HCS CAREER DAY

Melodie J. Kolmetz, EdD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, NRP, CP-C

WHAT COMES TO MIND?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

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1. Analyze the roles and responsibilities of selected health professions by comparing the scope of practice, typical work settings, and patient populations.

2. Explain the educational and training pathways for selected health careers, including required education, licensure, and certification, and differentiate how these pathways vary among professions.

3. Evaluate personal interests, strengths, and values and justify the selection of at least one health career that aligns with those characteristics.

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MY EDUCATIONAL PATHWAY

• Good Morning!!!

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

MRS. SMITH COMES TO �SUB-ACUTE REHABILITATION

• Mrs. Smith is a 65 year old female who presented to the hospital with left sided paralysis and aphasia 7 days ago. A stroke alert was called, and she was transferred to Strong for intervention in the vascular lab because a significant hemorrhage due to an arteriovenous malformation was found. The bleeding was controlled through embolization.

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https://www.intelycare.com/career-advice/cma-vs-cna-whats-the-difference/

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)

• Duties
• Support activities of daily living (ADLs)such as bathing, feeding, and mobility assistance and supporting medical staff in hospitals or nursing homes. 
• Education
• 100-120 hours in a state-approved CNA training program
• Certification
• Written/oral/skills exam

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https://www.nysed.gov/career-technical-education/nurse-assisting-nurse-aide

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NURSE (LPN OR RN)

• Duties
• Direct care, such as monitoring vitals, administering medication, and dressing wounds, while working under the supervision of Registered Nurses to support patient health in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. 
• Education
• New York State Education Department-approved program
• LPN:10-18 months; about 1,000 hours
• RN:
• Associate Degree (AND/AAS)-12-24 months; must complete BSN w/in 10 years
• Bachelor’s Degree (BSN)-4 years/120-126 credits
• Certification
• NCLEX-PN exam (must be 17)
• NCLEX-RN exam (must be 18)

https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-practical-nurses/license-requirements

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https://www.ahu.edu/blog/acute-care-nurse-vs-family-practice-nurse

NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP)

• Duties
• Assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses using the nursing model
• Practice with a collaborative physician if under 3,600 hours of qualifying experience
• Education
• Must hold a RN license and complete a Master’s degree or Doctoral Degree from an authorized program in a specific focus; about 1,000 clinical hours
• Certification
• American Nurses Association (ANCC)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCB)\
• Must recertify every 5 years

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/nurse-practitioners/how-to-apply

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PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE (PA)

• Duties
• Assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses using the medical model
• Practice with a collaborative physician
• Education
• Bachelor’s degree
• Graduation from an ARC-PA-accredited Master’s level program; 2,000 clinical hours in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN (Women’s Health), and Behavioral Health, plus elective specialties
• Certification
• NCCPA multiple choice exam
• Must recertify every 10 years

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/physician-assistants/license-requirements

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PHYSICIAN (MD OR DO)

• Duties
• Diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and injuries while promoting patient wellness through comprehensive, evidence-based, and ethical care
• Education
• Medical Doctor
• Bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school, and residency (3-7 years)
• Doctor of Osteopathy
• Above plus training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)
• Certification
• MD-US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE)
• DO-Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA)

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/physicians/license-requirements

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PHARMACIST

• Duties
• Safely dispense prescribed medications, counsel patients on proper drug usage and potential side effects, and collaborate with prescribers to manage patient therapies
• Education
• Doctor of Pharmacy-at least 90 semester hours of didactic education and one year of experience (2,080 hours)
• Certification
• NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) and the MPJE (Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) within a 5-year period
• Additional exams required to earn advanced, specialty credentials

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/pharmacist/license-requirements

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PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

• Duties
• Prepare and dispense medication, manage inventory, process insurance claims, and handle customer service tasks to ensure safe, efficient patient care in collaboration with a pharmacist
• Education
• Board-approved educational program (4-12 months/400 hours)
• 500 hours of work experience can substitute
• Certification
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCB) or the National Health Career Association (NHA) Exam

