Certified Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are becoming an important part of the delivery system of the health care industry. Medical assistants take on a part of the routine work of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, leaving them free to concentrate on the more skilled parts of their job. This makes a lot of difference to the industry as health care professionals can become much more effective, and also more cost effective.

Medical assistants take on a number of different tasks, including administrative duties such as looking after patient’s medical records, handling correspondence and scheduling appointments, hospital visits and laboratory procedures. They also carry out certain clinical duties, preparing patients for examination and assisting physicians to carry them out, collecting a preparing laboratory specimens, and can sometimes change dressings for patients.

Employers require formal qualifications in medical assisting, because this guarantees that applicants have the necessary medical and industry knowledge and skills to make an effective medical assistant. Courses can be either one year, resulting in a certificate or diploma, or two year, resulting in an associate degree. Programs in medical assisting training are accredited by organisations recognized by the US Department of Education, and subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and other medically related subjects plus office administrative skills.

Prospects are good for Medical Assistants, not only is the health care industry expanding, the role and demand for the medical assistant is going to increase. Salaries are in the area of $23,000 with top earnings in the region of $33,000.

Directory of Schools Offering Medical Training

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Cardiovascular Technologist

Job Duties

Cardiovascular technologists work with physicians, assisting them in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel problems. They specialize in three areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular technology. Those specializing in invasive procedures assist physicians with cardiac cathaterization to determine if the patient has blockage in their blood vessels. They also assist physicians with balloon angioplasty, which treats blockages of the blood vessels without heart surgery. Cardiovascular technologists who specialize in echocardiography perform noninvasive tests with ultrasound equipment which are used by physicians to diagnose ailments. They check images on the ultrasound screen and decide which images to add to their report. Cardiovascular technologists who specialize in vascular technology evaluate pulses by listening to the sounds of the arteries for abnormalities. These tests are usually performed during or immediately after surgery.

Job Skills

Cardiovascular technologists should have an aptitude for mechanical work. They need to be able to follow detailed instructions and be reliable. The must have the ability to ease patients' minds with their relaxed and calm personality.

Income

In 2002, cardiovascular technologists earned a median annual salary of $36,430. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $20,920, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $56,080.

Training and Education

Most cardiovascular technologists are trained through 2- and 4-year programs. They usually complete 2-year junior or community college program. The first year focuses on core courses, and the second moves on to specialized instruction in either invasive, noninvasive cardiovascular, or noninvasive vascular technology. Individuals who already have training in an allied health profession only need to complete the second specialized year. There are 29 programs in the U.S. that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. Graduates from these programs are eligible to obtain professional certification in cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, and cardiographic techniques from Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Certification is also available from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medial Sonographers.

Employment

In 2002, cardiovascular technologists, including technicians, held about 43,000 jobs. 75% worked in hospitals, usually in cardiology departments. The rest worked in offices of physicians, including cardiologists; or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of cardiovascular technologists is expected to increase faster than the average. The aging population will have higher incidences of cardiovascular problems, creating more demand for the services of cardiovascular technologists.

For more information on becoming an cardiovascular technologist, please see our directory of schools offering Cardiovascular Technician Training

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Become An Ultrasound Technician

This article provides an overview of ultrasound technician careers and the requirements to become an ultrasound technician. This article will outline an ultrasound technician's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.

Ultrasound Technician Job Duties

Sonography, or ultrasonography, is a branch of diagnostic imaging that is used to diagnose medical conditions. Sonography uses sound waves to generate images for the assessment and diagnosis of medical conditions. Many people associate this technology with obstetrics and viewing the fetus in the womb, but there are many other applications for sonography.

Ultrasound technicians may also be known as diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasonographers. They use special equipment to direct high-frequency sound waves into a portion of a person's body to form an image off from the reflected echoes. These images may be photographed, videotaped, or transmitted for review and diagnosis by a physician. Ultrasound technician job duties can include:

• Explaining the procedure to the patient
• Recording any relevant medical history
• Operating the equipment
• Directing the patient in how to move to obtain the best images
• Selecting the best images for the physician to review
• Keeping patient records
• Adjusting and maintaining equipment

Ultrasound technicians may specialize in obstetric and gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography, neurosonography, or ophthalmic sonography.

Ultrasound technicians may also prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases, or manage a diagnostic imaging department.

