Veterinarian

When we have sore throats, pain, or fever, we go to the doctor. We might have a cold, the flu, or something more serious. However, when animals are sick they can’t tell us what’s wrong, and because their biology is different from ours, we have to take them to specially trained animal doctors, called veterinarians (or vets).

Veterinarians treat sick and injured animals, provide preventive medical services, and give advice about animal care and breeding to owners. They may specialize in the care and treatment of either small or large animals.

Small animal veterinarians deal mostly with household pets, such as dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and even reptiles. They usually work in cities and have owners bring their animals to a clinic or office-place.

Large animal veterinarians, who commonly work with horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and other farm animals, often have mobile practices. They may travel all over the countryside at all hours of the day and night, performing urgent procedures on sick or injured animals. This type of veterinarian does much of their work with food-producing animals on large, corporate-run farms.

The day-to-day work of veterinarians involves examining animals, making diagnoses, doing blood tests or x-rays, treating animals’ diseases or injuries, performing necessary surgery, and preventing animal illness through vaccinations. They are also often called upon to help very old, sick, or unwanted animals die in a relatively pain-free way.

Some veterinarians work with companies that develop and produce food or drugs to keep animals healthy. Others are employed by the government to inspect livestock for diseases. Quite a few take part in medical research projects that use animals as test subjects.

NOC Code: 3114

Sport Psychology Consultant

Competitive athletes need to be on top of their game at all times, mentally as well as physically. A single lapse in concentration can mean the difference between winning and losing. It is the job of sport psychology consultants to ensure that athletes are mentally prepared for competition.

Sport psychology consultants, or sport psychologists, teach athletes mental techniques to help them improve their performance. These techniques may focus on an athlete’s motivation, confidence, concentration, attitude, or goals. Consultants also help athletes cope with nerves and pressure.

For example, a consultant might teach a swimmer who is experiencing a lack of confidence to set realistic performance goals. As the swimmer reaches each of these goals, his or her confidence will improve. Similarly, a consultant might provide a nervous skier with relaxation techniques.

In many cases consultants’ clients are athletes who are experiencing a particular problem, such as an inability to concentrate during important games. However, consultants also counsel athletes who are not experiencing any problems with performance. They help these athletes to maintain a high level of mental fitness throughout their careers, to ensure that problems such as a lack of concentration do not develop. They may also help athletes prepare for a major competition, such as the Olympic Games.

Although consultants usually work on a one-on-one basis with clients, they occasionally work with groups of athletes. For example, a consultant may work with an entire team of basketball players to improve the team’s unity.

Sport psychology consultants also help athletes with areas of their career unrelated to performance. For example, they may help an athlete make the mental adjustments necessary to cope with coming back from an injury. In addition, some consultants help retiring athletes make the transition from sports to the “real world.”

Many people in this field work in academia (for example, as professors or department heads). These professionals teach students, conduct research into sport psychology, and publish their work in academic journals.

NOC Code: 4151

Speech-Language Pathologist

Most of us take communication for granted. We can say what we want, when we want, even if we’re not always eloquent. However, many people have speech and language difficulties that interfere with their jobs, relationships, and quality of life.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with people suffering from these types of difficulties. They diagnose problems, and develop and carry out treatment programs tailored to each patient's needs.

Language difficulties are sometimes related to learning disabilities or to conditions such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. In many cases, speech and language problems are the result of strokes or head injuries. Other problems, such as stuttering, have no clear cause.

For individuals with little or no speech capability, SLPs teach the use of alternative communication methods, including the use of automated devices and sign language. They teach patients how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively.

During the treatment process, an SLP may also use books, pictures, toys, or sophisticated equipment such as sound analyzers and multimedia computer programs.

Speech-language pathologists work in hospitals, schools, research institutes, community health clinics, and (increasingly) in private practice. In speech and language clinics they develop and carry out treatment programs. In hospitals, SLPs work closely with psychologists, occupational therapists, dentists, and other health professionals to diagnose and treat a wide variety of communication disorders.

In schools, SLPs work with teachers to improve speech and language in the classroom and to identify students who are at risk of developing long-term communication problems.

SLPs can choose to specialize in the treatment of specific types of disorders. For example, one may work primarily with elderly people who have had a stroke or suffer from Alzheimer’s, while another might deal with developmentally-delayed children.

In addition to treating patients or clients, SLPs teach families, therapists, teachers, and other caregivers about the nature of a client’s disorder and how appropriate support can be provided.

NOC Code: 3141

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists treat patients with chronic asthma, emphysema, or other lung diseases, and provide temporary relief and emergency care to victims of heart attacks, stroke, drowning, or shock. Their patients range from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to people whose lungs are diseased.

Respiratory therapists work alongside physicians, helping them diagnose and treat patients. To assess patients’ breathing, therapists ask them to breathe into machines that measures the size of their lungs and the amount of air in them. These readings, along with variables such as the sex, age, height, and weight of the patients, can help therapists diagnose whether or not patients have breathing disorders.

Therapists may also take blood samples from patients to analyze the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in their blood. To do this, they take an arterial blood sample from the patient, place it in a blood gas analyzer, and relay the results to a doctor.

Respiratory therapists use a variety of methods to treat patients. To deliver oxygen to patients who cannot breathe on their own, they can either use oxygen masks or insert small tubes into the patients’ noses. They also use chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications to treat patients.

Therapists sometimes have to connect patients to ventilators that send pressurized air into their lungs. To connect a patient to a ventilator, a tube is inserted down the patient’s windpipe so that oxygen can be sent directly into the lungs.

Other responsibilities include monitoring respiratory equipment, observing and assessing patients’ conditions, and recommending changes in treatment. Respiratory therapists record all relevant information in medical charts, and brief physicians on patients' progress. In addition, they educate patients on how to deal with their respiratory problems at home.

Making sure that respiratory patients understand their illnesses and know how to deal with them on a day-to-day basis is important. It is also necessary to relieve any fears that patients might have. Respiratory therapists may also instruct family and friends of patients on how to deal with emergencies or use breathing equipment at home.

NOC Code: 3214.1

Psychiatrist

Everyone gets worried, sad, and angry sometimes. But when someone’s moods and thoughts start to make daily life difficult, a psychiatrist can often help. Psychiatrists are specially trained doctors who treat people with mental and emotional disorders.

Psychological and physical conditions are sometimes related. Some psychological disorders are associated with changes in brain chemistry, while others may be partly hereditary.

One thing that makes psychiatrists different from counsellors and psychologists is that they are also medical doctors (they must complete medical school before studying psychiatry). When diagnosing and treating patients, psychiatrists consider biological factors as well as life events and stresses. They can order medical tests, prescribe medication, and have patients hospitalized if necessary.

Psychiatrists treat many different kinds of problems. Some of the most common are depression, manic-depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictions. Other problems include schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Schizophrenics may suffer from paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel compelled to perform time-consuming and disruptive rituals like washing their hands constantly or repeating certain phrases.

Many treatment plans involve both medication and psychotherapy. In psychotherapy, psychiatrists get people to talk about their thoughts and experiences. They help them understand their behaviour, and gain more control over it. Psychiatrists keep detailed records of their patients’ sessions and track their progress over the course of treatment.

Many psychiatrists obtain additional training so that they can specialize in areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or psychopharmacology. Forensic psychiatrists work with people with mental illnesses that cause them to get in trouble with the law. Psychopharmacologists are experts in psychiatric medications.

NOC Code: 3111

Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgery can alter or restore a person’s appearance. It can also help certain parts of the body to function better. We’ve all seen accidents and fires—either in person or on the news—and can only imagine what the victims of such traumatic events must go through afterward. For these people, plastic surgery can mean the difference between remaining scarred for life and having a chance at a new beginning.

Surgery that is carried out for the purpose of correcting an abnormal condition due to the effects of injury, disease, or a birth defect is known as reconstructive surgery. Conditions commonly treated by this type of surgery include cleft palates, tumours, burned or cancerous tissue, and facial fractures.

Plastic surgery performed for purely aesthetic reasons is called cosmetic surgery. These procedures alter tissue that is considered normal, solely for the purpose of improving its appearance. Examples of common cosmetic procedures include facelifts, “nose jobs,” and “tummy tucks.”

Plastic surgeons may specialize in reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, or they may focus on a single area, such as the hand, nose, or stomach. Others deal with a wide variety of patients and procedures.

