Diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic illnesses and temporary ailments. Develop relationships with patients as their primary care provider. Increasingly, nutrition and other wellness-based practices are incorporated or used as the primary approach.

Make a Difference

A Typical Day

  • Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
  • Operate on patients to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patients' functions.
  • Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
  • Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area.
 

Recommended Credentials

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and 3-7 years in residency.

Education & Training

Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.

 

Northwest Lower Michigan

 

Northwestern Michigan College
Associates in Arts and Science degree

  • Transfer into a Bachelor's Degree in Science, Engineering, or desired pre-med focus area.

Explore This Career

Try it before you buy it!

The Local Advantage Learning Pathway

Pathway 1

Take AP or advanced biology, chemistry, physics and coursework recommended for pre-college.

Enroll in the Northwest Education Services Health Sciences Program

Pathway 2

NMC Arts and Sciences Associates and transfer to 4-year college for pre-med studies.

Pathway 3

Medical school, with internships and residency to become general practitioner or specialize

 

Sample Employers in Our Region

Click the logos below to learn more.

TIP

Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.

 

Sample Job Titles...

  • Medical doctor
  • Osteopathic doctor
  • Surgeon
  • Holistic practice doctor
  • Family practice doctor
 

Hear It From The Pros

10-Year Job Growth Projections

0%
10-County Region
1.4%
Michigan
7.8%
U.S.

Employed Regionally

320
In 2021 (10-County Region)

Wage Range & Median 10-County Region

$59,400
$99,830 
$397,500

Annual Hires Regionally

10
In 2021

Other Regional Career Resources

Learn more about Physicians at O*NET Online.

Sample Career Pathways

Click to download a PDF of this diagram.

Diagram of Paths To and From Other Careers for Physician

Related Careers

Click to explore.

Medical Laboratory Scientist
Physician's Assistant

Real World Career Pathways

It doesn't have to be a straight shot! Hear from people who have taken unique pathways.