Ultrasound Technician Job Skills

The job skills of an ultrasound technician include:

• Ability to understand and operate complex diagnostic equipment
• Physical stamina to assist, lift, or turn patients
• Visual acuity to understand and select appropriate images for physician diagnosis
• Attention to detail to accurately record patient information
• Excellent communication skills and patient interaction skills
• Ability to put patients at ease

Ultrasound Technician Income

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2002, salaries for ultrasound technicians were around $48,660, with the top 10% earning more than $66,680. Earnings for ultrasound technicians vary by industry segment with the median annual incomes for the industries employing the largest number of ultrasound technicians being:

Industry	Median Salary
Physicians offices	$50,390
Hospitals	$47,530

Training and Education Required to Become an Ultrasound Technician

Most individuals receive training in diagnostic medical sonography in one of the following ways:

• Training in a hospital
• Training from a vocational-technical institution
• Training from a college or university offering a 2-year or 4-year program
• Training in the armed forces

The Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs provides accreditation for most formal training programs. In 2003, they accredited about 102 such programs.

No state requires licensure of diagnostic medical sonographers. Some organizations such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certify the competency of ultrasound technicians. Becoming registered with the ARDMS requires passing a general examination as well as a specialty exam. To keep their registration current, ultrasound technicians must complete continuing education to stay abreast of advances in their field.

Click here for information on Ultrasound Schools and the programs that they offer.

Ultrasound Technician Employment

In 2002, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that diagnostic medical sonographers held about 37,000 jobs in the United States. More than half work in hospitals. Most of the rest work in physicians offices or diagnostic imaging centers. 75% of ultrasound technicians work in urban areas.

Ultrasound Technician Job Outlook

The need for ultrasound technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over most of the next decade. This job growth is being driven by the aging of the population, the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging, and the desire of patients to use alternatives to radiological procedures.

Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of ultrasound technicians, but employment will grow more rapidly in physicians offices and diagnostic centers.

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Become A Psychologist

This article provides an overview of psychologist careers and the requirements to become a psychologist. This article will outline a psychologists's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.
Psychologist Job Duties

Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. The specific job duties of a psychologist can vary depending upon their areas of specialization. Areas of specialization include:

* Clinical psychologists - This is the largest specialty for psychologists. They most often work in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. They help mentally or emotionally disturbed patients adjust to life, deal with illnesses or injuries, or deal with times of personal crisis. Subspecialties within this field include: health psychology, neuropsychology, and geropsychology.
* Counseling psychologists - Counseling psychologists work in university counseling centers, hospitals, and independent or group practices. They advise people on how to deal with the problems of everyday living.
* School psychologists - School psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools. They work with parents, teachers, and administrators to improve classroom management, provide advice on parenting skills, counter substance abuse, and help gifted students and students with disabilities.
* Industrial-organization psychologists - These psychologists work with businesses and apply psychological principles and methods to improve productivity and quality of work life.
* Developmental psychologists - Developmental psychologists work in applied psychology fields such as organizational consulting, marketing research, or systems design.
* Experimental or research psychologists - These psychologists study behavior processes using human beings and animals.

Psychologist job duties vary by specialty, but can include:

* Investigating physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of human behavior
* Providing mental health care
* Collecting data through observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and surveys
* Performing laboratory experiments
* Formulating theories about human behavior
* Administering personality, performance, aptitude, and intelligence tests
* Implementing behavior modification programs
* Consulting with other medical personnel
* Advising people on how to cope with issues
* Collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators
* Conducting screening, and training and development
* Studying developmental disabilities
* Examining human interactions
* Studying behavioral processes
* Prescribing medication - this is currently only legal in New Mexico after additional training

Psychologist Job Skills

The job skills of a psychologist include:

* Emotional stability and maturity
* Ability to deal effectively with people
* Excellent communication skills and patient interaction skills
* Sensitivity and compassion
* Ability to lead and inspire others
* Ability to work independently or as a member of a team
* Excellent observation and listening skills
* Patience and perseverance

Psychologist Income

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2002, salaries for clinical, counseling, and social psychologists were around $51,170, with the top 10% earning more than $87,060. Salaries for industrial-organizational psychologists were around $63,710, with the top 10% earning more than $112,660. Earnings for psychologists vary by industry segment with the median annual incomes for the industries employing the largest number of psychologists being:
Industry Median Salary
Offices of other health care practitioners $59,600
Elementary and secondary schools $54,480
Physicians offices $51,140
Outpatient care centers $44,010
Individual and family services $37,490
Training and Education Required to Become a Psychologist

A doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a licensed clinical or counseling psychologist. Psychologists can earn either a Ph.D. of Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) degree. Such a doctoral degree usually requires 5 to 7 years of study with a dissertation, or practical work and examination, or a 1-year internship, depending on the type of degree. A doctoral degree qualifies an individual for the widest range of career opportunities.

