploring, open to young men and women aged 14through 20, offers programs in medicine and healthcareers, physical or natural science, and emergencyfirst aid. To find out about Explorer posts in yourarea, call "Boy ScoutS of America" listed in yourphone book, and ask for the "Exploring Division."

if you are a Girl Scout, earn a proficiency badge in FirstAid, Lifesaving, Public Health, or Science.

If your are a Boy Scout, earn a merit badge in PersonalFitness, Lifesaving, Emergency Preparedness, PublicHealth, First Aid, or General Science.

Use the topic of rehabilitation for a report in a scienceor health class. You might prepare a report, togetherwith charts and other illustrations, that show the mus-cles of the body and how they interact. Explain howexercises can strengthen various parts of your bodysuch as your arms, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back,

or legs.

Health Occupations

Prepare a report for a health class on what to do forheatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, bruises, and armand leg cramps.

Develop an exercise program to increase your strength,endurance, speed, and coordination. Include calisthen-ics, running, swimming, jumping, and other activities.

Write for career information to the American PhysicalTherapy Association, 1156 15th Street, N.W., Wash-ington, D.C. 20005, and to the Veterans Adminisiid-Lion, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 810 Ver-mont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20420.

Related Occupations

Physical therapists are not the only workers involvedin therapy and rehabilitation. The duties of other workersin this field are described below. Match these duties withthe job titles listed at the end.

1. I teach art to help my patients express their feelingsand do something that makes them feel better aboutthemselves. I work with patients in such places asrehabilitation centers and mental hospitals. Whoam I?

2. I design, make, and fit artificial limbs known asprostheses. Who am P

3. My patients are mentally or physically disabled. Ihelp them master everyday skills such as shaving,and teach them things like woodworking or gar-dening that make their day more enjoyable. If Ican, I teach them skills that will help them get ajob. Who am I?

4. I'm a doctor. I move the spine. I correct nervousdisorders that way. Who am I?

5. My patients have trouble hearing and speakingnormally. I plan therapy programs to help themcommunicate more effectively. Who am I?

6. I teach music to help my patients express theirfeelings and do something that makes them feelbetter about themselves. I work with patients in

such places as rehabilitation centers and mentalhospitals. Who am I?

vJ

7. I'm a doctor. I treat patients with bone, muscle, ornerve disorders. Depending on the problem, I per-form surgery or prescribe drugs. Who am I?

8. I help physical therapists such as Julie treat physi-cally disabled patients. I often get patients readyfor treatment and help them do exercises. Who amI?

9. I'm a doctor. I perform operations to correct boneproblems. Who am I?

10. I plan and direct activities such as sports, arts andcrafts. and social functions for patients in hospitalsand other institutions. Who am I?

11. I teach dance to help my patients express theirfeelings and do something that makes them feelbetter about themselves. I work with patients insuch places as rehabilitation centers and mentalhospitals. Who am I?

12. I help occupational therapists treat patients whoare mentally or physically disabled. I might teachpatients to dress themselves, to play games, to enjoydramatics, or to make ceramics. Who am I?

13. I operate equipment that helps patients breathe.Who am I?

Physical therapist assistant or aide

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapy assistant

Speech pathologist or audiologist

Respiratory therapy worker

Recreational therapist

Art therapist

Music therapist

Prosthetist

Chiropractor

Osteopathic physician

Orthopedic surgeon

Dance therapist

See answers at end of chapter.

33

Exploring Careers

Job Facts

There isn't room in this book for a story about every health occupation. However,you'll find some important facts about 32 of these occupations in the followingsection. If you want additional information about any of them, you might begin byconsulting the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a publication of the Departmentof Labor which should be available in your school or public library.

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

Chiropractors

34

Chiropractors treat patients pri-marily by using their hands tomanipulate parts of the body, es-pecially the spinal column. Theirpractice is based on the principlethat one's health is determinedlargely by the nervous system.

Most are in private practice.Some are salaried assistants ofestablished practitioners or workfor chiropractic clinics. Othersteach or do research at chiro-practic colleges.

Chiropractors often set up theirpractices in small communitiesabout half work in cities of50,000 people or less.

It takes many years of schoolingto become a chiropractor. Toqualify for the license required topractice, applicants must gradu-ate from a chiropractic collegeand pass a State board exami-nation. Most States- require 2years of study in a college oruniversity before entering the 4-year program in a chiropracticcollege.

Chiropractors licensed in oneState often may obtain a licensein another State without furtherexamination.

High school students interestedin becoming chiropractorsshould take as many sciencecourses as possible.

Most newly licensed chiroprac-tors either set up a new practiceor purchase an established one.A moderate financial investmentusually is necessary to open andequip an office.

Health Occupations

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other InfOrmation

Optometrists .1 Optometrists examine people'seyes. They prescribe lenses, cor-rective eye exercises, and othertreatment not requiring drugs orsurgery.

Some optometrists specialize inworking with special groups suchas the elderly. children, and in-'dustrial workers.

Most are in solo practice. Othersare in partnership or group prac-tice.

Some treat patients in hospitalsand eye clinics, or teach. Otherswork for insurance companies,act as consultants to engineersspecializing in safety or lighting,or to educators in remedial read-ing. Some serve on health advi-sory committees.

