Explore nine different health care careers across medical, therapy, and diagnostic professions. Research education requirements, interview professionals to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. Diagnosing, Hearing, and Whole-Person Care

    Choose 3

    Select three of the professions from Group 1 listed below which interest you, then complete the following:

    Group 1:

    1. Allopathic physician (MD)—all specialties
    2. Osteopathic physician (DO)—all specialties
    3. Podiatrist (DPM)
    4. Chiropractor (DC)
    5. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
    6. Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
    7. Optometrist (OD)
    8. Audiologist (AudD)

    1. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care.

    2. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected.

  2. Bedside Care and Fast Decisions

    Choose 3

    Select three of the professions from Group 2 listed below which interest you, then complete the following:

    Group 2:

    1. Physician Assistant (PA)
    2. Registered Nurse (RN)
    3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
    4. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
    5. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)
    6. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
    7. Pharmacist (PharmD)
    8. Pharmacy Technician
    9. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic

    1. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care.

    2. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected.

  3. Recovery, Communication, and Movement

    Choose 3

    Select three of the professions from Group 3 listed below which interest you, then complete the following:

    Group 3:

    1. Physical Therapist (DPT)
    2. Occupational Therapist (OT)
    3. Orthotist/Prosthetist
    4. Medical Appliance Technician
    5. Respiratory Therapist (RT)
    6. Medical Assistant
    7. Dietitian (RD)
    8. Speech-Language Pathologist (Speech Therapist) (SLP)

    1. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care.

    2. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected.

  4. Testing, Imaging, and Behind-the-Scenes Care

    Choose 3

    Select three of the professions from Group 4 listed below which interest you, then complete the following:

    Group 4:

    1. Biomedical Engineer (BME)
    2. Medical Technologist
    3. Phlebotomist
    4. Radiology Technologist
    5. Sonographer
    6. Medical Records Specialist
    7. Cytopathologist
    8. Histotechnologist

    1. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care.

    2. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected.

  5. Making the Most of a Workplace Visit

    Choose 1
    Select one career from any of the lists in Requirements 1, 2, 3, or 4 and arrange to visit that professional at their workplace. Discuss with your counselor the following:

    1. Why did they choose their particular career?

    2. What do they most like about their job?

    3. What are their biggest challenges in doing their job?

    4. Identify the tools/instruments that may be used in their jobs.

    5. What has been the most surprising aspect of their career?

    6. What continuing education requirements are required to maintain certification?

  6. The Physician's Oath

    Discuss with your counselor your understanding of the meaning of the Physician’s Oath.

  7. Confidentiality and HIPAA

    Describe the role of confidentiality between a patient and the health care provider. What is HIPAA?

  8. Recent Medical Breakthroughs

    Identify a medical advancement or discovery that has been in the news recently. Discuss with your counselor how this can affect patient care.

  9. Volunteer in Health Care

    With your parent or guardian’s and counselor’s approval, serve as a volunteer at a health-related event or facility in your community (e.g. blood drive, health fair, blood pressure screening event). Report to your counselor what you did and learned from the experience.