HRH Data Mapping Template

Data Mapping Template on Human Resources for Health
Version 2.2 - September 2010

Data and evidence are necessary to inform decision making concerning human resources for health (HRH) policy and programme planning, management, monitoring
and evaluation. The development of a comprehensive evidence base on HRH generally requires combining different types of information, frequently scattered across
different sources (e.g. population census, labour force and employment surveys, health facility assessments, registries of regulated health professions, and other
administrative sources such as staffing, payroll and training records). As such, effective monitoring and evaluation requires good collaboration between the ministry of
health and other sectors that can be reliable sources of information (e.g. central statistical office, other relevant ministries, programme managers, health professions
regulatory bodies, health professional associations, private and non-governmental organizations, research and training institutions, development partners).
This tool is designed to be used by countries and stakeholders as a starting point for conducting an assessment of their HRH situation, as well as the strengths and
limitations of the underlying information system.
Country:
Country
Name, affiliation and contact information of

person leading activities towards completing
the template:
Email:
Date of completion (day/month/year):
The Data Mapping Template on Human Resources for Health has been developed as part of a series of efforts to enhance country capacities to generate, analyze and
use data to assess health workforce performance and track progress towards their HRH-related goals. We welcome feedback from users and readers, especially in the
areas of user-friendliness of the tool; feasibility of measuring the proposed indicators; as well as the tool's helpfulness in stimulating country ownership and demand
for strengthened HRH information, monitoring and evaluation systems.
Please send your questions, comments and feedback to:
Coordinator, Health Workforce Information and Governance, Department of Human Resources for Health,
World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva 1211, Switzerland.
Fax:
Email:
+41-22-791-4747
hrhstatistics@who.int
Part I: Information sources and uses

This section is intended to support those planning, implementing and monitoring national human resources for health (HRH) development strategies through assessing and
strengthening the systems that generate information for evidence-based decision making. It not meant to be administered as a "questionnaire" to be completed by individual
informants in isolation. Rather, it is important that groups of participants discuss the items together and learn from each other, so the results will better reflect a consensus of key
stakeholders. This may include planners and policy-makers of the HRH unit of the ministry of health, other ministries (e.g. education, labour), central statistics office, health
professions regulatory bodies, subnational personnel (including district health managers) and others.
Please select the most appropriate option that corresponds to your national context.
Item
Highly adequate
Adequate
Present but not adequate
Not adequate at all
Response
code
1.
The importance of sound data for informed

decision making and monitoring progress in
HRH development is widely recognized. Is
there a national plan for monitoring and
evaluation (M&E) of HRH strategic objectives?
HRH M&E plan developed

HRH M&E plan developed
with workplan and dedicated and costed but not yet fully
budget for implementation at implemented
the national and subnational
levels
Process initiated to identify

core HRH indicators and
measurement strategy
Process not yet initiated
Response
code
2.a
An important consideration is planning and

monitoring of the M&E plan itself. Is there a
national coordinating mechanism to develop
and implement HRH information and
monitoring activities?
National coordinating
mechanism exists with
workplan and dedicated
budget to implement HRH
information system and
other M&E activities
mechanism exists but not
yet fully functional
mechanism has very limited
functional capacity
No national coordinating
mechanism
Response
code
2.b
Does the national coordinating mechanism

have adequate human resources to develop
and implement HRH information and
monitoring activities?
adequate human resources
for implementation of HRH
mechanism exists but with
insufficient human resources functional capacity
for workplan implementation
mechanism
Response
code
2.c
Does the national coordinating mechanism

have adequate financial and technical
resources to develop and implement HRH
information and monitoring activities?
adequate financial and
technical resources for
implementation of HRH
mechanism exists but with
insufficient financial and
technical resources for
workplan implementation
functional capacity
mechanism
Response
code
3.
A main challenge to sustaining an effective

HRH monitoring system is ensuring the
information needs of all key stakeholders are
being met. Are widespread consultations held
to discuss and advise on the contents of the
national system?
Collaboration exists among a

wide range of international,
national and subnational
stakeholders from within and
outside the health sector
All relevant government

ministries and agencies at
the national and subnational
levels are involved
Only the ministry of health

and selected HRH
stakeholders (e.g. not the
central statistical office) are
involved
Minimal or no involvement of
stakeholders outside the
ministry of health
Response
code
Item
Highly adequate
Adequate
Not adequate at all
Response
code
4.a
Developing a centralized HRH database is

among the potentially effective means to
enhance national M&E performance. Is there
a centralized database or registry of health
workers (e.g. located at or accessible to the
ministry of health)?
Computerized database
exists for tracking all health
workers (professional,
technical and other health
system personnel) in both
the public and private
sectors
Computerized database
exists but covering only
selected professional cadres
Computerized or paperNo computerized or paperbased database exists but

based central database
covering only selected cadres exists
working in governmentoperated health facilities
Response
code
4.b
Are the data from the centralized HRH

database or registry shared with the local
level (e.g. district health offices) for
feedback, quality control, analysis and use?
All relevant data from

centralized database are
regularly shared with the
local level for quality control,
analysis and use
Selected data from

sometimes shared with the
local level
Very little data from

shared with the local level
Response
code
5.
Timeliness of the available information is

essential for ensuring its meaningfulness for
decision making. Is the national HRH
information system or database updated
regularly?
Sources of national HRH

statistics updated within the
last 12 months
Data updated in the last 1 to Data updated in the last 3 to Data not updated within the
2 years
5 years
last 5 years
Data are not shared / No

central database exists
Response
code
Item
Highly adequate
Adequate
Not adequate at all
Response
code
6.a
Diverse sources from within and outside the

health sector can potentially produce relevant
information. Has there been a comprehensive
review to ensure all potential administrative
data sources are being used to populate the
national HRH information system or
database?
Data from all public, private Data from the ministry of

and parapublic agencies used health and all or most of its
(e.g. civil service payroll,
affiliated agencies used
district health agencies,
health professional
regulatory bodies, military,
work permits)
Only data sources internal to Very limited or no

ministry of health
information on sources of
management processes used HRH data
Response
code
6.b
Does the national HRH information system or

database have mechanisms for avoiding
double counting of health workers across
different types of administrative data
sources?
Data from all public, private

and parapublic agencies use
unique identifiers for health
workers (e.g. for identifying
workers in dual practice or
with more than one
qualification)
Data from the ministry of

health and all or most of its
affiliated agencies use
unique identifiers
Only data sources internal to Very limited or no

ministry of health
information on mechanisms
management processes use to avoid double counting
unique identifiers
Response
code
6.c
Are data from population-based sources

(census and surveys) being used to
periodically supplement the national HRH
information system or database?
Population census and/or

survey conducted within last
10 years including questions
on labour activity and
occupation, and data
analyzed to provide
supplementary information
on HRH

10 years including questions
on labour activity and
occupation, but not analyzed
for potential data on HRH

10 years but with no
questions on labour activity
or occupation
No population census and/or

10 years
Response
code
6.d
Are data from health facility assessments

being used to periodically supplement the
national HRH information system or
database?
Health facility assessment

conducted within last 5
years, and nationally
representative data on
facility-based health workers
analyzed and used

conducted within last 5
years, data on facility-based
health workers analyzed but
not nationally representative
(e.g. convenience sample)

