The Health sector provides a meaningful opportunity to care for individuals from all backgrounds and with a wide range of needs. As California’s population continues to grow and age, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals is rising across the state. To meet this need, California is investing $6.4 billion to expand its behavioral health system, creating new pathways and job opportunities in mental and community health.
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Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials
Priority occupations are in-demand, living-wage careers that can be accessed with community college credentials.
How much will I make per hour?
| What can I train for? | Job openings per year | Entry-level | Median | Experienced | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental AssistantsPriority occupation | 525 | $23.04 | $27.79 | $30.42 | View programs |
| Dental Hygienists | 183 | $58.09 | $59.97 | $61.09 | View programs |
| Emergency Medical Technicians | 122 | $20.51 | $24.00 | $36.57 | View programs |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesPriority occupation | 569 | $36.53 | $39.25 | $45.58 | View programs |
| Medical AssistantsPriority occupation | 1225 | $23.32 | $28.76 | $36.29 | View programs |
| Medical Records SpecialistsPriority occupation | 121 | $26.53 | $35.42 | $42.37 | View programs |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative AssistantsPriority occupation | 950 | $22.38 | $27.51 | $30.75 | View programs |
| Nursing Assistants | 1216 | $21.93 | $22.92 | $24.54 | View programs |
| Pharmacy TechniciansPriority occupation | 301 | $23.16 | $27.93 | $36.77 | View programs |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 116 | $34.98 | $39.41 | $44.89 | View programs |
| Psychiatric TechniciansPriority occupation | 143 | $22.38 | $23.10 | $29.00 | View programs |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 108 | $47.95 | $64.89 | $76.14 | View programs |
| Registered NursesPriority occupation | 1793 | $62.68 | $81.73 | $94.62 | View programs |
| Respiratory TherapistsPriority occupation | 89 | $52.83 | $63.66 | $67.18 | View programs |
| Social and Human Service AssistantsPriority occupation | 546 | $22.32 | $25.79 | $30.20 | View programs |
Dental AssistantsPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
525How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $23.04/hr.
- Median: $27.79/hr.
- Experienced: $30.42/hr.
Dental Hygienists
Job openings per year:
183How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $58.09/hr.
- Median: $59.97/hr.
- Experienced: $61.09/hr.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Job openings per year:
122How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $20.51/hr.
- Median: $24.00/hr.
- Experienced: $36.57/hr.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
569How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $36.53/hr.
- Median: $39.25/hr.
- Experienced: $45.58/hr.
Medical AssistantsPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
1225How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $23.32/hr.
- Median: $28.76/hr.
- Experienced: $36.29/hr.
Medical Records SpecialistsPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
121How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $26.53/hr.
- Median: $35.42/hr.
- Experienced: $42.37/hr.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative AssistantsPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
950How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $22.38/hr.
- Median: $27.51/hr.
- Experienced: $30.75/hr.
Nursing Assistants
Job openings per year:
1216How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $21.93/hr.
- Median: $22.92/hr.
- Experienced: $24.54/hr.
Pharmacy TechniciansPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
301How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $23.16/hr.
- Median: $27.93/hr.
- Experienced: $36.77/hr.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Job openings per year:
116How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $34.98/hr.
- Median: $39.41/hr.
- Experienced: $44.89/hr.
Psychiatric TechniciansPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
143How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $22.38/hr.
- Median: $23.10/hr.
- Experienced: $29.00/hr.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Job openings per year:
108How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $47.95/hr.
- Median: $64.89/hr.
- Experienced: $76.14/hr.
Registered NursesPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
1793How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $62.68/hr.
- Median: $81.73/hr.
- Experienced: $94.62/hr.
Respiratory TherapistsPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
89How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $52.83/hr.
- Median: $63.66/hr.
- Experienced: $67.18/hr.
Social and Human Service AssistantsPriority occupation
Job openings per year:
546How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $22.32/hr.
- Median: $25.79/hr.
- Experienced: $30.20/hr.
