Explore the different types of the healthcare fields and professions with the Health Care Professions Merit Badge. Scouts will learn how professionals in different health care fields work together to keep people healthy. The Health Care Professions Merit Badge generates excitement for a possible career in the healthcare industry.

Who: Scouts BSA  Ages 11-17

Spaces for 15 youth to take the Merit Badge class.

When: Saturday March 23, 2024

Where: Miami Valley Scout Shop 7285 Poe Ave, Dayton

Cost: FREE

What to bring: notebook, pen/pencil, a filled out blue card, pre-requisites, and bring a packed lunch.

Health Care Professions MB Requirements (highlighted reqs are PRE-REQUIRED):

Scouts should be familiar with the following and be ready to discuss:

1. Select three of the professions from Group 1 listed below which interest you, then complete the following: 
a. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care. 
b. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected. 

Group 1: 
(1) Allopathic physician (MD) — all specialties 
(2) Osteopathic physician (DO) — all specialties 
(3) Podiatrist (DPM) 
(4) Chiropractor (DC) 
(5) Nurse Practitioner (NP) 
(6) Psychologist (PhD or PsyD) 
(7) Optometrist (OD) 
(8) Audiologist (AudD) 

2. Select three of the professions from Group 2 listed below which interest you, then complete the following: 
a. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care. 
b. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected. 

Group 2: 
(1) Physician Assistant (PA) 
(2) Registered Nurse (RN) 
(3) Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) 
(4) Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) 
(5) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) 
(6) Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) 
(7) Pharmacist (PharmD) 
(8) Pharmacy Technician 
(9) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic 

3. Select three of the professions from Group 3 listed below which interest you, then complete the following: 
a. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care. 
b. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected.

 Group 3: 
(1) Physical Therapist (DPT) 
(2) Occupational Therapist (OT)
(3) Orthotist/Prosthetist 
(4) Medical Appliance Technician 
(5) Respiratory Therapist (RT) 
(6) Medical Assistant 
(7) Dietitian (RD) 
(8) Speech-Language Pathologist (Speech Therapist) (SLP) 

4. Select three of the professions from Group 4 listed below which interest you, then complete the following: 
a. Briefly describe to your counselor the roles these professionals play in the delivery of health care. 
b. Describe to your counselor the educational and licensing requirements for the professionals you selected. 

Group 4: 
(1) Biomedical Engineer (BME) 
(2) Medical Technologist 
(3) Phlebotomist 
(4) Radiology Technologist 
(5) Sonographer 
(6) Medical Records Specialist 
(7) Cytopathologist 
(8) Histotechnologist 

6. Discuss with your counselor your understanding of the meaning of the Physician’s Oath. 

7. Describe the role of confidentiality between a patient and the health care provider. What is HIPAA? 

8. Identify a medical advancement or discovery that has been in the news recently. Discuss with your counselor how this can affect patient care. 

Scouts should complete the following prior to the Health Care Professions merit badge and be ready to discuss at the class (PRE-REQ):

5. Select one career from any of the lists in Requirements 1, 2, 3, or 4 and arrange to visit that professional at their workplace. Discuss with your counselor the following: 
a. Why did they choose their particular career? 
b. What do they most like about their job? 
c. What are their biggest challenges in doing their job? 
d. Identify the tools/instruments that may be used in their jobs. 
e. What has been the most surprising aspect of their career? f. What continuing education requirements are required to maintain certification 

Scouts should reach out to Merit Badge Counselor, Angie Ketron, for approval of an event prior to attending an event and then be ready to discuss at the class (be sure to cc another adult to follow YPT communication guidelines):

9. With approval of your counselor and parents/ guardian, serve as a volunteer at a health-related event or facility in your community (e.g. blood drive, health fair, blood pressure screening event). Report to your counselor what you did and learned from the experience.

Contacts:
Merit Badge Counselor: Angie Ketron  Email: ang.ketron@gmail.com and Phone: 513-593-0859
Scout Shop Manager: tammy.sternik@scouting.org