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Physician Assistants

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.

  • Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.99
  • Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.98
  • Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.98
  • Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.98
  • Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.98
  • Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.97
  • Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.94
  • Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.88
  • Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.88
  • Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.82
  • Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.67
  • Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.58
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  • Refer patients to other healthcare providers.

Skills

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

  • Critical Thinking78

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Reading Comprehension78

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • 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.

  • Judgment and Decision Making75

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Service Orientation75

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Social Perceptiveness75

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Speaking75

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Writing75

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Active Learning72

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Complex Problem Solving72

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Monitoring72

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Science66

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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  • Coordination56

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Persuasion56

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Systems Evaluation56

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Time Management56

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Instructing53

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Learning Strategies53

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Negotiation53

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Systems Analysis53

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Management of Personnel Resources50

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Mathematics50

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Operations Analysis41

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Quality Control Analysis35

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Management of Material Resources31

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Operations Monitoring31

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Management of Financial Resources28

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Troubleshooting25

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Programming22

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Technology Design22

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • 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.

  • Operation and Control0

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

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

  • Medicine and Dentistry100

    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.

  • Biology95

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • English Language91

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Psychology89

    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.

  • Therapy and Counseling88

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Customer and Personal Service79

    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.

  • Education and Training74

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Sociology and Anthropology65

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Computers and Electronics64

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Chemistry62

    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.

  • Mathematics60

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Public Safety and Security55

    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.

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  • Communications and Media49

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Administrative48

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Law and Government47

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Administration and Management40

    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.

  • Telecommunications39

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Personnel and Human Resources38

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Philosophy and Theology34

    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.

  • Physics33

    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.

  • Foreign Language22

    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.

  • Economics and Accounting18

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Mechanical18

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Engineering and Technology17

    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.

  • Geography14

    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.

  • Production and Processing14

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Sales and Marketing14

    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.

  • Transportation13

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Design12

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • History and Archeology10

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Building and Construction4

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Fine Arts3

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Food Production2

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Deductive Reasoning78

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Inductive Reasoning78

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Oral Comprehension78

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Problem Sensitivity78

    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.

  • Information Ordering75

    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).

  • Oral Expression75

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Speech Clarity75

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition75

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Written Comprehension75

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Written Expression75

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Near Vision72

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Category Flexibility60

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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  • Flexibility of Closure56

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness50

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Far Vision50

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Finger Dexterity50

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • 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).

  • Mathematical Reasoning50

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • 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.

  • Visual Color Discrimination50

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Manual Dexterity47

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Memorization47

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Number Facility47

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Originality47

    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.

  • Selective Attention47

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Speed of Closure47

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Time Sharing47

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Trunk Strength47

    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.

  • Visualization47

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Control Precision31

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Hearing Sensitivity31

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Multilimb Coordination31

    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.

  • Explosive Strength28

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Static Strength28

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Auditory Attention25

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Depth Perception25

    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.

  • Dynamic Strength25

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Extent Flexibility25

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Gross Body Coordination25

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium25

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Stamina25

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Reaction Time22

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Speed of Limb Movement19

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Response Orientation13

    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.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed3

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Dynamic Flexibility0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Glare Sensitivity0

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others99

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Getting Information97

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge96

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates95

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Documenting/Recording Information95

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems93

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships89

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Analyzing Data or Information87

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others87

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events85

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Working with Computers84

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Processing Information80

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public79

    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 Work77

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others77

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings76

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards74

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Training and Teaching Others74

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization72

    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.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People72

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others67

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Developing and Building Teams63

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Performing Administrative Activities63

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates58

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Coaching and Developing Others57

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies56

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Thinking Creatively56

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others54

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities53

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials50

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information49

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Performing General Physical Activities48

    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.

  • Handling and Moving Objects44

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources38

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes35

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Selling or Influencing Others33

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Staffing Organizational Units32

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment13

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment8

    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 Equipment8

    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 Equipment5

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

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.