Top Employers & Skills
Employers
- Sutter Health
- CommonSpirit Health
- UC Davis Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- Adventist Health
- Oakmont Senior Living
- CVS Health
- University of California, Davis
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- PDS Health
- Maxim Healthcare Services
- Golden Years In-Home Senior Care
- Blue Shield of California
- Walgreens Boots Alliance
- DaVita
- State of California
- Tahoe Forest Health System
- Costco
- UnitedHealth Group
- AccentCare
Specialized skills
- Nursing
- Medical Records
- Treatment Planning
- Caregiving
- Home Health Care
- Medical Terminology
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Patient Education and Counseling
- Medication Administration
- Infection Control
Technology & software skills
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
- Epic EMR
- Patient Management Software
- Dentrix
- Spreadsheets
- Productivity Software
- Microsoft Access
- Zoom
- Project Management Software
- eClinicalWorks (ECW)
Employability skills
- Communication
- Management/Leadership
- Customer Service
- Operations
- Coordinating
- Scheduling
- Compassion
- Problem Solving
- Detail Oriented
- Confidentiality
Lightcast 2026.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research
Dental Assistants
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Certified Registered Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant (DA)
- Expanded Dental Assistant
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
- Oral Surgery Assistant
- Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Assistant)
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Surgical Dental Assistant
Tasks:
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
- Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
- Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
Dental Hygienists
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Dental Hygienist
- Hygienist
- Licensed Dental Hygienist
- Pediatric Dental Hygienist
- Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Tasks:
- Record and review patient medical histories.
- Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- Expose and develop x-ray film.
- Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
- Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
- Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
- Maintain patient recall system.
- Feel lymph nodes under patient’s chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
- Administer local anesthetic agents.
- Remove excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
- Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
- Make impressions for study casts.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- First Responder
Tasks:
- Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
- Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
- Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
- Comfort and reassure patients.
- Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of survivors, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
- Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.
- Decontaminate ambulance interior following treatment of patient with infectious disease, and report case to proper authorities.
- Drive mobile intensive care unit to specified location, following instructions from emergency medical dispatcher.
- Immobilize patient for placement on stretcher and ambulance transport, using backboard or other spinal immobilization device.
- Maintain vehicles and medical and communication equipment, and replenish first aid equipment and supplies.
- Observe, record, and report to physician the patient’s condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
- Perform emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as stomach suction, airway management, or heart monitoring, during ambulance ride.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Charge Nurse
- Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (Clinic LPN)
- Clinic Nurse
- Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse (Home Health LPN)
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Office Nurse
- Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse)
- Private Duty Nurse
- Radiation Oncology Nurse
- Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse)
Tasks:
- Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients’ conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.
- Measure and record patients’ vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration.
- Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients’ charts.
- Provide basic patient care or treatments, such as taking temperatures or blood pressures, dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas or douches, rubbing with alcohol, massaging, or performing catheterizations.
- Answer patients’ calls and determine how to assist them.
- Supervise nurses’ aides or assistants.
- Evaluate nursing intervention outcomes, conferring with other healthcare team members as necessary.
- Work as part of a healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care, and implement interventions.
- Record food and fluid intake and output.
- Assemble and use equipment, such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers.
- Collect samples, such as blood, urine, or sputum from patients, and perform routine laboratory tests on samples.
- Prepare or examine food trays for conformance to prescribed diet.
- Help patients with bathing, dressing, maintaining personal hygiene, moving in bed, or standing and walking.
- Prepare patients for examinations, tests, or treatments and explain procedures.
- Apply compresses, ice bags, or hot water bottles.
- Provide medical treatment or personal care to patients in private home settings, such as cooking, keeping rooms orderly, seeing that patients are comfortable and in good spirits, or instructing family members in simple nursing tasks.
- Sterilize equipment and supplies, using germicides, sterilizer, or autoclave.
- Make appointments, keep records, or perform other clerical duties in doctors’ offices or clinics.
- Set up equipment and prepare medical treatment rooms.
- Wash and dress bodies of deceased persons.
- Clean rooms and make beds.
- Inventory and requisition supplies and instruments.
Medical Assistants
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Chiropractor Assistant
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Doctor’s Assistant
- Health Assistant
- Ophthalmic Assistant
- Ophthalmological Assistant
- Optometric Assistant
- Outpatient Surgery Assistant
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Tasks:
- Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
- Record patients’ medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
- Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians’ instructions to patients.
- Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
- Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
- Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
- Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
- Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
- Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
- Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
- Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
- Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
- Change dressings on wounds.
- Schedule appointments for patients.
- Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
- Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
- Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
- Set up medical laboratory equipment.
- Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.
Medical Records Specialists
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Coder
- Health Information Clerk
- Health Information Specialist
- Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech)
- Health Records Specialist
- HIM Clerk (Health Information Management Clerk)
- Medical Coder
- Medical Records Clerk
- Medical Records Technician (Medical Records Tech)
- RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)
Tasks:
- Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
- Review records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.
- Scan patients’ health records into electronic formats.