It takes many years of training tobecome an optometrist. To qual-ify for the required license. ap-plicants must complete a 4-yearprogram in a college of optome-try and pass a State board ex-amination. This is preceded by atleast 2 years of study in a collegeor university. Several States al-low applicants to be licensedwithout lengthy examination ifthey have a license in anotherState.

Optometrists wishing to advancein a specialized field may studyfor a master's or doctor's degreein physiological optics. . neuro-physiology, public health admin-istration, health information andcommunication, or health edu-cation.

High school students interestedin becoming optometrists shouldtake as many science courses aspossible.

Optometrists should not be con-fused with ophthalmologists ordispensing opticians. Ophthal-mologists are physicians whospecialize in eve care, performeye surgery. and prescribe drugsor other treatment. as well as len-ses. Dispensing opticians fit andadjust eyeglasses according toprescriptions written by optome-trists or ophthalmologists.

Independent practitioners maywork over 40 hours a week in-cluding weekends. Because thework is not strenuous. they oftencan continue to practice afternormal retirement age.

OsteopathicPhysicians

Osteopathic physicians diagnoseand treat medical problems in-volving the muscles and bones.Manipulation with their hands isa basic form of treatment. Theyalso use surgery, drugs. and other.methods of medical care.

Most osteopaths are in privatepractice. A small number workin osteopathic colleges and hos-pitals, private industry, or gov-ernment agencies.

It takes many .years of schoolingto become an osteopathic physi-cian. To qualify for the requiredlicense, candidates must gradu-ate from an osteopathic collegeand pass a State board exami-nation. Candidates must com-plete at least 3 years of college(although most earn a bachelor'sdegree) before entering the 3.-4year program in an osteopathiccollege.

Nearly all serve a I -year intern-ship after graduation. Specialistscomplete 2-5 years of additionaltraining. Nearly all States grantlicenses without further exami-nation to those already licensedin another State.

High school students interestedin becoming osteopathic physi-cians should take as many sci-ence courses as possible.

Newly qualified doctors of osteo-pathic medicine usually establishtheir own practice. although agrowing number are enteringgroup practice.

Many work over 50 or 60 hoursa week. Those in general practicework longer, more irregularhours than specialists.

35

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

Physicians

36

Physicians perform medical ex-aminations, diagnose disease,treat people who are sufferingfrom injury or disease, and ad-vise patients on self-care to pre-vent illness. A decreasing per-centage of physicians are generalpractitioners; most specialize inone of many fields for whichthere is graduate training.

Nine out of 10 physicians pro-vide patient care. Most of thesehave office practices althoughsome work as residents or full-time staff in hospitals. Otherphysicians teach or perform ad-ministrative or research duties.

The northeastern States have thehighest ratio of physicians topopulation and the southernStates the lowest.

It takes many years of schoolingto become a physician. To qual-ify for the required license, can-didates usually must complete atleast 3 years of college (althoughmost earn a bachelor's degree)and 4 years of medical school,pass a licensing examination,and, in most States, serve a I- or2-year residency after gradua-tion.

Those planning to work in gen-eral practice often spend an ad-ditional year in a hospital resi-dency. Those seeking certifica-tion in a specialty spend from 2to 4 years in advanced residencytraining, followed by 2 years ormore of practice in the specialty.They then must pass specialtyexams.

Some physicians who want toteach or do research earn a mas-ter's or Ph. D. degree in a fieldsuch as biochemistry or micro-biology.

Although physicians licensed inone State usually can get a li-cense in another State withoutfurther examination, some Stateslimit the reciprocity.

High school students interestedin becoming physicians shouldtake as many' science courses aspossible.

0

4

Many physicians have longworking days and irregularhours. Most specialists workfewer hours than general practi-tioners. Although they may workshorter hours, many continue inpractice well beyond 70 years ofage.

Newly qualified physicians whoestablish their own practice mustmake a sizable financial invest-ment to equip a modern office.

Health Occupations

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other InfOrnuition

Podiatrists Podiatrists diagnose and treatcorns, bunions. calluses, ingrowntoenails and other foot problems.They perform surgery, fit correc-tive devices, and prescribe drugs,physical therapy, and propershoes.

Some specialize in foot care forthe elderly or for children, or infoot surgery. But most podiatristsprovide types of foot care.

Most podiatrists are in privatepractice. Some, however, are em-ployed by hospitals. podiatricmedical colleges, and publichealth departments.

It takes many years of schoolingto become a podiatrist. To qual-ify for the required license, can-didates usually must complete atleast 3 years of college (althoughmost earn at least a bachelor'sdegree) and 4 years in a podiatryschool, and pas. a State boardexamination.

Additional education and expe-rience are ni!cessary to practicein a specialty. Several States re-quire a 1-year residency aftergraduation. Most States grant li-censes without further examina-tion to those licensed by anotherState.

High school students interestedin becoming podiatrists shouldtake as many science courses aspossible.

Most newly licensed podiatristsset up their own praLitices. Someobtain salaried positions to gainthe experience and moneyneeded to begin their own prac-tice.

Veterinarians Veterinarians deal with diseasesand injuries among animals.They perform surgery and pre-scribe and administer drugs,medicines, and vaccines to aM-mals.

Over one-third of veterinarianstreat small animals exclusively.About another third treat bothlarge and small animals. Manyspecialize in the health andbreeding of cattle, poultry, sheep.swine, or horses. Some inspectfoods as part of public healthprograms. teach. or do research.

