Healthcare

Physician assistants, also known asPAs, examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

Podiatrists diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.

Radiologic technologists, also known asradiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.

Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to older adults whose lungs are diseased.

Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs to help maintain or improve patients’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. These therapists use a variety of techniques, including art expression; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings.

Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants, also calledsurgical first assistants, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical technologists, also calledoperating room technicians, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.

Speech-language pathologists (sometimes calledspeech therapists) assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They also treat clients who have problems swallowing.