No health facility assessment
conducted within last 5 years conducted within last 5 years
but not analyzed for
potential data on HRH
Response
code
7.
Collection and sharing of data using common

definitions can be helpful for meaningful
comparisons across sources, over time and
with other countries. Are all HRH indicators
and data definitions consistent over time and
across different sources?
All health worker indicators

and data defined and
mapped to international or
national standard statistical
classifications (e.g. for
occupations, education,
economic activity)
Most health worker

indicators and data sources
mapped to standard
statistical classifications
Only some health worker

indicators and data sources
use the same
definitions/classification
Very limited or no ensurance

that data are comparable
across sources
Response
code
8.a
Data disaggregated by characteristics of

health personnel are necessary for monitoring
issues of equity and efficiency. Does the
national HRH information system or database
include disaggregated data on health workers
by occupational categories?
Data can be disaggregated

for 15 or more occupational
categories of health
professionals, technicians
and other health system
personnel
Data can be disaggregated

for 4-14 occupational
categories
Only limited disaggregation

for selected cadres (fewer
than 4 categories)
Very limited or no
disaggregated data
Response
code
8.b
Are disaggregated data on health workers

available by: (1) gender, (2) urban/rural, (3)
major administrative region, and (4)
public/private sector?
The data allow

disaggregation by all 4
variables
The data allow

The data allow
disaggregation by 3 of these disaggregation by only 2 of
variables
these variables
Very limited or no
disaggregated data
Response
code
Item
Highly adequate
Adequate
Not adequate at all
Response
code
9.a
Monitoring flows into and out of the health

workforce is essential for HRH planning and
management. Does the national HRH
information system or database track
graduates of health professions education
programmes?
Data allow tracking annual

numbers of graduates of all
post-secondary health
training institutions
(professional and technical
levels)

numbers of graduates of all
university-level health
training programmes
Data allow tracking

graduates of some health
training institutions (e.g.
certain fields, public
institutions only)
Very limited or no ability to

track graduates of health
training
Response
code
9.b

database track international immigration of
workers with health-related skills?

numbers of all international
immigrants with healthrelated skills (professional
and technical levels)

numbers of most categories
of international immigrants
with health-related skills at
the professional level
Data allow tracking some

categories of international
immigrants with healthrelated skills (e.g. regulated
health professions only)

track immigration of health
workers
Response
code
9.c

database track health worker exits due to
death, retirement, career change,
international out-migration or other reason?

numbers who leave the
national health workforce by
reason and occupational
category
Data allow limited tracking of Data allow only limited

numbers who leave the
tracking of workers who
track health workforce exits
national health workforce
leave their job at a
(e.g. reasons unknown,
government-operated health
certain cadres only)
facility
Response
code
10.
The success of an information and monitoring

system can be measured by its use to support
decision making. Is the national HRH
information system or database used to
support HRH planning, development and
management processes at all levels?
Data regularly used in

HRH planning and
management processes (e.g.
staffing plans, deployment
and career paths,
decentralization of HRH
management)
Data sometimes used in

HRH planning and
management processes
Data sometimes used within

ministry of health only
Very limited or no use of

data to support decision
making
Response
code
11.
A critical success factor in enhancing the

benefits of HRH data is creating a
communication mechanism for tracing the
available information for public use. Has a
mechanism been established for
disseminating core data on the national HRH
situation?
HRH reports including

underlying data regularly
publicly disseminated on the
Internet and in print
HRH reports sometimes

publicly disseminated online
or in print
HRH reports sometimes

disseminated in print with
limited external circulation
Very limited or no public

dissemination of HRH data
and information
Response
code
Web site for more information:
For more information, see the Handbook on monitoring and evaluation of human resources for health - a comprehensive and standard
reference that brings together an analytical framework and strategy options for improving the HRH information and evidence base, with
highlights of country experiences that have worked:
http://www.who.int/hrh/resources/handbook/en/index.html
For tools and resources related to the collection, processing, analysis, dissemination and use of HRH data to support evidence-based decision
making, see the Spotlight series of fact files on health workforce statistics:
http://www.who.int/hrh/statistics/spotlight/en/index.html
Additional comments
(e.g. opportunities and challenges to strengthening
information and monitoring systems)
Additional comments
Additional comments
Additional comments
Part II: Data on health workforce stock

Please complete the following table to the extent possible with the latest available data on health workforce stock. Data should be reported in terms of total number of
workers (that is, all persons eligible to participate in the national health labour market by virtue of their skills, age, ability and physical presence in the country).
For enumeration of health workers from population or establishment based data, report the number of people with a health-related occupation and/or working in the
health services industry at the time of the count. For information obtained from the national HRH database or other administrative information source, if more than one
data point is available for the year, provide data for the latest date in the calendar year (e.g. month of December).
Indicate "0" if there are no reports of health workers in a given category. Register under comments if data are not available or the answer is not applicable (e.g. a
particular occupation is unregulated, not monitored or not practiced in the country).
Latest available data on numbers of health workers from
population and establishment based sources
Type of data
source
Comments (e.g.
Occupation / cadre *
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Medical doctors / physicians
Generalist/primary care medical doctors (2211)
Specialist medical doctors (2212)
Obstetric & gynaecological specialties
Paediatric specialties
Psychiatric specialties
Medical group of specialties
Surgical group of specialties
Other specialties not elsewhere classified
Nursing and midwifery professionals
Nursing professionals (2221)
National occupational title
Midwifery professionals (2222)
Other health professionals
Traditional and complementary medicine professionals
(2230)
Clinical officers and related paramedical practitioners
(2240)
Dentists (2261)
Pharmacists (2262)
Environmental and occupational health & hygiene
professionals (2263)
Physiotherapists (2264)
Dieticians and nutritionists (2265)
Audiologists and speech therapists (2266)
Optometrists and opthalmic opticians (2267)
Health professionals n.e.c. (2269)
HEALTH ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS
Medical and pharmaceutical technicians
Radiographers and related medical imaging and
therapeutic equipment technicians (3211)
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians (3212)
Pharmaceutical technicians & assistants (3213)
Medical & dental prosthetic technicians (3214)
Nursing & midwifery associate professionals
Nursing associate professionals (3221)
Midwifery associate professionals (3222)
Other health associate professionals
Traditional and complementary medicine associate
Dental assistants and therapists (3251)
Medical records and health information technicians
(3252)
Community health workers (3253)
Dispensing opticians (3254)
Physiotherapy technicians & assistants (3255)
Medical and clinical assistants (3256)
Environmental and occupational health inspectors &
associates (3257)
included national
occupation titles or
deviations from the
international
categorization)
Population
census
Labour force
survey
Latest available data on numbers of health workers from professional regulatory

bodies
Health facility
assessment
Country where
education qualification
for licensure obtained
Source title
Owner /
publisher
Year
Number of
health
workers
Number
nationally
trained
Number
foreigntrained
Year of
data
Name of the
regulatory body
Comments (e.g.
coverage or definitional
issues such as data
less than complete
geographically or
include workers
abroad)
Latest available data from national routine HRH information system or

database
Source
title
Owner /
publisher
Last 5 years for which data are available
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Comments (e.g.
issues, or deviations in
data source from the
national information
system)
Latest available data on numbers of health workers from

population and establishment based sources
Type of data
source
Comments (e.g.
included national
occupation titles or
deviations from the
international
categorization)
Population
census
Labour force
survey
Latest available data on numbers of health workers from professional regulatory

bodies
Health facility
assessment
Country where
education qualification
for licensure obtained
Source title
Owner /
publisher
Year
Number of
health
workers

