State Standard 2) Prepare a paper or electronic career profile for at least one occupation in each of the five health science career areas (biotechnology research, therapeutic services, support services, health informatics, and diagnostic services), to be included in the student’s health science portfolio. Draw on print and online sources, such as government occupational profiles, and/or interviews with health care professionals to capture at minimum the following: a. Job description b. Roles and responsibilities c. Essential knowledge and skills needed for the career d. Programs or paths of study available to reach occupational goals, beginning with high school and proceeding through postsecondary e. Required personality traits for the career f. Licensure and credentialing requirements g. Non-educational job requirements such as physical fitness tests, minimum age, and psychological evaluations h. Photographs or digital prints of each career (refer to HOSA Medical Photography guidelines)

Objectives To gain a basic understanding of the Diagnostic Services Pathway. To discover career options available within the Diagnostic Services Pathway. To explore the working environment, educational requirements, skills needed and salary of careers available within the Diagnostic Services Pathway.

Pathway Overview Careers focus on the diagnosis and treatment of physical ailments Positions available include: doctors (various specialties) assistants technicians researchers

Medical Lab Technologist Career description: carry out complex medical laboratory tests to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases train or manage staff review laboratory findings to check accuracy of results

Medical Lab Technologist Career description: perform chemical analysis of body fluids such as blood, urine and spinal fluid use various equipment to perform tests input data from medical tests and clinical results

Medical Lab Technologist Education/training: associate’s or bachelor’s degree in medical technology or life sciences universities and hospitals offer training programs Median salary: $57,010

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Career description: develop and calculate doses of solutions of radioactive materials for patient use measure radioactive materials in therapeutic and diagnostic studies

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Career description: administer radiation treatments to patients perform blood volume, red cell survival, fat absorption and other studies to determine if treatment is working record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received by patient

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Education/training: certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine certification or licensure may be required Median salary: $69,450

Radiologic Technologist Career description: perform X-rays and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) scans inject materials and medications into patient's blood stream for diagnostic reasons

Radiologic Technologist Career description: examine and evaluate image quality of developed X-rays, video tape or computer generated information oversee patients during scanning process position patient and equipment correctly in order to develop appropriate image

Radiologic Technologist Education/training: certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiological technology Median salary: $55,120

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Career description: create ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for physicians’ use determine which images to include in patient’s report examine images for differences between healthy and infected areas

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Career description: monitor screen during scan and make adjustments to equipment as necessary monitor patient’s safety and comfort throughout procedure prepare sonogram and oral or written summary of findings for physician

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Education/training: associate’s or bachelor’s degree in sonography Median salary: $65,210

Nutritionist Career description: organize and hold food service or nutritional programs oversee activities of a department providing food services advise individuals on nutritional requirements perform nutritional research

Nutritionist Career description: determine nutritional needs, diet restrictions and health plans guide individuals and groups on good nutrition and eating habits

Nutritionist Education/training: Median salary: bachelor’s degree or higher in dietetics, food and nutrition or a related area Median salary: $54,470

Cardiovascular Technologist Career description: perform tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic reasons perform or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations and other pulmonary related functions

Cardiovascular Technologist Career description: observe patients' blood pressure and heart rate with electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment inform physicians of abnormalities or changes in patient responses

Cardiovascular Technologist Career description: organize diagnostic procedure reports for physicians to interpret

Cardiovascular Technologist Education/training: associate’s or bachelor’s degree required in cardiovascular technology Median salary: $51,020

Discussion Questions Describe the Diagnostic Services Pathway and the careers available within the pathway. What education and training requirements are needed for most careers in this pathway? What are the working conditions for most careers in this pathway?

Discussion Questions Describe the average earnings of some careers in this pathway and why they differ from other careers. List three character traits you possess which would make you successful in a career in this pathway.

Activity Finish the Career Ranking Activity You must rank the careers again now that you have a better idea of what they are. Share your rankings with 2 other people, what differences do you see? Explain why your ranking changed. Complete the questions at the bottom of the activity

Resources U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Washington, D.C.: Jist Works, 2013. http://online.onetcenter.org/

Acknowledgements Production Coordinator Holly Mannan John Carroll Graphics Designer Technical Writer Jessica Odom Vice President of Brand Management Clayton Franklin Executive Producer Gordon Davis, Ph.D. ©MMXIII CEV Multimedia. Ltd.