- Release information to persons or agencies according to regulations.
- Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
- Maintain or operate a variety of health record indexes or storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, or analyze information.
- Process patient admission or discharge documents.
- Retrieve patient medical records for physicians, technicians, or other medical personnel.
- Resolve or clarify codes or diagnoses with conflicting, missing, or unclear information by consulting with doctors or others or by participating in the coding team’s regular meetings.
- Compile and maintain patients’ medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
- Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.
- Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
- Process and prepare business or government forms.
- Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
- Transcribe medical reports.
- Schedule medical appointments for patients.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Clinic Office Assistant
- Front Desk Receptionist
- Medical Office Specialist
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Secretary
- Physician Office Specialist
- Secretary
- Unit Clerk
- Unit Support Representative
- Ward Clerk
Tasks:
- Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.
- Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.
- Complete insurance or other claim forms.
- Greet visitors, ascertain purpose of visit, and direct them to appropriate staff.
- Transmit correspondence or medical records by mail, e-mail, or fax.
- Maintain medical records, technical library, or correspondence files.
- Receive and route messages or documents, such as laboratory results, to appropriate staff.
- Interview patients to complete documents, case histories, or forms, such as intake or insurance forms.
- Operate office equipment, such as voice mail messaging systems, and use word processing, spreadsheet, or other software applications to prepare reports, invoices, financial statements, letters, case histories, or medical records.
- Perform bookkeeping duties, such as credits or collections, preparing and sending financial statements or bills, and keeping financial records.
- Perform various clerical or administrative functions, such as ordering and maintaining an inventory of supplies.
- Transcribe recorded messages or practitioners’ diagnoses or recommendations into patients’ medical records.
- Compile and record medical charts, reports, or correspondence, using typewriter or personal computer.
- Schedule tests or procedures for patients, such as lab work or x-rays, based on physician orders.
- Prepare correspondence or assist physicians or medical scientists with preparation of reports, speeches, articles, or conference proceedings.
Nursing Assistants
Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Certified Nurses Aide (CNA)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
- Nurses’ Aide
- Nursing Aide
- Nursing Assistant
- Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
- State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)
Tasks:
- Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
- Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients’ needs.
- Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
- Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
- Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
- Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.
- Review patients’ dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.
- Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.
- Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.
- Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
- Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.
- Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.
- Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.
- Wash, groom, shave, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination.
- Prepare or serve food trays.
- Change bed linens or make beds.
- Exercise patients who are comatose, paralyzed, or have restricted mobility.
- Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.
- Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.
- Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of patient care.
- Record height or weight of patients.
- Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.
- Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.
- Provide information, such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information to visitors or callers.
- Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.
- Set up treating or testing equipment, such as oxygen tents, portable radiograph (x-ray) equipment, or overhead irrigation bottles, as directed by a physician or nurse.
- Administer medications or treatments, such as catheterizations, suppositories, irrigations, enemas, massages, or douches, as directed by a physician or nurse.
- Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician.
- Stock or issue medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays.
- Explain medical instructions to patients or family members.
- Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
Pharmacy Technicians
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Accredited Pharmacy Technician
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician (Chemo Pharmacy Technician)
- Compounding Technician
- OR Pharmacy Tech (Operating Room Pharmacy Tech)
- RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician)
Tasks:
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Enter prescription information into computer databases.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Operate cash registers to accept payment from customers.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into computer.
- Clean and help maintain equipment or work areas and sterilize glassware, according to prescribed methods.
- Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels.
- Compute charges for medication or equipment dispensed to hospital patients and enter data in computer.
- Prepare and process medical insurance claim forms and records.
- Transfer medication from vials to the appropriate number of sterile, disposable syringes, using aseptic techniques.
- Restock intravenous (IV) supplies and add measured drugs or nutrients to IV solutions under sterile conditions to prepare IV packs for various uses, such as chemotherapy medication.
- Supply and monitor robotic machines that dispense medicine into containers and label the containers.
- Deliver medications or pharmaceutical supplies to patients, nursing stations, or surgery.
- Maintain and merchandise home healthcare products or services.
- Price stock and mark items for sale.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA)
- Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant
- Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant
- Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
- Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant
- Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant
- Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Tasks:
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
- Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
- Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
- Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
- Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
- Measure patients’ range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
- Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
- Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
- Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.
- Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
- Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
- Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
- Perform therapeutic wound care.