Most veterinarians are in privatepractice. Some work for govern-ment health agencies. colleges ofveterinary medicine, researchlaboratories, large livestockfarms, animal food companies.and pharmaceutical firms.

It takes many years of schoolingto become a veterinarian. Toqualify for the required license,candidates usually must com-plete at least 2 years of college(although most complete more)and 4 years in a college of vet-erinary medicine, and pass a

State board examination.

Positions in research and teach-ing often require an additionalmaster's or Ph. D. degree. SomeStates issae licenses to veterinar-ians already iizt..nsed by anotherState without further examina-tion.

High school students interestedin becoming veterinarians shouldtake as many science courses aspossible.

The type of practice varies ac-cording to the geographic setting.Veterinarians in rural areasmainly treat farm animals; thosein small towns usually engage ingeneral practice; those in citiesand suburban areas often limittheir practice to pets.

Most begin as employees or part-ners in established practices. Thejob may involve long and irreg-ular hours, traveling and outdoorwork, and'danger of injury, dis-ease, or infection. Those in pri-vate practice usually work wellbeyond normal retirement age.

37

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

DENTAL OCCUPATIONS

Dentists Dentists examine and treat pa-tients for oral diseases and ab-normalities, such as decayed andimpacted teeth.

Most dentists are general practi-tioners, but some specialize. Or-thodontists are the largest groupof specialists; they straightenteeth. The next largest group,oral surgeons, operate on themouth and jaws.

About 9 out of 10 dentists are inprivate practice. Some dentiststeach in dental schools, do re-search, or administer dentalhealth programs.

It takes many years of' schoolingto become a dentist. To qualifyfor the license to practice den-tistry. applicants must graduatefrom dental school and pass writ-ten and practical examinations.Dental school training generallylasts 4 years following 2 to 4 yearsof study in a college or univer-sity. Most people have a bache-lor's or master's degree beforethey begin their dental training.

Specialists need 2 to 3 years offormal training after graduationfrom dental school; they mayalso have to pass a special exam.Dentists who want to teach or doresearch also spend additionalyears in advanced training.

In order to practice in anotherState. dentists usually must passthe State's exam.

High school students who wantto become dentists should take asmany science courses as possible.

Dentists usually work between40 and 45 hours per week, al-though many spend over 50hours a week in their offices.Many continue part-time prac-tice well beyond usual retirementage.

Dental Assistants

38

These workers help dentistswhile they are working with pa-tients. They do such things asobtain dental records, hand thedentist the necessary instru-ments. keep the patient's mouthclear, and prepare materials forimpressions of teeth.

Most dental assistants work inprivate dental offices. Some workin dental schools, hospital dentaldepartments, State and localpublic health departments, orprivate clinics.

Most learn their skills on the job.Ho Weyer, an increasing numberof dental assistants complete I

ur 2-year post-high school pro-grams. primarily in junior orcommunity colleges and voca-tional or technical schools.

Graduates of accredited pro-grams. who complete an exammay be certified. Certification isan acknowledgment of one'squalifications, but is not gener-ally required for employment.

High school students interestedin this work should take coursesin biology, chemistry. health,typing, and office practices.

The work of the dental assistantshould not he confused with thatof the dental hygienist, who mustbe licensed to scale and polishteeth.

Dental assistants must he carefulin handling radiographic andother equipment.

Health Occupations

Occupation N attire and Places of Work Training and Qualifications

Dental Hygienists Dental hygienists scale, clean,and polish teeth, expose X-rays,and instruct patients in properoral hygiene.

Most work in private dental of-fices. Others work in publichealth agencies, senool systems,industrial plants, clinics, hospi-tals, dental hygiene schools, andthe Federal Government. Somewho are graduates of bachelor'sdegree programs are commis-sioned officers in the ArmedForces.

Other Information

Dental hygienists must have alicense. Candidates for licensurein most States must he graduatesof an accredited dental hygieneschool and pass both a writtenand a clinical exam.

Most schools of dental hygienegrant an associate degree: someprograms lead to a bachelor's de-gree. A few schools offer master'sdegree programs in dental hy-giene or related fields.

Among the courses recom-mended for high school studentsinterested in this occupation arcbiology, health, chemistry, andmathematics.

Mane hygienists work part time.Hours may include weekendsand evenings. Some work formore than one dentist.

Dental Laboratory. These workers make dentures.Technicians braces, crowns, and other dental

and orthodontal appliances. Allwork is done following the den-tist's written instructions.

Most technicians work in com-mercial laboratories. Otherswork in dentists' offices, hospi-tals, and for the Federal Govern-ment.

Many dental laboratory techni-cians learn their skills on the job,although more and more are tak-ing formal training programs be-fore starting work.

On-the-job training generallytakes 4 to 5 years. Some schoolsoffer 2-year programs for highschool graduates. About 3 yearsof practical experience areneeded after that, however.

Technicians may become certi-fied by passing written and prac-tical exams. Certification is be-coming increasingly important asevidence of a technician's com-petence

High school students interestedin this occupation should takecourses in art, crafts, metal shop.and sciences.

Salaried technicians usuallywork 40 hours a week while self-employed technicians often worklonger hours.

Experienced technicians may ad-vance to jobs as supervisors ormanagers in dental laboratories,teachers in dental lab trainingprograms, or sales representa-tives for companies that manu-facture dental materials andequipment.

