What are some different careers in the medical field?

Doctors

* Allopathic doctors (MDs) are licensed to practice medicine and can prescribe medications. They typically complete four years of medical school and three to seven years of residency training.

* Osteopathic doctors (DOs) are licensed to practice medicine and can prescribe medications. They typically complete four years of osteopathic medical school and three to seven years of residency training.

* Dentists (DDSs or DMDs) are licensed to practice dentistry and can perform a variety of procedures, including cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and extracting teeth. They typically complete four years of dental school and one to two years of residency training.

* Veterinarians (DVMs) are licensed to practice veterinary medicine and can treat animals of all kinds. They typically complete four years of veterinary school and one to two years of residency training.

Nurses

* Registered nurses (RNs) are licensed to provide nursing care to patients. They typically complete three years of nursing school and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

* Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are licensed to provide basic nursing care to patients. They typically complete one to two years of nursing school and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

* Nursing assistants (NAs) provide basic care to patients, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding them. They typically do not have any formal training, but some states require them to complete a certification program.

Other Healthcare Professionals

* Pharmacists are licensed to dispense medications and provide information about their use. They typically complete five or six years of pharmacy school and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).

* Physical therapists help patients restore movement and function after an injury or illness. They typically complete four years of college, two to three years of physical therapy school, and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

* Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform daily activities after an injury or illness. They typically complete four years of college, two to three years of occupational therapy school, and pass the National Occupational Therapy Examination (NOT).

* Speech-language pathologists help patients improve their speech, language, and swallowing skills. They typically complete four years of college, two to three years of speech-language pathology school, and pass the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology (PESL).

Administrative and Support Staff

* Medical secretaries perform a variety of administrative tasks in a medical office, such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and maintaining patient records. They typically complete a one- to two-year medical secretarial program.

* Medical assistants provide administrative and clinical support to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They typically complete a one- to two-year medical assisting program.

* Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for testing. They typically complete a six- to 12-month phlebotomy program.