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This page provides an overview of 34 health science careers. The COE High School class of 2003 compiled the following database which provides quite a wealth of information. The class of 2004 has added 15 additional careers in an effort to provide the public with an idea of the diversity of health careers.


Acupuncturist Dermatologist Nephrologist Pediatrician
Anesthesiologist EKG Technician" Neurosurgeon Pharmacist
Biological and Medical Science Researcher Endocrinologist Nurse Physical Therapist
Cardiac Catheter Technician Gastroenterologist Obstetrician/Gynecologist Psychiatrist
Cardiologist Genetic Counselor Oncologist Radiologist
Certified Nurse Midwife Ketogentic Dietitian Optometrist Rheumatologist
Chiropractor Kinesiotherapist Oral Surgeon Veterinarian
Cytotechnologist Music Therapist Orthopedic Surgeon
Dentist Neonatalogist Pathologist


Acupuncturist
In acupuncture thin, pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used to to re-establish the proper flow of Qi and blood through the channel(s) of the back. This flow increases circulation allowing for oxygen, blood and lymph to support the bodies healing process. If the channels have been blocked for a long period of time, or if there is pronounced deficiency of Qi and blood, it is necessary to have acupuncture for a longer period of time to assist the body in regaining its normal function.

Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is the person responsible for the loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness during a hospital procedure. There are many types of anesthesiologists, specializing in different areas of the body or age groups. They care for your breathing, your brain, your heart, your circulation, your kidneys and other important bodily functions during an operation. They give you anesthesia to ensure unconsciousness, prevent and treat pain, and relax your muscles during surgery so the operation can be done. An anesthesiologist looks after a patients needs before, during, and after surgery.

Biological and Medical Science Researcher
Biological/Research scientists study reproduction, growth and development, function, structure, behavior and other aspects of living organisms to develop medicines, prevent disease, and promote health. These types of researchers can be aquatic biologists, marine biologists, biochemists, botanists, biological scientists, and ecologists. Normally, people who work in these fields have a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, or a related science field. They also typically have a Masters degree or a Doctorate in their specialization. Salaries range from $29,235-$90-530.

Cardiac Catheter Technician
A Cardiac Catheter Technician assists physicians and provide patient care during cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology studies, and other invasive procedures. As directed by a physician, he/she administers to patients in age groups, adolescents (13-17years), adult (18-72 years) and geriatric (72+ years), a variety of simple and complex treatments and tests related to the cardiac cathether system to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient disease and injury. As part of the cardiac catheter team, the Cardiac Catheter Technician assists the physician in surgical and percutaneous procedures, monitors patients vital signs, and documents patient responses to the various procedures and modalities. Working under the direction of the physician, the Cardiac Catheter Technician also administers medication.

Cardiologist
A cardiologist is a doctor that is certified in treating illnesses of the heart, arteries and veins which come together to create the cardiovascular system. Knowledge of internal medicine is and other specialties are required to certification. A subspecialty educational program in cardiology must provide training and supervised experience in the evaluation and management of a variety of patients with acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. The training and experience must be 3 years in duration and at a level sufficient to acquire the competency of a specialist in the field.

Certified Nurse Midwife
A certified nurse midwife is a nurse who specializes in delivering babies for those parents who wish to have a natural birth outside of the hospital setting. However they must still acquire a license in nursing and this can be done through vocational training for instance a two-year college.

Chiropractor
Chiropractors, also referred to as chiropractic doctors, believe that many health problems are linked directly to problems of the muscular, nervous and skeletal systems. By using manipulations concentrated on the spinal column and vertebras, chiropractors try to alleviate any stresses that may be affecting the nervous system. Some specialty areas of this career are: Orthopedics, Neurology, Sports injuries, Occupational Health, and Nutrition.

Cytotechnologist
Cytology is the study of the structure and the function of cells. Cytotechnologists can be very helpful to pathologist in the early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. Cytotechnologists use microscopes to detect any abnormalities in the structure of the cell, which can be an indicator of benign or malignant conditions. Cytotechnologists require a strong background in Biologic sciences as well as Chemistry and Mathematics.

Dentist
Dentists diagnose, prevent and treat problems of the teeth, gums and tissues of the mouth. They examine patients to determine conditions and diseases using X-rays and a variety of dental instruments. They clean, fill, extract and replace teeth and provide preventive dental services such as instruction on proper diet, brushing and flossing as well as placing protective plastic sealants on teeth, straightening teeth, and performing corrective surgery of the gums and supportive bones to treat gum diseases. There are several different kinds of dentists such as family dentists and dentists who make replacement teeth, there are dentists who do root canals and make tooth crowns, which are different from the kind of crowns that kings wear. There are dentists who do surgery of the gums. Dentists perform important work keeping us healthy and free of pain. They also help us to look good by keeping our teeth attractive so that they look good when we smile. Some of their specialty areas are: Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Endodontics.

