Health professional

As a result of their official training and experience, health professionals (also known as healthcare professionals) may give health care treatment and guidance. Nurses, medical doctors (such as family physicians, internists, obstetricians, psychiatrists, radiologists, surgeons, and others), physician assistants, registered dietitians, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dentists, midwives, psychologists, and others who work in allied health professions are included in this field. Allied health professions are defined as those who provide services Occasionally, a health practitioner will also be a specialist in the field of public or community health.

There are many different types of professions and occupations that are involved in providing healthcare services, including direct care practitioners such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses; indirect care practitioners such as respiratory therapists, dentists and pharmacists; and allied health professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical and behaviour therapists, as well as phlebotomists, medical laboratory scientists and technicians. They are often seen at hospitals, healthcare centres, and other service delivery locations, but they are also used in academic training, research, and administration settings, among other places. Some companies give patient care and treatment services in the comfort of their own homes. Many nations have a considerable number of community health professionals who provide treatment outside of established healthcare facilities, such as hospitals. The roles and responsibilities of managers of healthcare services, health information technologists, and other assistive employees and support workers are all seen as essential components of health care teams.

Health professions are often used to categorise healthcare practitioners who work in the field. Typically, practitioners are categorised according to their skill level and skill specialisation within their respective fields of competence. "Health professionals" are highly trained employees who operate in occupations that often involve considerable knowledge, which may include university-level education leading to the granting of a first degree or higher certification, as well as experience. The following occupations are included in this category: physicians and physician assistants, certified registered nurses, veterinarians and veterinary technicians and assistants, dentists and midwives, radiologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, optometrists and operating room practitioners, among others. All allied health professionals, also known as "health associate professionals" in the International Standard Classification of Occupations, assist in the implementation of health-care plans that are usually established by medical, nursing, respiratory-care and other health-care professionals. In order to practise their profession, most allied health professionals must obtain formal qualifications. In addition, unlicensed assistive professionals help in the provision of health care services where it is permissible.