  • Dependability96

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Integrity95

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Cautiousness82

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Cooperation82

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Self-Control81

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Stress Tolerance79

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Empathy76

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity73

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

  • Social Orientation73

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Perseverance72

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Achievement Orientation69

    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.

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  • Adaptability66

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Initiative54

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Sincerity52

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity50

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Innovation42

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Self-Confidence40

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Optimism39

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Humility19

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Leadership Orientation16

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

  • Social82

    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.

  • Investigative66

    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.

  • Conventional58

    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.

  • Realistic50

    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.

  • Enterprising16

    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.

  • Artistic3

    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 day100%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day97%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others92%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important81%
    • Very important19%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day84%
    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Every day89%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom73%
    • Some freedom27%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results78%
    • Important results19%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day92%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important72%
    • Very important25%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day81%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)72%
    • Moderately close (at arm's length)17%
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  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious70%
    • Very serious19%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day59%
    • Once a week or more but not every day22%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important62%
    • Very important19%
    • Important14%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom46%
    • Some freedom41%
    • Limited freedom14%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • More than 40 hours68%
    • 40 hours27%
  • Level of Competition

    • Extremely competitive41%
    • Highly competitive43%
    • Moderately competitive16%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Every day68%
    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Never14%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important35%
    • Very important38%
    • Important22%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Every day43%
    • Once a week or more but not every day27%
    • Once a month or more but not every week19%
    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Every day28%
    • Once a week or more but not every day42%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility35%
    • High responsibility27%
    • Moderate responsibility30%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Every day19%
    • Once a week or more but not every day43%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility23%
    • High responsibility20%
    • Moderate responsibility37%
    • Limited responsibility20%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • More than half the time28%
    • About half the time53%
    • Less than half the time11%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually24%
    • More than half the time27%
    • About half the time11%
    • Less than half the time27%
    • Never11%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • More than half the time32%
    • About half the time38%
    • Less than half the time24%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important30%
    • Very important19%
    • Important11%
    • Fairly important19%
    • Not important at all22%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Every day16%
    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a month or more but not every week32%
    • Once a year or more but not every month22%
    • Never16%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Every day24%
    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Once a year or more but not every month21%
    • Never29%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Once a week or more but not every day27%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month30%
    • Never22%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month46%
    • Never11%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • More than half the time16%
    • About half the time11%
    • Less than half the time59%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day16%
    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month27%
    • Never30%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • More than half the time11%
    • About half the time27%
    • Less than half the time41%
    • Never16%
  • Public Speaking

    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month59%
    • Never16%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • Less than half the time65%
    • Never22%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
    • Never56%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Every day11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month33%
    • Never47%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never58%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month35%
    • Never46%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • Less than half the time62%
    • Never32%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Slightly automated30%
    • Not at all automated59%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Once a year or more but not every month27%
    • Never62%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
    • Never78%
  • Work Schedules

    • Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)19%
    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)81%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never86%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
    • Never81%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
    • Never81%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Less than half the time11%
    • Never86%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never86%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Fairly important11%
    • Not important at all86%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Never92%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Never97%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

  • Master’s degree
  • Professional degree
  • Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Medical software

    eClinicalWorks EHR software, Epic Systems, Medical procedure coding software, MEDITECH software

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Electronic mail software

    Microsoft Outlook

  • Video conferencing software

    Teleconferencing software

  • Office suite software

    Microsoft Office software

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

  • Storage media loading software

    Patient records software for personal digital assistants PDAs

  • Internet browser software

    Web browser software

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Diagnose medical conditions.
  • Prescribe treatments or therapies.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
  • Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
  • Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
  • Prescribe medications.
  • Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
  • Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
  • Administer intravenous medications.
  • Immunize patients.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
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  • Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.
  • Supervise patient care personnel.
  • Order medical supplies or equipment.
O*NET in-it

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

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