Surgeons work with virtually every type of tissue in the human body—skin, muscle, fat, and nerve. For example, they can perform skin grafts to replace cancer-damaged tissue on the nose with healthy tissue from the neck or forehead. They also perform liposuction, which involves removing fat from areas of the body such as the neck, chin, abdomen, hips, and thighs.

New technology is always changing the way surgeons perform their jobs. Laser surgery is widely used to correct wrinkles, pigmentation changes, scars, and sun damage. This surgery is bloodless and leads to minimal scarring.

Another fairly recent technological advance is endoscopic surgery, in which a tube fitted with a light and a tiny camera is inserted into the patient through a very small incision. This allows the surgeon to view the procedure through a monitor as the surgery is controlled from outside. This means that no large incision is necessary, and bleeding, bruising, and nerve damage are minimized. Endoscopic procedures are used in tummy tucks, forehead lifts, and certain types of implants.

NOC Code: 3111

Physiotherapist

If you’ve ever sprained your ankle or broken your arm, you’ll know that it takes a while to rehabilitate the limb and ligaments and get them working properly again. Worse, if the limb is not exercised and encouraged to function normally, it might not work as well as it used to. This can affect a person’s physical and mental health.

Physiotherapists help people who have been ill or injured return to a healthy life. They also help people with permanent disabilities achieve the highest possible level of physical function. Their patients, or clients, include people who have sports-related injuries, or who have been through serious car accidents. They also see patients who are suffering from heart disease and other ailments, and those who are coping with diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy.

Physiotherapists see up to 30 patients a day. The first time they meet with a new patient, they learn about his or her medical history, and then perform a physical examination. Once they have determined what the problem is, they design a treatment plan and discuss it with the patient. Then, over the course of several visits, they administer this treatment. The treatment could involve hands-on therapy (such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization) or the use of hot and cold packs, ultrasound, lasers, and other mechanical tools.

In addition, physiotherapists teach patients specific stretches and exercises that allow them to take a more active role in the therapy process. They monitor their patients’ progress during visits and suggest possible treatment modifications. They also document each step of the treatment process, because quite often, reports must be made to doctors, insurance companies, and employers.

A number of physiotherapists choose to work at least part of the time in non-clinical settings such as universities or the research units of hospitals, where they often concentrate on teaching and research. Others work in the private sector as consultants. They show people how to reduce on-the-job injuries by creating safer, less physically stressful working conditions.

Physiotherapists who own and run their own clinics may spend a large part of their day dealing with administrative and managerial tasks.

NOC Code: 3142

Phlebotomist

If you’ve ever given blood at a blood bank, or had blood taken in a hospital for tests, chances are you’ve witnessed a phlebotomist at work. Phlebotomists are health care professionals who draw blood from patients. They work in blood banks, labs, hospitals, and other medical facilities.

Taking blood from a patient involves several steps. First, the phlebotomist measures the patient’s vital signs, such as his or her blood pressure and pulse. The next step is to briefly interview the patient to find out about any potential problems. Having blood taken can make some people feel weak, or even cause them to pass out. If this has happened in the past, the phlebotomist may have the patient lie down during the procedure.

In addition, some people feel anxious or nervous when giving blood, and the phlebotomist must ensure they feel comfortable. This may be accomplished by explaining the process to the patient, or simply by making small-talk. Once the patient is prepared, the phlebotomist can draw the blood.

The most common method of drawing blood is venipuncture, which involves collecting blood from a vein. The phlebotomist ties a tourniquet around the patient’s arm, locates an accessible vein, and sterilizes the area. The needle is then inserted into the vein, and blood is drawn into a collection bag or tube. The phlebotomist then withdraws the needle and, if necessary, applies a bandage to the patient’s arm. Sometimes phlebotomists collect blood by pricking the patient’s fingertip instead.

The final step is to process the blood sample. Phlebotomists who work in blood banks are responsible for labelling and storing the blood. In cases where the blood has been collected for medical tests, the blood sample is carefully labelled and sent to the lab, where it is tested by medical lab techs.

Sometimes phlebotomists are involved in the testing process itself. For example, they may assist lab techs by setting up tests for them to run on blood samples, or they may prepare slides of samples. Phlebotomists who work in blood banks may be responsible for testing blood samples to screen potential donors.

Most phlebotomists also perform general office duties. They may greet patients, answer the phone, order supplies, and update patients’ medical records.

NOC Code: 3212

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists in dispensaries—places where medications are given out. Pharmacists depend on the help of dedicated pharmacy techs to get their jobs done. Especially on busy days when there are six people waiting in line to get prescriptions filled. Without technicians, pharmacists wouldn’t have half as much time to perform their own duties.

Pharmacy technicians work in two main settings: hospitals and retail outlets. While both retail and hospital pharmacy techs are usually responsible for ordering, packaging, and storing drugs safely, their other tasks vary slightly depending on where they work.

Retail pharmacy technicians have a lot more contact with the public than those who work in hospital settings. These techs deal with customers directly. They receive written prescriptions and mix and fill them according to the pharmacist’s directions. They also act as cashiers when it’s time for the customers to pay their bills.

Hospital pharmacy techs, on the other hand, don’t see the patients directly. Instead, they are sent copies of medication orders. These orders are written by doctors on patient charts, copies of which are sent to the pharmacy on a daily basis from all the nursing stations. After the pharmacist reviews each order for errors or potential problems, the technician’s work begins.

First, the tech writes down relevant information about the patient and the prescribed medications in the patient's profile and updates it on a computer database. The tech then prepares drug doses to be handed out or administered by nursing staff.

Some medications are pre-packaged, so the technician only has to select the right package. In other situations, the tech needs to measure or count the prescribed amount from bulk containers. Technicians also prepare medication to be given through IVs and syringes.

Hospital techs may deliver drugs and pharmaceutical supplies to nursing stations. In addition, they may help process health insurance forms and field telephone questions or requests from other hospital staff.

NOC Code: 3414

Pharmacologist

Like pharmacists, pharmacologists deal with medicinal drugs like pain killers, antibiotics, and other drugs to regulate various diseases. But while pharmacists dispense the drugs to the public, pharmacologists do in-depth scientific research. They study known drugs (and other substances) and their interaction with the human body.

Pharmacologists’ research has made great contributions to medicine and health, from the eradication of diseases like polio to treatments for thinning hair and hyperactivity in children. This has all been achieved through the development of new drugs. And while great progress is being made in the field all the time, new challenges continue to present themselves. New discoveries raise more questions that stimulate more research.

Pharmacology involves many different sciences, including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology. As a result, there are many specializations within the field. Some scientists study the effects of drugs upon the body. Others explore how drugs are absorbed into a body. Still others study poisons and diseases.

At an early stage, all of this research is done in a laboratory setting. However, some pharmacologists, especially those in the pharmaceutical industry, follow the drug-creation process from the lab to the shelf. They conduct further tests on human volunteers, oversee a trial release of the drug to selected areas, and then work with the marketing department to spread word about the drug’s benefits.

Pharmacologists require good organizational skills. A project can go on for years, and every part has to follow carefully laid-out protocols and government regulations to make sure all drugs are safe and effective. It’s important to prioritize which things need to be done first. At every stage of development, pharmacologists have to interact with many other people from various occupations.

Some pharmacologists are also physicians. Others teach at universities, on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

NOC Code: 3111

Pharmacist

Many years ago, pharmacists spent most of their working days mixing and bottling pills, powders, and ointments. Thankfully, things have changed. These days, most medicines arrive pre-prepared and pharmacists and pharmacy technicians count them out and package them. Pharmacists supervise pharmacy technicians and ensure that the medicines are dispensed correctly. They also provide information to patients and customers.

Before filling prescriptions, pharmacists check the patients’ medical histories. This is important because the pharmacists need to make sure that patients are not allergic to the medication and are not taking any drugs that might interfere with their new prescriptions. Next, they tell patients how and when to take the medications. They also warn them of possible side effects and answer any questions they might have.

If a patient encounters any serious problems with medication, a pharmacist should be able to identify the nature of the problem and decide how to deal with it. This requires an in-depth knowledge of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Pharmacists are expected to know all the answers—or at least where to look them up.

Most pharmacists work in retail stores and hospitals. In addition to the duties mentioned above, both retail and hospital pharmacists supervise pharmacy technicians. Many also have to oversee the business side of running the pharmacy. For example, they make sure that the pharmacy is well stocked and that the medications are properly handled and stored. Pharmacists who work in hospital settings may also be involved in clinical research and public education projects.

