Pharmacists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Review prescriptions to assure accuracy, to ascertain the needed ingredients, and to evaluate their suitability.98
Collaborate with other health care professionals to plan, monitor, review, or evaluate the quality or effectiveness of drugs or drug regimens, providing advice on drug applications or characteristics.95
Work in hospitals or clinics or for Health Management Organizations (HMOs), dispensing prescriptions, serving as a medical team consultant, or specializing in specific drug therapy areas, such as oncology or nuclear pharmacotherapy.94
Provide information and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.88
Provide specialized services to help patients manage conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, or high blood pressure.86
Analyze prescribing trends to monitor patient compliance and to prevent excessive usage or harmful interactions.86
Maintain records, such as pharmacy files, patient profiles, charge system files, inventories, control records for radioactive nuclei, or registries of poisons, narcotics, or controlled drugs.81
Prepare sterile solutions or infusions for use in surgical procedures, emergency rooms, or patients' homes.78
Compound and dispense medications as prescribed by doctors and dentists, by calculating, weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients, or oversee these activities.76
Assess the identity, strength, or purity of medications.76
Plan, implement, or maintain procedures for mixing, packaging, or labeling pharmaceuticals, according to policy and legal requirements, to ensure quality, security, and proper disposal.76
Teach pharmacy students serving as interns in preparation for their graduation or licensure.65

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Refer patients to other health professionals or agencies when appropriate.65
Order and purchase pharmaceutical supplies, medical supplies, or drugs, maintaining stock and storing and handling it properly.63
Manage pharmacy operations, hiring or supervising staff, performing administrative duties, or buying or selling non-pharmaceutical merchandise.63
Contact insurance companies to resolve billing issues.63
Publish educational information for other pharmacists, doctors, or patients.60
Advise customers on the selection of medication brands, medical equipment, or healthcare supplies.59
Assay radiopharmaceuticals, verify rates of disintegration, and calculate the volume required to produce the desired results, to ensure proper dosages.58
Offer health promotion or prevention activities, such as training people to use blood pressure devices or diabetes monitors.58
Update or troubleshoot pharmacy information databases.54

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making72
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring72
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation72
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness72
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management72
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning66
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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Coordination60
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources53
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics53
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science53
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Material Resources41
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis41
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis41
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Financial Resources28
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation and Control10
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Medicine and Dentistry91
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
English Language85
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Biology84
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics80
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry78
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education and Training72
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Customer and Personal Service68
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Law and Government63
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Therapy and Counseling61
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Administrative55
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Psychology54
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Computers and Electronics53
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Administration and Management48
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Public Safety and Security47
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Communications and Media39
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Personnel and Human Resources39
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Production and Processing37
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sociology and Anthropology35
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Telecommunications33
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting30
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Foreign Language27
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Engineering and Technology23
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics20
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Sales and Marketing18
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Design13
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Philosophy and Theology13
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Mechanical12
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Transportation10
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography8
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Building and Construction7
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
History and Archeology5
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Food Production1
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility72
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Mathematical Reasoning56
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility53
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visual Color Discrimination53
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Manual Dexterity41
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Originality41
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Arm-Hand Steadiness38
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity38
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Trunk Strength28
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visualization28
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Multilimb Coordination16
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Extent Flexibility10
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination10
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Stamina10
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength10
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength3
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information91
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems89
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge89
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Assisting and Caring for Others88
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Documenting/Recording Information86
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working with Computers86
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards84
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others84
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Processing Information83
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships82
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates80
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Analyzing Data or Information79
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others74
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public74
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Training and Teaching Others73
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing and Building Teams71
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events70
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings67
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Coaching and Developing Others66
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization64
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others64
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates62
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People62
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information58
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others57
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies55
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities55
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials54
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources54
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Thinking Creatively52
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing Administrative Activities47
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units47
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Handling and Moving Objects31
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities31
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Controlling Machines and Processes30
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others28
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment16
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment14
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment13
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment5
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness95
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation77
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity73
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Self-Control71
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Empathy70
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Stress Tolerance69
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation68
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Sincerity65
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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Self-Confidence54
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Social Orientation53
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Initiative46
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Adaptability45
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Humility38
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Leadership Orientation36
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Optimism33
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Innovation32
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity11
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative78
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social65
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Conventional59
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic30
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising27
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic8
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day96%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day96%
E-Mail
- Every day93%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important89%
- Very important11%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day86%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious71%
- Very serious29%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others71%
- Contact with others most of the time29%
Time Pressure
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important46%
- Very important46%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results54%
- Important results32%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important43%
- Very important39%
- Important11%

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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important43%
- Very important36%
- Important14%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom54%
- Limited freedom14%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom14%
- Some freedom61%
- Limited freedom18%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important14%
- Very important50%
- Important32%
Conflict Situations
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)46%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)46%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive46%
- Moderately competitive50%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility26%
- High responsibility33%
- Moderate responsibility15%
- Limited responsibility15%
- No responsibility11%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never18%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility11%
- High responsibility36%
- Moderate responsibility39%
- Limited responsibility14%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours18%
- 40 hours82%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually11%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time39%
- Less than half the time21%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually14%
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time32%
- Less than half the time29%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually29%
- More than half the time32%
- Never32%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never21%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually18%
- More than half the time36%
- Less than half the time14%
- Never25%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated54%
- Slightly automated39%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never46%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never36%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month54%
- Never11%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time50%
- Never18%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month75%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never61%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time33%
- Never56%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important18%
- Fairly important11%
- Not important at all68%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never68%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never82%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never79%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time41%
- Never59%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never79%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never89%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time18%
- Never82%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never93%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never89%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time11%
- Never89%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)96%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never96%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never96%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Doctoral degree
Bachelor’s degree
Post-doctoral training

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
eClinicalWorks EHR software, Epic Systems, MEDITECH software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Computer records systems, Healthprolink MedAtlas, Recordkeeping software
Label making software
Label-making software, RxKinetics UD Labels for Windows
Analytical or scientific software
TPNassist, TTP LabTech comPOUND
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
Insurance claim processing software
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Computer based training software
Freedom MedTEACH
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Calendar and scheduling software
Multitask software
Inventory management software
Pyxis MedStation software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Verify accuracy of patient information.
Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
Prescribe medications.
Prescribe treatments or therapies.
Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments.
Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
Analyze health-related data.
Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
Maintain medical facility records.
Prepare medications or medical solutions.

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Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
Determine protocols for medical procedures.
Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
Train medical providers.
Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
Manage healthcare operations.
Merchandise healthcare products or services.
Order medical supplies or equipment.
Process medical billing information.
Review customer insurance information.
Present medical research reports.
Recommend types of assistive devices.
Analyze laboratory findings.
Analyze test results.
Document test results.
Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment.
Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology