A nurse who is participating in a health fair asks, "Other than nursing, what are some opportunities for careers in the health care professions, and what education is required?" The nurse informs participants that a baccalaureate degree is required as the minimum standard for the role of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: nurse anesthetist. Nurse anesthetists require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing as a prerequisite for their advanced practice role. They then need to complete a master's or doctoral program in nurse anesthesia. This advanced education and training enable nurse anesthetists to provide anesthesia care in various healthcare settings.
Incorrect answers:
A: Speech therapists require a master's degree in speech-language pathology.
B: Occupational therapists require a master's degree in occupational therapy.
C: Nurse-midwives require a master's degree in nurse-midwifery or a related field.
In summary, the minimum education requirement of a baccalaureate degree aligns with the role of a nurse anesthetist, making choice D the correct answer.