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Physicians and Surgeons

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.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Anesthesiologists — one of 8 occupations here: Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, Dermatologists, Emergency Medicine Physicians, Family Medicine Physicians, General Internal Medicine Physicians, Neurologists, Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Examine patient, obtain medical history, and use diagnostic tests to determine risk during surgical, obstetrical, and other medical procedures.100
  • Administer anesthetic or sedation during medical procedures, using local, intravenous, spinal, or caudal methods.99
  • Record type and amount of anesthesia and patient condition throughout procedure.98
  • Monitor patient before, during, and after anesthesia and counteract adverse reactions or complications.97
  • Decide when patients have recovered or stabilized enough to be sent to another room or ward or to be sent home following outpatient surgery.97
  • Coordinate administration of anesthetics with surgeons during operation.96
  • Position patient on operating table to maximize patient comfort and surgical accessibility.95
  • Coordinate and direct work of nurses, medical technicians, and other health care providers.95
  • Provide and maintain life support and airway management and help prepare patients for emergency surgery.93
  • Confer with other medical professionals to determine type and method of anesthetic or sedation to render patient insensible to pain.90
  • Manage anesthesiological services, coordinating them with other medical activities and formulating plans and procedures.90
  • Place invasive intravascular monitors into patients.90
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  • Order laboratory tests, x-rays, and other diagnostic procedures.90
  • Inform students and staff of types and methods of anesthesia administration, signs of complications, and emergency methods to counteract reactions.88
  • Diagnose illnesses, using examinations, tests, and reports.85
  • Teach anesthesiology principles to residents.84
  • Provide medical care and consultation in many settings, prescribing medication and treatment and referring patients for surgery.75
  • Instruct individuals and groups on ways to preserve health and prevent disease.73
  • Schedule and maintain use of surgical suite, including operating, wash-up, waiting rooms, or anesthetic and sterilizing equipment.71
  • Conduct medical research to aid in controlling and curing disease, to investigate new medications, and to develop and test new medical techniques.63

Skills

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

  • Critical Thinking91

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

  • Judgment and Decision Making81

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

  • Monitoring78

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

  • 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.

  • Complex Problem Solving75

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

  • Science75

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • 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.

  • Time Management72

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

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  • Operations Monitoring66

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

  • Instructing60

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Learning Strategies60

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

  • Service Orientation60

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Coordination56

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Management of Personnel Resources53

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

  • Systems Analysis53

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

  • Systems Evaluation53

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

  • Mathematics50

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Persuasion50

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Negotiation47

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Operation and Control47

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • 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.

  • Management of Material Resources28

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

  • Troubleshooting28

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

  • Technology Design19

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Programming10

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Equipment Selection6

    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.

  • English Language95

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

  • Biology93

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

  • Psychology92

    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.

  • Mathematics89

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

  • Customer and Personal Service87

    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.

  • Chemistry85

    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.

  • Physics83

    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.

  • Therapy and Counseling83

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

  • Education and Training82

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

  • Law and Government75

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

  • Engineering and Technology72

    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.

  • Computers and Electronics71

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

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  • Mechanical64

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

  • Public Safety and Security64

    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.

  • Personnel and Human Resources63

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

  • Administration and Management60

    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.

  • Production and Processing59

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

  • Design52

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

  • Foreign Language52

    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.

  • Telecommunications45

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

  • Administrative44

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

  • Communications and Media42

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

  • Sociology and Anthropology42

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

  • Economics and Accounting41

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

  • Philosophy and Theology37

    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.

  • Sales and Marketing29

    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.

  • History and Archeology20

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

  • Geography15

    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.

  • Fine Arts11

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

  • Transportation8

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

  • Food Production5

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

  • Building and Construction2

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

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    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.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Problem Sensitivity100

    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.

  • Deductive Reasoning97

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

  • Oral Comprehension94

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

  • Inductive Reasoning88

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

  • Written Comprehension85

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

  • Oral Expression78

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

  • 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).

  • Near Vision75

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

  • Written Expression75

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

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness72

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

  • Flexibility of Closure72

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

  • Selective Attention72

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

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  • Speech Clarity72

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Perceptual Speed69

    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.

  • Speech Recognition69

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

  • Fluency of Ideas56

    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).

  • Category Flexibility53

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

  • Control Precision53

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

  • Far Vision53

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Auditory Attention50

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

  • 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.

  • Manual Dexterity50

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

  • Originality50

    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.

  • 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).

  • Mathematical Reasoning47

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

  • Number Facility47

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

  • Response Orientation47

    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.

  • Speed of Closure47

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

  • Hearing Sensitivity44

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

  • Multilimb Coordination44

    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.

  • Visual Color Discrimination44

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

  • Visualization41

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

  • Memorization38

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

  • Reaction Time31

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

  • Trunk Strength31

    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.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed31

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

  • Static Strength28

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

  • 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.

  • Rate Control25

    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.

