Health Care Professions Merit Badge

Health Care Professions and the Trail to Eagle

Health Care Professions is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.

Health Care Professions Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 9 main requirements for Health Care Professions. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Select three Group 1 professions (MD, DO, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, psychologist, optometrist, audiologist):
1. a.Describe each profession's role in delivering health care.
2. b.Describe the educational and licensing requirements for each.
2
Select three Group 2 professions (PA, RN, nurse midwife, CNA, LPN/LVN, nurse anesthetist, pharmacist, pharmacy tech, EMT/paramedic):
1. a.Describe each profession's role in delivering health care.
2. b.Describe the educational and licensing requirements for each.
3
Select three Group 3 professions (physical therapist, occupational therapist, orthotist/prosthetist, medical appliance tech, respiratory therapist, medical assistant, dietitian, speech-language pathologist):
1. a.Describe each profession's role in delivering health care.
2. b.Describe the educational and licensing requirements for each.
4
Select three Group 4 professions (biomedical engineer, medical technologist, phlebotomist, radiology tech, sonographer, medical records specialist, cytopathologist, histotechnologist):
1. a.Describe each profession's role in delivering health care.
2. b.Describe the educational and licensing requirements for each.
5
Pick one career from any group, visit that professional at work, and discuss:
1. a.Why they chose their career.
2. b.What they like most about their job.
3. c.Their biggest challenges.
4. d.The tools and instruments they use.
5. e.The most surprising aspect of their career.
6. f.Continuing education needed to keep their certification.
6
Discuss your understanding of the Physician's Oath.
7
Describe patient-provider confidentiality and explain what HIPAA is.
8
Identify a recent medical advancement in the news and discuss how it can affect patient care.
9
With approval, volunteer at a health-related event or facility and report what you did and learned.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Health Care Professions Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Health Care Professions, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Health Care Professions is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 23 Health Care Professions requirements for you.

Health Care Professions Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Health Care Professions merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. Health Care Professions is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.

How long does the Health Care Professions merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Health Care Professions in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Health Care Professions merit badge?

Health Care Professions is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Health Care Professions can sign off requirements.