Some pharmacists work for companies that manufacture and produce medicine—pharmaceutical companies. Their duties usually involve controlling the production of the medicine. They check all the ingredients and the procedures that are used in the manufacturing process.

NOC Code: 3131

Pediatrician

Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in the care of young people, from newborns to adolescents. They are involved in diagnosing and treating injuries, infections, and diseases for young patients, as well as counselling them through difficult times and situations, such as puberty and family problems.

Like other physicians, a pediatrician’s first responsibility is to diagnose illnesses. He or she does this by combining physical exams with the information in patients’ medical histories, and by ordering special tests (for example, x-rays and blood tests). Because they deal with children and teenagers, pediatricians commonly encounter diseases and problems such as asthma, lead poisoning, allergies, acne, and drug abuse.

Next, the pediatrician recommends treatment programs. These programs can involve medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or advice about exercise and nutrition.

During the treatment process, pediatricians often communicate with social workers, family members, and other health care professionals (such as nurses and specialists) in order to complete the diagnosis and decide upon treatment.

For example, a pediatrician may notice several signs in a young patient that suggest Attention Deficit Disorder. The patient might be irritable and unable to concentrate, and his or her parents might be concerned about school performance. In this situation, the pediatrician may decide to send the patient to a psychiatrist for treatment.

The role of pediatricians is becoming increasingly important as psychological and social conditions worsen for many children and adolescents. These doctors may be the first and best chance for young people faced with family violence, homelessness, and substance abuse.

Many pediatricians work within the community as children’s advocates, educating the public about issues such as car safety for infants or the benefits of school breakfast programs.

NOC Code: 3111

Pathologist

Pathologists are medical doctors who work behind-the-scenes in laboratories, investigating diseases. Using various laboratory techniques, they examine tissue, blood, and body fluid samples from patients to diagnose diseases. They pass this information on to patients’ attending physicians, who are then able to treat their patients accordingly.

For instance, imagine a patient has come to a physician with symptoms suggesting a blood disorder. The physician will have a blood sample taken, and send the sample to a laboratory to be examined by a pathologist.

Using a microscope to examine the specimen, the pathologist will look for signs of disease. Other diagnostic tests may be performed on the sample as well. After interpreting the results of the examination and tests, the pathologist will issue a report and provide the diagnosis to the physician, who can then treat the patient, if necessary.

Besides diagnosing diseases, pathologists also provide physicians with information about the progress and consequences of patients’ diseases. This information is vital to the attending physicians, who use it to determine how best to treat their patients. In many cases the physicians consult with the pathologist when making treatment decisions.

While pathologists are responsible for interpreting laboratory tests and making diagnoses, they do not always perform the actual testing and examination work themselves. Instead, some lab tests carried out by medical lab techs or by machines. However, pathologists are responsible for supervising the techs, ensuring the tests are accurate, and helping techs evaluate the test results.

Although many pathologists are generalists, others specialize in certain areas. For instance, anatomical pathologists concentrate on examining tissues to diagnose disease. Hematopathologists diagnose diseases involving blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes, while neuropathologists concentrate on diagnosing brain, nerve, and muscle diseases.

Perhaps the best-known subspecialty is forensic pathology. These pathologists perform autopsies on patients who have died unexpectedly, in order to determine the cause of death. However, only a small percentage of pathologists work in the area of forensic pathology.

NOC Code: 3111

Paramedic

Car accidents, heart attacks, poisonings, fires, unscheduled childbirths, cave-ins, and natural disasters—when people experience such traumas, they need help fast! This is where paramedics come in. It’s their job to rush to the scene of emergencies, provide immediate medical care, and get the patient to the hospital.

In many provinces, paramedics are called emergency medical technicians (EMTs). In these areas, only the most highly trained people within the profession are given the title “paramedic.”

Time is of the essence in this job. Fast and effective treatment saves lives and lessens the seriousness of many people’s injuries. When paramedics arrive at the scene, their first job is to figure out what kind of injury the patient has and how serious it is. At the same time, they must try to determine if the patient has any pre-existing medical conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes.

Working quickly, they give the patient whatever care and treatment they can, until they reach the hospital. This could mean anything from assisting the patient’s breathing to bandaging wounds. In some cases, they talk to doctors over the radio, who tell them what to do. Once they get to the hospital, paramedics brief emergency staff on the patient’s situation and medical history, and help with pre-admittance treatment.

The kind of patient care and treatment a paramedic provides depends on his or her level of training. EMTs with only basic training—often called emergency medical attendants or emergency medical responders—can administer first aid and perform basic procedures. These basic procedures may include opening airways, giving oxygen, immobilizing fractures, and bandaging wounds.

Intermediate level paramedics perform more advanced procedures. They can take blood and use defibrillators to give life-saving shocks to a stopped heart. In addition to doing all of the above, the most highly trained paramedics do even more complicated medical procedures.

After gaining some experience, a paramedic can become a supervisor, operations manager, administrative director, or executive director of emergency services. Some become paramedic instructors, firefighters, dispatchers, or police officers, while others move into sales or marketing of emergency medical equipment. Finally, some paramedics decide to return to school and become registered nurses, physicians, or other health care workers.

NOC Code: 3234

Orthopedic Surgeon

Our bones and joints can be fragile, and sometimes problems arise that require treatment. An ankle might be fractured or broken, a shoulder or knee might be dislocated, or the spine may not be properly aligned. Orthopedic surgeons, or orthopedists, are trained to treat these types of problems. These specialized physicians diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including problems affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

These surgeons work with patients with a wide variety of problems, including fractured bones, dislocated joints, ruptured discs, compressed spinal cords, and torn ligaments and tendons. These problems may be caused by aging or injury, or they may be present at birth. Some patients suffer from diseases such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy.

Patients are generally referred to orthopedic surgeons by their family practitioners. When a new patient comes in, the surgeon will first assess the patient’s condition, and then recommend a course of treatment. In many cases this treatment will involve surgery. However, orthopedic surgeons also treat patients using non-surgical methods, such as through the use of medications, exercise therapy, or casts and splints.

If surgery is necessary, the surgeon will explain the procedure to the patient, and answer any questions he or she might have. Common surgical procedures include carpal tunnel release, knee and hip replacement, spinal fusion, rotator cuff repair, and fracture repair. The work performed by orthopedic surgeons may involve using screws, wires, and pins to set bones into proper alignment, or replacing joints with prosthetic devices.

One of the most common procedures is arthroscopic surgery, which is usually performed on the knee or shoulder. The surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin, and inserts a compact instrument containing a lens and lighting system. By watching a television attached to this device, the surgeon can then see inside the joint. Sometimes arthroscopic surgery is used to assess the damage to the joint, in preparation for standard surgery. In other cases surgeons can correct the problem during the arthroscopic procedure, through the use of instruments designed to fit through small incisions.

Although many orthopedic surgeons work as generalists, others specialize in a particular area of orthopedics. For instance, many surgeons focus on working with a specific part of the musculoskeletal system, such as the spine, hand, or foot and ankle. Other areas of subspecialty include sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, and pediatric orthopedics.

NOC Code: 3111

Orthodontist

Malocclusion. English please? Okay, it means bad bite and it’s what orthodontists specialize in fixing. Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, protruding teeth, underbites, overbites—all of these problems are considered bad bite. Sometimes they’re inherited, and sometimes they’re caused by childhood illnesses or habits. But thanks to orthodontists, we don’t have to live with them.

Orthodontists are specialist dentists who correct irregularities in the way a person’s teeth are positioned. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, they force the teeth to move to a better position.

They usually start working on people when they are in their teens. The reason for this is that they want to work on a person’s permanent teeth, and these don’t usually arrive until the teen years. Sometimes, though, orthodontists will work on young children and try to stretch the jaw to make room for more teeth. Increasingly, they also work on adults.

Patients are usually referred to an orthodontist by a regular dentist. The first thing the orthodontist does for a new patient is a complete examination of the mouth so that a diagnosis can be made. To help diagnose problems, orthodontists may use x-rays, photographs, and plaster impressions of the teeth.

After a diagnosis has been made, the orthodontist decides whether he or she will use braces or retainers to correct the patient’s bite. If surgery is required, the patient will have to be referred to a surgical specialist.

