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INTRODUCTION
Nebraska Career Connections…

The state of Nebraska has identified 6 career fields, and

among them is one called Health Sciences. There are
many career opportunities within this career field.
 This Health Sciences career field is
broken down into 5 different pathways…
Biotechnology
Research and
Development workers
study diseases to
discover new
treatments or invent
medical devices used
to directly assist
patients or to improve
the accuracy of
diagnostic tests.
Careers include medical equipment preparers, network systems and data
communication analysts, biomedical engineers, biologists, post-secondary
health specialties teachers, most medical scientists, natural sciences
managers, pharmacists, zoologists and wildlife biologists.
 This Health Sciences career field is broken
down into 5 different pathways…
Diagnostic Services workers use
tests and evaluations that aid in
the detection, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases, injuries or
other physical conditions. Note:
technicians work primarily with
equipment; technologists work
primarily with people.
. technicians, medical
Careers include ambulance drivers, medical and clinical lab
equipment preparers, ophthalmic lab technicians, veterinary assistants,
laboratory animal caretakers, cardiovascular technicians and technologists,
diagnostic medical sonographers, emergency medical technicians and
paramedics, medical assistants, nuclear equipment technicians, radiation
therapists, radiologic technicians and technologists, respiratory therapy
technicians, surgical technologists, medical and clinical technologists, athletic
trainers, post-secondary health specialties teachers, hydrologists, medical and
health services managers, orthotists and prosthetists, physician assistants,
veterinarians.
 This Health Sciences career field is broken
down into 5 different pathways…
Health Informatics workers occupy
health care related employment. This
pathway includes health care administrators
who manage health care agencies as well as
those individuals who are responsible for
managing all of the patient data and
information, financial information, and
computer applications related to health care
processes and procedures.
Careers include dental lab technicians, medical records and health info
technicians, medical secretaries, psychiatric aides, receptionists and information
clerks, property and casualty insurance claims examiners , computer support
specialists, fine artists, office managers, medical assistants, medical
transcriptionists, occupational health and safety technicians, psychiatric
technicians, computer programmers, health educators, recreational therapists,
rehabilitation counselors, clinical psychologists, communications teachers,
research epidemiologists, medical and health services managers, mental health
counselors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicists,
speech/language pathologists, substance abuse/behavioral disorder counselors.
 This Health Sciences career field is broken
down into 5 different pathways…
Support Services
workers provide a
therapeutic environment
for the delivery of health
care. Support Services
offers a full range of
career opportunities
from entry level to
management, including
technical and
professional careers.

Careers include cooks, institution and cafeteria dietetic technicians, food

preparation and serving workers, medical appliance technicians, dieticians and
certified nutritionists, farm and home management advisors, post-secondary
family & consumer sciences teachers.
 This Health Sciences career field is broken
down into 5 different pathways…
Therapeutic Services workers
are focused primarily on
changing the health status of
the patient over a longer period
of time. Health professionals in
this pathway work directly with
patients; they may provide
care, treatment, counseling and
health education information.
Careers include dental assistants, home health aides, medical lab technicians,
nursing aides, orderlies and attendants, occupational therapist aides, pharmacy
aides and technicians, dental hygienists, licensed practical and vocational nurses,
massage therapists, dispensing opticians, radiation therapists, registered nurses,
respiratory therapists, rehabilitation therapists, anesthesiologists, athletic
trainers, audiologists, chiropractors, clinical and school psychologists, dentists,
dieticians, internists, obstetricians, gynecologists, optometrists, oral surgeons,
pediatricians, physical therapists, surgeons.
Is Health Science the right career
field for you?
www.nebraskacareerconnections.org
is an excellent web site
to start your career
exploration. It gives a
quick look at education
requirements and job
descriptions within
each pathway.

Click here to go to website →

Is Health Science the right career field for you?
The U.S. Department of
Education developed the National
Health Care Skill Standards
(NHCSS). It is a framework of 11
skills that must be attained to
enter the field of health care.

1. Academic Foundation: The health care worker must

have knowledge of subject matter required for proficiency
within their area, including reading, writing, math, life
sciences, using terminology, and history of health care.
 Is Health Science the right career field for you?
2. Communication: Health
care workers will know
the various methods of
giving and obtaining
information. They will
communicate effectively,
both orally and in writing.

