Health Care Professions Merit Badge

1. Three professions from Group 1 Requirement

Select three of: allopathic physician (MD), osteopathic physician (DO), podiatrist (DPM), chiropractor (DC), nurse practitioner (NP), psychologist (PhD or PsyD), optometrist (OD), audiologist (AudD). Describe (a) the roles they play in the delivery of health care and (b) their educational and licensing requirements.

2. Three professions from Group 2 Requirement

Select three of: physician assistant (PA), registered nurse (RN), certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified nurse assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN), nurse anesthetist (CRNA), pharmacist (PharmD), pharmacy technician, EMT/paramedic. Describe (a) their roles in the delivery of health care and (b) their educational and licensing requirements.

3. Three professions from Group 3 Requirement

Select three of: physical therapist (DPT), occupational therapist (OT), orthotist/prosthetist, medical appliance technician, respiratory therapist (RT), medical assistant, dietitian (RD), speech-language pathologist (SLP). Describe (a) the roles they play in the delivery of health care and (b) their educational and licensing requirements.

4. Three professions from Group 4 Requirement

Select three of: biomedical engineer (BME), medical technologist, phlebotomist, radiology technologist, sonographer, medical records specialist, cytopathologist, histotechnologist. Describe (a) the roles they play in the delivery of health care and (b) their educational and licensing requirements.

5. Visit a health care professional at their workplace Often forgotten Requirement

One career from any of the lists in requirements 1 to 4. Then discuss with your counselor (a) why they chose their career, (b) what they most like about their job, (c) their biggest challenges, (d) the tools and instruments they may use, (e) the most surprising aspect of their career, and (f) the continuing education required to maintain certification.

6. The meaning of the Physician's Oath Requirement

Your understanding of it, discussed with your counselor.

7. Patient confidentiality, and what HIPAA is Requirement

The role of confidentiality between a patient and the health care provider, described.

8. A recent medical advancement or discovery Requirement

One that has been in the news recently. Discuss with your counselor how it can affect patient care.

9. Volunteer at a health-related event or facility Often forgotten Requirement

With your parent or guardian's and counselor's approval, in your community (for example a blood drive, health fair or blood pressure screening event). Report to your counselor what you did and learned.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. Three professions from Group 1, 2. Three professions from Group 2 and 7 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.