20 Occupations Where Knowledge of Health Services Is Important

by Sophia Miller

Monday, August 24, 2015

Health services, which involves knowledge of principles and facts regarding diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well-being. It is a knowledge domain that is composed of the following

Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

The occupations where health services play a major role are listed below.

Physician assistants
Physician assistants provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. They may also, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Median Annual Salary: $86,410 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 38.99%

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. They may also diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. They may also perform surgery to improve function or appearance.

Chiropractors
Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. They may also provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.
Median Annual Salary: $67,200 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 19.5%

Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays.
Median Annual Salary: $72,320 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 25.6%

Marriage and family therapists
Marriage and family therapists diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Median Annual Salary: $45,720 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 14.46%

Podiatrists
Podiatrists diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Median Annual Salary: $118,030 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 8.98%

Physical therapists
Physical therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Median Annual Salary: $76,310 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 30.27%

Pharmacists
Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. They may also advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
Median Annual Salary: $111,570 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 17.01%

Medical and public health social workers
Medical and public health social workers provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and counseling, and making referrals for other services. They may also also provide care and case management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
Median Annual Salary: $47,230 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 22.39%

Mental health counselors
Mental health counselors counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. They may also help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.
Median Annual Salary: $38,150 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 24%

Orthodontists
Orthodontists examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Dietitians and nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. They may also supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Median Annual Salary: $53,250 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 9.24%

Recreational therapists
Recreational therapists plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and arts and crafts. They may also assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Median Annual Salary: $39,410 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 14.6%

Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and other oral structures to correct natural and acquired deformation of mouth and jaws, to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking, and to improve appearance.
Median Annual Salary: $118,400 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 27.74%

Athletic trainers
Athletic trainers evaluate and advise individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses, or maintain peak physical fitness. They may also provide first aid or emergency care.
Median Annual Salary: $41,600 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 36.95%

Speech-language pathologists
Speech-language pathologists assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They may also select alternative communication systems and teach their use. They may also perform research related to speech and language problems.
Median Annual Salary: $66,920 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 18.54%

Psychiatric technicians
Psychiatric technicians care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. They may also participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
Median Annual Salary: $28,710 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 4.19%

Veterinarians
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Median Annual Salary: $82,040 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 32.95%

Dentists, general
Dentists, general examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. They may also treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. They may also fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Median Annual Salary: $141,040 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 15.31%

Optometrists
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. They may also prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
Median Annual Salary: $94,990 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 24.41%