Individuals with a master's degree in psychology may work as industrial-organizational or school psychologists. A master's degree in psychology typically requires at least 2 years of study.

A bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies an individual to assist a psychologist and other professionals.

Doctoral psychology programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychological are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education with the National Association of School Psychologists is also involved in the accreditation of advanced degree programs in school psychology.

All states and the District of Columbia require licensing or certification of psychologists. Psychologists must limit their practice to the areas in which they have developed professional competence. Most state licensing boards administer a test. Some states require continuing education for license renewal. Most states certify individuals with a master's degree in school psychology after completion of an internship.

There are also come certification credentials available for psychologists. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) awards the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. NCSP certification is recognized by 22 states allowing individuals with NCSP certification to transfer credentials from state to state. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) also awards specialty certification, primarily in clinical neuropsychology, and counseling, forensic, industrial-organizational, and school psychology.

Click here for information on schools offering Psychology Degrees and the programs that they offer.

Psychologist Employment

In 2002, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that psychologists held about 139,000 jobs in the United States. About 30% of them worked in educational institutions in positions other than teaching. Another 30% worked in health care. Government agencies at the state and local level employed an additional 10%. More than 25% of psychologists are self employed.

Psychologist Job Outlook

The need for psychologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over most of the next decade. This job growth is being driven by demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms, and private companies.

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists will experience faster than average growth while industrial-organizational psychologists will have average growth. School psychologists may enjoy the best prospects for employment.



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Become A Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Career Overview

This article provides an overview of physical therapist careers and the requirements to become a physical therapist. This article will outline a physical therapist's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and licensing requirements to become a physical therapist.

Physical therapists (PTs) help patients restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. They often focus on overall fitness, and they work with a wide range of patients, from accident victims to people with lower back pain or cerebral palsy. After examining a patients' medical history, physical therapists perform a series of tests that may include strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. Then they create treatment plans and implement those plans with the assistance of physical therapist assistants.

Physical therapists help patients to use their own muscles, increase their flexibility, and add to their range of motion. After this phase, they move on to different sets of exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The overall goal in these situations is to help the patient function more effectively at home and work. Physical therapists use a variety of tools to assist them in their work including, electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, ultrasound, traction, or deep-tissue massage. They also work with patients to help them learn how to use equipment such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. Physical therapists document a patients' progress and often consult with other health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and audiologists.

Job Skills

Physical therapists should be compassionate and have a passion for helping other people. They need to have well-developed interpersonal communication skills so they can effectively educate patients and their families regarding treatments.

Income

In 2002, physical therapists earned a median annual salary of $57,330. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $40,200, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $86,260. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of physical therapists:

• Home health care services -- $62,480
• Offices of other health practitioners -- $58,510
• Offices of physicians -- $57,640
• Nursing care facilities -- $57,570
• General medical and surgical hospitals -- $57,200

Training and Education

In all U.S. States, physical therapists must graduate from an accredited physical therapist educational program and pass a licensure exam before they can begin practicing. There are about 200 accredited physical therapist programs in the U.S., offering both master's and doctoral degrees. These programs begin by covering the basic sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and then move on to more advanced courses, such as biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Many programs require students to participate as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic before they can graduate. Physical therapists are usually required to continue their education throughout their careers, and some States require this in order to renew licenses.

Many different colleges and universities provide the training required to become a physical therapist. A good list of such institutions can be found on this page of college and universities offering information on Physical Therapy Schools and related training.

Employment

In 2002, physical therapists held about 137,000 jobs. About two-thirds worked in offices of health practitioners or in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of physical therapists is expected to increase faster than the average. This is because the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function is expected to rise, creating more demand for the services of physical therapists. Medical advances will allow more trauma victims to survive, and those patients will need physical therapy. A growing public interest in health promotion will also increase demand.

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Become A Medical Assistant

This article provides an overview of medical assistant careers and the requirements to become a medical assistant. This article will outline medical assistant job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.

