The women trained and certified by Machon Puah to serve in the role of a bodeket taharah have previous medical training. At Machon Puah they undergo additional training so that they know how to look for findings that may have halachic significance as well.

A bodeket taharah (sometimes called a niddah nurse) can do a speculum examination to help determine whether bleeding originates from a lesion or injury outside the uterus, in which case it does not make a woman niddah, or whether it is uterine bleeding which is likely to render a woman niddah. The bodeket writes a letter with the results of her examination, which the woman can relay to her posek. In some cases, the bodeket, using a speculum, can do a hefsek taharah or bedikah in a manner that avoids areas where there is bleeding from outside the uterus.

Yoatzot halacha have undergone extensive training in hilchot niddah and have been certified to give halachic advice regarding all areas of hilchot niddah. Lectures in related medical issues are part of their training. However, most yoatzot are not health professionals.