1. Support Services

2. 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)

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

4. Pathway Overview
Careers are responsible for maintaining the environment of a health care setting
Duties include:
shipping and receiving medical supplies
managing the food service functions of a hospital
disinfecting and cleaning health care facilities

5. Biomedical Engineer Career description:
create, develop and evaluate biological and health systems and products
determine the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
install and/or repair biomedical equipment

6. Biomedical Engineer Career description:
inform hospital administrators on the planning, purchasing and use of medical equipment
advise and help with use of instrumentation in clinical settings

7. Biomedical Engineer Education/training: Median salary:
bachelor’s degree or higher in medical engineering usually required
Median salary:
$84,670

8. Dietary Technician Career description:
help dietitians determine conditions of food service and nutritional programs
assist dieticians in planning and producing meals following established guidelines
educate or counsel individuals on food and nutrition

9. Dietary Technician Career description:
monitor patient food intake and report progress and any issues to dietician
examine menus and recipes, regulate recipes and test new products

10. Dietary Technician Education/training: Median salary:
college in a related field such as nutrition and food science preferred
Median salary:
$26,730

11. Environmental Services Technician
Career description:
carry out laboratory and field tests
observe the environment in hospital settings and investigate pollution sources
gather samples to test and take corrective actions

12. Environmental Services Technician
Career description:
document test data and prepare reports, summaries and charts interpreting test results
handle and investigate hazardous conditions or spills, disease outbreaks or food poisoning

13. Environmental Services Technician
Education/training:
associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field
Median salary:
$42,270

14. Hospital Maintenance Engineer
Career description:
control or take care of stationary engines, boilers and other mechanical equipment
operate steam engines, generators, motors, turbines and steam boilers
watch readings on gauges, meters and charts to ensure proper functioning

15. Hospital Maintenance Engineer
Career description:
perform tests on boiler water quality and take corrective action if necessary
repair equipment

16. Hospital Maintenance Engineer
Education/training:
high school diploma or associate’s degree required
Median salary:
$35,030

17. Biological Technician
Career description:
assist biological and medical scientists in laboratory settings
control laboratory instruments and equipment
watch experiments, make observations and calculate and document results

18. Biological Technician
Career description:
study organic substances such as blood, food and drugs
guarantee laboratory compliance with set standards
isolate, find and prepare specimens for examination

19. Biological Technician
Education/training:
bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field may be required
Median salary:
$39,480

20. Industrial Hygienist Career description:
examine working environments to ensure safety regulations
control, remove and prevent disease or injury from chemical, physical and biological agents or related factors

21. Industrial Hygienist Career description:
perform health and safety inspections and enforce laws and regulations
postpone activities which pose a threat to workers' health and safety
suggest ways to help protect workers

22. Industrial Hygienist Career description:
determine cause of accidents and how to prevent future accidents

23. Industrial Hygienist Education/training: Median salary:
bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field preferred
Median salary:
$66,270

24. Discussion Questions
Describe the Support 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?

25. 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.

26. Activity
Complete the Support Services Career interview questions on the class website
Once you feel comfortable with your answers, take turns with your table partner interviewing each other.
Treat this like a real interview. Come up with an original interview question not on the list to stump your partner.

27. Resources U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Washington, D.C.: Jist Works, 2013.

28. Acknowledgements
Production Coordinator Holly Mannan John Carroll Graphics Designer Technical Writer Jessica Odom Vice President of Brand Management Clayton Franklin Executive Producers Gordon Davis, Ph.D.
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