Careers Part 1

Career

What is it/What do they do?

Where?

Education 

License 

Certification

Physician (9)

Two types: Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO).  Both types may use all accepted treatment methods, but DOs emphasize the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care (most likely primary care, ½ in general or family medicine or general pediatrics).  DOs also learn Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)

Main job is to diagnose and treat patients. 

Specialties: Anesthesiologist, family medicine physicians, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, obstetricians and gynecologists, psychiatrists, surgeons, hospitalists, hospice and palliative medicine

Many work in small private offices or clinics

Group practice or healthcare organizations that provide backup coverage and allow more time off

Hospitalists work at hospital

College (min 3 years, usually 4 years w/ at least Bachelor’s degree)

Medical school 3-8 years of internship and residency

All states require physicians to be licensed

U.S. Medical licensing Examination for MDS

Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination for DOs

Not required, but may increase employment opportunities

Exam after residency required for certification by the American Board of Medical Services or American Osteopathic Association 

Surgeon (9)

Specialize in treatment of injury, disease, deformity through surgery

Use a variety of instruments with patients under anesthesia

Many perform general surgery, but may perform fellowship to specialize in certain type 

Hospitals 

Surgical outpatient centers

College

Medical School

3-8 years of internship and residency

All states require surgeons to be licensed

Not required, but may increase employment opportunities

Exam after residency required for certification by the American Board of Medical Services or American Osteopathic Association 

Podiatrist (9)

Specialize in the medical and surgical care of foot, ankle, and lower leg problems

Diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, perform surgery

Offices

Group practices

Hospitals

Outpatient care centers

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from accredited college

College

Medical School (DPM seen above)

Podiatric medical and surgical residency program (3 years)

Must be licensed

American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam

Some states have additional state-specific exam

Must be renewed periodically, with continuing education

Optional

Board certified by American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery or American Board of Podiatric Medicine

Physician Assistant (10)

Formally trained to provide routine diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services under the direction and supervision of a physician

Also may treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting

May have managerial duties

Emergency rooms

Physician’s offices

Clinics

College (at least 2-4 years)

Some HC experience

Physician assistant education programs (2 years) to earn master’s, bachelor’s, associate's degree or certificate

All states require licensure

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants + graduate from accredited education program to get license

When pass PANCE, can call themselves certified 

Must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years to remain certified

Must pass recertification examination every 10 years

Registered Nurse (RN) (11)

Treat and educate patients and the public about various medical conditions

Give advice and emotional support to patient and family members

Healthcare facilities

Patients’ homes, schools, community centers

Hospitals (most)

Nursing care facilities

Rehabilitation centers

Offices

3 paths:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (4 years by college/university)

Associate’s Degree in Nursing 

(2-3 years by community college)

Diploma

(3 years by hospital)

License required

Must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination

Certification is optional, but will improve employment opportunities

American Nursing Credentialing Center + Pediatric Nursing Certification Board + National League for Nursing

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses  (APRNs) (11)

Coordinate patient care and provide primary and specialty care

Work independently or with physician

Prescribe medications, order tests, diagnose, preventative care, research, teach nurses

Specialties: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists + Certified Nurse-Midwives + Nurse Practitioners + Clinical Nurse Specialists

Physicians’ offices

Hospitals

Nursing care and assisted-living facilities

Schools

Clinics

Often in underserved urban or rural areas

Must earn a master’s degree from an accredited program, most have specialties

APRNs must be licensed as an RN, complete approved graduate-level program, and pass national certification exam

Consensus Model for APRN Regulation

REQUIRED in most states

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (40 hours of CE in 2 years to recertify)

American Midwifery Certification Board offers Certified Nurse-Midwife and Certified Midwife (recertify every 5 years)

Many different certification exams b/c many specialties

American Nursing Credentialing Center + American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program

Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses (11)

Care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses

Provide basic bedside care to patients

Homecare

Ambulatory care

Nursing care

Assisted living facilities

Must complete state-approved nondegree training program in practical nursing to be eligible for licensure (1 year)

High school diploma required for entry into program

National Council Licensure Examination required to obtain licensure

No info about certification in book- either optional or not available