Profession directory

Professions

Every occupation modeled by HRSA's HWSM, grouped by workforce category. Click any profession to see its trend chart, scenarios, and data-source citations.

Allied Health(33)

AudiologistsProvide assessment of and treatment to persons with hearing and related disorders and may conduct research on hearing problems. Cardiovascular Technologists and TechniciansAdminister diagnostic or therapeutic tests for pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders. In some cases tests are performed as part of research. Also administers or assists procedures including but not limited to electrocardiograms, cardiac cauterizations, pulmonary functions, and lung capacity.Community Health WorkersPrimarily work in underserved communities and are a resource to help advance goals of improved care coordination and population health.Diagnostic Medical SonographersConduct ultrasonic procedures for visualization of internal organs by physicians.Dietetic TechniciansProvide assistance for food service and nutritional programs under the supervision of a dietitian. In some cases plans and prepares meals according to established guidelines, teaches principles of food and nutrition, and counsels individuals. Emergency Medical TechniciansAssess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.Magnetic Resonance Imaging TechnologistsProvide MRI scanning while monitoring safety and comfort of patients. Check images to ensure quality of scans, explain MRI procedures, and position patients on the examination table.Medical and Clinical Laboratory TechniciansPromote disease prevention by performing routine laboratory tests for diagnosis and treatment, sometimes under supervision of a medical technologist.Medical and Clinical Laboratory TechnologistsCollect biological samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissues, and other substances.Medical AssistantsRecord vital signs and medical histories, preparing patient for examinations, drawing blood, and administering medications under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties include but are not limited to scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding for insurance processing.Medical TranscriptionistsWork with providers to transcribe dictated notes into comprehensive records of patient care involving office or emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsAssist in the diagnosis or treatment of patients by preparing and administering doses of radiopharmaceuticals and other medications. Conduct studies of blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption.Occupational TherapistsWork with people across the lifespan who have an injury, illness, or disability. Using therapies that involve everyday activities, OTs help individuals maximize their performance and functioning. OTs may assess patients and develop treatment plans designed to improve motor skills, dexterity, and strength.Occupational Therapy AidesPerform routine tasks, such as preparing patients and treatment rooms, under the close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.Occupational Therapy AssistantsAssist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy, which may include assisting in the development of treatment plans, documenting progress, and other routine functions.Ophthalmic Medical TechniciansAssist ophthalmologists by administering vision and diagnostic screening, administering eye medications, and instructing patients in the care and use of corrective lenses.Opticians, DispensingDesign, measure, fit, and adapt eyeglasses, frames, and contact lenses for patients according to written prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists.OptometristsPerform eye exams and administer vision tests. In addition, optometrists diagnose and treat vision problems, eye diseases, and injuries.ParamedicsAdminister basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. Specialize in stabilizing people before transferring them to facilities that can provide a higher lever of care such as a hospital emergency room.PharmacistsManage the dispensing of medications to patients and provide patient education to ensure their safe use.Pharmacy AidesWork with registered pharmacists by receiving prescription requests and refill authorizations, organize drug inventory, and sometimes compound medications.Pharmacy TechniciansWork with licensed pharmacist preparing medications to fill prescription orders.PhlebotomistsDraw blood from patients and prepare the sample for testing in medical laboratories.Physical Therapist AidesPerform routine tasks, such as preparing patients and treatment rooms, under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.Physical Therapist AssistantsAssist physical therapists in providing physical therapy to help patients of all ages gain movement because of injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions.Physical TherapistsLicensed health professionals who help patients with injuries or illnesses restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent disability. They conduct patient assessments and plan and implement treatments designed to increase strength, agility, coordination, range of motion, and flexibility.Radiation TherapistsAdminister radiation to patients for the treatment of cancer as prescribed by an oncologist. Radiation therapists also explain procedures to patients, keep records of treatment, prepare equipment and patients, and monitor patients for reactions.Radiologic Technologists and TechniciansTake x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes.Recreational TherapistsPlan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions to improve physical, mental or behavioral health utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities to promote increased physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Registered DietitiansAdvise individuals on proper nutrition necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle or achieve a health-related goal.Respiratory TherapistsCare for patients with breathing problems, often related to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and emphysema, or acute diseases like pneumonia. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock.Speech-Language PathologistsTreat and assess persons of all ages with various speech, language, and swallowing problems. Surgical TechnologistsAssist in operations as part of a surgical team. Tasks include helping to set up operating rooms, passing surgical instruments and supplies to surgeons, cut sutures and applying dressings after operations.

