Careers in health and human services 

AUDIOLOGIST

Audiologists identify, diagnosis, and treat people experiencing disorders associated with the ear and hearing. These disorders may include hearing loss or balance problems. Audiologists utilize technical equipment such as audiometers and computers to assess a patient's ability to hear sounds of varying volume levels and to distinguish sounds of varying difference. Audiologists are also concerned with the nature and extent of hearing loss.

DEAF EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

 Individuals who want to work in deaf education can choose a career as an educator, school counselor, childcare provider, and other areas n human services. In a vast number of jobs, with or without higher degrees, they can serve as "ambassadors" between the mainstream society and the Deaf Community. Some professions in deaf education include:

Teachers who work with deaf students create specialized lesson plans that accommodate the needs of each student. Some teachers work at institutes that train the deaf to adapt to hearing loss, by teaching students sign language, lip reading or how to use adaptive technology. Other teachers may work as special education teachers at traditional schools where they provide deaf students with additional academic support.

School counselors with training in deaf education may help deaf students organize their school and social schedules. Counselors can also act as intermediaries between deaf students and teachers, or between students and parents. Some counselors may also give presentations that focus on school and life skills, including developing better study habits or handling bullies.

Childcare providers watch over children when parents or guardians are away, either working independently or at a licensed organization. Those who specialize in working with deaf children often possess additional training to address each child's needs. For pre-kindergarten deaf children, childcare providers may teach them basic sign language. They may also implement daily schedules to prepare children for school settings.

INTERPRETER

Sign Language Interpreting is a career that connects one community to another. In order to accomplish this, interpreters must relay the messages being presented to the highest degree of accuracy possible. This includes relaying tones of voice, feelings and attitudes. The only way that this is possible is to be fluent in both languages and be able to move between languages with ease.

The first step towards becoming a Sign Language Interpreter is to become fluent in a Sign Language, most commonly used in the United States, American Sign Language. Since the profession serves a variety of communication needs, interpreters must be versatile, objective, and reliable.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat patients who have speech, language, voice, fluency, or oral motor disorders. They also assist people who wish to improve their communication skills through changes in vocal pitch, quality, or accent. Speech-language pathologists utilize special instruments and tests to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.

ATHLETIC TRAINER

Athletic Training is an allied health professional that is responsible for the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. It also includes the education and counseling of athletes, parents and coaches along with administration and organizations of athletic medicine programs. Athletic trainers collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. The profession is recognized by the American Medical Association. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities.

EXERCISE SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL

Those working in the field of exercise science are concerned with the behaviors, mental processes and well-being of individuals, teams and organizations involved in sport and exercise. They typically specialize in either sport or exercise, although some work across both fields. They can work with athletes and teams, in amateur and professional levels, and also with the general public, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and advising on the psychosocial benefits that exercise can offer.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Physical education (PE) teachers organize games and challenges that promote physical activity among children and young adults from kindergarten to high school. Their goal is to develop motor skills and physical development among younger children and proper exercise and eating habits among older children. PE teachers must adjust their curricula to adapt to children with disabilities or different physical abilities. Some PE teachers also coach sports teams.

Nursing is an in-demand career that is both highly challenging and rewarding. Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patients with treatment and education, as well as participating in patient care evaluation and discharge planning. Nurses have a wide range of responsibilities, including understanding, administering, and evaluating the effects of a wide range of medicines, operating equipment and being leaders in patient care.

RNs choose from many specialties and areas, including intensive care, pediatrics, gerontology, critical care, surgical care, psychiatry, oncology, orthopedics, administration or education. In addition, nurses can be employed in settings that include hospitals, nursing homes, public health departments, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, military settings and much more.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury, disease, or biomechanical dysfunction. Physical therapists are integral members of the primary care team and are involved in prevention of disability and promotion of positive health. They are also acting consultants in restorative care.

 Physical Therapy practice today is based on well-developed body of scientific and clinical knowledge. Physical therapists apply knowledge from the basic, behavioral, and social sciences. Physical therapists must also demonstrate effective communication skills. Insight and sensitivity to the unique needs of diverse populations are essential to effectively maximize the individual's functional potential in society.

COMMUNITY RECREATION AND YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR

Those in this field provide professional services designed to meet the recreation and social development needs of communities, families, and individuals. Exposure to the leisure needs of all ages, with special focus on the needs of youth and the role of recreation in creating change are focal area. 

Employment may be found in settings such as: community recreation agencies, non-profit agencies, youth agencies, organizing camping, youth ranches, and K-12 and higher educational settings.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Often referred as therapeutic recreation specialists, those in this field provide treatment services and recreation activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. They help these individuals integrate by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. A variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, and music, are used to improve and maintain the physical, mental and emotional well-being of clients.

Recreation therapists work in clinical and community-based settings with individuals who have disabling conditions, such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric facilities, correctional facilities, community recreation departments, and group homes, just to name a few.