Physician:

School: 4 year undergraduate program

4 years of medical school
3-7 years residency training

Physicians are able to diagnose and treat patients. There are multiple different fields they can
specialize in, as well as working in multiple different fields. Physicians generally either work in a
hospital or their own practices.

Average Annual Wage - $190,060

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Physician’s Assistant:

School: 4 year undergraduate program

2 years master’s physician assistant program

A physician’s assistant will practice medicine under the supervision of a certified physician.
Physician’s assistants are able to diagnose and treat patients, but are under the guidance of
physician while they’re working.

Average Annual Wage - $92,460

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OB-GYN:

School: 4 year undergraduate program

4 years of medical school
4 year residency program

An OB-GYN overall focuses on women’s health, but generally has a specific focus on pregnant
women, and health before, during, and after pregnancy. An OB-GYN can also specializes in
fertility treatments for couples struggling to get pregnant.

Average Annual Wage - $216,760

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Family Practitioner:

School: 4 year undergraduate program

4 years of medical school
3 year residency program
Family practitioners practice medicine on the elderly, infants, children, and adults. They
diagnose illnesses/diseases and minor injuries. They may work in either a hospital, or or private
clinics. For more serious conditions, a family practitioner will refer the patient to a specialist.

Average Annual Wage - $180,850

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Registered Nurse:

School: 2-4 year undergraduate program (associates or bachelors)

Registered nurses are in charge of most of the nursing responsibilities in a hospital or clinic.
These duties could include coordinating/rooming patients, assisting physicians, and many other
responsibilities.

Average Annual Wage - $67,930

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Nurse Practitioner:

School: 4 year undergraduate program

Earn credentials as a registered nurse

Nurse Practitioners have very similar responsibilities to a physician. These include treating and
diagnosing patients, as well as prescribing medications. In most states nurse practitioners are
allowed to practice medicine without supervision, and can generally open their own clinics.

Average Annual Wage - $91,450

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Surgeon:

School: 4 year undergraduate program

4 years of medical school
3-8 years surgical residency

A surgeon is someone who performs surgery on patients for a number of reasons. Many
surgeons will specialize in a certain field, whether it’s plastic surgery, general surgery, oral
surgery, etc. Surgeons usually receive patients from referrals from other doctors.

Average Annual Wage - $230,540

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Pediatrician:
School: 4 year undergraduate program
4 years of medical school
3-7 year residency

A pediatrician has all the same responsibilities as a physician, but specializes in children’s
health. The specific schooling they go through addressing illnesses and injuries that directly
correlate to children.

Average Annual Wage - $167,640

Annual Wages from 2015