Physical manipulation and holistic approaches to health are hallmarks of this field. Their patients range from athletes to children with foot deformities They use a wide variety of treatment mechanisms ranging from orthotics to surgery and emphasize preventive care. Their activities range from diagnosing hearing loss and fitting a patient with a hearing aid to teaching lip-reading techniques to people with severe hearing loss. Some audiologists work in large hospital or clinic settings while others work as private contractors to smaller hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Their activities range from teaching basic skills to children with developmental disabilities or providing job skill training to adults with mental disabilities to helping stroke patients relearn how to perform simple tasks.
Many speech pathologists work in schools, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.
Most certified speech pathologists must complete a masters degree and a clinical internship. EMTs work in fire departments, ambulance services, and hospital emergency rooms. Combining counseling skills with a background in medical genetics, genetic counselors provide information to families about birth defects and genetic disorders. They investigate a family's problem or disorder, interpret options and possible treatments, analyze inheritance patterns, and review risks of recurrence. RDs and nutritionists may have either a bachelors or a masters degree, as long as the degree is from an accredited program.