Appendix A: Occupational titles related to health according to the International Standard Classifications of Occupations, 2008 revisions (excerpts)

ISCO code

Definition

Examples of occupations classified here

Notes

Generalist medical practitioners

2211

Generalist medical practitioners (including family and primary care doctors) diagnose, treat and prevent illness, disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments and maintain general health in humans through application of the principles and procedures of modern medicine. They plan, supervise and evaluate the implementation of care and treatment plans by other health care providers. They do not limit their practice to certain disease categories or methods of treatment, and may assume responsibility for the provision of continuing and comprehensive medical care to individuals, families and communities.

Medical doctor (general), medical officer (general), physician (general), general practitioner, family medical practitioner, primary health care physician, district medical doctor, resident medical officer specializing in general practice

Occupations included in this category require completion of a university-level degree in basic medical education plus postgraduate clinical training or equivalent. Medical interns who have completed their university education in basic medical education and are undertaking postgraduate clinical training are included here. Although in some countries “general practice” and “family medicine” may be considered as medical specializations, these occupations should always be classified here.

Nursing professionals

2221

Nursing professionals provide treatment, support and care services for people who are in need of nursing care due to the effects of aging, injury, illness or other physical or mental impairment, or potential risks to health, according to the practice and standards of modern nursing. They assume responsibility for the planning and management of the care of patients, including the supervision of other health care workers, working autonomously or in teams with medical doctors and others in the practical application of preventive and curative measures in clinical and community settings.

Professional nurse, specialist nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse, district nurse, operating theatre nurse, public health nurse, nurse anaesthetist, nurse educator

This category includes occupations for which competent performance usually requires formal training at a higher educational institution in nursing. The distinction between nursing and midwifery professionals and associate professionals should be made on the basis of the nature of the work performed in relation to this definition. The qualifications held by individuals or that predominate in the country are not the main factor in making this distinction, as training arrangements for nurses and midwives vary widely between countries and have varied over time within countries.

Midwifery professionals

2222

Midwifery professionals plan, manage, provide and evaluate midwifery care services before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. They provide delivery care for reducing health risks to women and newborn children according to the practice and standards of modern midwifery, working autonomously or in teams with other health care providers. They may conduct research on midwifery practices and procedures, and implement midwifery education activities in clinical and community settings.

Professional midwife

This category includes occupations for which competent performance usually requires formal training at a higher educational institution in midwifery. The distinctions between nursing and midwifery professionals and associate professionals should be made on the basis of the nature of the work performed in relation to this definition. The qualifications held by individuals or that predominate in the country are not the main factor in making this distinction, as training arrangements for nurses and midwives vary widely between countries and have varied over time within countries.

Dentists

2261

Dentists (including dental surgeons and related) diagnose, treat and prevent diseases, injuries and abnormalities of the teeth, mouth, jaws and associated tissues by applying the principles and procedures of modern dentistry. They use a broad range of specialized diagnostic, surgical and other techniques to promote and restore oral health.

Dentist, dental practitioner, dental surgeon, endodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, oral pathologist, orthodontist, paedodontist, periodontist, prosthodontist, stomatologist

Occupations included in this category normally require completion of university-level training in theoretical and practical dentistry or a related field. Although in some countries “stomatology” and “dental, oral and maxillofacial surgery” may be considered as medical specializations, occupations in these fields should always be classified here.