Dermatologist
Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases (from Greek derma, "skin"). A doctor who practices dermatology is a dermatologist. Some dermatological diseases are: Acne, Baldness, Eczema, Psoriasis and Skin cancer.

EKG Technician
An EKG Technician is responsible for performing routine and STAT EKG's. This person also performs pediatric EKG's and pacemaker checks. Finally, they assist Cardiologists with exercise tolerance testing and perform clerical duties within EKG departments.

Endocrinologist
Endocrinology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones. Doctors who specialize in treating such disorders are called endocrinologists. Some common endocrinological diseases are: Diabetes, Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, and Pituitary tumours.

Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterology or Gastrology might be better described as the field of digestive diseases, which are traditionally separated by anatomic or functional category. For example, disorders of the esophagus might be listedunder "esophagus" and also included in a description of motility disorders (disorders of motor function.) Some gastroenterological diseases are: appendicitis, Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, and ulcerative colitis.

Genetic Counselor
A Cancer Genetic Counselor is responsible for the developing, implementing, and coordinating genetic counseling activities related to cancer susceptibility counseling, screening, testing, and follow up protocols for specific patient populations as part of a cancer risk assessment program. This includes screening and counseling patients for potential hereditary risk factors and providing ongoing information and support.

Ketogentic Dietitian
A Ketogentic Dietitian case manages patients in the metabolic and lipid clinics. He/she does the following: 1) coordinates their nutritional care by developing and monitoring individualized nutritional care plans to help maintain metabolic control, 2) assesses general nutritional needs for growth and developments and continues to follow up on their status, 3) collaborates with geneticists in diagnosing, screening, educating and establishing a specific treatment plan for each patient, 4) counsels patients/caregivers regarding treatment plan, specific diets, medications, psychosocial issues and general state of wellness 5)assesses their needs and refers them to the appropriate resource for care and 6)develops and presents in services to physicians and health care providers regarding metabolic nutrition.

Kinesiotherapist
A kinesiotherapist is a health care professional that under the direction of a doctor treats chronic illnesses and infectious diseases through the use of therapeutic exercise an education. To become a Kinesiotherapist one must acquire a bachelor's degree in some type of physical education. Then complete an internship. Finally, they must complete a national registration exam.

Music Therapist
Music therapy is a health care profession, which uses music to enable people to overcome handicaps, illnesses, and behavioral problems. This accomplished through the patient being able to listen to music, singing to music, and allowing the patient to create his or her own music. A music therapist usually works in the hospital, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. The studies required for music therapy include a broad range of science and music courses.

Neonatalogist
A neonatalogist is present 24hrs a day in a hospital. Their job is to assess the health of the baby directly after birth. The baby comes from the mother, through the OBGYN, to the neonatalogist. The neonatalogist checks how responsive the infant is to certain stimulations, and delivers various medications that are required for the infant right after birth. The Neonatalogist primarily operates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they work with infants that have certain birth defects or illnesses and babies that were born prematurely.

Nephrologist
Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney.Humans have two kidneys: one on each side of the spine. Generally, at least one kidney must have some level of function to ensure that the body can remove certain waste substances from the bloodstream and maintain fluid and acid-base balance. Renal failure is a term used to describe the cessation of kidney function. The word nephrology is derived from the Greek word nephros, which means kidney, and the suffix -ology, or study of.

Neurosurgeon
A neurosurgeon treats disorders of the nervous system, which include the brain, skull, spinal cord, and nerves. To become this type of doctor a person needs 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, a one year general surgical internship, and 6-7 years as a neurosurgical resident. Also it is necessary to pass a test given by The American Board of Neurological Surgery. The salary range starts at $200,000.

Nurse
Nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients with their illnesses. Most nurses provide direct patient care by observing, assessing, and recording symptoms and reactions. To be a nurse a person needs an associate's degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in some type of science or nursing, and a graduate degree from a nursing program. It is also necessary to pass a state licensing exam. Salaries range from $31,890 - $64,360 according to statistics taken in the year 2000.

Obstetrician/Gynecologist
An Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OBGYN) has an array of jobs within a hospital and sometimes outside of them. An OBGYN's job is to assist the mother in child birth by coaching and helping the baby to enter the world safely. The job of an OBGYN begins long before child birth. Throughout the pregnancy of the mother at certain intervals, the mother comes to the OBGYN for check-ups to monitor the development of the child. The OBGYN is trained to detect defects and illnesses in the baby so that an early prognosis can be made if an illness is detected. An OBGYN also is needed to monitor the health of a woman that is not pregnant to detect illness that pertains to a woman's reproductive system. AN OBGYN definitely has a variety of jobs both inside and outside of the hospital. A woman should start going to a gynecologist when she gets around thirteen or fourteen. The examines that these specialist perform on a women is not to see if she has had sex but, to check for any sexually transmitted disease, cancer forming tissues, prenatal care, or any other issues dealing with female genital tract. There are three exams that are done during a routine pap test, rectal, pelvic, and breast exams. The gynecologist checks your family background to make sure you are not in risk of any health problems.

