Hawai’i Health Programs and Related Degrees

“A physical health problem manifests itself in various ways, such as pain, swelling, color change, or some other disfigurement. Physicians and dentists who are involved in active practice and who are called on to treat patients exhibiting symptoms of illness and distress first need to diagnose the cause. This is the diagnostic phase, which is carried out by means of a history, physical examination, and various tests (such as X-rays). Once a reliable diagnosis has been made, the next phase is to design a treatment plan.”

The education and training programs for these fields are rigorous and require at least 8 years of education beyond high school.

“Students must secure a solid grounding in the natural sciences while in college, in the biomedical disciplines in professional school, and finally in intensive patient contact during their residency. Before setting up a practice in any of these fields, you must also pass various exams to obtain licensure.”

Professions marked with an (*) indicate approval for WICHE participation.

Although health-care professionals in this category have less training, they are qualified to efficiently perform certain tasks and procedures. “They involve direct patient contact and provide valuable services that enhance the public’s health. The field has grown rapidly as a results of many advances in medical care. They may be self-employed, work in private offices or in hospital settings. They require specialized education and some training as well as offer good long-term prospects for employment.”

Professions marked with an (*) indicate the availability of various degree levels. Please see the “RELATED DEGREES” section for more information.

“These health-care workers provide an invaluable service, performing complex laboratory tests and analyses, operating sophisticated equipment to monitor patients, and handling many routine duties. These people both directly and indirectly help save lives, ease pain, and improve patients’ quality of life. Their activities are indispensable in maintaining an effective health-care system.”

Professions marked with an (*) indicate the availability of various degree levels. Please see the “RELATED DEGREES” section for more information.

“The goal of these careers is to help individuals with impairments achieve a higher level of functioning and fulfillment. These careers require direct and often close contact with patients. Practice locations vary and include hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient facilities, and in-home services […] When necessary, therapists design treatment plans involving more than one approach. They set goals in light of the existing problems and the patient’s motivation and conduct periodic assessments to determine progress and see whether the established goals have been met. Then they modify the treatment plan accordingly. When a patient transfers home or to another facility, the therapist provides needed information to ensure continuity of therapy.”

“Although the responsibilities for each [career] are different, they all have in common the goal of facilitating a successful stay at a health-care institution. Each of these careers also has a significant administrative component, and many may include significant supervisory responsibilities. The educational background requirements for these positions vary, but they demand a strong sense of responsibility and empathy. Each of these positions has its own special challenges, but they all can provide a strong sense of satisfaction that results from a meaningful public service career.”