3 9

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

NURSING OCCUPATIONS

Registered Nurses Registered nurses provide carefor the sick ind help healthy peo-ple stay well. The setting -iqwhich they work usually deter-mines the scope of their respon-sibilities. They observe their pa-tients' progress; administer med-ications; assist in rehabilitationof patients; teach people aboutgood health; and do research.

Most nurses work in hospitals,nursing homes, and other insti-tutional health facilities. Otherswork in public health depart-ments, home health agencies,clinics, and private industry.Some work in offices of physi-cians or are private duty nurseshired directly by patients. Somenurses teach, do research. or arestaff members of professional or-ganizations.

A license is required. A nursemust be a graduate of an ap-proved school of nursing andpass a State exam. Training pro-grams include 2-year associatedegree programs in junior andcommunity colleges; 3-year di-ploma programs in hospitals andindependent schools: and 4 or 5-year bachelor's degree programsin colleges and universities.

A minimum of a bachelor's de-gree, and often a master's or doc-toral degree, is preferred for ad-ministrative or management,teaching, research, or consultingjobs, and for clinical specializa-tion.

High school students interestedin becoming registered nursesshould take as many sciencecourses as possible.

About one-third work part time.Most hospital and nursing homenurses receive extra pay for workon evening and night shifts.

Licensed PracticalNurses

40

Licensed practical nurses providemuch of the bedside care neededby hospital patients. They taketemperature and blood pressure,change dressings, and bathe pa-tients. They perforin many othernursing functions such as makingpatients comfortable in theirhomes and preparing patients forexamination in doctors' offices.

Three out of 5 work in hospitals.Most of the others work in nurs-ing homes, clinics, doctors' of-fices, sanitariums, and long-termcare facilities.

Some work for public healthagencies and welfare and reli-gious organizations. Self-em-ployed nurses work in hospitalsor in the homes of their patients.

A license is required. Applicantsmust complete an approved prac-tical nursing course, generally 1year long, and pass an exam. Al-though requirements for enroll-ment in training programs rangefrom eighth or ninth grade tohigh school graduation, highschool graduates are preferred.

State-approved programs are of-fered in trade, technical, and vo-cational schools, junior colleges,local hospitals, health agencies,and private educational institu-tions.

High school students interestedin becoming licensed practicalnurses should take as many sci-ence courses as possible.

In California and Texas, thesenurses are called licensed voca-tional nurses.

In hospitals. hours may includenights, weekends, and holidays.In private homes, LPN's oftenwork 8 to 12 hours a ( ay but canarrange their own hours and va-cations.

Advancement is limited withoutadditional training or education.In- service educational programsprepare LPN's for work in spe-cialized areas Fuch as intensivecare units or post-surgery recov-ery rooms.

Health Occupations

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

Nursing Aides,Orderlies, andAttendants

These workers handle many ofthe routine aspects of patient carein hospitals, nursing homes, andother health facilities. They an-swer patients' bell calls, assist pa-tients in walking, transport andset up heavy equipment, andclean patients' rooms.

Nursing aides, orderlies, and at-tendants train on the job fromseveral days to a few months,sometimes combined with class-room instruction. Some employ-ers prefer high school graduateswhile many do not.

Courses in home nursing andfirst aid, offered by many publicschool systems and communityagencies, provide a useful back-ground. Volunteer work andtemporary summer jobs in hos-pitals and similar institutionsalso are helpful.

Other job titles include hospitalattendant, nursing assistant, aux-iliary nursing worker, geriatricaide, and psychiatric aide. Simi-lar work is done in patients'homes by homemaker-homehealth aides, who provide per-sonal care plus some cooking andlight housework.

Hours may include nights, week-ends, and holidays.

THERAPY AND REHABILITATION OCCUPATIONS

OccupationalTherapists

Occupational therapists organizeeducational, vocational, and rec-reational activities to help men-tally or physically disabled per-sons become self-sufficient.

Therapy programs are tailored tothe clients' needs, and often arepart of an overall treatment plandeveloped by a health team.

Therapists teach skills such asweaving, leather working, typing,and the use of power tools; theyalso help patients relearn dailyroutines such as eating and dress-ing.

Almost- half work in hospitals.Most of the rest work in rehabil-itation centers, nursing homes,schools, clinics, community men-tal health centers, and researchcenters. Some work in sanitar-iums or camps for handicappedchildren, public health depart-ments, or for home health agen-cies.

A bachelor's degree in occupa-tional therapy usually is re-quired. Certificate programs areavailable to those with a bache-lor's degree in another field. Agraduate degree often is requiredfor teaching, research, or admin-istrative work.

Graduates of accredited pro-grams who pass an exam becomeregistered occupational thera-pists.

High school students interestedin becoming occupational thera-pists should take courses inhealth, biology, chemistry, andcrafts.

Newly graduated occupationaltherapists begin as staff thera-pists. Advancement is chiefly tosupervisory or administrative po-sitions.

Many part-time jobs are availa-ble. Many work for more thanone employer and travel betweenlocations.

41

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

OccupationalTherapy Assistantsand Aides

Assistants work directly withphysically or mentally disabledpatients under the supervision ofoccupational therapists. Theyhelp patients with their exercisesand teach them simple skills.

