Medical Profession by Occupation

The following represents a list of the most common occupational professions within the United States medical practice and healthcare sector:  
  • Physicians & Surgeons – includes occupations concerned with diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries; and research in the causes, transmission, and control of diseases and other ailments:

    • Allergist; Anesthesiologist; Cardiologist; Dermatologist; General Practitioner; Family Practitioner; Gynecologist; Internist; Physician; Neurologist; Obstetrician; Ophthalmologist; Otolaryngologist; Pediatrician; Physiatrist; Proctologist; Radiologist; Surgeon; Urologist; Psychiatrist.

  • Osteopaths – includes occupations concerned with the application of manipulative procedures in treating patients, in addition to the other accepted methods of medical care. Includes diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries; research in the causes, transmission, and control of disease and other ailments.

  • Dentists – includes occupations concerned with examination, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ailments or abnormalities of gums, jaws, soft tissue and teeth. Includes oral surgery:

    • Oral Pathologist; Dentist; Endodontist; Oral Surgeon; Orthodontist; Pediatric Dentist; Pedontist.

  • Veterinarians – includes occupations concerned with diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of animal disorders. Includes occupations in veterinary bacteriology, epidemiology, virology, pathology, and pharmacology.

  • Pharmacists – includes occupations concerned with compounding prescriptions of physicians, dentists, and other practitioners; and the bulk selection, compounding, dispensing, and preservation of drugs and medicines.

  • Registered Nurses – includes occupations concerned with administering nursing care to the ill or injured. Includes nursing administration and instruction; and public health, industrial, private duty, and surgical nursing. Licensing or registration is required.

  • Therapists – includes occupations concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with physical or mental disabilities or disorders, to develop or restore functions, prevent loss of physical capacities, and maintain optimum performance. Includes occupations utilizing means, such as exercise, massage, heat, light, water, electricity, and specific therapeutic apparatus, usually prescribed by a physician; or participation in medically oriented rehabilitative programs, including education, occupational, and recreational activities:

    • Speech Pathologist; Occupational Therapist; Physical Therapist; Physiotherapist.

  • Medical & Dental Technology – includes occupations concerned with the application of technical knowledge in fields of medicine or dentistry for examination and treatment of patients or for research. Occupations occur in a doctor’s or dentist’s office, hospital, or laboratory:

    • Medical Technologist; Cardiopulmonary Technologist; Radiology; Biochemistry; Orthotist; Prosthetist; Dosimetrist; hemotherapist; Electrocardiograph Technician; Radiographer; Surgical Technician; Ultrasound Technologist; and more.

  • Other Occupations in Medicine and Health

    • Acupuncturist; Chiropractor; Optometrist; Paramedic; Podiatrist.