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-pharmacy-technicians/license-requirements

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PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT)

• Duties
• Examine, diagnose, and treat patients of all ages to manage pain, improve mobility, and restore physical function through personalized, active, and hands-on treatment plans
• Education
• CAPTE-accredited doctoral program (DPT)
• 2-3 years of graduate education
• Certification
• National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) exam

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/physical-therapists/license-requirements

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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (PTA)

• Duties
• Work under the direction of physical therapists to help patients regain mobility, manage pain, and recover from injuries or surgeries by implementing treatment plans, guiding therapeutic exercises, performing stretches/massages, utilizing equipment, and educating patients
• Education
• CAPTE-accredited Associate in Applied Science program (60-64 hours)
• Certification
• National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination (NPTAE) exam

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/physical-therapist-assistants/license-requirements-physical-therapy-assistant

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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (OT)

• Duties
• Evaluate and treat individuals with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities, using therapeutic activities and environmental modifications to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills needed to live independently
• Education
• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree from an AOTA/ACOTE accredited program
• Certification
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/occupational-therapists/license-requirements

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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (OTA)

• Duties
• Works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to implement treatment plans, providing hands-on therapy and support to help patients develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and motor skills needed for functional independence
• Education
• ACOTE-accredited Associate in Applied Science program (60-64 hours)
• 16 weeks of clinical experience
• Certification
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Assistant exam

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/occupational-therapy-assistants/license-requirements

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SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST (SLP)

• Duties
• Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals of all ages with disorders related to speech, language, social communication, cognition, and swallowing to improve functional communication and quality of life 
• Education
• Master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program
• 300-400 supervised clinical hours
• 9-month paid clinical internship
• Certification
• Praxis 5331 exam 

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/speech-language-pathology/license-requirements

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REGISTERED DIETICIAN NUTRITIONIST (RDN)

• Duties
• Assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems by developing evidence-based, personalized meal plans and counseling clients to promote health, manage diseases, and achieve wellness goals
• Education
• Master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program
• Completion of at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice
• Certification
• Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/dietetics-nutrition/license-requirements

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RECREATION THERAPIST

• Duties
• Assess patient needs and implement tailored, activity-based treatment programs
• Education
• Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation
• 480 hours of supervised experience
• Certification
• Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (CTRS) exam

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5901

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RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

• Duties
• Evaluate, treat, and care for patients of all ages suffering from breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders by administering medication, operating ventilators, performing diagnostics like blood gas analysis, and educating patients
• Education
• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree program (Co-ARC accredited)
• Certification
•  National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam

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https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/respiratory-therapists/license-requirements

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OTHER KEY POSITIONS

REFLECTION

TIPS FROM MY CURRENT STUDENTS

CLOSING

THANK YOU!

Melodie J. Kolmetz, EdD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, NRP, CP-C

melodie@amedicaltypeperson.com

www.amedicaltypeperson.com

Melodie-Kolmetz

@amedtypeperson

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@amedtypeperson

@amedtypeperson

RESOURCES

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TOP 10 HEALTH PROFESSIONS

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1. Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnose and treat illnesses using the nursing model.
2. Physician Assistant (PA): Diagnose and treat illness using the medical model.
3. Physical Therapist (PT): Help patients improve movement and manage pain following injury or surgery.
4. Respiratory Therapist: Care for patients with breathing issues, often managing ventilators or chronic conditions.
5. Dental Hygienist: Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventative care.
6. Occupational Therapist (OT): Help patients develop or regain skills for daily living and working.
7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Use imaging equipment to produce ultrasound images to diagnose conditions.
8. Registered Nurse (RN): Provide direct patient care, coordinate treatment plans, and educate patients.
9. Pharmacist: Dispense medications and advise on their safe use.
10. Speech-Language Pathologist: Assess and treat communication, language, and swallowing disorders.