Emergency medical technicians and other ambulance
service workers (3258)
Health associate professionals n.e.c. (3259)
PERSONAL CARE WORKERS IN HEALTH SERVICES
Nursing aides and other health care assistants (5321)
Home-based personal care workers (5322)
Aides and other personal care workers in health
services n.e.c. (5329)
HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL
Health service managers and administrators (1342)
Health management personnel n.e.c. (e.g. human
resource managers, procurement managers)
Bacteriologists, pharmacologists and other life science
professionals (2131, 2133)
Social work and counselling professionals (2635)
Non-health professionals n.e.c. (e.g. engineering, legal,
social science, teaching)
Pharmacology technicians, serology technicians and
other life science technicians (3141)
Medical secretaries (3344)
Non-health technicians & associate professionals n.e.c.
(e.g. computer systems, finance, social)
Clerical support workers (e.g. general secretaries,
receptionists, keyboard clerks)
Service and sales workers (e.g. building caretakers,
cooks, products demonstrators)
Trades workers (e.g. electrical equipment installers,
precision-instrument makers)
Machine operators & assemblers (e.g. ambulance
drivers, eyeglass frame assemblers)
Elementary occupations (e.g. cleaners, storage
labourers, food preparation assistants)
HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED
Armed forces occupations
Title
Title
Other health service providers n.e.c. (e.g. students,
volunteers)
Title
Title
* Numbers in parentheses refer to the occupational unit code in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO, 2008 revision), a system for classifying
and aggregating occupational information on the basis of the similarity of skills required to fulfil the tasks and duties of the jobs please see the "Classifying occupations"
guidelines on page 5.
Please add rows for additional national occupational titles as necessary.
n.e.c. = not elsewhere classified
Number
nationally
trained
Number
foreigntrained
Year of
data
Name of the
regulatory body
Comments (e.g.
issues such as data
less than complete
geographically or
include workers
abroad)
Latest available data from national routine HRH information system or

database
Source
title
Owner /
publisher
Last 5 years for which data are available
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Comments (e.g.
issues, or deviations in
data source from the
national information
system)
Part III: Data on health workforce distribution

Please complete the table below to the extent possible with the latest available data on the distribution of health workers.
Indicate "0" if there are no reports of health workers in a given category. Register under comments if data are not available or the answer is not
applicable (e.g. a particular occupation is unregulated, not monitored or not practiced in the country).
Number of practicing** health service providers by selected characteristics
Number of health workers by labour activity
Practicing
(2230)
(2240)
Dentists (2261)
Pharmacists (2262)
Dieticians & nutritionists (2265)
Audiologists & speech therapists (2266)
Optometrists & opthalmic opticians (2267)
Medical & pathology laboratory technicians (3212)
Dental assistants & therapists (3251)
(3252)
associates (3257)
OTHER HEALTH SYSTEM PERSONNEL
(direct patient
services)**
Other health
activity
Non-health
activity
Unemployed
Not in labour
force
(e.g. health
policy, teaching,
research)
(e.g. taxi
driver)
(looking for
work)
(e.g. retired,
studies)
Employment sector
Labour
activity
unknown
Public
Health service managers & administrators (1342)

Other health system personnel n.e.c.
* Numbers in parentheses refer to the occupational unit code in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO, 2008 revision) please see
"Classifying occupations" guidelines on page 5.
** Practicing health workers refer to those whose main work activity is the provision of health care services to patients. In practical terms, this may be delineated as
those whose place of work is a health care setting (e.g. medical, dental, rehabilitative or nursing care facility).
Parapublic
Private
(e.g. military) for-profit
Private
not-forprofit
Geographical area
Employment
sector
unknown
Urban
Rural
Area
unknown
Sex
Female
Male
Age group
Sex
unknown
Under 30
years
Part III: Data on health workforce distribution

Please complete the table below to the extent possible with the latest available data on the distribution of health workers.
Indicate "0" if there are no reports of health workers in a given category. Register under comments if data are not available or the answer is not
applicable (e.g. a particular occupation is unregulated, not monitored or not practiced in the country).
Number of practicing** health service providers by selected characteristics

Age group
30 to 49
years
(2230)
(2240)
Dentists (2261)
Pharmacists (2262)
Dieticians & nutritionists (2265)
Audiologists & speech therapists (2266)
Optometrists & opthalmic opticians (2267)
Medical & pathology laboratory technicians (3212)
Dental assistants & therapists (3251)
(3252)
associates (3257)
OTHER HEALTH SYSTEM PERSONNEL
50 years
or over
Data source
Lifetime migration status

Age
unknown
National
born
Foreign
born
Country
of birth
unknown
Total
Source title
Year
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Health service managers & administrators (1342)
Other health system personnel n.e.c.

0
0
0
* Numbers in parentheses refer to the occupational unit code in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO, 2008 revision) please see
"Classifying occupations" guidelines on page 5.
** Practicing health workers refer to those whose main work activity is the provision of health care services to patients. In practical terms, this may be delineated as
those whose place of work is a health care setting (e.g. medical, dental, rehabilitative or nursing care facility).
Comments
(e.g. coverage or
definitional issues)
Part IV: Data on health professions education and training

Please complete the table below to the extent possible with the latest available data on the education and training of health workers.
Indicate "0" if there are no health education programmes in a given category in the country.
Comments
Field of
education *
Medicine
Nursing and
midwifery
Types of education programmes

Medicine: university programmes for the basic
education of medical doctors
Nursing: tertiary-level programmes for the basic
education of nursing professionals
Midwifery: tertiary-level programmes for the basic
education of midwifery professionals
Assistant nursing: post-secondary non-tertiary
education programmes leading to a labour-market
relevant qualification in nursing assisting and
related occupations
Assistant midwifery: post-secondary non-tertiary
relevant qualification in midwifery assisting
Dental studies
Dentistry: university programmes for the basic

education of dentists
Other advanced dental studies: tertiary-level
education programmes in dental hygiene, dental
prosthetics & related
Other dental care services: post-secondary nontertiary education programmes in dental assisting &
related
Medical / health Pharmacy: university programmes for the basic

services
education of pharmacists
Medical/clinical services: tertiary-level
programmes for the basic education of paramedical
practitioners
Physiotherapy: tertiary-level programmes for the
basic education of physiotherapists
Optometry: tertiary-level education programmes in
optometry, orthoptics & related
Medical technology: post-secondary education
programmes in medical imaging, therapeutic
technologies & related
Medical laboratory technology: post-secondary
education programmes in medical laboratory
Ambulance service: post-secondary education
programmes in ambulance practice, emergency
medical treatment & related
Other health services education programme
Other fields
associated with
health
Environmental health: tertiary-level programmes

in services to the community dealing with items
that affect public health
Social work: tertiary-level programmes in social
work and counselling
Occupational health: tertiary-level programmes in
occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene &
related
Other education programme in a field associated
with health
with health
with health
(e.g. included national

programme titles)
Number of
education
programmes
currently
offered
Typical
duration
Typical entrance
requirement
(number of fulltime equivalent

years)
(years since start of

primary / compulsory
education)
Number of
training
places for
new students
Number of teaching
staff
Full-time
Part-time
Number of students
(last 3
years for which data are available)
New enrolments (first year)

2007
2008
2009
Graduates
2007
2008
2009
Comments
Field of
education *
Other related
fields
(e.g. included national

programme titles)
Number of
education
programmes
currently
offered
Typical
duration
Typical entrance
requirement
(number of fulltime equivalent

years)
(years since start of

primary / compulsory
education)
Number of
training
places for
new students
Management and administration in health:

tertiary-level education programmes leading to a
labour-market relevant qualification in health
services management
Other related education programme
* Fields of education adapted from the boundaries delineated by the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), a framework for the compilation and
presentation of education statistics and indicators for policy analysis and decision making across contexts.
For more information on ISCED, visit: http://www.unesco.org/education/information/nfsunesco/doc/isced_1997.htm
Please add rows for additional health professions education programmes as necessary.
Number of teaching
staff
Full-time
Part-time
Number of students
(last 3
years for which data are available)
New enrolments (first year)

2007
2008
2009
Graduates
2007
2008
2009
Part IV: Data on health professions education and training

