Master's degree

None

Nurse Practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state.

Associate's degree

None

Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. They are directly involved in providing therapy to patients and work under the direction of occupational therapists.

Associate's degree

None

Physical Therapist Assistants, sometimes called PTAs, work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients. Physical therapist aides often have tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and doing clerical duties.

Master's degree

None

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

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Massage Therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body's soft tissues and joints. This treatment may help to relieve pain, heal injuries, relieve stress, and aid in the general wellness of clients.

Master's degree

None

Genetic Counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results. They also offer information to other healthcare providers.

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Physical Therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Occupational T Ades help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational Therapy Aides typically perform support activities and work under the direction of occupational therapists.

Master's degree

None

Occupational Therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They help clients meet goals to develop, recover, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living and working.

Bachelor's degree

Less than 5 years

Social and Community Service Managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being. They direct workers who provide these services to the public.

Master's degree

None

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems.

Master's degree

None

Healthcare Social Workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. They help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory.

Bachelor's degree

None

Health Education Specialists teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop strategies to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Community health workers advocate for residents' needs with healthcare providers and social service organizations. They implement wellness strategies by collecting data and discussing health concerns with members of specific populations. Although the two occupations often work together, the responsibilities of health education specialists and community health workers are distinct.

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Postsecondary Social Work Teachers instruct students in a variety of social work related subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent psychological and brain disorders.

Associate's degree

None

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Master's degree

None

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors. This category included psychologists not included in other categories.

Master's degree

None

School Psychologists diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school.

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Family Medicine Physicians diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

Doctoral or professional degree

None

Pediatricians are doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent children's diseases and injuries.