Careers in Health Professions

Dentists (DDS, DMD) evaluate, diagnose, prevent and/or treat diseases, disorders, and/or conditions of the oral cavity. They advise their patients on oral health and disease prevention as well as perform clinical procedures such as fillings, crowns, implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries. Dentists may perform general dentistry or practice in one of nine dental specialties

An allopathic physician graduates with an M.D. from an allopathic medical school. A physician can also be someone with a D.O. degree, from an osteopathic school. Either way, both physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They may work as general practitioners or choose to specialize in any number of over 120 specialties and sub-specialties.

Optometrists (O.D.) are the independent primary healthcare professionals for the eye. They examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and the associated structures as well as identify related systematic conditions affecting the eye. In contrast, Ophthalmologists are M.D. or D.O. physicians who specialize in eye treatment and surgery.

Pharmacists (PharmD) dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about their use. They require a broad knowledge of the manufacture and distribution of drugs; their uses, strengths, doses, side effects, interactions and potential harmful qualities. People interested in the career of pharmacy should share the traits of high ethical standards, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and management capabilities with attention to details.

Occupational therapists (OTs) help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Physical Therapists (PT) assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury. PTs often teach patients to prevent or manage their own condition to achieve long-term health benefits and healthy active lifestyles.

Physician Assistants (PA) are licensed health care professionals who provide care under the supervision of a physician. They have been part of the healthcare team for nearly 50 years. PAs perform a comprehensive range of medical duties, from primary care to assisting in major surgery. They are educated at the graduate level and practice in every medical and surgical setting and specialty.

Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), also known as podiatric physicians or surgeons. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. They complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training. Podiatrists can specialize in many fields, including surgery, sports medicine, wound care, biochemanics, geriatrics, orthopedics, pediatrics, and diabetic care.