High-school diploma
Can take vitals, give vaccines, and help with procedures. Typically requires a certificate that takes 4-12 weeks to complete. Usually work in a clinic.
What is a certified medical assistant (CMA)?
Can give medications, take patient history, start IVs, monitor patients, and much more. Can work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, patient homes, and more!
What is a registered nurse (RN)?
A person who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent illness and injuries. Can prescribe medicines and perform surgeries.
What is a physician (MD/DO)?
Uvula
The dangly thing at the back of your throat.
16 year old kid with 2 days of fever and sore throat. Needs antibiotics to feel better.
Strep throat
Can help with chores at home, cleaning, bathing, transferring patients, and basic medical tasks (taking vitals, giving some medications). Usually go to patients' homes.
What is a home health aide?
Can check lung function and a patient's breathing. Give nebulizer and inhaler treatments. Can do exercises to help clear lungs. Help with ventilator settings. Respond to emergency situations.
What is a respiratory therapist (RT)?
Assess strength, range of motion, balance, posture, and mobility. Create exercise programs and therapy goals based on the patient's condition and needs. Use stretches, strength training, manual therapy, and mobility exercises.
What is a physical therapist (PT)?
Phalanges
The bones in your fingers and toes.
17 year old kid was playing football and got tackled hard. Hit their head and now has a headache and is having a hard time thinking straight.
Concussion
Can take vitals, help move (transfer patients), and help bathe patients. Typically work in hospitals or nursing homes.
What is a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?
Can operate X-ray, CT, or MRI machines. Help patient's get into the right position so the best image can be taken. Can work in clinics or hospitals.
What is a radiology technician?
Evaluate test results, diagnose conditions, and create treatment plans. Practices medicine under the supervision of a physician.
What is a physician assistant (PA)?
Otorhinolaryngology
Study of the ear, nose, and throat.
14 year old who gets a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezes a lot whenever the trees start blooming in the spring.
Allergies
Can draw blood in hospitals, clinics, and blood/plasma donation centers.
What is a phlebotomist?
Can look for bacteria and viruses in samples that came from patients (like blood). Help perform the tests that doctors use to make diagnoses. Keep the lab up to standard.
What is a clinical laboratory technologist?
Help people of all ages regain, develop, or maintain the skills they need for daily living and working—especially after injury, illness, or disability. Use exercises, adaptive tools, or skill-building tasks (e.g., buttoning a shirt, using utensils, or handwriting practice).
What is an occupational therapist (OT)?
Borborygmus
The sound your stomach makes when it is empty.
15 year old who might have to use their inhaler to help them breathe if they exercise really hard.
Asthma