NOC Code: 3113

Optometrist

Optometrists examine people’s eyes to diagnose vision problems, eye diseases, and other conditions. Using various instruments and their trained eyes, optometrists test for depth and colour perception, as well as the patient’s ability to focus and coordinate the eyes.

When necessary, optometrists prescribe corrective lenses and rehabilitative treatment. For example, an optometrist may diagnose someone with myopia, which means the person sees close objects clearly but can’t see distant objects with the same clarity. The optometrist will then prescribe lenses that adjust the way light rays enter the eye so the patient can see near and far objects with equal clarity.

Optometrists may also provide vision therapy for those with vision problems or those who have recently had eye surgery. If, while examining a patient, they find evidence of disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they refer the patient to another health care practitioner.

In addition, optometrists in most provinces and territories can remove foreign bodies, such as splinters, from the eye, and apply eye drops and ointments. Optometrists must follow any regulations set by their province or territory when performing these types of tasks.

Most optometrists work in general practice, but some specialize in eye care for children, the elderly, or partially sighted people. Others may develop ways to reduce on-the-job eyestrain for workers, specialize in sports vision, teach, research, or consult.

Optometrists should not be confused with ophthalmologists or opticians. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in all aspects of eye care. In addition to examining eyes and prescribing eyewear, ophthalmologists can perform eye surgery as well as diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries. Opticians fit eyewear according to prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.

NOC Code: 3121

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in protecting our vision. They diagnose and treat problems affecting the eye, including cataracts, glaucoma, eye trauma, retinal detachments, dry eye, and eye inflammation. Patients are usually referred to ophthalmologists by family physicians and optometrists.

When a new patient come in, the ophthalmologist first needs to diagnose the problem. They usually start by asking about the medical history of the patient, as this can aid in their diagnosis. For example, people who have diabetes are at increased risk to suffer eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Ophthalmologists may also ask the patient to describe any vision problems they are experiencing.

Next, they will conduct a thorough examination of the eye itself. They use special instruments to examine and measure the eye, and may perform tests to assess the vision of the patient. They may also order special photographs be taken of the eye so they can examine it in more detail.

Once the problem has been diagnosed, ophthalmologists will recommend a course of treatment for the patient. In some cases, the treatment may be as simple as prescribing medication such as pills or eye drops. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Ophthalmologists are trained to perform many different surgical procedures, depending on the problem. For instance, one of the most common procedures is cataract removal. Surgery on the eye requires the use of specialized instruments, including magnification tools, and ophthalmologists need excellent control and hand-eye coordination. In many cases, diseases and disorders are treated through laser surgery.

In addition to diagnosing and treating existing eye problems, ophthalmologists may also perform routine eye exams. For instance, they may perform annual eye exams for patients who are at higher risk of developing eye problems, such as those who have diabetes or AIDS. Ophthalmologists are also qualified to prescribe glasses and contact lenses when necessary.

Some ophthalmologists specialize in working with certain problems affecting the eye, such as the treatment of glaucoma, or diseases affecting the cornea. Other ophthalmologists focus on performing laser eye surgery to correct poor vision.

NOC Code: 3111

Oncologist

As a leading cause of death around the world, cancer is one of medical science’s greatest challenges. Most people will be affected by cancer at some point in their life, either by being diagnosed with it themselves, or by knowing someone else who is. When cancer is discovered, the medical experts we depend on are oncologists.

Oncologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. When another doctor, such as a family practitioner, finds evidence that a patient has or may have cancer, the doctor refers the patient to an oncologist for further tests and treatment.

There are many different ways oncologists can test for cancer, including physical exams, x-rays and other types of medical imaging, and biopsies. A biopsy is performed when a tumour is found and the oncologist wants to know whether or not it is cancerous. The patient is anesthetised and a piece of the tumour is cut off and removed from the body and then taken to a medical lab to be tested.

If the tests prove positive, the oncologist will recommend a course of treatment for the patient. The type of treatment the oncologist suggests or performs will depend on many factors, including the location of the cancer within the patient.

Although there is no cure for cancer, there are a number of different treatments at the disposal of oncologists. Treatment options include prescribing medicines that are designed to kill cancer cells, surgically removing cancerous tissue, and using radiation therapy to destroy cancerous cells.

Within the broader field of oncology, there are many areas of sub-specialization. The exact type of work that oncologists do depends on their subspecialty.

The three most common specialists in this field are medical oncologists, who treat cancer with medicine (chemotherapy), radiation oncologists, who employ radiation therapy, and surgical oncologists, who use surgical methods, such as the physical removal of tumours.

Other specialists include gynecologic oncologists, who treat female patients for cancers of the reproductive organs, and pediatric oncologists, who specialize in treating children.

NOC Code: 3111

Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Historically, many women and children died in childbirth. However, thanks in large part to the watchful eyes of obstetricians and gynecologists, women today are giving birth to healthier babies than ever before.

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are doctors who have completed a post-graduate residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

Obstetricians specialize in the process of birth. These doctors provide medical care and treatment for women both during and after pregnancy. They also deliver babies.

Gynecology is the area of medicine that deals with the reproductive systems of women. In addition to monitoring women’s overall health, gynecologists do everything from administering pap smears to performing hysterectomies.

While most obstetricians practice some gynecology, not all gynecologists are obstetricians. That is, not all gynecologists deliver babies.

With further training—usually 2 to 3 years—OB/GYNs can specialize further, often in areas such as infertility or high risk pregnancy.

NOC Code: 3111

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are nurses who have advanced academic and clinical training and experience. Their special training allows them to do many of the tasks traditionally reserved for medical doctors, including diagnosing, treating, and managing common illnesses.

Nurse practitioners usually work in collaboration with doctors, providing health care for people both when they are sick—“episodic” care—and when they are healthy—well-person care, or “check-ups.” They relieve doctors of many time-consuming tasks, and often work with people in need, such as the homeless or mentally ill.

Some of their work with patients may include doing physical exams; diagnosing and treating minor illnesses such as colds, flu, and infections; treating minor injuries; and providing immunization against disease. They also interview patients and take their medical histories.

In addition to administering direct patient care, nurse practitioners provide health-related information to patients and the community at large. For example, they may promote health education in the community and discuss nutrition and lifestyle with clients.

Other duties can include prescribing certain medications, ordering lab tests and imaging work, and interpreting medical reports. When necessary, they refer patients to doctors or other health care providers for consultation or specialized treatment.

Many nurse practitioners specialize in areas like pediatrics, school health, family and adult health, women’s health, mental health, home care, geriatrics, nurse-midwifery, and acute care.

NOC Code: 3152

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

What comes to mind when you think of nuclear technology? Energy? Bombs? Waste? It’s true that nuclear technology has very powerful and sometimes destructive applications, but it has other uses as well. Nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) use the nuclear properties of radioactive materials to diagnose diseases inside the human body. In fact, this is the one of the best ways to test for and diagnose illnesses like cancer, kidney failure, and heart disease.

To diagnose diseases, NMTs administer radiopharmaceuticals—chemicals formed by nuclear, or unstable, atoms—directly into the bodies of patients. This may sound dangerous, but the doses are so small they don’t harm the body. However, these tests do enable NMTs to take a look inside the patient. The work done by NMTs gives doctors the information they need to diagnose patients properly.

Before any tests are done, NMTs have to decide which radioactive material is right for the procedure. Different materials detect different things. NMTs must also calculate the proper dose and prepare the solution to be administered. These solutions are called “tracers.” Technologists discuss possible side effects of the procedure with the patients and answer any questions the patients might have.

Technologists usually administer the tracer by injecting it into the bloodstream, though some tracers are taken orally. Once the patient has received the tracer, the NMT traces its path through the body using special cameras and scanners. On the view screen, different colours indicate where the tracer has travelled, and what it has encountered. If necessary, the technologist can print out an image. These images help doctors diagnose the nature of the problem and decide on proper treatments.

Technologists keep records of each patient's prescribed medicine, visits, and progress. They also consult with physicians and update them on the patient’s condition.

In addition, NMTs look after their equipment and computers, making sure that everything is in working order.

NOC Code: 3215

Neurologist

Neurology is the medical field that specializes in the study of the human nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. It can be affected by debilitating diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as by mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The specialist doctors who treat patients suffering from these diseases and disorders are called neurologists.