Psychiatric Technicians
Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients’ physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
Sample of reported job titles:
- BHT (Behavioral Health Technician)
- Health Care Technician (Health Care Tech)
- LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician)
- Mental Health Associate
- Mental Health Specialist
- Mental Health Technician (MHT)
- MHA (Mental Health Assistant)
- MHW (Mental Health Worker)
- Psychiatric Technician (PT)
- Residential Aide (RA)
Tasks:
- Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
- Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
- Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
- Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
- Monitor patients’ physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
- Take and record measures of patients’ physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
- Observe and influence patients’ behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
- Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.
- Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.
- Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.
- Train or instruct new employees on procedures to follow with psychiatric patients.
- Escort patients to medical appointments.
- Administer oral medications or hypodermic injections, following physician’s prescriptions and hospital procedures.
- Issue medications from dispensary and maintain records in accordance with specified procedures.
- Interview new patients to complete admission forms, to assess their mental health status, or to obtain their mental health and treatment history.
- Contact patients’ relatives to arrange family conferences.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Sample of reported job titles:
- CT Tech (Computed Tomography Technologist)
- Mammographer
- Multimodality Technologist
- Radiographer
- Radiologic Technician (RAD Tech)
- Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech)
- Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R))
- RT (Radiologic Technologist)
- X-Ray Tech (X-Ray Technician)
- X-Ray Tech (X-Ray Technologist)
Tasks:
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
- Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
- Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
- Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Determine patients’ x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Monitor patients’ conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.
- Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
- Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.
- Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
- Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
- Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
- Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient’s bedside.
- Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.
Registered Nurses
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR)
- Charge Nurse
- Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse)
- Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse)
- Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN)
- Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
- Relief Charge Nurse
- School Nurse
- Staff Nurse
- Staff RN (Staff Registered Nurse)
Tasks:
- Record patients’ medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
- Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.
- Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients’ responses and conditions.
- Conduct specified laboratory tests.
- Observe nurses and visit patients to ensure proper nursing care.
- Assess the needs of individuals, families, or communities, including assessment of individuals’ home or work environments, to identify potential health or safety problems.
- Work with individuals, groups, or families to plan or implement programs designed to improve the overall health of communities.
- Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments.
- Perform administrative or managerial functions, such as taking responsibility for a unit’s staff, budget, planning, or long-range goals.
- Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s condition.
- Prescribe or recommend drugs, medical devices, or other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.
- Direct or coordinate infection control programs, advising or consulting with specified personnel about necessary precautions.
- Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, or supplies and ensure that stock of supplies is maintained.
- Administer local, inhalation, intravenous, or other anesthetics.
- Provide or arrange for training or instruction of auxiliary personnel or students.
- Refer students or patients to specialized health resources or community agencies furnishing assistance.
- Perform physical examinations, make tentative diagnoses, and treat patients en route to hospitals or at disaster site triage centers.
- Consult with institutions or associations regarding issues or concerns relevant to the practice and profession of nursing.
- Inform physician of patient’s condition during anesthesia.
- Engage in research activities related to nursing.
Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Sample of reported job titles:
- CRRT (Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist)
- CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist)
- Diagnostics RRT (Diagnostics Registered Respiratory Therapist)
- Infant RT (Infant Respiratory Therapist)
- Licensed CRT (Licensed Certified Respiratory Therapist)
- Licensed RT (Licensed Respiratory Therapist)
- Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner (Registered RCP)
- Registered Respiratory Practitioner
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
- RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
Tasks:
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Monitor patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians’ orders.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Maintain charts that contain patients’ pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians’ orders.
- Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
- Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
- Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
- Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
- Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients’ cardiopulmonary functions.
- Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
- Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
- Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
- Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.
- Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
- Attend high-risk and caesarian section infant deliveries to provide neonatal respiratory care as needed.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Addictions Counselor Assistant
- Advocate
- Clinical Assistant
- Residential Care Assistant
- Social Services Aide
- Social Services Assistant
- Social Work Assistant
- Social Work Associate
- Social Worker Assistant
Tasks:
- Assess clients’ cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
- Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
- Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
- Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
- Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
- Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
- Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.
- Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
- Demonstrate use and care of equipment for tenant use.
- Assist in planning food budgets, using charts or sample budgets.
- Assist clients with preparation of forms, such as tax or rent forms.
- Explain rules established by owner or management, such as sanitation or maintenance requirements or parking regulations.
- Observe clients’ food selections and recommend alternate economical and nutritional food choices.
- Observe and discuss meal preparation and suggest alternate methods of food preparation.
- Transport and accompany clients to shopping areas or to appointments, using automobile.
- Inform tenants of facilities, such as laundries or playgrounds.
The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).
The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).
Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.
Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.
Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.