Physicians diagnose illnesses, prescribe and administer treatment for injury or disease, and counsel patients on preventative health care. They practice general and family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics and usually are the first health professionals patients consult. Primary care physicians tend to see the same patients on a regular basis for preventive care and to treat a variety of ailments.
Work environment:
Physicians work in small private offices, clinics and hospitals as solo or group practitioners.
Training requirements:
Physicians are required to earn their doctorate and spend an additional four years in residency. They are licensed by the State of California Board of Medicine.
Salary range:
$114,200 and up
Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residencyJob description:Anesthesiologists supervise the care of surgical patients and pain relief.More
Salary range:
$24,565 $36,795 Minimum training:On-the-job trainingJob description:A medical assistant or certified medical assistant performs administrative and medical care tasks.More
Salary range:
$70,346 $100,963 Minimum training:Master's degree; state-issued license requiredJob description:Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide health care services similar to physicians.More
Salary range:
$102,333 and up
Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency; state-issued license requiredJob description:Osteopathic physicians are physicians that place special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine and holistic patient care. More
Salary range:
$77,397 $108,430 Minimum training:Master's degree; state-issued license requiredJob description:Physician assistants provide health care services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician.More
Salary range:
$53,861 $122,692 Minimum training:Doctorate; state-issued license requiredJob description:Podiatrists diagnose and treat disorders, diseases and injuries of the foot and lower leg.More
The number of healthcare jobs available in California is only going to grow in the coming years — and there are a lot more options than doctors and nurses.
Other jobs in healthcare offer great pay, opportunities for advancement and require only a few months or years of training. They can also be stepping stones to better-paying healthcare jobs in the future.
Whether you are just starting out or you already know what you are looking for, Health Jobs Start Here will set you on your way toward a good job in healthcare. More +
If you want to get advice directly from people who work in healthcare jobs, take a look at a "Day in the Life" of a real health worker and ask us a question on our Facebook
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