  • Stamina25

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

  • Explosive Strength13

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

  • Speed of Limb Movement3

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems98

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

  • Documenting/Recording Information96

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

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships95

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

  • Analyzing Data or Information93

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

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates93

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

  • Getting Information93

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

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others90

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

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events90

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

  • Training and Teaching Others90

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

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings89

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

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge89

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

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  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials87

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

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public84

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Processing Information84

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

  • Working with Computers84

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

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information82

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

  • Controlling Machines and Processes79

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

  • Developing and Building Teams79

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

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79

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

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others79

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

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others78

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

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards77

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

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People77

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

  • Coaching and Developing Others76

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

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates75

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

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others71

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

  • Scheduling Work and Activities70

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

  • Performing Administrative Activities69

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

  • Staffing Organizational Units69

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

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies68

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

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources64

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Thinking Creatively61

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

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization54

    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.

  • Performing General Physical Activities54

    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.

  • Selling or Influencing Others43

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

  • Handling and Moving Objects38

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

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment22

    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.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment21

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

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment19

    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 Equipment18

    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.

  • Stress Tolerance100

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

  • Dependability98

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

  • Cautiousness94

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

  • Integrity91

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Self-Control88

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

  • Intellectual Curiosity80

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

  • Cooperation74

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

  • Perseverance73

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

  • Adaptability72

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

  • Self-Confidence72

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

  • Achievement Orientation71

    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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  • Tolerance for Ambiguity59

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

  • Leadership Orientation55

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

  • Empathy54

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

  • Sincerity52

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

  • Social Orientation44

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

  • Initiative43

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

  • Innovation32

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

  • Optimism23

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

  • Humility20

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

Interests (RIASEC)

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

  • Investigative79

    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.

  • Social71

    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.

  • Realistic70

    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.

  • Conventional45

    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.

  • Enterprising25

    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.

  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others98%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • More than 40 hours99%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day99%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Every day94%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day97%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day99%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)97%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day96%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results92%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day81%
    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day78%
    • Once a week or more but not every day20%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important84%
    • Important14%
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  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom67%
    • Some freedom16%
    • Limited freedom17%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Very important14%
    • Fairly important13%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important65%
    • Very important19%
    • Fairly important14%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility74%
    • Limited responsibility15%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious83%
    • Not serious at all17%
  • 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 day18%
    • Never13%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually66%
    • About half the time14%
    • Less than half the time14%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important35%
    • Very important43%
    • Important18%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important41%
    • Very important28%
    • Important29%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Every day14%
    • Once a week or more but not every day72%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom24%
    • Some freedom62%
    • Very little freedom14%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility35%
    • High responsibility30%
    • Moderate responsibility19%
    • Limited responsibility16%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Every day17%
    • Once a week or more but not every day64%
    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Every day17%
    • Once a week or more but not every day49%
    • Once a month or more but not every week33%
  • Level of Competition

    • Extremely competitive20%
    • Highly competitive49%
    • Moderately competitive16%
    • Slightly competitive15%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day29%
    • Once a week or more but not every day33%
    • Once a month or more but not every week28%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Every day52%
    • Once a week or more but not every day13%
    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
    • Never15%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Once a week or more but not every day46%
    • Once a month or more but not every week47%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
    • Once a month or more but not every week20%
    • Once a year or more but not every month32%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • Continually or almost continually15%
    • About half the time17%
    • Less than half the time28%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Continually or almost continually16%
    • About half the time42%
    • Less than half the time35%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Every day17%
    • Once a week or more but not every day19%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month15%
    • Never35%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Highly automated13%
    • Moderately automated28%
    • Slightly automated47%
    • Not at all automated12%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • More than half the time14%
    • About half the time17%
    • Less than half the time69%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Every day29%
    • Never63%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Every day16%
    • Once a week or more but not every day13%
    • Never61%
  • Public Speaking

    • Once a month or more but not every week16%
    • Once a year or more but not every month62%
    • Never15%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • More than half the time14%
    • Less than half the time62%
    • Never18%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • About half the time18%
    • Less than half the time60%
    • Never19%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month49%
    • Never27%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Every day17%
    • Never83%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Once a month or more but not every week13%
    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
    • Never65%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Once a week or more but not every day13%
    • Never87%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • Less than half the time35%
    • Never63%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Once a month or more but not every week13%
    • Never87%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Less than half the time17%
    • Never83%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month13%
    • Never87%
  • Work Schedules

    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)94%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Not important at all95%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Never99%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never100%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Never100%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

  • Post-doctoral training
  • Doctoral degree
  • Professional degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Medical software

    EDImis Anesthesia Manager, Electronic medical record EMR software, Epic Systems, MEDITECH software

  • Presentation software

    Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Electronic mail software

    Microsoft Outlook

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

  • Internet browser software

    Web browser software

  • Data base user interface and query software

    Microsoft Access

  • Billing and invoicing software

    Healthpac Medical Billing

  • Calendar and scheduling software

    AtStaff Physician Scheduler

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
  • Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
  • Position patients for treatment or examination.
  • Supervise patient care personnel.
  • Implement advanced life support techniques.
  • Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Direct healthcare delivery programs.
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  • Operate medical equipment.
  • Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
  • Train medical providers.
  • Diagnose medical conditions.
  • Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
  • Teach others to use technology or equipment.
  • Prescribe medications.
  • Prescribe treatments or therapies.
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
  • Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
  • Schedule medical facility use.
  • Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
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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