3. Systems: Health care workers

will understand how their role fits
into the department, their
organization, and the overall health
care environment. They will be able
to identify how key systems affect
the services they perform and
quality of care they provide.
Is Health Science the right career field for you?
4. Employability Skills: Health care
workers have and maintain
employability skills that enhance their
opportunities and job satisfaction, such
as problem-solving, flexibility, keeping
their life in balance, punctuality,
positive attitude, creativity, learning
from mistakes, and time management.
5. Legal Responsibilities: Health
care workers understand legal
limitations and implications of
their actions within the health
care delivery setting, and
perform their duties according to
regulations, policies, laws, and
rights of clients.
Is Health Science the right career field for you?
6. Ethics: Health care
workers understand ethical
practices with respect to
cultural, social, and ethnic
differences within the health
care environment, delivering
quality health care sensitively
and according to guidelines.
7. Safety Practices: Health
care workers understand
existing and potential hazards
to clients, coworkers, and
themselves. They will prevent
injury or illness through safe
work practices and will follow
health and safety policies and
procedures.
Is Health Science the right career field for you?
8. Teamwork: Health care workers
understand the roles and
responsibilities of individual members
of the health care team, working
together effectively and sensitively to
deliver quality health care.

9. Health Maintenance Practices:

Health care workers understand
the fundamentals of wellness
and the process of preventing
disease, and practice
preventative health behaviors
among clients.
 Is Health Science the right career field for you?
10. Technical Skills: Health
care workers will apply
technical skills required for
all career specialties,
demonstrating skills and
knowledge as appropriate.

11. Information Technology Skills: Health care workers will

use and demonstrate the use of information technology as
appropriate to all health care applications.
Is Health Science the right career field for you?
As a health care worker, you
must be neat in appearance
and impeccable about hygiene
to reassure fellow staff and
clients of your efficiency and
professionalism. Your dress
or uniform must be neat and
clean. Hair should be clean
and simply styled or tied up
and back. Men should shave
daily and keep beards or
mustaches neatly trimmed.
Your mouth and breath need
to be fresh. Nails should be
short, clean, and bare or
polished in a very light color.
Is Health Science the right career field for you?
Shoes should be clean and
comfortable. Avoid wearing
scented deodorants or
colognes when working with
patients. Makeup should be
conservative.

The health care worker must care about

people. They must be empathetic and
non-judgmental. They must be honest, a
team player, tactful, patient, responsible,
enthusiastic, dependable, willing to learn
and attend training continually, and
competent.
Is Health Science the right career field for you?
The health care worker should
be an excellent communicator,
both verbally and in writing, but
also in their use of positive
body language. Attentiveness,
maintaining eye contact and an
open stance (crossed arms or
hands indicate an
unwillingness to listen) are
important.
The health care worker must be able to maintain
confidentiality. Medical records contain information that
must not be shared with others who are not involved in the
patient’s health care. Be courteous. Do not use offensive
language. Do not gossip about patients or fellow staff
members.
The history of health care…
The caduceus (kah-DOO-shuss)→
is a symbol for the physician. The
two snakes entwined around a pole
evolved from the symbol for the
Greek god of healing named
Asclepius (as-klee'-pee-uhs).
The rod of Asclepius, 1200 B.C.→

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates

(hĭ-pä-krə-tēz) practiced and taught
medicine around 400 B.C. He and his
followers swore that they would maintain
their patient’s privacy and never
deliberately harm them. This code of
ethics is still used today, and is known
as the Hippocratic oath.
The history of health care…
During the middle ages around
200 A.D., the surgeon Claudius
Galen (gā-lən) performed the
tracheotomy, an opening cut
into the windpipe to facilitate
breathing.

From around 300 to 1500 A.D., barbers used their

razors for both hair cutting and surgery. They
treated wounds, performed blood-letting and
enemas, and extracted teeth. The red and white
pole found outside the barber shops symbolized
the blood-soaked and clean bandages hung out to
dry and twisted in the wind. Women were not
allowed to practice medicine at this time.
 Religion has played
The history of health care…
a significant role in health
care since the middle ages.
Both Christian and Muslim
teachings taught social
responsibilities such as
providing for the poor and
caring for the sick. Many
hospitals today are still
supported by the church.
The scientific method using observations and
making careful notes, was first used during the
Renaissance period of the 1600’s. Robert Hooke
(1635-1703) built one of the first reflecting
microscopes. This new ‘technology’ allowed
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (LAY-ven-huk) to
describe bacteria in 1673 and Francis Bacon to
discover plague fleas in 1700.
The history of health care…
During the Industrial Revolution of
1700-1900, machines allowed for
many advances. About 1796, Edwin
Jenner discovered the 1st
vaccination, and began inoculating
people against smallpox.
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) fathered
microbiology and discovered the
process of pasteurization (of milk).
Joseph Lister (1827-1912) practiced
medical asepsis… the processes of
disinfecting instruments and
cleaning hands between patients.
Robert Koch (coke)(1843-1910)
discovered disease-producing
microorganisms called pathogens…
the beginning of
The history of health care…
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)

opened the first school of

nursing and designed improved
hospital wards.