About half work in hospitals.The rest work in nursing homes,clinics, schools for handicappedor mentaFty retarded children,and rehabilitation-centers. Aideshandle the more routine tasks,including clerical duties. Theyprepare work materials, keep pa-tients' records, and prepare clin-ical notes.

Assistants usually complete a 2- Some work evenings, weekends,

year associate degree program in and part time.a junior college or a 1-year vo-cational or techinal school pro-gram after high school. Aidestrain on the job. The length andcontent of training vary.

Assistants who pass an exam be.come certified. Certified occu-pational therapy assistants with4 years of approved experiencemay take the examination to be-come a registered occupationaltherapist without completing theremaining 2 years of study for abachelor's degree.

Among the subjects recom-mended for high,s,chool studentsinterested in tht ocCupationaltherapy field are health, biology,and crafts.

Physical Therapists

42

Physical therapists help peoplewith muscle, nerve, joint, andbone disease and injuries to re-gain some of their strength andability to move. Therapy consistsof exercise, massage, and the useof heat and cold, light, water, orelectricity to relieve pain or im-prove the condition of muscles

and skin.

Some therapists work in hospi-tals. Others work in nursinghomes, rehabilitation centers,schools for handicapped chil-dren, and clinics. Some work forpublic health departments orhome health agencies. Othersteach or serve as consultants.

A license is required. Candidates Many physical therapists workmust either earn a bachelor's de- part time.gree in physical therapy, or forthose who have a bachelor's de-gree in another field. earn a sec-ond bachelor's degree or certifia-tion through a special 12- to 16-month program. They must passa State board exam. A graduatedegree may be important forteaching, research, and adminis-trative positions.

Health, biology, mathematics,and physical education are usefulhigh school courses.

Health Occupations

OCcupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

Physical TherapistAssistants and Aides

Assistants work directly with pa-tients under the supervision of aphysical therapist. They help pa-tients do their exercises and in-struct them in the proper use ofartificial limbs, braces, andsplints.

Aides handle more routine tasks,including clerical dies. Theyhelp patients prep e for treat-ment, assemble e ipment, andkeep records.

Most assistants and aides workin hospitals. Some work for phys-ical therapists who are in privatepractice. Still others work in clin-ics, rehabilitation centers, nurs-ing homes, community healthagencies, and schools for handi-capped or mentally retarded chil-dren.

Training requirements for assist-ants are not uniform throughoutthe country. Some States requirea license calling for graduationfrom an approved 2-year associ-ate degree program from a juniorcollege and passing an exam. InStates not requiring a license,aides may advance to assistantsthrough on-the-job training, butgraduates of approved programsoften are preferred.

Aides train on the job. Thelength and content of programsvary widely, but high school'graduation generally is required.

Recommended high schoolcourses include health, biology,physical education, and mathe-matics.

In some small health care insti-tutions, the assistant or aide mayassume most of the duties of thephysical therapist, within theelimits of his or her training.

Sper..h Pathologistsand Audiologists

Speech pathologists and audiol-ogists work with children andadults who have speech or hear-ing disorders. After testing tofind out the cause of the problem,they provide treatment.

While most work directly withpatients, some teach, do research,or perform administrative duties.

Over half work in schools. Otherswork in speech and hearing clin-ics, research centers, governmentagencies, and industry. Somespeech pathologists and audiol-ogists are in private practice.

Training for this occupation isprovided through bachelor's ormaster's degree programs inspeech and hearing. The master'sdegree, offered by severalhundred colleges and universi-ties, is on the way to becomingthe usual requirement for entryinto the field.

Some States require speech pa-thologists and audiologists whowork in public schools to have ateaching certificate, too.

Many States require licenses ofthose who _practice outside theschools.

Certification by the AmericanSpeech and Hearing Associationrequires a master's degree, a (-year internship, and an exam.and usually is necessary to ad-vance.

High school students interestedin becoming speech pathologistsand audiologists should take asmany courses in science and lan-guage as possible.

Many work over 40 hours aweek. Many, particularly thosein colleges and universities, sup-plement their salaries throughconsulting, research, and writingbooks or articles.

43

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of WorA Training and Qualifications Other Information

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST, TECHNICIAN, A!" D ASSISTANT OCCUPATIONS

Electrocardiograph These workers operate machines(EKG) Technicians that record electrical changes

that occur during a heartbeat.This machine is used to help di-agnose heart disease and recordthe progress of patients withheart conditions.

Most work in hospitals. Somework in clinics and doctors' of-fices.

EKG technicians generally trainon the job for several months toI year. High school graduationgeneral!y is required. Vocationalschool or college courses in car-diology technology and anatomyare helpful.

Large hospitals sometimes pro-mote EKG technicians to super-visors. Advancement to cardio-vascular technician, cardiopul-monary technician, and cardiol-ogy technologist also is possible.

Among high school courses rec-ommended for students inter-ested in the field are health andbiology.

Mechanical aptitude, the abilityto follow detailed instructions,and pretence of mind in emer-gencies are important qualities.

Hours may include weekends.

Electroencephalo-graphic ( EEGTechnologists andTechnicians

44

These workers operate machin-ery that records electrical activityof the brain. This machinery isused to help diagnose disease anddetermine how it is affecting thebrain. Technologists, as a resultof their more thorough under-standing of electroencephalogra-phy, supervise technicians.

Although most work in hospitals,many have jobs with private phy-sicians who specialize in brainand nervous system disordersneurologists and -:urosurgeons.