Neurologists examine patients who have been referred to them by other physicians. There are many tests they can perform to diagnose a patient’s illness. Depending on the symptoms, they may physically examine the nerves of the head and neck, or test the patient’s balance, reflexes, muscle strength, and range of movement. They may also test the patient’s cognitive abilities, including memory, speech, and sensation.

In order to get more information, neurologists often have images made of parts of the nervous system through computed axial tomography (CAT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With these images they can diagnose the problem and prescribe a treatment plan.

Treatments vary depending on the neurological problem. They can include everything from referring the patient to a physiotherapist, to prescribing drugs, to recommending a surgical procedure.

Some neurologists specialize in certain parts of the nervous system or in specific procedures. For example, neurosurgeons specialize in surgical procedures related to the nervous system, such as the removal of brain tumours.

There are also many non-medical doctors, those with PhDs in subjects such as biology and chemistry, who study and research the nervous system. Working in labs in universities, hospitals, and private companies, these neuroscientists perform clinical and laboratory experiments and tests in order to learn more about the nervous system and find cures or new treatments for diseases and disorders.

There is a great deal of overlap between neuroscience and neurology. A large number of neurologists work in academic training hospitals, where they conduct research as neuroscientists in addition to treating patients and teaching neurology to student doctors.

NOC Code: 3111

Naturopath

Our ancestors probably had a lot in common with today’s naturopaths. They didn’t take pills when they got sick, as Tylenol and other pain killers hadn’t been invented yet. Just as naturopaths do today, they probably used plant and animal extracts to make themselves and their families well.

In today’s fast-paced environment, we rely a lot on synthetic medicines. However, many of these medicines tend to suppress symptoms rather than deal with the underlying cause. Naturopaths look beyond the immediate symptoms to find the cause of the problem. For example, a headache could be caused by stress, poor posture, or improper diet. Using non-surgical therapy and natural remedies, naturopaths focus on restoring the overall health of people, not just treating the areas where the symptoms appear.

One of the areas naturopaths focus on is disease prevention. To address this, they combine modern scientific knowledge with traditional methods of natural healing. They also encourage people to make changes in their lifestyles and to take a more active role in maintaining their health.

Many of the techniques used by naturopaths have been around for centuries. For example, the ancient art of acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Needles are inserted into the skin and are used to treat everything from allergies and arthritis to migraines and depression.

Naturopaths are trained in many areas. Some practice in several areas while others specialize. These areas include acupuncture and oriental medicine, botanical or herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, and water therapy. In addition, some work in the areas of lifestyle counselling, clinical nutrition, and soft tissue and joint manipulation.

Naturopaths use techniques and medicines that act in harmony with the body’s healing processes. According to homeopathic theory, for example, all symptoms, no matter how uncomfortable, represent the body's attempt to restore itself to health. Instead of trying to stop a cough with suppressants, as conventional medicine does, homeopathic remedies will cause a cough in a sick person. This stimulates the ill body to restore itself.

Although naturopathic medicine is focused on non-surgical methods of treatment, if naturopaths have patients who require conventional medical treatment such as surgery, they refer them to a medical doctor or the hospital.

Naturopathic medicine is a growing area. More and more people are turning to natural treatments as an alternative to conventional medicine. It’s not just a health practice—it’s a philosophy and a lifestyle.

NOC Code: 3123

Mental Health Nurse

Most of us take our mental health for granted. But just as our bodies can become sick due to illness, fatigue, or disease, so can our minds. Mental health nurses, also called psychiatric nurses, are there to help people who have difficulty coping with their lives. They provide professional support and care to people with all kinds of emotional and mental disorders.

Though the exact duties of mental health nurses vary depending on where they work, they all have common goals. They try to keep their patients safe, help them adjust to their environment, and as much as possible, help them regain their mental health. Nurses do all of these things by observing, assessing, and reporting on their patients’ conditions, providing therapeutic care and treatment to the patients, and in some cases, educating the community about mental health issues.

Together with doctors, psychiatrists, and social workers, mental health nurses assess their patients’ conditions and determine the best course of treatment and therapy. Once the initial assessment is made, the course of treatment and therapy begins. In addition to general nursing care, this can include counselling, planning recreational activities, administering medication, and monitoring the patients on an ongoing basis. Mental health nurses also work with families of patients to make sure that patients are getting all the help that they can.

Some mental health nurses specialize in working with children and adolescents and some work with the elderly. Many work in acute care facilities—with patients who are a danger to themselves and others. Some work only with prison populations, and others work with those who have substance abuse problems.

NOC Code: 3152

Medical Transcriptionist

Doctors are well-known for their messy handwriting. So how are the records at hospitals and other medical facilities kept accurate and legible? Through the work of medical transcriptionists. Transcriptionists use computers to transcribe medical information provided by doctors and other health care professionals. The records they produce become permanent medical records.

Transcriptionists listen to and transcribe medical information that doctors dictate into voice recorders. They also transcribe rough notes from medical reports and other written information produced by doctors. This can include patient histories, consultation reports, physical examination reports, operative reports, discharge summaries, autopsy reports, and referral letters.

The transcription process requires a strong familiarity with medical terminology. Many medical terms look or sound very similar, and transcriptionists need to be sure they are transcribing the information correctly. If they’re not sure about a word, they research it in medical textbooks or on the Internet before recording it in the transcribed record.

Transcriptionists should also be able to spot mistakes made by doctors. For example, a transcriptionist may notice that a doctor has been inconsistent with the name of a particular medication throughout a report. The transcriptionist would then check with the doctor to find out whether or not the information is correct. Because these records may affect the future care given to a patient, accuracy is essential.

Once they have transcribed the material, transcriptionists are responsible for proofreading the record they have produced. This involves checking for any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. The transcriptionist also edits the record for clarity—it must make sense to anybody who reads it. However, he or she must be careful not to change the meaning of the information provided by the doctor.

The completed record is then reviewed by the doctor. If any mistakes are found, the transcriptionist makes the necessary corrections. When the record has been approved by the doctor it becomes part of the patient’s medical file.

Transcriptionists who work in medical clinics and doctors’ offices may have additional duties besides transcribing. For example, they may answer the phone, schedule appointments, welcome and check-in patients, and look after the mail.

NOC Code: 1244

Medical Imaging Tech

You can often learn a lot from people’s photographs—you can see a little of their character and their personality. You can learn even more about people from “photographs” of their internal organs. These photographs can tell you about their physical make-up, the functioning of their nervous system, their bones, and any signs of illness.

Medical imaging techs use high-tech equipment to produce images of patients’ internal organs and bone structures. These images are used by physicians and specialists to help diagnose medical problems.

There are several areas of specialization in this field. X-ray techs, or radiographers, take images using radioactive equipment. MRI techs operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment that uses radio waves to produce images. Ultrasonographers operate ultrasound machines that use sound waves.

Radiographers may do anything from simple x-rays of broken bones to more complex procedures like fluoroscopies. A fluoroscopy usually involves giving the patient a special drink that filters through his or her body and allows the radiologist—a physician who interprets x-rays—to see moving images of soft tissues or organs as an x-ray beam passes over the patient’s body.

CT techs are radiographers who operate computerized axial tomography (CT) scanners to produce images of the brain and other organs. MRI techs operate machines that use large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create an image. MRIs give clear images of the body, particularly the brain and spinal cord.

Ultrasonographers send high-frequency sound waves into a person’s body to create images of organs. Ultrasound images are used to monitor pregnancies, and help in the diagnosis of heart problems, and vascular, abdominal, pelvic, and brain disorders.

Working with complex equipment is only one part of a medical imaging tech’s job. Another, and perhaps more important, part of the job is dealing with patients.

During a typical session with a patient, a medical imaging tech puts the patient in the proper position for the image to be taken, assists the patient if he or she is disabled, prepares the imaging equipment, and takes any necessary precautions. For example, an x-ray tech positions lead shields to minimize the patient’s exposure to radiation, explains the procedure to the patient, operates the equipment, and answers any questions or concerns that the patient may have.

NOC Code: 3215, 3216

Medical Illustrator

Whether it’s the image of a wound in the doctor’s office, or a diagram of the human nervous system in an anatomy textbook, most of us have seen some kind of medical illustration.

Medical illustrators are professional artists who create illustrations for the health and medical fields. This means that they have to have an understanding of science as well as artistic ability. Their work can be seen in a wide variety of places, including medical advertisements, textbooks, journals, magazines, brochures, charts, presentations, exhibits, and medicine packages. They may also prepare drawings for court cases.

