Osteopathic Physician

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Work Tasks

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS (DOs) diagnosis illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. They examine patients, obtain medical histories, and perform diagnostic tests. Physicians counsel patients on preventive health care. The two types of osteopathic physicians are Doctor of Medicine (MD), also known as allopathic physicians, and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). While MDs and DOs may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, DOs place special emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. Osteopathic physicians believe that good health requires proper alignment of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $171,500 average per year ($82.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (97,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

All states require OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS to pass a state medical board examination in order to obtain a license to enter practice. Admission to a college of osteopathic medicine requires a minimum of three years of pre-professional education in a college or university. Licensure requirements include graduation from an accredited medical school (usually four years), and between one and seven years of graduate medical education (an internship and residency).