Although many are trained ontk... ,b, formal training programsare increasingly important, as away of learning to operate thesophisticated equipment theseworkers use, Training programsin colleges, junior colleges. med-ical schools, hospitals, and voca-tional and technical schools gen-erally last I to 2 years.

Some workers advance to chiefelectroencephalographic tech-nologist. Chief technologists aresupervised by an electroence-phalographer, or by a neurologistor lieurosurgeon.

High school students consideringthis occupation should takecourses in biology, health, andelectronics.

:

Manual dexterity, good vision,and an aptitude for working withelectronic equipment are impor-tant qualities.

Some hospitals require standbyemergency service after hoursand on weekends and holidays.

Health Occupations

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other ',Omit:lion

Emergency MedicalTechnicians

These workers provide immedi-ate medical care in such emer-gencies as an automobile acci-dent, heart attack, pear-drown-ing, unscheduled childbirth, poi-soning, or gunshot wound. Theymust quickly determine the na-ture of the emergency and estab-lish priorities for medical care.

About half are volunteers on res-cue squads. Paid technicianswork for police and fire depart-ments, private ambulance com-panies, funeral homes, and hos-pital-based ambulance squads.

Good eyesight, dexterity, andphysical coordination are neces-sary. Because they work undertrying conditions, good judgmentunder stress. leadership ability,and emotional stability are im-portant.

Emergenc medical techniciansmust complete an 81-hour train-ing course developed by the U.S.Department of Transportation.Other training courses are avail-able, too.

Applicants must be 18 years oldand have a high school diplomaand a driver's license.

There are two other types ofemergency medical technicians:Paramedics and dispatchers.Paramedics, working under thedirection of physicians by ra-dio communication. administerdrugs and use more complexequipment than basic emergencymedical technicians. Dispatch-ers, by means of telephone andradio, serve as a communicationslink between the medical facilityand those who are sent to attendthe emergency patients.

Those in fire departments often'work 56 hours a week. Volun-teers work 8 to 12 hours a week.Those in ambulance services of-ten work nights and weekends.

tory People in this occupation areeither medical technologists,technicians, or assistants.

These workers analyze the blood,fluids, and tissues in the humanbody, using precision instru-ments such as microscopes andautomatic analyzers. Laboratorytests help in the detection, diag-nosis, and treatment of disease.Workers with more training canhandle the more complex jobs inthe laboratory.

Most work in hospitals. Otherswork in independent laborato-ries, physicians' offices, clinics,public health agencies, pharma-ceutical firms, and research insti-tutions.

Medical technologists are themost highly trained. They arecollege graduates with a major inmedical technology.

Technicians get their training in2-year programs in communityand junior colleges, tradeschools, technical institutes, or inthe Armed Forces.

Assistants learn their skills on thejob or take I-year programs inhospitals. trade schools. or tech-nical institutes. Some communityand junior colleges offer pro-grams in cooperation with hos-pitals.

In some States, technologists andtechnicians must he licensed.This may require a written ex-amination.

High school courses in scienceand mathematics are recom-mended for students interested inthis field.

Technologists may advance tosupervisory positions or to ad-ministrative medical technologistin a large hospital. With addi-tional education and experience.technicians can advance to tech-nologists and assistants to tech-nicians.

Accuracy, the ability to work un-der pressure, manual dexterity,and normal color vision are im-portant.

In hospitals. workers can expectnight and weekend duty.

45

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

Medical RecordTechnicians andClerks

These workers maintain medicalrecords, reports, disease indexes,and statistics. Medical recordsare indispensable for diagnosisand treatment and also are u.,edfor verifying legal claims, chart-ing health trends, and medicalresearch.

In large hospitals, the medicalrecords department is supervisedby a medical record administra-tor; in smaller hospitals, experi-enced medical record technicianshave this responsibility. Clerksperform more routine tasks thatrequire a minimum of specializedknowledge.

Although most work in hospitals,some work in clinics, nursinghomes, community health cen-ters, government agencies, con-sulting firms, and health main-tenance organizations. Otherswork for insurance companies,public health departments, andmanufacturers of medical recordsystems and equipment.

Employers prefer graduates ofapproved 2-year associate degreeprograms as technicians. Clerksgenerally are high school gradu-ates and complete 1 month ormore of on-the-job training. Cor-respondence courses offered bythe American Medical RecordAssociation are available to thosewishing to become clerks and toclerks seeking advancement totechnicians.

Those who pass an examinationbecome accredited record tech-nicians and often can look for-ward to more responsible posi-tions.

High school courses in science,health, typing, mathematics, andoffice practice are recommendedto students interested in this field.

Medical record personnel mustbe accurate and pay attention todetail.

Operating RoomTechnicians

46

Operating room technicians, alsocalled surgical technicians, assistsurgeons and anesthesiologistsbefore, during, and after surgery.

Operating room technicianswork in hospitals or other insti-tutions that have operating room,delivery room, and emergencyroom facilities, and in the ArmedForces.

Most train for 9 months to 2years in trade schools or techni-cal institutes, hospitals, or com-munity and junior colleges.Some train on the job for 6 weeksto 1 year.

High school graduation gener-ally is required. Some train in theArmed Forces.

Operating room technicians mayadvance to assistant operatingroom administrator and assistantoperating room supervisor.