Medical illustrators work with other types of media as well. They may work on films, videos, two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer animations, and websites. Some illustrators also create three-dimensional teaching models and prosthetic parts. A prosthetic part, or prosthesis, is an artificial body part, like an arm or leg.

Medical professionals, students, patients, and the public in general all benefit from the efforts of medical illustrators. Medical illustrations can show a doctor how to perform a medical procedure, and they can also educate the public about diseases and how the body functions.

There are different types of medical illustration. Some illustrations are precise and realistic, while others are abstract and interpretive. For example, illustrations of complicated procedures in medical textbooks must be extremely detailed and precise. On the other hand, there are also more basic or even humorous illustrations, such as the ones that are sometimes displayed in dental offices to show what happens if teeth aren’t brushed regularly.

Regardless of what they are drawing, medical illustrators start by gathering information about their audience and the subject matter. First, they need to know who will view the illustration and for what purpose. For example, is it for a public health brochure or a medical textbook?

Next, they read the written information on the subject, examine medical photographs and images, and perform any additional research. Finally, they create the images by hand or with computer programs. They may also add labels or captions to highlight important aspects of the illustrations.

Some illustrators choose to specialize in their work. For example, an illustrator may only do drawings that have to do with the eyes and eye surgery.

NOC Code: 5241

Massage Therapist

Most of us have had to deal with strained or stiff muscles, whether it was from playing sports, waking up with a stiff neck, or even dealing with a stressful personal crisis. This discomfort is usually caused by stress and injury to soft tissue (such as our muscles, nerves, and tendons), and can result in diminished flexibility, loss of soft tissue pliability, and chronic pain. Fortunately, therapeutic massage can help relieve these problems.

Massage has been used for centuries as a therapeutic form of pain relief. Stressed-out managers and injured athletes regularly visit massage therapists to lie on a massage table and have their muscles pushed, pulled, and kneaded. But you don’t have to be suffering from a painful sports injury to appreciate the benefits of a good massage. Massage is also used as a regular treatment to promote general good health.

Massage therapists manipulate a person’s skin with their hands to relax and exercise muscles and soft tissue and to soothe nerves. Therapists give back, neck, shoulder, foot, or full body massages, depending on the client’s needs. They work with both able bodied and permanently disabled people, helping them to manage and reduce pain and stress.

During a client’s first visit, the massage therapist takes a medical history, does an assessment, and discusses a treatment plan with the client. Then the appropriate massage treatment is carried out. Most treatments consist of hands-on therapy with the additional use of heat, cold, light, water, or other complementary equipment. Massage therapists may also consult with physiotherapists, chiropractors, doctors, and psychologists to develop treatment plans for clients.

Clients (or patients) of massage therapists include people with a variety of problems. For example, some may be suffering from insomnia, depression, or tension headaches. Others get treatment for whiplash, tendonitis, or sports injuries. Massage therapists also see people who have respiratory conditions such as asthma, or who have hypertension or high blood pressure. They often treat people with special needs, such as athletes, expectant mothers, infants, and the elderly.

Therapists are trained in a variety of different techniques. However, some choose to specialize. For example, they may choose only to practice cranial sacral, neuromuscular, or lymphatic drainage therapy. These techniques are introduced in the foundation training, but usually require additional training to use in actual therapy.

NOC Code: 3235

Kinesiologist

We get softer as we get older. Why? Because as we age, fat replaces muscle and if we don’t get enough exercise, we can develop musculoskeletal problems as we grow older. Kinesiologists know all about these and other problems related to the musculoskeletal system—and they know how to fix them.

Kinesiologists don’t focus on trendy quick-fix health fads or impossible exercise regimes. They use the science of physical movement to study and assess how the human body moves and functions and how this affects our health and productivity. With this knowledge, kinesiologists treat people and improve their performance in sports, in recreation, and at work. They also design programs and routines to prevent, manage, and rehabilitate injuries.

There are two main areas of kinesiology: clinical and ergonomic. Clinical kinesiologists work in chronic care facilities, institutions for the physically challenged, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics. These facilities treat people who have suffered head injuries, sports injuries, accidents, falls, heart attacks, and strokes.

Clinical kinesiologists assess their clients by testing their muscular strength and flexibility and assessing their posture. They then treat them by showing them various exercises designed to improve their posture, strength, and flexibility. They often guide clients through movement patterns that can alleviate stress on injured areas and improve incorrect or damaging movement habits.

For clients who have been in a hospital for some time, clinical kinesiologists may prescribe conditioning programs that prepare them for their return to work. They also have an educational role and give as much information to clients as they can about body mechanics. In addition, they show them how to manage their injuries and disabilities.

Clinical kinesiologists also keep records of clients’ treatment plans, progress made, and recommendations for further treatment and discharge. At the end of a course of treatment, the kinesiologist gives a report to the client, the physician, and if necessary, the employer.

Ergonomic kinesiologists are concerned with improving employees’ work environments. They may specialize in work site analysis or workplace health and safety. Work site analysis involves looking at work environments and the physical demands of a job and comparing that work site with industry standards.

Ergonomists may also recommend changes that will help injured workers return to work more quickly and efficiently. Those in health and safety help workers prevent injury. For example, the incorrect positioning of a chair and computer in an office setting can put undue strain on neck, wrist, and back muscles.

Like clinical kinesiologists, ergonomic kinesiologists prepare reports that summarize findings and offer further recommendations.

NOC Code: 4167

Health Records Professional

People tell doctors all about their aches and pains, so that they can get treatment and relief from the pain. But in order to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the best treatment, doctors need accurate and detailed health records that describe their patients’ medical histories. That’s where health records professionals come into the picture.

Health records professionals make sure that adequate records are taken for each patient, and that the records are organized, stored, and available for the patient's next visit. This may include information taken during previous visits, test results, and notes on any allergies the patients may have. Sometimes, they may also have to collect medical information for use in budgets, health care research, and even court cases.

When a patient visits a medical clinic or hospital, the health records professional retrieves that person’s file, and gives it to the doctor. Before treating a current illness, the doctor always reviews the file. This review is important. If the patient is allergic to certain medications or has a disease such as diabetes, special precautions may have to be taken.

Once the doctor has talked to the patient, any new treatment is recorded by entering a special code in the patient's file. When the patient leaves, a health records professional—who is familiar with all the codes—checks the file to make sure the information is complete. The file is then returned to the archives so that it is readily accessible and available for the patient’s next visit. This process happens every time a doctor or other health care professional meets with a patient.

Health records professionals must make sure that patient files are kept confidential. They must be aware of the various laws dealing with the disclosure of medical information. Generally, medical records can only be read by medical professionals, the patient, or anyone the patient authorizes, such as an insurance company.

These professionals may use some of the information they process to create reports about diseases and treatments. For example, they may calculate the number of cancer patients who have received and benefited from chemotherapy. Or, they may collect and present information that is used to develop budgets and control costs.

The term “health records professional” is often used to describe both health records technicians, who perform the duties mentioned above, and health records administrators, who supervise the technicians.

NOC Code: 1413

Health Care Administrator

Doctors and nurses are the workers we most readily associate with hospitals and other medical facilities. But have you ever wondered who makes sure that there are enough nurses working on Saturday nights, or that each medical department has enough funding to treat its patients?

Health care administrators work behind the scenes to make sure everything operates smoothly. Administrators don’t just work in hospitals, however. You’ll also find them running outpatient clinics, drug abuse treatment centres, home health care agencies, and long-term care facilities, as well as doctors’ offices and clinics. It is their job to ensure that health service centres operate efficiently and provide proper care to patients.

Responsibilities for administrators change from day to day, as they deal with a wide range of issues. Common administrative duties include developing policies and procedures, ensuring that policies and laws are being followed, planning and coordinating departmental activities, and planning and evaluating health programs.

Other tasks include fundraising, budgeting, accounting and financial management, and the hiring, firing, and training staff members. Some administrators may also be involved with evaluating patient services, developing and expanding medical programs, and community health planning.

Duties also vary slightly depending on the size of their position and the organization. For example, the top administrators of large centres—often known as chief executive officers, or CEOs—spend a lot of their time making sure that governing boards, medical staff, and department heads are all working together for the good of the organization. They assign work to assistant administrators who operate departments such as personnel, training, or surgery. In small facilities, however, the administrator is usually in charge of all departments.