Please complete the table below to the extent possible with the latest available data on the education and training of health workers.
Indicate "0" if there are no health education programmes in a given category in the country.
Number of education institutions by selected characteristics
Geographical area
Field of
education *
Medicine
Nursing and
midwifery
Public
Para-public
(e.g. military)
Private forprofit
Total
Source title
Private notfor-profit
0
Midwifery: tertiary-level programmes for the basic

education of midwifery professionals
Assistant nursing: post-secondary non-tertiary
relevant qualification in nursing assisting and
related occupations
Dentistry: university programmes for the basic

education of dentists
Other advanced dental studies: tertiary-level
education programmes in dental hygiene, dental
prosthetics & related
Other dental care services: post-secondary nontertiary education programmes in dental assisting &
related
Medical / health Pharmacy: university programmes for the basic

services
education of pharmacists
Medical/clinical services: tertiary-level
programmes for the basic education of paramedical
practitioners
Physiotherapy: tertiary-level programmes for the
basic education of physiotherapists
Optometry: tertiary-level education programmes in
optometry, orthoptics & related
Other fields
associated with
health
Rural
Data source
Medicine: university programmes for the basic

education of medical doctors
Nursing: tertiary-level programmes for the basic
education of nursing professionals
Assistant midwifery: post-secondary non-tertiary

relevant qualification in midwifery assisting
Dental studies
Urban
Institutional ownership
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Medical technology: post-secondary education

programmes in medical imaging, therapeutic
Medical laboratory technology: post-secondary

education programmes in medical laboratory
Ambulance service: post-secondary education

programmes in ambulance practice, emergency
medical treatment & related
Environmental health: tertiary-level programmes

in services to the community dealing with items
that affect public health
Social work: tertiary-level programmes in social

work and counselling
Occupational health: tertiary-level programmes in
occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene &
related
with health
with health
with health
0
0
0
0
0
Source owner /
publisher
Comments
Year
(e.g. coverage or
Number of education institutions by selected characteristics

Geographical area
Field of
education *
Other related
fields
Urban
Rural
Institutional ownership
Public
Para-public
(e.g. military)
Private forprofit
Data source
Total
Source title
Private notfor-profit
Management and administration in health:

tertiary-level education programmes leading to a
labour-market relevant qualification in health
services management
Other related education programme
* Fields of education adapted from the boundaries delineated by the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), a framework for the compilation and
presentation of education statistics and indicators for policy analysis and decision making across contexts.
For more information on ISCED, visit: http://www.unesco.org/education/information/nfsunesco/doc/isced_1997.htm
Please add rows for additional health professions education programmes as necessary.
Source owner /
publisher
Comments
Year
(e.g. coverage or
Classifying health workers: Mapping occupations to the international standard classification
The classification of health workers is largely based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO, 2008 revision), a system for classifying and aggregating
occupational information obtained by means of population censuses and other statistical surveys, as well as from administrative records. The classification uses a hierarchical structure of
occupational titles and codes, essentially reflecting the distinction of subgroups of the health workforce according to assumed differences in skill level and skill specialization required to fulfil
the tasks and duties of jobs. The ISCO tool is intended both for statistical users and for client oriented users, and is the basis for many national occupational classifications.
This mapping gives guidelines on how health workers are to be classified into the most detailed groups, with examples of occupations included and excluded, for purposes of statistical
delineation, description and analysis. It is intended to serve as a model to facilitate communication about health occupations, to enhance comparability of data on health workers within and
across countries and over time, and to make it possible for data and information on health workers obtained from different sources to be produced in a form which can be useful for research
as well as for decision-making and action-oriented activities. It is recognized that the full complexity and dynamics of national health labour markets may not be captured.
The classification of health workers maps occupation categories into five broad groupings: health professionals, health associate professionals, personal care workers in health services,
health management and support personnel, and other health service providers not elsewhere classified.
Occupation group
ISCO
code
Definition
Examples of occupations
classified here
Notes
Health professionals study, advise on or provide preventive, curative, rehabilitative and promotional health services based on an extensive body of theoretical and factual
knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of disease and other health problems. They may conduct research on human disorders and illnesses and ways of treating them, and
supervise other workers. The knowledge and skills required are usually obtained as the result of study at a higher educational institution in a health-related field for a
period of 36 years leading to the award of a first degree or higher qualification.
Generalist medical
practitioners
2211
Generalist medical doctors (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.
Specialist medical
practitioners *
2212
Specialist medical doctors diagnose, treat and prevent

illness, disease, injury and other physical and mental
impairments using specialized testing, diagnostic, medical,
surgical, physical and psychiatric techniques, 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 specialize in certain disease categories,
types of patient or methods of treatment, and may conduct
medical education and research activities in their chosen
areas of specialization.
Specialist physician (internal

medicine), Surgeon, Anaesthetist,
Cardiologist, Emergency medicine
specialist, Ophthalmologist,
Gynaecologist, Obstetrician,
Paediatrician, Pathologist,
Preventive medicine specialist,
Psychiatrist, Radiologist, Resident
medical officer in specialist training
Occupations included in this category require completion of

a university-level degree in basic medical education plus
postgraduate clinical training in a medical specialization
(except general practice) or equivalent. Resident medical
officers training as specialist practitioners (except general
practice) are included here. Although in some countries
'stomatology' may be considered as a medical
specialization, stomatologists should be included under
'Dentists'-2261. Medical research professionals who
participate in biomedical research using living organisms
and do not undertake clinical practice should be excluded
from here (classified under 'Life science professionals').
* Medical doctors by specialty groupings

Doctors in obstetric and gynaecological specialties
and related branches focusing on the care of the
reproductive system of women including before, during
and after pregnancy and childbirth.
Gynaecologist, Obstetrician
Doctors in paediatrics and related specialties focusing

on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health
problems in infants, children and adolescents.
Paediatrician, Neonatologist
Doctors in psychiatric specialties and related branches

focusing on the study and treatment of mental illness and
behavioural disorders.
Doctors in the medical group of specialties and
related branches (not elsewhere classified) focusing on
the diagnosis, management and non-surgical treatment
of health problems.
Psychiatrist, Child psychiatrist,

Gerontopsychiatrist,
Neuropsychiatrist
Specialist medical doctor in
cardiology, dermato-venerology,
forensic medicine,
gastroenterology, haematology,
immunology, infectious disease,
internal medicine, neurology,
occupational medicine, oncology,
radiology, rehabilitative medicine,
respiratory medicine, urology
Doctors in the surgical group of specialties and

related branches (not elsewhere classified) focusing on
the treatment of health problems with surgery.
Specialist medical doctor in general

surgery, accident and emergency
medicine, anaesthesiology,
intensive care, neurological
surgery, ophthalmology,
orthopaedics, otolaryngology,
paediatric surgery, plastic surgery,
thoracic surgery, vascular surgery
It is of significance to countries and stakeholders to be able

to distinguish the different categories of specialist medical
practitioners. For purposes of international comparability,
where data pertaining to specialist medical practitioners are
reported and classified by medical specialty, they should be
mapped to these groupings. Each specialist should only be
counted once, according to the main area of practice (or, if
this information is not available, the last specialty
registered).
Doctors in specialties not elsewhere classified

includes medical doctors in specialist practice excepting
obstetric, gynaecological, paediatric, psychiatric, surgical
or medical specialties as classified elsewhere.
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 ageing, 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.
Occupation group
ISCO
code
Definition
classified here
Notes
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

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
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.
Traditional and
complementary
medicine
professionals
2230
Traditional and complementary medicine

professionals examine patients and prevent and treat
illness, disease, injury and other physical, mental and
psychosocial ailments by applying knowledge, skills and
practices acquired through extensive study of the theories
and experiences originating in specific cultures. They
research, develop and implement treatment plans using
applications such as acupuncture, ayurvedic, homoeopathic
and herbal medicine.
Acupuncturist, Ayurvedic
practitioner, Chinese herbal
medicine practitioner, Homeopath,
Naturopath, Unani practitioner

performance requires an extensive understanding of the
benefits and applications of traditional and complementary
therapies, developed as the result of extended formal study
of these techniques as well as human anatomy and
elements of modern medicine. Practitioners working in the
singular application of approaches to herbal medicines,
spiritual therapies or manual therapeutic activity are
excluded from here.
Paramedical
practitioners
2240
Paramedical practitioners (including clinical officers and

related) provide advisory, diagnostic, curative and
preventive medical services more limited in scope and
complexity than those carried out by medical doctors. They
work autonomously or with limited supervision of medical
doctors, and perform clinical, therapeutic and surgical
procedures for treating and preventing diseases, injuries,
and other physical or mental impairments common to
specific communities.
Clinical officer, Primary care

paramedic, Advanced care
paramedic, Surgical technician,
Feldsher
Occupations included in this category normally require

completion of tertiary-level training in theoretical and
practical medical services. Workers providing services
limited to emergency treatment and ambulance practice are
classified under 'Ambulance workers'-3258.
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