High school students interestedin this field should take coursesin health and biology.

Manual dexterity is importantfor handling instrumentsquickly.

They may be required to work"on call" shifts, staying availableto work on short notice.

Health Occupations

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

Optometric Assistants Optometric assistants performroutine eye care duties when op-tometrists test patients' eyes inorder to prescribe correctiveglasses. In a large office, assist-ants specialize; some handle vis-ual training and others providechairside assistance or administerthe office. In a smaller practice,one person would do all thesethings.

Most optometric assistants workfor optometrists in private prac-tice. Others work for health clin-ics and some serve in the ArmedForces.

Although most train on the job,employers prefer to hire gradu-ates of I- or 2-year training pro-grams.

High school graduation, includ-ing courses in mathematics andoffice procedures, is a preferredbackground for admission to aformal training program or on-the-job training. In addition, theU.S. Air Force offers accelerated16-week training programs.

Because optometric assistantsdeal with instruments, manualdexterity and accuracy are im-portant. Courtesy and tact areimportant in their dealings withpatients.

Hours may include weekendduty. Many opportunities forpart-time jobs are available.

Radio logic (X-ray)Technologists

These workers operate X-rayequipment and take X-ray pic-tures (known as radiographs),usually under the supervision ofa radiologist. Three specialties inthis field include X-ray technol-ogy, the use of pictures of bonesand inner organs of the body todetect abnormalities; nuclearmedicine technology, the appli-cation of radioactive material tohelp diagnose or treat illness; andradiation therapy, the use of ra-diation-producing machines togive therapeutic treatments.

Most work in hospitals. The re-mainder work in medical labo-ratories, physicians' and dentists'offices or clinics, Federal andState health agencies, and publicschool systems.

Completion of a 2- to 4-yearpost-high school program is re-quired.

Graduates of approved programswho pass an exam become reg-istered with the American Regis-try of Radiologic Technologists,an asset in obtaining skilled po-sitions. They then may be certi-fied in radiation therapy or nu-clear medicine by completing anadditional year of training.

Some technologists in large X-ray departments may qualify asinstructors in X-ray techniquesor advance to supervisory X-raytechnologists.

High school courses in mathe-matics, physics, chemistry, andbiology are recommended to stu-dents interested in this field.

Full-time workers may be "oncall" for emergency weekend ornight duty. Most part-time jobsare is physicians' offices andclinics.

S;.' ,y devices are used to avoidradiation hazards.

47

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications' Other Infori

RespiratoryWorkers

Therapy These workers, sometimes calledinhalation therapists, use specialequiment such as respirators andpositive-pressure breathing ma-chines to treat patients who needtemporary or emergency respi-ratory assistance. There are threelevels of workers within the field:Therapists, technicians, and as-sistants. Therapists and techni-cians perform essentially thesame duties, although therapistsmay teach and supervise. Assist-ants have little' contact with pa-tients and spend most of theirtime taking care of the equip-ment.

Most work in hospitals. Otherswork for oxygen equipmentrental companies, ambulanceservices, nursing homes, and uni-versities.

Although a few train on the job,most workers complete post-highschool programs ranging from 18months to 4 years. A bachelor'sdegree is awarded for completionof a 4-year program and an as-sociate degree for shortercourses.

Respiratory therapists can ad-vance to assistant chief, chieftherapist, or, with graduate edu-cation, to college instructor.Technicians and assistants canadvanc. to the therapist level bytaking appropriate trainingcourses.

High school students interestedin this field should take coursesin health, biology, physics, andmathematics.

Mechanicalterity, andinstructions,a team are

After-hoursgenerally isto safety prtesting ofthe fire hat.

OTHER HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

Dietitians

48

Dietitians plan and manage foodservice programs and advise ongood eating habits.

Over half work in health facilitiesof various kinds, including hos-pitals, nursing homes, and clin-ics. Others work in colleges anduniversities, schools, restaurants,cafeterias, large companies, andthe Armed Forces.

An increasing number work asconsultants :o hospitals, health-related facilities, and commercialenterprises including food proc-essors and equipment manufac-turers.

A bachelor's degree in foods andnutrition or institution manage-ment usually is required. TheAmerican Dietetic Associationrecommends completion of a 6-to I2-month internship or I- to2-year traineeship. Some under-graduate programs combine theeducational and clinical experi-ence in 4 years.

Experienced dietitians may ad-vance to assistant or associate di-rector of a dietetic department.Advancement to higher levels inteaching, research, and otherareas usually requires a graduatedegree.

High school students interestedin this field should take coursesin home economics, business, bi-ology, health, nathematics, andchemistry.

Those inweekendsmercial foular hours.

Health Occupations

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Inprmation

Medical RecordAdministrators

These workers manage medicalrecord departments and developsystems for documenting, stor-ing, and retrieving medical infor-mation. They supervise and trainmedical record technicians andclerks, compile medical statistics.and help evaluate patient careand research studies.

Most work in hospitals. Otherswork in clinics, nursing homes,State and local public health de-partments, medical research cen-ters, and health insurance com-panies. Some work for firms thatdevelop and print health insur-ance and medical forms, andmanufacture equipment to re-cord and process medical data.

Some are consultants to smallhealth care facilities.

A bachelor's ,degree in medicalrecord administration usually isrequired. Those who have abachelor's degree in another fieldand the required course,: in theliberal arts and biolog cal sci-ences may complete a l-year cer-tificate program.

