The job of a physician is not for everyone since it requires a high level of expertise, education, and dedication. However, those who are up to the task can find plenty of career opportunities available in this field. Let’s take a look at the requirements and opportunities available to physicians.
Educational Requirements for Physicians
Physicians typically need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program, followed by four years of medical school and three to eight years of supervised residency training. In some cases, students may opt for a six-year combined undergraduate/medical school program or complete a master’s degree prior to entering medical school. Once all educational requirements have been met, physicians must then obtain licensure from their state licensing board before practicing medicine.
Types of Careers Available for Physicians
The type of career that physicians pursue will depend largely on their areas of interest or specialty as well as their location. For example, primary care physicians such as family doctors or general practitioners work mainly in outpatient settings while specialists such as cardiologists or oncologists work mainly in hospital settings. Other career options include teaching positions at universities or research positions at pharmaceutical companies or government agencies.
Job Outlook for Physicians
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for physicians is expected to grow by 14% over the next decade, much faster than the average growth rate across all occupations (7%). This is due largely to an aging population and an increased demand for healthcare services such as preventive care, chronic illness management, and diagnostic testing. The BLS also estimates that the median annual salary for physicians was $208,000 in 2019—well above the national median salary across all occupations ($39,810).
Conclusion
For those looking to pursue a career in medicine, there are plenty of interesting opportunities available ranging from primary care roles to specialized roles in teaching or research positions. Furthermore, with an estimated 14% growth rate over the next 10 years and a median salary well above $200K per year, it’s no wonder that so many people are considering becoming physicians. All that is required is a long-term commitment to education and training — but if you’re up for it then this could be the perfect career path for you.
