According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients. | 98% |
| Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal. | 98% |
| Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval. | 98% |
| Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination. | 98% |
| Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition. | 98% |
| Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests. | 97% |
| Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance. | 95% |
| Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management. | 90% |
| Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician. | 90% |
| Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures. | 85% |
| Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants. | 73% |
| Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment. | 66% |