NOC Code: 0311

Gerontologist

We can’t feel it, but it’s happening all the time. We’re aging. Eventually, we’ll all have to adjust to things like reduced mobility or age-related illness. Older people have specific health, social, and psychological needs. Gerontology focuses on many different facets of aging, including the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects. Gerontologists are professionals who attempt to understand and address the needs of the elderly.

The term ‘gerontologist’ encompasses a wide variety of professionals who work with the elderly. Some gerontologists work with older people through community service programs. Others research physical and psychological aspects of aging. All aim to improve the quality of our lives as we get older.

Gerontology relates to many fields, including biology, psychology, education, environmental studies, ethics, health, human ecology, law, public administration, recreation, and sociology. Gerontologists can be found in all these areas, and the field is still growing.

One of the emerging areas in gerontology is adult day care. Many elderly people, including Alzheimer’s patients and stroke victims, live alone. Although some don’t need round-the-clock supervision, they can still benefit from daily social interaction. In addition, they often find it helpful to receive prepared meals, and assistance with medications. Adult day care centres provide this care and assistance. They usually organize group outings as well.

Some gerontologists enter the profession at the beginning of their professional lives. Others enter the field after working as nurses, social workers, doctors, physiotherapists, or financial planners. For example, people with qualifications in physiotherapy may choose to focus their skills on therapeutic techniques that help relieve muscle, nerve, and joint problems in the elderly.

Similarly, people with qualifications in social work can specialize in helping elderly people. They may visit their clients at home, monitor their health, and make arrangements for special services such as meal delivery.

NOC Code: 4169

Genetic Counsellor

The study of genetics is transforming our understanding of how our bodies form and develop. You can think of genes as the instructions our bodies follow to build the proteins that, ultimately, make us. We inherit many of our genes, and therefore many of our physical characteristics, from our parents. Researchers are discovering that a lot of birth defects and illnesses are caused or influenced by genes as well.

The consequences of this knowledge for individuals and families are complex and have created the need for genetic counsellors.

One of the main fields for genetic counsellors is pre-natal work. If there is a serious disorder or illness in your family, you may be able to get an estimate of how likely your child will be to suffer from it. Some people seek this information before they decide to have children. In other cases, signs of genetic disorder appear once a pregnancy has begun. Genetic counsellors explain what tests are available and help people understand the complicated science involved in genetic risk.

If a problem is detected during pregnancy, genetic counsellors are there to provide emotional support as well as medical information. Parents may have to decide whether or not to continue a pregnancy. This is a deeply personal decision, and genetic counsellors never try to advise people what to do. Rather, they identify the risks and options as clearly as possible, so that parents can make well-informed decisions in accordance with their own values.

The genetic counsellor will provide information about the chance of another pregnancy being similarly affected, and about options such as adoption or the use of reproductive technologies.

Some genetic counsellors are also involved in pediatrics. They work with medical geneticists to collect information and teach parents about genetic conditions in children.

A growing number of genetic counsellors specialize in helping families understand the genetics of adult diseases, such as cancer. As research on the genetic factors involved in infertility, heart conditions, and psychiatric conditions advances, genetic counsellors are moving into those areas as well.

Because they work closely with so many clients, there is a research component in genetic counsellors’ work. They stay abreast of current research on human genetics, and keep records of the individuals and families they see. They also teach other professionals and the public about genetics and genetic counselling.

Family Practitioner

Family practitioners are the health care professionals who are closest to us in our daily lives. We are examined by these doctors from infancy to old age, and they are the ones who diagnose our illnesses, treat us, and refer us to specialists if we have a more serious disease or disorder. If you are interested in a medical career in which you can form close personal connections with your patients over time, working as a family practitioner might be the ideal career for you.

A family practitioner’s first responsibility is to diagnose patients’ illnesses. This is done by combining physical examinations with the information in patients’ medical histories, and by ordering x-rays, blood tests, and other tests. Next, a treatment program is recommended. Treatments can involve medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or advice about exercise and nutrition.

During the diagnosis and treatment process, family practitioners often communicate with nurses, medical lab techs, physiotherapists, and other health care professionals. In some cases, family practitioners will suggest that a patient see a specialist.

For example, if a family practitioner believes that a patient is suffering from depression, he or she might suggest the services of a psychologist or psychiatrist. A patient with an unusual and serious rash might be referred to a dermatologist.

As primary care physicians, family practitioners are on the front lines of the health care industry. They deal with patients of all ages, and diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. Whereas specialists concentrate in a particular area of medicine, such as neurology, family practitioners must maintain a broad base of medical knowledge.

NOC Code: 3112

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are health researchers or scientific detectives who look at the big picture—not individual cases. They look at epidemics, which are large outbreaks of disease or illness, and try to find out the cause of the outbreak. They also look at how diseases can be prevented. It was epidemiological research that first proved smoking was associated with increased risk of cancer and many other diseases.

Epidemiologists solve a lot of their cases by looking for risk factors—the things that make a disease more likely to develop. To uncover risk factors, they gather statistical data about different groups of people and compare the sets of data to see what the similarities and differences are. For example, epidemiologists discovered that smoking was associated with lung cancer by comparing people who had lung cancer with people who didn’t. They found that the people with lung cancer were more likely to have smoked than those who did not have it.

There are a wide range of diseases and health issues that epidemiologists commonly deal with, including alcohol and drug abuse, poor mental health, and virus outbreaks. In addition to considering scientific and medical factors, they may also look at social, environmental, and economic issues when they do their research. For instance, if they found that many of the people in a small town were getting cancer, they would probably try to find out if there was something in the environment that was contributing to the risk of getting the disease.

Although epidemiologists are not always trained as medical doctors, they undergo extensive education in the health sciences. They are also well-trained in statistics.

NOC Code: 2161

Environmental Health Officer

The last thing you should be thinking about as you sit down at a restaurant is whether or not the salad or cutlery has been washed. This is part of the job of environmental health officers. They make sure that communities are protected from disease by inspecting all kinds of public places, from restaurants to retirement homes.

Environmental health officers, also known as environmental or public health inspectors, prevent disease by enforcing health legislation and educating people about health issues. They investigate complaints and inspect facilities to make sure the owners and employees are following health regulations. They are responsible for inspecting many different types of public facilities, including hotels, motels, restaurants, schools, swimming pools, and childcare centres.

Specific duties vary depending on the area that an officer is working in. For example, when investigating restaurants, officers examine the way food is stored, as well as how and where it is prepared. They are also concerned with how the food is served and whether or not the utensils and plates are properly sanitized before and after use. Samples of food, water, or other products may be collected for lab testing.

Officers make sure business owners are aware of health policies and laws regarding diseases passed through food, water, animals, or unsanitary conditions. They check outdoor and indoor air quality and are responsible for verifying a site is free of insect or rodent infestation. In addition, they investigate environmental health complaints

Some inspectors may be responsible for inspecting industrial plants. They test for air pollution and investigate toxic materials storage and disposal. If necessary they assess septic and water treatment systems, check solid-waste disposal sites, and look for signs of contamination in the soil. They may also investigate workplace safety, although this is usually the job of an occupational health and safety officer.

After visiting an establishment, officers are responsible for preparing reports. If the establishment is not complying with regulations they may issue notices of violation and list corrections that need to be made.

Sometimes, environmental health officers find themselves in difficult situations. For example, if a restaurant ignores the officer’s orders to improve its sanitation procedures, there may be a risk of a food-poisoning outbreak. Therefore, officers may have to confront owners and issue citations, forcing owners to appear in court.

The officers also provide educational and consultation services for environmental health and safety practices. This may involve speaking to groups of industrial managers, food vendors, property owners, or tenants. It may also include conducting classes and demonstrations on sanitary methods and procedures.

NOC Code: 2263

Electroneurodiagnostic Tech

Electroneurodiagnostic (END) technology is a relatively new technology that can measure the electrical activity in various parts of the human brain and nervous system. These measurements are used to diagnose injuries, disorders, and diseases.

END techs use this equipment to perform a wide variety of tests that record electrical activity arising primarily from the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and somatosensory (sleep) systems. Techs understand neurophysiology—the study of how the nervous system functions—and they can recognize normal and abnormal electrical activity.

