chapter 13 health professions Flashcards
allied health
group of specialized, complex and highly technical professions
emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic
- trained to administer life support skills and definitive therapy via radio communication with physicians
- must have competence in the areas of prehospital care, patient transportation and providing medical care under direction of an emergency physician
- prerequisites: high school graduation or its equivalent
-minimum of 2 years of education
medical laboratory scientist
- provides diagnostic and therapeutic information to primary caregivers
- analysis of blood and body fluids
- 4 year degree
-certification offered by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
histologic technician
-processes tissue samples from surgical autopsies and research procedures
- may work in university hospitals, research centers or private labs
- prereq: high school diploma and 1 year of supervised training in a pathology lab
- accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- certification offered by the Board of Registry of Medical Technologist
cytotechnology
- involves the microscopic study of cells that have been removed from body tissues to reveal abnormalities with cancer
- originated with pap smear
- cytotechnologists work with pathologists in hospital labs, universities, and private labs
- requires 4 years in an accredited college or university
-accredited by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists
health information management
- planning, organizing, and directing activities of HIM department
- develops secondary records and maintain privacy and confidential patient info
- involved in the movement by health care facilities to the electronic medical record (EHR)
nutrition and dietetics
- may work in a department of public health performing patient education, in hospital operating food service or in a nursing home as a dietary consultant
- 4 year baccalaureate program with a dietetic internship
- accredited by ADA ( American Dietetic Association)
- mandatory continuing education of 75 hours over 5 years
physical therapy
-performs therapeutic procedures for increasing strength, coordination and range of motion
- concerned with restoration of function of disability after disease or injury
- minimal requirement of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
physical therapy assistant
- skilled healthcare workers who assists in patient treatment programs under the PT
- associate degree level or 2 years
occupational therapy
- evaluates psychosocial and physical needs and capabilities of an individual
- develops treatment program and determines activities and procedures to make program effective
- baccalaureate or masters degree
- state licensure in some states
respiratory therapy
- administers therapy through various procedures such as aerosol therapy, postural drainage, airway management and pulmonary function therapy
- responds to respiratory and cardiac emergencies
- 24 month community college or 4 year baccalaureate program
- RRT examination and some states require licensure exams
physician assistant
- performs under direction and supervision of physician
- tasks include patient history, physical exams, follow up care, patient teaching, and counseling
- prerequisite of a 4 year baccalaureate degree plus 2 years of PA education
- certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
nursing
- largest, oldest and most readily identified other than the MD
- has around the clock contact with patients and must provide physical and emotional support
- associates or baccalaureate degree
what observations or assessment does a nurse need
- patient assessment
- patient histories
- physical exams
- medication administration
specialized functions of a nurse
- nurse practitioner
- nurse anesthetist
- psychiatric
- rehabilitation