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.
Pharmacists
2262
Pharmacists store, preserve, compound and dispense

medicinal products. They counsel on the proper use and
adverse effects of drugs and medicines following
prescriptions issued by medical doctors and other health
professionals. They contribute to researching, testing,
preparing, prescribing and monitoring medicinal therapies
for optimizing human health.
Hospital pharmacist, Industrial

pharmacist, Retail pharmacist,
Dispensing chemist

completion of university-level training in theoretical and
practical pharmacy, pharmaceutical chemistry or a related
field. Pharmacologists and related professionals who study
living organisms are excluded from here (classified under
'Life science professionals').
Environmental and
occupational health
and hygiene
professionals
2263
Environmental and occupational health and hygiene

professionals assess, plan and implement programs to
recognize, monitor and control environmental factors that
can potentially affect human health, to ensure safe and
healthy working conditions, and to prevent disease or injury
caused by chemical, physical, radiological and biological
agents or ergonomic factors.
Environmental health officer,

Occupational health and safety
adviser, Occupational hygienist,
Radiation protection adviser

educational institution in environmental or occupational
health and safety, or a related field. Professionals who
assess, plan and implement programmes to monitor or
control the impact of human activities on the environment
are excluded from here (classified under 'Life science
professionals').
Physiotherapists
2264
Physiotherapists assess, plan and implement rehabilitative

programs that improve or restore human motor functions,
maximize movement ability, relieve pain syndromes, and
treat or prevent physical challenges associated with injuries,
diseases and other impairments. They apply a broad range
of physical therapies and techniques such as movement,
ultrasound, heating, laser and other techniques. They may
develop and implement programmes for screening and
prevention of common physical ailments and disorders.
Physiotherapist, Geriatric physical

therapist, Orthopaedic physical
therapist, Paediatric physical
therapist

educational institution in physiotherapy or a related field.
Dieticians and
nutritionists
2265
Dieticians and nutritionists assess, plan and implement

programs to enhance the impact of food and nutrition on
human health. They may conduct research, assessments
and education to improve nutritional levels among
individuals and communities.
Dietician, Clinical dietician, Food

service dietician, Nutritionist,
Public health nutritionist, Sports
nutritionist

educational institution in food and nutritional science,
nutrition education, dietetics, or a related field.
Audiologists and
speech therapists
2266
Audiologists and speech therapists evaluate, manage

and treat physical disorders affecting human hearing,
speech communication and swallowing. They prescribe
corrective devices or rehabilitative therapies for hearing
loss, speech disorders, and related sensory and neural
problems. They plan hearing screening programs and
provide counselling on hearing safety and communication
performance.
Audiologist, Speech therapist,

Speech pathologist, Language
therapist

educational institution in audiology, speech pathology,
clinical language sciences or a related field.
Optometrists and
opthalmic opticians
2267
Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians provide

diagnosis, management and treatment services for
disorders of the eyes and visual system. They counsel and
advise on eye care and safety, and prescribe optical aids or
other therapies for visual disturbance.
Optometrist, Ophthalmic optician,

Orthoptist

educational institution in optometry, orthoptics or a related
field.
Health professionals
not elsewhere
classified
2269
This group covers health professionals not classified

elsewhere such as podiatrists, occupational therapists,
recreational therapists and other professionals providing
diagnostic, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health
services.
Podiatrist, Occupational therapist,

Recreational therapist, Arts
therapist, Dance and movement
therapist

Health associate professionals perform technical and practical tasks to support diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease, injuries and impairments, and to support
implementation of health care, treatment and referral plans usually established by medical, nursing and other health professionals. Appropriate formal qualifications are
often an essential requirement for entry to these occupations; in some cases relevant work experience and prolonged on-the-job training may substitute for the formal
education.
Occupation group
ISCO
code
Definition
classified here
Notes
Medical imaging
and therapeutic
equipment
technicians
3211
Medical imaging and therapeutic equipment

technicians test and operate radiographic, ultrasound and
other medical imaging equipment to produce images of
body structures for the diagnosis and treatment of injury,
disease and other impairments. They may administer
radiation treatments and monitor patients' conditions under
the supervision of a radiologist or other health professional.
Diagnostic medical radiographer,

Medical radiation therapist,
Magnetic resonance imaging
technologist, Nuclear medicine
technologist, Mammographer,
Sonographer

performance usually requires formal training in medical
technology, radiology, sonography, nuclear medical
technology or a related field.
Medical and
pathology
laboratory
technicians
3212
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians perform

clinical tests on specimens of bodily fluids and tissues in
order to get information about the health of a patient or
cause of death. They test and operate equipment such as
spectrophotometers, calorimeters and flame photometers
for analysis of biological material including blood, urine and
spinal fluid.
Medical laboratory technician,

Medical laboratory assistant, Blood
bank technician, Cytology
technician, Pathology technician

performance usually requires formal training in biomedical
science, medical technology or a related field. Technicians
who conduct laboratory tests on living organisms should be
classified under 'Life science technicians'. Forensic science
technicians, who perform clinical tests to aid in the
investigation of crimes, should be classified under 'Physical
and engineering science technicians'.
Pharmaceutical
technicians and
assistants
3213
Pharmaceutical technicians and assistants perform a

Pharmaceutical technician,
variety of tasks associated with dispensing medicinal
Pharmaceutical assistant,
products under the guidance of a pharmacist or other health Dispensing technician
professional. They inventory, prepare and store medications
and other pharmaceutical compounds and supplies, and
may dispense medicines and drugs to clients and instruct on
their use as prescribed by health professionals.

knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical services as obtained
through formal training. Pharmacology technicians and
related associate professionals who work with living
organisms are excluded from here (classified under 'Life
science technicians').
Medical and dental

prosthetic
technicians
3214
Medical and dental prosthetic technicians design, fit,

service and repair medical and dental devices and
appliances following prescriptions or instructions established
by a health professional. They may service a wide range of
support instruments to correct physical medical or dental
problems such as neck braces, orthopaedic splints, artificial
limbs, hearing aides, arch supports, dentures, and dental
crowns and bridges.
Medical appliance technician,

Orthotist, Orthotic technician,
Prosthetist, Prosthetic technician,
Denturist, Dental technician

some medical, dental and anatomical knowledge obtained
through formal training. Technicians who construct and
repair precision medical and surgical instruments are
excluded from here (classified under 'Trades workers').
Nursing associate
professionals
3221
Nursing associate professionals provide basic nursing

and personal care for people in need of such care due to
effects of ageing, illness, injury, or other physical or mental
impairment. They provide health advice to patients and
families; monitor patients' conditions; and implement care,
treatment and referral plans usually established by medical,
nursing and other health professionals.
Assistant nurse, Enrolled nurse,

