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.

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.

High school diploma or equivalent

None

Hearing Aid Specialists select and fit hearing aids for customers, administer and interpret tests of hearing, and assess hearing instrument efficacy. They also take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.

Associate's degree

None

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.

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.

Associate's degree

None

Diagnostic medical sonographers operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Associate's degree

None

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

Postsecondary nondegree award

None

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care to ill, injured, or convalescing patients or to persons with disabilities. Responsibilities for LPNs and LVNs are nearly identical; their title depends on the state in which they work.

Associate's degree

None

Dental Hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. They also educate patients about oral health.

Associate's degree

None

Radiologic Technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients.

Associate's degree

None

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Associate's degree

Less than 5 years

MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.