Direct Patient & Therapeutic Care

Physician

Career Progression

Entry Level

Mid Level

Senior Level

Pathway Category

Senior Level: These positions are typically high-level management or specialized positions and require significant education, such as a master’s degree or advanced doctorate degree, in addition to applicable licenses, leadership training, and extensive experience in the industry. Learning a specific organization’s history, culture, and values is also often important to lead at this level.

What does a person in this career do?

You enjoy working with people! Your critical thinking and problem solving skills help to diagnose, troubleshoot, and treat a wide range of injuries, disorders, and diseases for your patients. You don’t mind being on the front line of the fight to help keep members of your community healthy, happy, and productive.

Occupations in the Direct Patient & Therapeutic Care family focus primarily on changing the physical health status of patients through direct care, treatment, and health education. They spend most of their time working directly with patients to diagnose, troubleshoot, and treat a wide range of physical illnesses, injuries, disorders, and diseases.  Someone who enjoys working with people, doesn’t mind being around illness, and wants to make a difference in their community will like these roles. Travel is not often required, but there are a growing number of institutions offering in-home and traveling or mobile medical services.

Description of duties

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent common injuries and diseases through various medical treatments, prescribed medications, or preventative care measures. May refer patients to specialists and other health or dental care professionals for further diagnosis or treatment. Educate patients or residents about healthy living habits and other local health issues or concerns. Professional license required.

Quick Facts

Wage/Salary Range

Education & Training

Typical Work Environments

Personality Traits

Discover your strengths by taking the assessment.

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Advanced Medicine and Dentistry
  • Biology and Human Behavior
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Active Listening and Communication
  • Medical and Office Software
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Other Job Titles

  • Doctor
  • Medical Doctor (MD)
  • Primary Care Physician
  • Family Doctor
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)