Practical nurse

performance usually requires knowledge and skills obtained
as the result of study in nursing; in some cases, extensive
on-the-job training may substitute for the formal education
formal. The criteria for inclusion of individuals in this
category should be made on the basis of the nature of the
work performed in relation to this definition, and not the
country.
Midwifery associate
professionals
3222
Midwifery associate professionals provide basic health

care and advice before, during and after pregnancy and
childbirth. They provide advice to women, families and
communities on birth and emergency plans, breastfeeding,
infant care, family planning and related topics; monitor
health status during pregnancy and childbirth; and
implement care, treatment and referral plans usually
established by medical, midwifery and other health
professionals.
Assistant midwife, Traditional

midwife

performance requires knowledge and skills in routine and
emergency midwifery care acquired through formal or
informal training. The criteria for inclusion of individuals in
this category should be made on the basis of the nature of
the work performed in relation to this definition, and not
the qualifications held by individuals or that predominate in
the country. Traditional and lay midwives, who provide basic
pregnancy and birthing care and advice based primarily on
experience and knowledge acquired informally through the
traditions and practices of the communities where they
originated, are included here. Birth assistants, who provide
emotional support and general care and advice to women
and families during pregnancy and labour, are excluded
from here (classified under 'Personal care workers in health
services').
Traditional and
complementary
medicine associate
professionals
3230

professionals prevent, care for and treat physical and
mental illnesses, disorders and injuries using herbal and
other therapies based on theories and experiences
originating in specific cultures. They administer treatments
using traditional techniques and medicaments, either acting
independently or according to therapeutic care plans
established by a traditional medicine or other health
professional.
Acupuncture technician, Ayurvedic

technician, Bonesetter, Herbalist,
Homeopathy technician, Scraping
and cupping therapist, Village
healer, Witch doctor

performance requires knowledge and skills acquired
through relatively short periods of education and training,
or informally through the traditions and practices of the
communities where they originated. Faith healers, who
treat human ailments through spiritual therapies, without
using herbal therapies or other medicaments or physical
treatments, are excluded from here (classified under
'Religious associate professionals'). Occupations that
provide therapy using traditional forms of massage and the
application of pressure, such as acupressure and shiatsu
therapists, are classified under 'Physiotherapy technicians
and assistants'-3255.
Dental assistants
and therapists
3251
Dental assistants and therapists provide basic dental

Dental assistant, Dental hygienist,
care services for the prevention and treatment of diseases
Dental therapist
and disorders of the teeth and mouth, as per care plans and
procedures established by a dentist or other oral health
professional. They examine patients' mouths, teeth and
related structures to assess oral health status; provide
advice on dental hygiene; perform basic or routine clinical
dental procedures; and assisting dentists during complex
dental procedures.

performance usually requires formal training in dental
hygiene, dental-assisting or a related field.
Medical records and

health information
technicians
3252

develop, implement and assess health records processing,
storage and retrieval systems in medical facilities and other
health care settings to meet the legal, professional, ethical
and administrative records-keeping requirements of health
services delivery.
Occupations included in this category require knowledge of

medical terminology, legal aspects of health information,
health data standards, and computer- or paper-based data
management as obtained through formal education and/or
prolonged on-the-job training. General secretarial or clerical
workers are excluded from here.
Medical records technician, Health

information clerk, Medical records
analyst, Medical records unit
supervisor, Clinical coder, Disease
registry technician
Occupation group
ISCO
code
Definition
classified here
Community health worker,
Community health aide,
Community health promoter,
Village health worker
Notes
Community health
workers
3253
Community health workers provide health education,

referral and follow up, case management, and basic
preventive health care and home visiting services to specific
communities. They provide support and assistance to
individuals and families in navigating the health and social
services system.
Dispensing opticians
3254
Dispensing opticians design, fit and dispense optical

Dispensing optician, Contact lens
lenses based on a prescription from an ophthalmologist or
optician
optometrist for the correction of reduced visual acuity. They
service corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses, low-vision aids
and other optical devices.

performance usually requires formal training in opticianry.
Physiotherapy
technicians and
assistants
3255
Physiotherapy technicians and assistants provide

physical therapeutic treatments to patients in circumstances
where functional movement is threatened by injury, disease
or impairment. They fit patients for physical supportive
devices and administer and monitor manual treatments,
electrical modality treatments, ultrasound and other physical
therapies. Therapies are usually provided as per
rehabilitative plans established by a physiotherapist or other
health professional.

performance usually requires formal training in physical
rehabilitation therapy or a related field. Fitness instructors,
who teach body movements used in fitness routines and
recreational activities, are excluded from here (classified
under 'Social, cultural and related associate professionals').
Medical assistants
3256
Medical assistants perform basic clinical and

Medical assistant, Clinical
administrative tasks to support patient care under the direct assistant, Ophthalmic assistant
supervision of a medical practitioner or other health
professional. They perform routine tasks and procedures
such as measuring patients' vital signs, administering
medications and injections, recording information in medical
records-keeping systems, preparing and handling medical
instruments and supplies, and collecting and preparing
specimens of bodily fluids and tissues for laboratory testing.

performance normally requires formal training in health
services provision. Clinical care providers with advanced
training and skills to provide independent medical
diagnostic and treatment services should be classified
under 'Paramedical practitioners'-2240.
Environmental and
occupational health
inspectors and
associates
3257
Environmental and occupational health inspectors and

associates investigate the implementation of rules and
regulations relating to environmental factors that can
potentially affect human health, health and safety in the
workplace, and safety of processes for the production of
goods and services. They may implement and evaluate
programs to restore or improve safety and sanitary
conditions under the supervision of a health professional.

performance usually requires formal training in sanitary
sciences, occupational and institutional safety and
sanitation, or a related field.
Ambulance workers
3258
Ambulance workers provide emergency health care to

Ambulance officer, Ambulance
patients who are injured, sick, infirm or otherwise physically paramedic, Emergency medical
or mentally impaired prior to and during transport to
technician, Emergency paramedic
medical, rehabilitation and other health care facilities. They
monitor changes in health status of patients during
transport and perform procedures according to protocol for
emergency medical treatment. They may patrol and provide
information on first aid at large-scale public gatherings and
other events where health emergencies are more likely to
occur.

formal training in emergency medical treatment, patient
transport, ambulance principles and practice, or a related
field. Ambulance drivers who do not provide health care are
excluded from here (classified under 'Plant and machine
operators').
Health associate
professionals not
elsewhere classified
3259
This group covers health associate professionals not

classified elsewhere including, for instance, chiropractors,
osteopaths, respiratory and anaesthesia technicians, HIV
counsellors and others performing technical tasks and
providing support for diagnostic, preventive, curative,
promotional and rehabilitative health services.

performance usually requires formal training in health
service provision. Although in some jurisdictions
chiropractic and osteopathic are considered to have the
attributes of medical specialties, practitioners in these
disciplines should always be classified here.
Physiotherapy technician, Physical

rehabilitation technician,
Acupressure therapist,
Electrotherapist, Hydrotherapist,
Massage therapist, Shiatsu
therapist
Health inspector, Food sanitation

and safety inspector, Occupational
health and safety inspector,
Sanitarian, Sanitary inspector
Chiropractor, Osteopath,
Respiratory therapy technician,
Anaesthesia technician, HIV
counsellor, Family planning
counsellor

formal or informal training and supervision recognized by
the health and social services authorities. Providers of
routine personal care services and traditional medicine
practitioners are not included here.
PERSONAL CARE WORKERS IN HEALTH SERVICES

Personal care workers provide direct personal care services in health care and residential settings, assist with health care procedures, and perform a variety of other tasks
of a simple and routine nature for the provision of health services. These occupations typically require relatively advanced literacy and numeracy skills, a high level of
manual dexterity, and good interpersonal communication skills.
Health care
assistants
5321
Health care assistants provide routine personal care,

support and assistance with activities of daily living to
patients and residents in a variety of health care settings
such as hospitals, clinics and residential nursing care
facilities. They assist patients with personal, physical
mobility and therapeutic care needs as per established care
plans and practices, and generally under the direct
supervision of medical, nursing or other health professionals
or associate professionals.
Nursing aide (hospital or clinic),

Patient care assistant, Birth
assistant (hospital or clinic),
Psychiatric aide
Home-based
personal care
workers
5322
Home-based personal care workers provide routine