Medical record administratorswith experience in smaller healthfacilities may advance to posi-tions as department heads inlarge hospitals or to higher levelpositions in hospital administra-tion. Some coordinate the medi-cal record departments of severalsmall hospitals; others take posi-tions in health agencies; manyteach in the expanding 2- and 4-year college programs for medi-cal record personnel.

High school students interestedin this field should take coursesin health, business. mathematics,and biology.

Part-time jobs are available inteaching. research, and consult-ing. However. a 36- to 40-hourweek' is usual.

Pharmacists Pharmacists dispense drugs andmedicines prescribed by medicaland dental practitioners, andsupply and advise people on theuse of many non-prescriptionmedicines. An increasing num-ber of pharmacists serve as con-sultants to physicians, nurses,and other health professionals inmatters relating to daily patientcare.

Most work in pharmacies. Therest work for hospitals, drugcompanies, government agen-cies, colleges of pharmacy. phar-maceutical and other profes-sional associations, and theArmed Forces.

To qualify for the license re-quired to practice pharmacy, onemust graduate from an ac-credited college of pharmacy,pass a State board exam, andhave a specified amount of ex-perience or internship under thesupervision of a registered phar-macist.

At least 5 years of study beyondhigh school are required to be-come a pharmacist. One gener-ally must complete at least I to2 years of prepharmacy educa-tion and 3 to 4 years in a collegeof pharmacy. Teaching, research,or administrative jobs may re-quire additional education. Phar-macists often begin as employeesin community pharmacies. Asthey gain experience and the nec-essary funds, they may becomeowners or part-owners of phar-macies. Others may gain execu-tive positions with chain drug-stores. become directors of phar-macy service in hospitals, or ad-vance in management. sales, andother areas in industry.

High school students interestedin this field should gain a strongbackground in the sciences.

Hours may include evenings andweekends. Pharmacists in com-munity settings generally worklonger hours than those in insti-tutional settings, and self-em-ployed pharmacists often workmore hours than those in salariedpositions.

49

Exploring Careers

Occupation Nature and Places of Work Training and Qualifications Other Information

Dispensing Opticians Dispensing opticians, also calledophthalmic dispensers. acceptprescriptions for eyeglasses.They determine the size and styleof the customer's eyeglasses,write work orders for the techni-cians who actually grind the len-ses, and adjust the finishedglasses to fit the customer. Somespecialize in fitting cosmeticshells to cover blemished eyes orin fitting artificial eyes.

Most work for optical shops ordepartment stores that sell pre-scription lenses. Others work foroptometrists and ophthalmolo-gists, in hospitals and eye clinics,or schools of ophthalmic dis-pensing.

Most learn through several yearsof on-the-job training. Formaltraining is available at commu-nity and junior colleges, andthrough 3- to 4-year formal ap-prenticeships.

Some States have licensing re-quirements that generally in-clude education and trainingstandards and a written and/orpractical examination.

High school students interestedin this field should take coursesin physics. algebra. geometry,and mechanical drawing. Theability to do precision work isvery important.

Many dispensing opticians gointo business for themselves.Others advance by becomingmanagers of retail optical storesor sales representatives forwholesalers or manufacturers ofeyeglasses or lenses.

Those in retail shops generallywork a to 6-day week.

Health ServicesAdministrators

Health services administratorsmanage hospitals, nursinghomes, clinics, and other kindsof health facilities.

About half work in hospitals.The rest work in nursing homes,home health agencies, publichealth departments. and theArmed Forces.

Some work in health planningagencies, or for managementfirms.

Educational requirements forthis occupation vary widely. En-try jobs may require a 2-year as-sociate degree, a bachelor's de-gree. or a master's degree. A Ph.D. usually is needed for teachingor research, and is an asset formore prestigious administrativejobs.

Administrators of nursing homesmust be licensed. Requirementsare not uniform, but generallyspecify education and experi-ence.

Health services administratorsshould be able to motivate peo-ple, direct large-scale activities,and enjoy public speaking.

They advance by taking increas-ingly more responsible jobs. Theultimate goal in hospitals ornursing homes is the job of chiefadministrative officer.

They often work long hours andmay be called at any time inemergencies. Some travel may berequired to attend meetings orinspect facilities.

Answers to Related Occupations

REGISTERED NURSE

1. b, 2. c. 3. b, 4. a, 5. a, 6. b, 7. c, 8. b. 9. a, 10. c.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

1. b, 2. c, 3. a, 4. b, 5. a. 6. c, 7. b, 8. a, 9. c. 10. b.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

1. Art therapist, 2. Prosthetist, 3. Occupational therapist, 4. Chiropractor. 5. Speechpathologist or audiologist, 6. Music therapist, 7. Jsteopathic physician, 8. Physicaltherapist assistant or aide, 9. Orthopedic surge in, 10. Recreational therapist, I 1.

Dance therapist, 12. Occupational therapy assistant, 13. Respiratory therapy worker.

50

Occupati nalOutlook

One of the most widely used resources in the field of vocationalguidance, the Handbook is an "encyclopedia of careers" coveringseveral hundred occupations. A new edition is published every 2 years.The reader will find information on

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Contact any of theBLS Regional Officeslisted inside the backcover for price andordering information.

OLOcctipationa

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