A health technician provides direct care to patients without supervision from a nurse or doctor. As an allied health professional, their duties are to complete tasks that assist medical staff. These tasks are dependent on their specialty but may include taking vital signs, changing bedding, redressing wounds, and delivering food to patients. Technicians work in a variety of settings including pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They typically work in a full-time or temporary relief position. Common specializations include mental health, which focuses on patient behavior, as well as emergency medicine, environmental health, or pharmaceutical.