Health Professional

Overview:

A career as a health professional involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses while promoting overall well-being in individuals and communities. Health professionals include doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and technicians, all working in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health organizations. Their work requires scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and strong communication to assess patients, develop treatment plans, and provide compassionate care. Many health careers also involve collaboration with other professionals and continuous learning to keep up with medical advancements. This field is both challenging and rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

On a daily basis, a health professional assesses patients’ health, diagnoses conditions, provides treatments, and educates individuals on managing or preventing illness. Their tasks may include performing physical exams, ordering or interpreting tests, administering medications or therapies, and documenting patient information. Depending on their specific role—such as doctor, nurse, therapist, or technician—their day may involve hands-on procedures, using medical technology, or offering emotional support. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to improve patients’ well-being.

Is a Career in Health Professions Right for YOU? What are the:

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Health professionals often work in fast-paced, high-stress environments like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or emergency settings. They may work long or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in roles requiring 24/7 care. The job can be physically demanding—requiring standing or walking for long periods, lifting or moving patients, operating medical equipment, and responding quickly in emergencies. Health professionals are also regularly exposed to illness, bodily fluids, and emotionally intense situations, which can be mentally and physically exhausting. Despite these challenges, many find the work deeply rewarding due to the positive impact they have on others’ lives.

Specific Skills Needed:

Health professionals need a combination of technical, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills to succeed in their roles. Key skills include:

Communication Skills – Clearly explaining diagnoses, treatments, and instructions to patients and collaborating effectively with other healthcare providers.
Empathy and Compassion – Understanding and supporting patients’ emotional and physical needs.
Attention to Detail – Accurately following procedures, documenting information, and administering medications or treatments.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking – Quickly analyzing situations and making informed decisions, especially in emergencies.
Technical Proficiency – Using medical tools, technology, and software for diagnostics and record-keeping.
Physical Stamina – Enduring long shifts, standing for extended periods, and occasionally lifting or assisting patients.
Ethics and Professionalism – Maintaining patient confidentiality, adhering to laws and regulations, and upholding high standards of care.
Adaptability – Staying calm under pressure and adjusting to fast-changing conditions in healthcare environments.

Education Requirements:

While in HS: If you want to become a health professional, there are several steps you can take during high school to prepare:

Focus on Science and Math Classes, Take Health Science Electives, Join Health-Related Clubs, Volunteer or Shadow, Develop Soft Skills, Explore Career Options, Maintain Strong Grades, Build a Resume.

You might also consider taking college courses (concurrent enrollment) while in high school to save time and money. Ask your High School Counselor or a Vista Member for more information.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in a more technical or support role, such as … (also from AI), Connors State College as well as Carl Albert State College (link directly to their degree page offer excellent associate level programs in “ “. Both of these programs dovetail nicely into a bachelor's degree program at “ “.

A Note About Transferring

Oklahoma provides for many seamless pathways from local community colleges to regional and state universities which allows you to take advantage of a more cost effective way for you to earn credits at a reduced rate with guaranteed transferability. You can possibly stay closer to home and save money and still reach your academic and career goals. Ask your High School Counselor or a Vista Member for more information.

Other Requirements or Recommendations:

In addition to education and training, becoming a health professional typically involves several other key requirements:

Licensing and Certification:

Most health professionals must pass national or state exams (e.g., NCLEX for nurses, USMLE for physicians) and maintain current certification in their field.

Continuing Education:

Health professionals are often required to complete regular continuing education courses to stay updated on medical advancements and renew their licenses.

CPR and First Aid Certification:

Many roles require Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications, especially in emergency or hospital settings.

Background Checks and Drug Screening:

For patient safety, many healthcare employers and educational programs require criminal background checks and drug testing.

Immunizations and Health Screenings:

Proof of vaccinations (such as Hepatitis B, MMR, or COVID-19) and a clean bill of health are often needed, especially in clinical environments.

Professional Behavior and Ethics:

Adherence to strict ethical standards, including confidentiality, professionalism, and respectful patient care, is expected at all times.

There are also many Health Professional Career opportunities in the military. Click Military for more information on a general practitioner in the military..

Check out OKcollegestart for more resources related to What To Learn

Salary Expectations and Employment and Outlook: In Oklahoma, the average annual income for Family Practitioner, for example, is $258,900 Obviously, the income range for health professionals is based on several factors and varies greatly. For more specific information about this in Oklahoma, please visit OKcollegestart