Health Care Providers:
1. Chiropractor –
Treats bones & joints by manipulative therapy in order to realign the body & pinching of the
nerves
2. Community Mental Health Counselor –
Social worker or counselor with a M.ED. in counseling; helps people with emotions, family
problems, alcoholism
3. Dental Hygienist –
Certified health professional, cleans teeth & administers x-rays
4. Dental Assistant –
Works with the dentist helping with instruments & x-rays
5. Dentist –
Accepts responsibility for continuing care – treats teeth, gums & jaws
6. Orthodontist –
Diagnoses & treats people whose teeth need straightening
7. Oral Surgeon –
Removes teeth
8. Periodontist –
Gum specialist, older people usually go to this doctor
9. Primary Care Physical / General Practitioner –
Accepts responsibility for continuing care of the person/family, treats general illness & refers to a
specialist when necessary
10. Industrial Medicine –
Goal is to keep people healthy & on the job; responsibilities include injury management programs
– injury prevention programs
11. Internist –
A doctor who may specialize in certain areas of the body
12. Neurologist –
Nervous system & brain
13. Nurse Practitioner –
Registered nurse who has advanced education training &/or certification in a specialty area like
adult medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics
14. Obstetrician / Gynecologist –
Diagnoses & treats disorders of the female reproductive system; provides care during pregnancy &
delivery
15. Optometrist –
Examines eyes, diagnoses eye problems, prescribes eye glasses 7 contact lenses, provide visual
training for those who have learning difficulties
16. Optician –
Fits individuals for glasses
17. Ophthalmologist –
Eye surgeon
18. Osteopath –
D.O. compared to M.D.; basic medical philosophy revolves around the skeletal system
19. Pediatrician –
Children’s doctor
20. Physical’s Assistant –
Certified health professional trained in medical procedures who works under the supervision of the
doctor
21. Psychologist (PHD) / Psychiatrist (MD) –
Diagnoses & treats mental & emotional concerns
22. Surgeon –
Performs surgery on various parts of the body, most surgeons specialize in treating a certain area
of the body
23. Pharmacologist –
Checks the safety & effects on the body of medicine, masters in pharmacy or chemistry
24. Physical Therapist –
Rehabs injuries or disabilities, is certified & licensed by the state
25. Audiologist –
Diagnoses & treats hearing & speech related problems; teaches lip reading
26. Certified Athletic Trainer –
Treats athletic injuries, rehabs injuries, develops maintenance & fitness programs, educates in the
safety & prevention of injuries
27. Community Health Educator –
Educated people in the community, identify problems & promotes health
28. Dietitian / Nutritionist –
Plans nutritional programs, prepares meals & evaluates diets, may work in a hospital or work with
doctors
29. Emergency Medical Technician –
Basic-Intermediate-Paramedic; provides emergency care, needs certification to move to next level
30. Guidance Counselor –
Assists students with personal situations, family problems, educational decisions, and helps with
career decisions
31. Health Service Manager or Administrator –
Manages health care organizations, which includes planning, organizing, coordinating, and
supervising the organization
32. Licensed Practical Nurse / Registered Nurse –
Provides care under direction of an RN (registered nurse) or physician; needs state license
33. Medical Writer –
Bachelor’s degree; writing specialist in medicine, writes health articles, newspaper articles,
newsletters, & information sheets
34. Occupational Therapist –
Works with people who have disabilities, teaches them to make adjustments
35. Pharmacist –
Dispenses medication prescribed by health professional, provides info to patients & consults with
health professionals
36. Radiological Technologist –
Works under the radiologists, uses various equipment including ultrasound & MRI; also does
preparation & therapy for cancer patients
37. Recreational Therapist –
Directs & plans medically approved recreational activities to reduce stress & tension
38. Speech Therapist –
State licensed; overcome speech disorder; works with oral motor problems causing eating &
swallowing problems
39. Oncologist –
Specializes in care of cancer & tumors
40. Cardiologist –
Treatment of heart & blood vessels
41. Dermatologist –
Care of skin
42. Urologist Urinary disorders & male reproductive system
43. Faith Healing –
Alternative Health care – rely on spirits & religion to heal
44. Homeopathy –
Alternative Health care – natural herbs, vitamins, & health food stores
45. Acupuncture –
Alternative Health care – originated in China; needles near pressure points
46. Quackery –
Alternative Health care – doctor or advertising making false claims of medical miracles