Final answer:
Health professionals are subject to secondary credentialing when their ability to practice depends on holding another credential like a license or certification. This aligns with the concept of credentialism, which emphasizes the importance of certifications and degrees in demonstrating qualifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a health professional's eligibility to practice is contingent upon them holding another credential, such as a professional license or certification, they are subject to secondary credentialing. This kind of credentialing is based on the assumption that the initial credential (the primary credential) has already been obtained, and the professional must now obtain additional certification or licensure to practice. For example, a physician must first graduate from medical school (primary credential) and then obtain a medical license (secondary credential) to practice medicine legally.
Credentialism highlights the importance of such certifications and degrees to affirm that a person has acquired a certain skill level or met specific job qualifications. It is a common practice in various occupations that require specialized knowledge and expertise, such as healthcare, law, and engineering. Sellers of labor use various means to provide information on their qualifications, including resumes, and the necessity of occupational licenses comes into play as a form of quality control in the labor market.