Medical Assistant Job Duties

Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of medical practitioners. Their duties will vary depending on the size, type, and location of a medical practice. In smaller practices, medical assistants tend to be generalists with both clinical and administrative duties, reporting either to an office administrator or physician. In larger practices, medical assistants tend to specialize and report to a supervisor or department administrator. The administrative duties of a medical assistant may include:

* Answering telephones
* Greeting patients
* Updating and filing patient's medical records
* Filling out insurance forms
* Correspondence
* Scheduling appointments
* Arranging for hospital admission
* Handling billing and bookkeeping

The clinical duties of a medical assistant vary according to individual state law. Clinical duties can include:

* Taking medical histories
* Recording vital signs
* Explaining treatment procedures or instructing patients about medications and special diets
* Preparing patients for examination
* Assisting the physician during the examinations
* Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
* Performing basic laboratory tests on the premises
* Disposing of contaminated supplies
* Sterilizing medical instruments
* Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
* Authorizing drug refills as directed
* Telephoning prescriptions to a pharmacy
* Drawing blood
* Preparing patients for x rays
* Taking electrocardiograms
* Removing sutures
* Changing dressings
* Arrange examining-room instruments and equipment
* Maintaining supplies and equipment

Medical assistants should not be confused with physicians assistants, who typically have broader clinical duties. Some medical assistants in specialist's offices may have additional specialized clinical duties.

Medical assistants typically work a 40-hour work week. Some work nights and weekends. Some work part-time.
Medical Assistant Job Skills

Medical assistant skills include:

* Courteous and pleasant manner to effectively deal with the public and to be able to put patients at ease
* Manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform certain clinical duties
* Strong attention to detail to perform clinical duties accurately and efficiently
* Excellent verbal communication skills to be able to explain physician's instructions
* Strong ethical and confidentiality standards because of confidential patient medical information that they handle
* Good organizational skills to effectively deal with patient records and other administrative tasks

Medical Assistant Income

Salaries for medical assistants vary depending on experience, skill level, and location. As of 2002, salaries for medical assistants were around $23,940, with the top 10% earning more than $34,130. Earnings for medical assistants vary by industry segment with the median annual incomes for the industries employing the largest number of medical assistants being:

Industry Median Salary
General medical and surgical hospitals $24,460
Physicians offices $24,260
Outpatient care centers $23,980
Other health care services $23,440
Offices of other practitioners $21,620
Training and Education Required to Become a Medical Assistant

While training beyond a high school degree is not always required, formal training in medical assisting is generally preferred. Training in medical assisting can be obtained in the following ways:

* Programs offered in vocational/technical high schools
* 1-year post secondary programs that usually lead to a certificate or diploma
* 2-year post secondary programs that lead to an associate degree

Medical assistant programs can be accredited by the following agencies:

* The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
* The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
* Committee on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (CoA-OMP)

In 2002, there were 495 medical assistant programs accredited by CAAHEP, and about 170 accredited by ABHES. There were also 14 ophthalmic medical assistant programs accredited by CoA-OMP.

Medical assistants are not licensed, but some states do require either a test or a course before they can perform certain tasks. It is also not required that medical assistants become certified, however, most employers prefer certified medical assistants. Certification credentials are available from the following organizations:

* The American Association of Medical Assistants - awards the Certified Medical Assistant credential
* The American Medical Technologists - awards the Registered Medical Assistant credential
* The American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants - awards the Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified credential
* The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology - awards credentials at three levels: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician, and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Click here for information on schools offering Medical Assistant Training and the programs that they offer.

Medical Assistant Employment

In 2002, there were about 365,000 medical assistants in the United States. Almost 60% of medical assistants work in physicians offices. About 14% work in private or public hospitals. 10% work in the offices of other health practitioners. The remainder worked in outpatient care centers, public and private educational services, other ambulatory healthcare services, state and local government agencies, medical and diagnostic laboratories, nursing care facilities, and employment services.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

The need for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over most of the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is projected to be the fastest growing of all occupations through 2012. Job growth will be driven by the growth of the healthcare industry. Job prospects will be best for individuals with formal training, certification, and experience.


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Audiologist

Job Duties

Audiologists treat patients who have problems with hearing, balance, and other neural-related problems. They examine people with these types of problems, assess the problem, and assist them in managing the problem. They use testing instruments such as audiometers and computers that can measure a person's ability to hear and distinguish between sounds. They use the results of these tests, combined with information from the medical, educational, and psychological fields, to diagnose and treat these illnesses. There is a wide array of hearing disorders that result from many factors, such as birth trauma, genetic disorders, or age. Treatments can range from using hearing aids, tuning cochlear implants, counseling, and training using hearing instruments.

Audiologists may work in hearing clinics, where they specialize in carrying out treatments independent of other health professionals. Or they may work in a setting where they cooperate with other health professionals, planning and implementing treatments for people of all ages. They keep detailed records of their patients' progress, helping them justify the cost of treatment for medical reimbursement. Some audiologists specialize in working with a specific demographic, such as the elderly, children, or individuals who need special therapy. Some specialize in workplace noise safety, developing hearing protection programs in factories, schools, or communities.