Clara Barton established the

American Red Cross in 1881.

Sigmund Freud (1836-1939)

pioneered the fields of
psychology and psychiatry.

Lillian Wald (1867-1940) began a

nursing service which was the
foundation of the Visiting Nurse
concept.
The history of health care… The 20th
Alexander Fleming (1928-1945) century is
discovered penicillin… the first marked by
antibiotic. In 1952 Jonas Salk advances in
discovered the polio vaccine, followed electronics and
later by Albert Sābin and the live vaccine computer
still used today. From 1981-1986, AZT science.
was discovered to treat AIDS.

Radium, used for treating

cancer, was discovered, as well as Xrays,
MRI’s, CAT scans, and organ transplants.
The history of health care…
In 1962, Francis Crick
and James Watson won the
Nobel Prize for their DNA discoveries.
In 1968, Christian Bernard performed
the 1st successful heart transplant.
In 2001, Steve Thomas used sterile
maggots for infectious wound
treatment.
Rapid change continues to
challenge the health care industry.
The health care
professional must be
ready to adapt, be
The health care flexible, and maintain
industry… preparing competency in a
for jobs that may not high-tech
even exist yet! environment.
Trends in health care…
Advances in technology
and accompanying costs
have had a huge impact on
the health care industry.
Trends in health care…
Attention to preventative
medicine and wellness has
increased since the 1980’s.
Exercise, diet, and good
health are linked to ‘quality of
life’. Lifestyle choices related
to wellness include fitness,
nutrition, safety, spiritual
health, and preventative care.
Hospital wellness centers offer
services such as cardiac and
pulmonary rehabilitation,
occupational medicine, sports
medicine, clinical weight
management, and physical
therapy.
Trends in health care…
The aging population has created demands for quality
health care for the elderly, and because they tend to use
more health care services, they will place demands on the
national health insurance program known as Medicare.

The baby boomers, the generation born following World

War II, are aging. One out of every two adults are age 45
and older. Birth rates are down; people are living longer.
Trends in health care…
Rising demands for health care by a greater number of
people and technology advances have increased the cost of
health care. About 15 out of every 100 people in the U.S. are
un-insured, and many more are under-insured for health care.
Medical debts are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy.
Insurance premiums, the amount
paid by a subscriber for coverage,
may be a benefit of employment.
Coverage may be limited,
however, due to large deductibles
- the amount the subscriber must
pay before the insurance company
begins paying. It may have large
co-payments - the percentage of
each bill that must be paid by the
subscriber.
Trends in health care…
Ambulatory care and outpatient surgery are increasingly
popular as solutions to high-cost overnight hospital stays.
The patient might walk in the door in the morning, have a
medical procedure performed at noon, and walk out the
door before dinner. This would not be possible without the
newer technologies and medications (incl. anesthesia).
Trends in health care…
Home health care is an alternative to longer hospital stays. It
shifts the responsibility and costs of pre- and post-operative
care to home health care providers or family members.
While some people argue
that patients are sent home
too quickly without skilled
professionals to care for
them, others promote the
advantages of recovery at
home in more disease-free
and low-anxiety
surroundings. Home health
care may include meal Home health care providers
preparation or delivery, may allow the elderly to stay
shopping, and help getting to in their home rather than
medical appointments. move to assisted living or
nursing homes.
Health care facilities…
Many people receive their health care
at a practitioner's office, which
includes your eye and dental care
professionals, physicians, physician
assistants, and nurse practitioners.

Emergency medical
services (EMS) personnel
provide the response to 911
calls, providing near-
immediate help to the sick
or injured. This is an
especially important service
in rural and remote areas.
Health care facilities…

Different types of hospitals include public

facilities, those run by religious organizations
which only provide care in accordance to
their own religious beliefs, private hospitals
that are owned by shareholders expecting a
profit, non-profit hospitals operated by
charitable organizations, specialized
hospitals that may only serve patients with
specific needs, and government-run hospitals
such as military facilities.
Health care facilities…
Laboratories exist as
part of other health care
facilities or
independently. They
assist physicians in
making diagnosis by
examining tissue and
body fluids.