Nursing aide (home), Home care
personal care, support and assistance with activities of daily aide, Home birth assistant,
living to persons who are in need of such care due to effects Personal care provider
of ageing, illness, injury, or other physical or mental
condition in private homes and other independent
residential settings. They assist clients with personal,
physical mobility and therapeutic care needs, usually as per
care plans established by a health professional.
Personal care
workers in health
services not
5329
This group covers personal care workers in health

services not classified elsewhere including, for instance,
dental aides, hospital orderlies, medical imaging assistants,
pharmacy aides and other providers of routine health and
personal care support services.
Occupations included in this category generally do not

require extensive health care knowledge or training.
Classified here are workers providing services in health care
settings such as hospitals, health care facilities,
rehabilitation centres, residential nursing care facilities, and
other establishments with permanent medical or nursing
supervision.
Occupations included in this category generally do not

require extensive health care knowledge or training.
Classified here are workers providing services in primary
residential settings including assisted-living facilities,
continuing care retirement communities, and other types of
residential facilities with minimal or no on-site medical or
nursing supervision. Home birth assistants, who provide
emotional support and general care and advice to women
and families during pregnancy and labour, but not delivery
care to reduce health risks, are included here. Care workers
who provide care and supervision for children in residential
homes and care centres are excluded from here.
Dental aide, First-aid attendant,

Hospital orderly, Medical imaging
assistant, Pharmacy aide,
Phlebotomist, Sterilization aide
HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL

Health management and support personnel include a wide range of other types of health systems personnel, such as health service managers, health economists, health
policy lawyers, biomedical engineers, medical physicists, clinical psychologists, social workers, medical secretaries, ambulance drivers, building maintenance staff, and
other general management, professional, technical, administrative and support staff.
Occupation group
Health service
managers
ISCO
code
1342
Health management
personnel not
Definition
classified here
Health service managers plan, direct, coordinate and

evaluate the provision of clinical and community health care
services in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies and
similar organizations. They provide overall direction, policy
standards and operational criteria for the units they
manage, including supervising and evaluating the
recruitment, training and work activities of personnel. They
monitor the use of health services and resources. They liaise
with other health and welfare service providers, boards and
funding bodies to coordinate the provision of services.
Health facility administrator,

Medical administrator, Clinical
director, Director of nursing,
Hospital matron, Community
health care coordinator, Chief
public health officer
This group covers managers and administrators not

classified elsewhere (except health service mangers)
working in health systems including, for instance,
government health department heads, human resource
managers, supply chain managers, regional health policy
and planning directors, and others whose main tasks and
duties include guiding and directing the activities of
organizations, departments and other workers.
Government health department

head, Human resource manager,
Medical commodities procurement
manager, Regional health planning
director, Aged care service
manager, Social welfare manager,
Information and communications
technology service manager
Notes
The main tasks and duties for jobs in this occupational
category include guiding and directing the activities of
organizations, departments and other workers, and other
tasks which require complex problem solving and decision
making based on knowledge and skills normally obtained as
the result of some combination of higher education,
extensive work experience and prolonged on-the-job
training.
Life science
professionals
2131, Life science professionals (including bacteriologists,

2133 pharmacologists and related) study living organisms and
their interactions with each other and the environment, and
apply this knowledge to solve human health and
environmental problems. They gather, examine and analyse
human, animal, insect, plant, soil, water and air specimens
and samples in laboratories and in the field using specialised
equipment, instruments, technologies and techniques. They
work in diverse fields such as bacteriology, biochemistry,
genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology and
virology.
Air pollution analyst, Bacteriologist,

Biotechnologist, Cell geneticist,
Ecologist, Environmental protection
adviser, Microbiologist, Molecular
biologist, Molecular geneticist,
Pharmacologist, Water quality
analyst
The tasks and duties for occupations in this category

include collecting, analyzing and evaluating experimental
and field data to identify and develop new products,
processes and techniques for pharmaceutical and
environmental use. The knowledge and skills required are
usually obtained as the result of study at a higher
educational institution in life science or related field for a
period of 36 years leading to the award of a first degree or
higher qualification.
Social work and

counselling
professionals
2635
Social work and counselling professionals provide

counselling, therapy and mediation services to individuals,
families, groups and communities in response to social and
personal difficulties. They assist clients to develop skills and
access resources and support services needed to respond to
issues arising from health problems, life transitions,
addictions, and other personal, family and social problems.
They liaise with other social service agencies, educational
institutions and health care providers to advocate for client
and community needs.
Addictions counsellor, Bereavement

counsellor, Clinical social worker,
District social welfare officer,
Sexual assault counsellor, Womens
welfare organizer
The tasks and duties for occupations in this category

include planning and providing counselling, skills
development, crisis intervention and mediation services in
individual, family or group settings to assist clients function
within the limitations of their environment, improve their
relationships, and solve personal and family problems. The
knowledge and skills required are usually obtained as the
result of study at a higher educational institution in social
work and counselling for a period of 36 years leading to
the award of a first degree or higher qualification.
This group covers professionals not classified elsewhere

(except health, life science and social work) working in
health systems including, for instance, physical,
mathematical and engineering science professionals,
teaching professionals, business and administration
professionals, information and communications technology
professionals, legal professionals and social science
professionals.
Accountant, Biomedical engineer,

Clinical psychologist,
Environmental engineer, Health
economist, Health policy analyst,
Health policy lawyer, Health
statistician, Health vocational
education teacher, Medical and
pharmaceutical products sales
representative, Medical physicist,
Operations research analyst,
Optical engineer, Safety engineer,
Software developer, Staff training
officer, University medical lecturer,
Veterinary epidemiologist
The tasks and duties of occupations in this category include

conducting analysis and research and advising on
applications of the physical, mathematical, engineering and
social sciences to the medical and health fields; teaching
the theory and practice of health science and services at
higher education levels; and providing various
technological, business and legal services in health
systems.
Non-health
professionals not
Life science
technicians
3141
Life science technicians (excluding medical) provide

technical support for research, analysis and testing of living
organisms, and development and application of products
and processes resulting from research to solve human
health and environmental problems. They collect and
prepare specimens and samples generally under the
guidance of a life science professional, calibrate and operate
laboratory instruments and equipment, perform routine field
and laboratory tests, and monitor experiments to ensure
adherence to quality control procedures and health and
safety guidelines. They work in areas such as biology,
biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental protection and
pharmacology.
Bacteriology technician,
Occupations included in this category usually require
Biochemistry technician,
knowledge and skills as obtained through formal training in
Pharmacology technician, Serology life science or related field.
technician, Tissue culture
technician
Medical secretaries
3344
Medical secretaries, using specialized knowledge of

medical terminology and health care delivery procedures,
perform a variety of communication, documentation,
administrative and internal coordination functions, to
support health workers in medical facilities and other health
care-related organizations. They schedule medical
appointments, record and review medical charts and
correspondence, interview patients to complete case
histories, prepare health insurance claims and acquisition
orders, and supervise the work of other office support
workers.
Medical secretary, Medical office

administrative assistant, Hospital
ward secretary, Patient care
secretary, Medical insurance billing
secretary, Medical laboratory
secretary, Medical stenographer,
Medical transcriptionist, Pathology
secretary, Dental secretary
Occupations included in this category require basic

knowledge of medical terminology and health care delivery
procedures as obtained through formal education and/or
prolonged on-the-job training. General secretaries,
receptionists and clerical workers are excluded from here.
This group covers technicians and associate

professionals not classified elsewhere (except health,
life science and medical secretarial) working in health
systems including, for instance, physical and engineering
science technicians, information and communications
technicians, business and administration associate
professionals, and social and religious associate
professionals.
Bookkeeper, Computer network