Oncologist
This is a specialist in studying tumors. These "physicians study, diagnose and treat cancerous tumorsŐ. They also study the development of the tumors. When a form of cancer is diagnosed upon a patient, it is their job to explain the disease stages. Oncologist work in research organizations, hospitals, university hospitals, and medical centers.

Optometrist
An optometrist is a physician that is certified to diagnose illnesses of the eye. These illnesses range from glaucoma to cataracts. Other optometrists prescribe glasses and contacts for patients whose vision prohibits them from seeing clearly. In other words, a person who is professionally trained and licensed to examine the eyes for visual defects, diagnose problems or impairments, and prescribe corrective lenses or provide other types of treatment.

Oral Surgeon
These physicians "remove teeth and prepare jaw for denture construction by specialized surgical techniques such as skin or bon grafts and implants which aid in stabilizing dentures". These physicians help trauma patients with fatal and facial injuries. They also help to correct birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. They can reconstruct a jaw by using "man-made material" to put into the patientŐs jaw. This physician uses general anesthesia, intravenous sedation during surgery.

Orthopedic Surgeon
An orthopedic surgeon examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and injuries of musculoskeletal system by surgical means and corrective mechanical implements. To be this type of doctor it is necessary to attend college and medical school for 4 years, complete a surgery or orthopedic residency for 4 years, and complete a fellowship. The average yearly salary is over $100,000 which depends upon years of experience.

Pathologist
A pathologist studies the history of diseases. Pathologists are needed to be able to create certain medications that are necessary to treat an illness and they can do so based on the characteristics of the given illness. For example, say that there have recently been various reported cases of illnesses where the victims suffer from a certain number of recurrent systems. The job of the pathologist is to investigate the symptoms and the disease, identify the disease and then proceed to identify the cause of the illness.

Pediatrician
These are the health professionals that are at the beginning of life. Everyday, all day, pediatricians are at work, giving birth to babies. Pediatricians specialize in a branch of medicine dealing with the development, care, and diseases of children. People should search very carefully when looking for a pediatrician because the first years of your child's life are the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of their lives.

Pharmacist
Pharmacists specialize in the art, practice, or profession of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing medical drugs. They know just what a patient should and should not take, which varies from patient to patient. They also give information to patients about medications and their uses. Prescriptions, dosages and labels are checked to ensure they are legal and accurate and they also provide information on the sale of over-the-counter medicines and other general health care issues. To become a pharmacist a person needs a Doctorate in Pharmacy and needs to pass a state licensing exam. Salaries range from $51,570 - $89,010.

Physical Therapist
These physicians evaluate and treat people who have many different physical disabilities. Physical Therapist work to help build "joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, cardiac and pulmonary function, development, function ability, sensation and perception, integrity of the skin, muscle tone and reflexes, and performance of functional activities". Physical Therapist also "evaluates patientsŐ needs, diagnose physical therapy problems, establish plans of care and evaluate their effectiveness". They also help people of musculoskeletal problems such as neck strains, knee injuries, cerebral palsy patients, stroke patients, and pulmonary patients

Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders. This branch of medicine is called psychiatry. For example, if a person has a history of various illnesses that pertain to the way ones mind works, for example severe depression or insomnia that lasts for long periods of time, they would go and see a psychiatrist to determine what the problem is and how to solve it.

Radiologist
This is a physician trained to use x-rays to diagnose illnesses. The x-rays they use include ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging, and radio-isotopes. They participate in treating many diseases. They give directions to other doctors on the best way to treat an illness. They are responsible for setting the highest standards for the performance of medical imaging examinations.

Rheumatologist
These are physicians who specialize in the study of diseases of connective tissue, mostly joints. They diagnose and give treatment (non-surgical) of diseases of he joints and fibrous tissues. Most rheumatologist do research to find out the cause of the disease and more effective treatment for the disease. These diseases are sometimes disabling and fatal. These physicians treat musculoskeletal pain disorders, arthritis, osteoporosis, and certain autoimmune diseases.

Veterinarian
Veterinarians are responsible for taking care of animals. Some perform surgeries, clinical research, and inspect livestock for transmitted diseases. Veterinarians must have a keen since of observation because of course their patients can't talk. So they must combine medicine with a certain type psychic energy to ensure that their patients receive the best type of medical care. To become a veterinarian a person needs to satisfy the following requirements: Bachelor of Science (or Bachelor of Arts) degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Animal Biology, or a related field. Also a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is needed. The salaries range from $36,670 - $120,720.
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