Medical fields of Study

Educational qualifications for a job in medicine vary. Some occupations only require on-the-job training or the completion of a two-year program. For other medical careers, you'll need a four-year or doctoral degree. A license is needed for most medical jobs, and each state may have different licensing and certification requirements.
Careers | Physician | Registered Nurse | Radiographer |
Required Education | bachelor's and medical school degree | bachelor's of science degree in nursing, associate's degree in nursing, or completion of approved nursing program | certificate program, associate's or bachelor's degree |
Other Requirements | internship and residency program, license | clinical work, license | license varies by state |
Projected Job Growth (2012 - 2022)* | 18% for all family and general practitioners | 19% | 21% for all radiologic technologists |
Median Annual Salary (2012)* | $180, 180 for all family and general practitioners | $66, 640 | $55, 870 for all radiologic technologists |
Source: *Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
The medical field has a range of career opportunities such as physicians, nurses and radiographers. If you can cope well in stressful situations and have compassion, patience, and physical stamina, a career in medicine is a good fit for you. You must also demonstrate excellent communication, math and technical skills.
Physician or Medical Doctor
Physicians use their medical expertise to monitor the health of their patients and diagnose illnesses. They train for at least ten years, including obtaining a bachelor's degree, attending medical school and then working as a resident physician.
Future physicians must first earn a bachelor's degree, studying courses in organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and English. Additionally, they generally take courses in the humanities and social sciences and may opt to volunteer at a hospital or clinic.
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