Primary Care(7)

All Primary Care PhysiciansAggregateIncludes Family Medicine Physicians, Geriatrics Physicians, General Internal Medicine Physicians, and Pediatrics Physicians.Family Medicine PhysiciansDiagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.General Internal Medicine PhysiciansDiagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting Geriatrics PhysiciansSpecializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disability in older adults.Nurse Practitioners (PC)Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.Pediatrics PhysiciansDiagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.Physician Assistants (PC)Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Women's Health(4)

Nurse MidwivesLicensed health care providers who have graduated from a nurse-midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Provide primary care; well-woman gynecological care; and care and counseling during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.Nurse Practitioners (WH)Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.Obstetrics & Gynecology PhysiciansPhysicians with a medical license to practice in the area of medical and surgical care of women during maternity through childbirth, as well as to treat disorders of the female reproductive system.Physician Assistants (WH)Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Behavioral Health(15)

Addiction Counselors (MA)Advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help clients recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors individually and in group sessions. Must have a Master's degree or higher.Addiction ParaprofessionalsAdvise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help clients recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors individually and in group sessions. Includes those with Bachelor's degrees or below.Adult PsychiatryPhysicians who diagnose and treat mental illnesses and substance use disorders through a combination of modalities, including psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and the use of medication.Child & Adolescent PsychiatryPhysicians who diagnose and treat mental illnesses and substance use disorders through a combination of modalities, including psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and the use of medication. Additional specialized fellowship training in sub-specialties such as child and adolescent psychiatry.Child, Family, and School Social WorkersProvide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May also advise teachers.Healthcare Social WorkersProvide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. Marriage and Family TherapistsDiagnose and treat behavioral health conditions within the context of marriage and family relationships.Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social WorkersAssess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including providing therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.Mental Health CounselorsWork with individuals and groups to deal with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, suicidal impulses, and other mental and emotional health issues.Psychiatric AidesAssist mentally, intellectually, or developmentally impaired patients, typically working under direction of nursing and medical staff in institutional facilities.Psychiatric Nurse PractitionersEarn advanced degrees in psychiatric-mental health nursing, and apply the nursing process to treat individuals or families with psychiatric disorders.Psychiatric Physician AssistantsPerform psychiatric evaluations and assessments, order and interpret diagnostic studies, establish and manage treatment plans, and order referrals as needed.Psychiatric TechniciansAttend to needs of individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities in accordance with instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Prepare reports for medical staff on patients emotional well-being, participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help patients with hygiene, and administer oral and injectable medications.PsychologistsAssess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders and learning disabilities, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems. Note: Projections only include psychologists that have obtained a doctorate degree.School CounselorsWork with students through individual and group counseling sessions to help students address academic, emotional, or social problems.

Oral Health(10)

All DentistsAggregateIncludes General Dentists, Pediatric Dentists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Oral Surgeons, Orthodontists, and Other Dentists.Dental AssistantsUnder the supervision of a dentist, perform duties including equipment sterilization and preparation, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing oral healthcare instructions to patients. Dental HygienistsLicensed oral health care professionals who clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care.EndodontistsPerform root canal therapy, removing the nerves and blood supply from injured or infected teeth.General DentistsLicensed oral health care providers who diagnose, treat and prevent oral diseases, and perform surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity.Oral SurgeonsPerform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.OrthodontistsExamine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.Other DentistsAll dentists not listed separately. Pediatric DentistsLicensed oral health care providers who diagnose, treat and prevent oral diseases, and perform surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity, specifically with children and adolescents.PeriodontistsTreat the gums and bones supporting the teeth.

Long-Term Care(14)

Dietitians and Nutritionists (LTC)Assist in the promotion of health and disease control by planning and conducting nutritional programs. In some cases supervise provision of quality food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutrition research.Home Health Aides (LTC)Monitor the health status of an individual with disabilities or illness, and address their health-related needs, such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, or administering medications, and may assist with ADLs.Licensed Practical Nurses (LTC)Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.Nursing Assistants (LTC)Assist nurses in long term care settings with basic tasks, such as bathing and dressing patients.Occupational Therapists (LTC)Work with people across the lifespan who have an injury, illness, or disability. Using therapies that involve everyday activities, help individuals maximize their performance and functioning. They may assess patients and develop treatment plans designed to improve motor skills, dexterity, and strength.Occupational Therapy Assistants (LTC)Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy, which may include assisting in the development of treatment plans, documenting progress, and other routine functions.Personal Care Aides (LTC)Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and ADLs.Physical Therapist Assistants (LTC)Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy to help patients of all ages gain movement because of injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions.Physical Therapists (LTC)Licensed health professionals who help patients with injuries or illnesses restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent disability. They conduct patient assessments and plan and implement treatments designed to increase strength, agility, coordination, range of motion, and flexibility.Psychiatric Aides (LTC)Work under the direction of nursing or medical staff to assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients with daily living activities and leading educational and recreational activities.Recreational Therapists (LTC)Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients to improve physical, mental or behavioral health utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities to promote increased physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Registered Nurses (LTC)Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management.Social Workers (LTC)Social workers employed in adult day service centers Speech-Language Pathologists (LTC)Treat and assess people with various speech, language, and swallowing problems in long term care settings.

All Health Workforce(38)