Typical Tasks
Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Concern for Others
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Cooperation
Stress Tolerance
What key skills are needed for this job?
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Expected Knowledge
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.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Common Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