Job Skills

Audiologists should be able to provide the appropriate levels of support to their clients and their clients' families. They must have patience, compassion, and good listening skills. They need to be able to approach problems in an objective manner. And they should have the ability to communicate with their clients in an easily understood manner.

Income

In 2002, auidologists earned a median annual salary of $48,400. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $32,500, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $73,130.

Training and Education

Almost all State require a license to practice audiology, and the educational requirement for this license is a master's degree in audiology or the equivalent. This requirement is expected to be upgraded soon to a clinical doctoral degree. Other requirements include a passing score on a national examination, 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, and 9 months of postgraduate professional clinical experience. Forty States require continuing education in order to renew licenses. Graduate programs in audiology are offered by about 107 colleges and universities in the United States, and a Doctor of Audiology degree is offered by 39. Students applying for these programs are required to have taken courses in English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, and communication sciences.

The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, can be earned by audiologists if they have a graduate degree and 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, complete a 36-week postgraduate clinical fellowship, and pass an examination. Another option for audiologists is to become certified by the American Board of Audiology, which requires a master's or doctoral degree in audiology, an examination, and 2,000 hours of mentored professional practice.

Employment

In 2002, audiologists held about 11,000 jobs. More than 50% worked in offices of physicians; hospitals; offices of other health practitioners, including audiologists; and outpatient care centers.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of audiologists is expected to increase faster than the average due to high growth in the population of people over age 55, who have higher rates of hearing loss. The baby boom generation is now hitting middle age, a time when many neurological disorders and other hearing-related problems often surface.

For more information on becoming an audiologist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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Anesthesiologist

Job Duties

Anesthesiologists are physicians who specialize in relieving pain as well as the care of patients undergoing surgery. They evaluate patients, treat them, and supervise staff members working under their direction. They focus on treatments and procedures that occur before, during, and after surgical operations. They discuss these treatments and procedures with other physicians to determine which are most appropriate. During surgery, anesthesiologists are directly responsible for a patient's vital functions, including heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing.

There are two types of anesthesiologists: those who are M.D.s, or Doctors of Medicine, sometimes referred to as allopathic physicians; and those who are O.D.s, or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. In their practices, both M.D.s and O.D.s utilize drugs, surgery, and all other treatment options. However, O.D.s focus more on the body's muscoloskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. O.D.s are more likely than M.D.s to be primary care specialists, with over 50% of O.D.s practicing general of family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics.

Job Skills

Anesthesiologists must be emotionally stable and have the ability to make crucial decisions quickly. They should have a good bedside manner, self-motivation, and a strong desire to help others. They need to have good mental and physical stamina to handle the pressure and dedication required in medical education and practice.

Income

In 2002, anesthesiologists earned a median annual salary of $306,964. Self-employed anesthesiologists usually have higher earnings than those who are salaried. Earnings vary greatly and depend on a number of factors, including experience, geographic region, hours worked, skill, personality, and professional reputation. Anesthesiologists who are self-employed are responsible for providing their own health insurance and retirement.

Training and Education

Physicians specializing in anesthesiology must spend a substantial number of years completing education and training requirements, including 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of residency. Certain medical schools offer a program that combines undergraduate and medical study and can be completed in only 6 years. Undergraduate students in premedical study are required to complete courses in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and inorganic and organic chemistry. They also complete courses in the humanities and social sciences and some volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience. Most applicants for medical school have a bachelor's degree, and many also have earned more advanced degrees. Competition for admission to medical school is very high. The first 2 years of medical school cover basics from anatomy to microbiology, and the second 2 years are spent working in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of physi cians.

After graduation from medical school, physicians begin paid, on-the-job training known as a residency. Most residencies are in hospitals and last between 2 and 6 years. All States require physicians to be licensed. Licenses are given to physicians who graduate from an accredited medical school, pass a licensing examination, and complete 1 to 7 years of graduate medical education. M.D.s and D.O.s may spend up to 7 years in residency training to qualify for board certification in a specialty. Board certification is granted after candidates pass a final examination in one of 24 board specialties. More than 80% of medical students borrow money to pay for their costly training.

Employment

In 2002, physicians and surgeons, of which anesthesiologists are a subgroup, held about 583,000 jobs. About 50% worked in office-based practice, and almost 25% worked in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of anesthesiologists is expected to increase about as fast as the average. The health services industries will continue to expand. Demand for this occupation will stem largely from a growing and aging population. Opportunities will be best in rural and low-income areas, due to the lower concentration of physicians practicing in these areas.

For more information on becoming an anesthesiologist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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