technician, Data entry supervisor,
Disability services officer, Faith
healer, Fitness instructor, Forensic
science technician, Health
insurance claims officer, Health
facility licensing officer, Medical
supplies procurement officer,
Mental health support worker,
Water treatment plant operator
The tasks and duties of occupations in this category include

technical and related tasks connected with scientific
research and operational methods and their applications to
the medical and health fields; technical and practical
services and support functions in finance, regulation and
administration of health and social services; and technical
tasks connected with the practical application of knowledge
relating to sport, culture and religion to improve health and
well-being.
Non-health
technicians and
associate
professionals not
Definition
classified here
Clerical support
workers
This group covers clerical support workers (excluding

specialized health information technicians and medical
secretaries) working in health systems including, for
instance, general clerks, keyboard clerks, client services
clerks, material recording clerks and others who record,
organize, store, compute and retrieve information, and
perform clerical and secretarial duties in connection with
money-handling operations, requests for information and
appointments.
General office clerk, General

secretary, General receptionist,
Accounts clerk, Data entry clerk,
Health insurance clerk, Hospital
admissions clerk, Human resource
assistant, Medical appointments
schedule clerk, Medical
commodities stock controller,
Payroll clerk
Many occupations in this category require relatively

advanced literacy and numeracy skills, good interpersonal
communication skills and a high level of manual dexterity.
The knowledge and skills required are usually obtained as
the result of secondary education and, in some case,
specialized post-secondary vocational education and/or
prolonged on-the-job training.
Service and sales

workers
This group covers service and sales workers (except

personal care workers) working in health systems who
provide personal and protective services, or demonstrate
and sell goods in wholesale or retail shops and similar
establishments.
Building caretaker, Facility cafeteria

cook, Hospital security guard,
Medical products sales
demonstrator, Undertaker,
Pharmaceuticals retail shop cashier
Many occupations in this category require relatively

advanced literacy and numeracy skills, good interpersonal
communication skills and a high level of manual dexterity.
In some case, specialized post-secondary vocational
education and/or prolonged on-the-job training may be
required.
Trades workers
This group covers trades workers working in health

systems including, for instance, building trades workers,
electrical and electronics trades workers, machinery trades
workers, precision-instrument makers and others who apply
knowledge and skills to construct and maintain buildings,
make and control equipment or tools, or apply chemical
products on surroundings to prevent health risks.
Ambulance mechanic, Building

exteriors cleaner, Computer
hardware technician, Health
information typesetter, Malaria
control sprayer, Optical lens
moulder, Orthopaedic appliance
maker, Surgical instruments maker,
Refrigeration mechanic
The tasks and duties of occupations in this category

generally require understanding of all stages of the
production process, the materials and tools used, and the
nature and purpose of the final product, as usually obtained
through the completion of secondary education and, in
some case, specialized post-secondary vocational education
and/or prolonged on-the-job training.
Plant and machine

operators and
assemblers
This group covers plant and machine operators and

assemblers working in health systems including, for
instance, assemblers, drivers and others who operate and
monitor machinery and equipment, drive motor vehicles and
mobile machinery, or assemble products from component
parts according to specifications.
Ambulance driver, Eyeglass frame

assembler, Laundry machine
operator, Pharmaceutical products
machine operator
The tasks and duties of occupations in this category

generally call for experience with and an understanding of
industrial machinery and equipment as well as an ability to
cope with machine-paced operations and to adapt to
technological innovations. A high level of manual dexterity
is often required.
Elementary
occupations
This group covers elementary occupations in health

systems including, for instance, cleaners, food preparation
assistants, refuse workers and others who perform simple
and routine tasks which may require the use of hand-held
tools and considerable physical effort.
Hospital garden labourer, Kitchen

Most occupations in this category require knowledge and
helper, Lavatory attendant, Medical skills generally obtained through primary education and/or
commodities stock handler, Refuse a short period of on-the-job training.
collector, Window washer
Occupation group
ISCO
code
Notes
HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED

Armed forces
occupations
This group covers members of the armed forces (not

classified elsewhere) engaged in actions with primary intent
to enhance health including, for instance, commissioned
medical and nursing officers and combat medical
technicians.
Commissioned armed forces

medical doctor, Combat medical
technician, Navy corps nurse,
Veteran hospital nursing aide
Other health service

providers not
This group covers other categories not classifiable as

Medical student intern, Hospital
participating in the formal or informal health labour market volunteer
but providing health services including, for instance, medical
interns and trainees who are providing clinical services as
part of their basic medical education.
Many jobs performed by members of the armed forces are

similar, in terms of the nature of the work performed, to
civilian occupations. For purposes of international
comparability, where data pertaining to members of the
armed forces are reported and classified by occupation,
they should be included under 'Armed forces occupations'.
Where it is not possible to produce information about the
nature of work performed by members of the armed forces,
they may be included with similar civilian jobs. In adapting
this classification for national purposes, countries may wish
to consider what approach best suits their circumstances
and user needs.
Source: Adapted from International Labour Organization, International Standard Classification of Occupations: ISCO-08 [www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/index.htm].
Summary: Basic profile of the health workforce in Country

Health workforce stock
Number of health
workers in
Medical doctors (physicians)
2009
0
Education and training of health workers
Density of health
workers per 10 000
population
Health workers per

health facility
0.0
0.0
Generalist/primary care medical doctors
0.0
0.0
Specialist medical doctors
Number of graduates of
education programmes in
2009
0
Graduates per 100

000 population
0.0
0.0
0.0
Nursing and midwifery personnel
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Dentists
0.0
0.0
0.0
Pharmacists
0.0
0.0
0.0
Physiotherapists
0.0
0.0
0.0
Optometrists and opthalmic opticians
0.0
0.0
0.0
Environmental and occupational health & hygiene professionals
0.0
0.0
0.0
Medical imaging and therapeutic equipment technicians
0.0
0.0
0.0
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians
0.0
0.0
0.0
Ambulance service workers
0.0
0.0
0.0
Medical and dental prosthetic technicians
0.0
0.0
Dental assistants and therapists
0.0
0.0
Pharmaceutical technicians and assistants
0.0
0.0
Community health workers
0.0
0.0
Medical assistants
0.0
0.0
Total population (mid-year estimate for 2009)

Number of health facilities (public and private, 2009)
100,000
200

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Data Mapping Template on Human Resources for Health

Version 2.2 - September 2010

Name, affiliation and contact information of

Date of completion (day/month/year):

Part I: Information sources and uses

Present but not adequate

Not adequate at all

The importance of sound data for informed

HRH M&E plan developed

Process initiated to identify

Process not yet initiated

An important consideration is planning and

Does the national coordinating mechanism

Does the national coordinating mechanism

A main challenge to sustaining an effective

Collaboration exists among a

All relevant government

Only the ministry of health

Present but not adequate

Not adequate at all

Developing a centralized HRH database is

Computerized or paperNo computerized or paperbased database exists but

Are the data from the centralized HRH

All relevant data from

Selected data from

Very little data from

Timeliness of the available information is

Sources of national HRH

Data are not shared / No

Present but not adequate

Not adequate at all

Diverse sources from within and outside the

Data from all public, private Data from the ministry of

Only data sources internal to Very limited or no

Does the national HRH information system or

Data from all public, private

Data from the ministry of

Only data sources internal to Very limited or no

Are data from population-based sources

Population census and/or

Population census and/or

Population census and/or

No population census and/or

Are data from health facility assessments

Health facility assessment

Health facility assessment

Health facility assessment

Collection and sharing of data using common

All health worker indicators

Most health worker

Only some health worker

Very limited or no ensurance

Data disaggregated by characteristics of

Data can be disaggregated

Data can be disaggregated

Only limited disaggregation

Are disaggregated data on health workers

The data allow

The data allow

Present but not adequate

Not adequate at all

Monitoring flows into and out of the health

Data allow tracking annual

Data allow tracking annual