Your home is a
facility for the
home health care
provider. They may
provide care for short-
term or chronic needs.
Health care facilities…
Long-term care may be
provided in nursing
homes where frequent
nursing skills are
available or in assisted-
living facilities where
elderly or disabled
residents receive help
with daily living activities
such as dressing, eating,
taking medications, etc.

Rehabilitation facilities provide therapy to those needing

help in re-gaining physical or mental abilities and the
ability to care for themselves or live as independently as
Health care facilities… Hospice is a type of
Clinics are simply a form of facility that cares for
practitioner's office where multiple those with terminal
providers share space and staff. illnesses, and usually
Several doctors might jointly rent a less than 6 months to
facility, sharing the cost of nurses, live. The focus
receptionists, technicians, switches from ‘cure’ to
insurance claims staff, etc. ‘support and comfort
for the patient’.
Health care agencies…
Many non-profit and volunteer
agencies exist to promote
education, fund-raising, family
support, and awareness for a
specific health issue. Among these
are the Muscular Dystrophy
Association, the American Cancer
Society, The American Heart
Association, the American Lung
Association, March of Dimes, and
the American Diabetic Association.
Health care agencies…
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) is the federal agency concerned with the health
and health care services for all citizens.
Other factions of the U.S.
Department of Health & Human
Services include The Center for
Disease Control (CDC), the
nation’s watchdog for preventing
the outbreak of disease, The Food
& Drug Administration (FDA),
ensuring the safety of food,
medicine, and cosmetics, and the
National Institute of Health (NIH)
that coordinates national research
programs for diseases such as
Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, etc.
Health care agencies…
Health care agencies operate on
local and state agency levels where
health related services are
coordinated, statistics on
immunizations are collected, and
public facilities such as restaurants
are inspected.
On the international level, the United
Nations sponsors the
World Health Organization (WHO).
 Covering the cost of health care…
Unexpected health care costs can be unaffordable for
most people, so they rely upon other sources of payment.
There are two types of private Individual or group coverage?
insurance coverage… individual
and group. Group policies, often
offered through an employer, have
the advantage of not excluding
any members for pre-existing
conditions or special needs.
Everyone in the group is usually
guaranteed the same coverage.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
are one option in private coverage
that allows the subscriber to set up
a tax-free savings account in a
bank for the purpose of paying
their share of medical expenses.
Covering the cost of health care…
Medicaid is a federally-
mandated health
insurance program for
people who meet
certain criteria, such as
low-income with
children, disabled
individuals, some Medicare is a health insurance
pregnant women, etc. program for people who are 65
The individual states years of age and older. Medicare
absorb the cost of basic Part A pays for hospital care,
health care for these inpatient services, home health, and
people, but also have hospice. Part B and D have some
the authority to decide cost to the patient. Part B pays for
who is eligible, how the physician, outpatient services,
much they will pay, and and medical equipment. Part D is for
what services qualify. prescription drug coverage.
Covering the cost of health care…
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
are one type of ‘managed care’. They put a
focus on and pay for preventative
measures that regular insurance
companies do not cover.
To keep costs down, they regulate which health care
providers can be seen and which diagnostic tests and
surgeries are absolutely necessary.
Workers’ Compensation is a
federally mandated program
requiring employers to
purchase insurance that
covers their employees for
injuries received on the job,
rehabilitation, and death
benefits.
 Covering the cost of health care…
The Civilian Health and Medical
Program of the Uniformed
Services (CHAMPUS/TRICARE) is
a government program providing
health care services to active,
retired, and veteran military
personnel and their families.

Will the U.S. start a

government health care
program of all citizens?
Some fear federal regulation, delayed or low quality services,
and tax increases. Others worry about no coverage at all.
 Health Care Liability…
Health care workers must perform their duties to the best of
their abilities, or face the consequences in criminal or civil
law suits. This is a responsibility or liability.
Criminal law punishes people for
breaking the law, i.e. stealing drugs
from a hospital or possessions
belonging to a patient.
Civil law punishes people for torts…
intentional or unintentional wrongful
acts that result in physical injury,
property damage, or damages to a
person’s reputation. The injured party
can be awarded compensation for
damages. Medical malpractice is one
type of tort that results from any kind
of mistake in medical treatment. Malpractice targets
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