END techs have several main duties. They take patients’ medical histories, prepare them for procedures, and apply electrodes to specific areas on the patient’s head, chest, arms, legs, or spinal column. Techs then record electrical activity and calculate the results. END techs work with physicians who interpret the data and provide clinical impressions. They also maintain the equipment they use.

END technology has grown out of, and still includes, electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. An EEG is a recording of the ongoing electrical activity of the brain. The electrical activity appears as specific patterns of wavy lines. Physicians use these patterns to determine the health of nerve cells. EEGs help physicians diagnose brain disorders, evaluate the effects of head trauma, or determine the consequences of severe infectious disease.

Apart from the EEG, the most common electroneurodiagnostic procedures are the evoked potential (EP), the polysomnogram (PSG), the electronystagmogram (ENG), and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

An EP is a recording of electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves, and sensory receptors that occurs in direct response to external stimuli. After the electrodes have been attached, an END tech sets up the equipment to apply specific stimuli until the patient reacts.

A PSG is a special procedure that evaluates sleep and sleep disorders. These tests are carried out in a sleep clinic. Techs record heart, brain, respiratory, and organ activity and separate the readings according to the stage of sleep. The techs may also write reports summarizing the results.

NCS is used to diagnose muscle and nerve problems. Techs place the electrodes over a nerve and muscle and then stimulate the nerve with an electrical current. They record how long it takes the nerve impulse to reach the muscle.

An ENG is used to record eye activity.

NOC Code: 3218

Dietitian

By eating the right foods, people can stay healthy—and even regain their health. Many people, however, need help in choosing the right foods. That’s where dietitians come in. They help people assess their nutritional needs and improve their health by changing their diets.

Dietitians also design special diets for people who have certain illnesses. For example, they may prescribe low-fat, low-salt meals for those suffering from heart disease. Some dietitians even deal with critically injured and comatose patients who require specialized, intravenously-administered diets.

There are different kinds of dietitians. Clinical dietitians provide comprehensive nutritional services for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions. They may concentrate their efforts on certain groups of people, such as cancer patients or those who suffer from obesity. Keeping strict records on the results of their treatments is an important aspect of their job.

Community or public health dietitians often work with specific groups, such as senior citizens, students, or at-risk communities. They use a variety of methods to teach the communities they deal with about proper nutrition. For instance, to teach people about the benefits of healthy eating, they may hold group classes, give seminars, and develop fliers or radio and television ads.

Foodservice management dietitians handle large-scale meal planning and budgeting for hospitals and company cafeterias. It is their job to hire, train, and direct other dietitians and foodservice workers. They budget the amount of money to be spent on food and purchase the food, equipment, and supplies. Administrative dietitians may also enforce sanitary and safety regulations and prepare records and reports.

Private sector dietitians usually work for food processing companies, helping them create and publicize food products. They may analyze foods and develop product labels or prepare other literature explaining the nutritional content of the products.

Dietitians can also teach or be consultants. Teaching dietitians lecture on nutrition, food chemistry, or food service administration to students of nursing, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and other health disciplines. Those who work as consultants set up their own businesses and offer their expertise on food and diet to both companies and individuals.

NOC Code: 3132

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

When you think of an ultrasound, you probably think of the medical technology used to see images of a baby during pregnancy. But did you know that ultrasound exams are also used to take images of many different parts of the body? The images produced by these exams are used by physicians to detect and assess a wide range of medical conditions.

The medical professionals who perform ultrasound exams are called diagnostic medical sonographers. They use special equipment to capture images of patients’ internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. Many sonographers specialize in performing ultrasound exams on a certain area of the body, such as the abdomen, reproductive system, brain, or eyes.

Before beginning an ultrasound exam, sonographers review their patients’ medical files, including information about any previous tests. They also explain the procedure to the patient, making sure he or she understands exactly what will happen. Next, the sonographer positions the patient on the examination table, and spreads gel over the area of the patient’s body to be examined. Once this preparation is complete, the sonographer uses specialized equipment to capture the images.

Ultrasound images are captured using sound waves. The sonographer places a small device called a “transducer” on the patient. The transducer sends out high frequency sound waves. This causes “echoes” to be sent back from inside the body, which are recorded by the transducer. The echoes are sent to a specialized computer where they are translated into images that can be viewed on a screen.

Sonographers need to get the best images possible. To do this, they may need to move the transducer around, change the position of the patient, or adjust settings on the computer. Once they are satisfied with the images shown on the screen, sonographers make notes about what they see. For example, they may take measurements or make note of a fluid build-up. The captured images are then recorded and stored by the sonographer.

When the exam is complete, sonographers select the images to be shown to the radiologist (a physician specializing in imaging technologies), who interprets the results and makes a diagnosis. Ultrasound images are used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and abdominal problems. They also help physicians monitor pregnancies.

Sonographers are often required to write reports for physicians to read, in which they present the findings of the ultrasound. Other duties performed by diagnostic medical sonographers include updating and maintaining patients’ records, scheduling sonography appointments, and cleaning their equipment.

NOC Code: 3216

Developmental Service Worker

Developmental service workers provide care and support to children and adults with disabilities. They often work with people who have intellectual disabilities, which means they have an impaired ability to learn.

The causes of intellectual disabilities are numerous, and can include Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and head injuries. Developmental service workers may also work with clients who have a physical disability, or who have more than one disability.

The term developmental service worker encompasses a wide range of people, who work in a variety of settings. They help clients at school, at work, at home, in their recreational activities, and in the community. Regardless of where they work, their goal is the same: to meet the needs of their clients and to help them function as valued members of society.

The specific tasks they perform vary depending on where they work and the needs of their clients. For instance, some people work as educational assistants in elementary or secondary schools, where they provide classroom assistance to special needs students who need help with their lessons. Others work in vocational support positions, helping clients find work and teaching them necessary job skills.

Some developmental service workers provide care in residential situations. Their clients may live in group homes, with their families, or independently in their own homes. Depending on the situation, workers may be responsible for tasks such as administering medication, assisting with hygiene and meal preparation tasks, providing help and support to family members, and helping clients keep up with day-to-day chores such as paying bills or buying groceries.

Other people in this field are involved in day programs that provide services for the developmentally disabled. For example, they might lead “life skills” training programs, which help clients enhance the practical skills needed for everyday living, such as personal care, domestic, and social skills. Other programs offer opportunities to participate in the community or in recreational activities. Some day programs may be directed at a particular age group, such as children or elderly people, or to clients with a particular disability, such as autism.

Besides providing care and support to their clients, people in the developmental services field often function as advocates for the intellectually challenged. They work to ensure the full inclusion of their clients in society by helping them successfully integrate into their communities, schools, and workplaces, and by challenging common misconceptions about the intellectually disabled.

NOC Code: 4212

Dermatologist

Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies. We wear it every day, so it’s important to take care of it. Most people have had some kind of skin problem, whether it’s a rash, a mosquito bite, or a wart. But what do you do if it is something more serious? That’s when you consult a dermatologist.

Dermatologists are physicians who specialize in the care of skin, hair, nails, and “wet skin” areas of the body such as the mouth. They have extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and the various kinds of skin cancers. They are able to recognize allergic and non-allergic disorders and symptoms of internal diseases that first appear on the skin. They also have expertise in managing cosmetic skin problems, such as acne, hair loss, and scars.

There are many different ways to treat skin disorders: creams, oral medications, ultra-violet light, and lasers. Dermatologists often have to perform surgery to treat patients. For example, a dermatologist might have to remove a cancerous skin tumour. Some do research to find cures for skin-related illnesses, such as malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

Dermatologists help prevent skin conditions from occurring by educating people on protection. For example, they might counsel patients to wear sunscreen or avoid contact with harsh chemicals. They also show their patients how to detect early signs of potential problems, like skin cancer.

In addition, dermatologists provide emotional support to patients with skin diseases. If a patient has a problem that people can see, such as acne, it can be embarrassing. Patients may suffer from a lack of confidence. Dermatologists provide reassurance and help patients deal with their disease.

Many dermatologists specialize in dermatologic surgery, skin cancer, or pediatric dermatology. As well as examining and treating patients, some teach medical and dermatology students.

Cosmetic dermatology is a growing area of practice. Dermatologists can improve the appearance of skin damaged by aging, sunlight, or disease. Some of the ways they do this include chemical peels (a form of skin rejuvenation), liposuction (a type of fat removal), and the removal of skin growths, discolouration, or unwanted veins.

NOC Code: 3111