Medical degree programs are available for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, phlebotomists, and other allied health professionals. Requirements vary by country, but most programs require post-secondary education. Physicians can earn an MD or DO degree, while nurses can become LPNs or RNs. Pharmacists complete a PharmD degree, and therapists help patients with rehabilitation, pain relief, and breathing exercises. Other allied health professionals include phlebotomists, EMS technicians, and medical assistants.
Many different types of medical degree programs are available to people who want to pursue a career in the medical field, working with patients. While specific requirements for degree programs in medicine vary widely by country, most medical degrees require a year or more of post-secondary education. Programs for physicians and nurses are some of the most well-known programs, but degrees and certificates in the medical field are also available for pharmacists, phlebotomists and different types of therapists.
Physicians fall into several different categories, but medical degree programs for future physicians require several years of schooling and training in most countries. In the United States, there are two main medical degrees for physicians. Doctors of Medicine earn an MD degree from a medical degree program that is accredited and teaches allopathic medicine, while DO degrees are awarded to students who complete a medical degree program from a medical school that specializes in osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine differs somewhat from allopathic medicine in that it focuses more on holistic medicine and manipulation of the musculoskeletal system as a large component of treatment.
Nurses also have several degree programs available. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) typically complete a certificate or associated degree program in the United States. They participate in direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). RNs complete undergraduate or associate or bachelor’s degree programs and are generally able to participate in more direct patient care activities than LPNs, although the responsibilities allowed for each type of nurse differ between different US states. Some nurses continue with a master’s program that allows them to become a nurse anesthetist, an advanced practice nurse, or a registered nurse.
Pharmacists dispense medications to patients and are well versed in chemical and drug reactions and interactions. In the United States, pharmacists complete a doctorate in pharmacy with the designation PharmD. While this degree takes less time than medical school for physicians, they also need to complete clinical rotations before they can work independently, similar to the residency program required of physicians.
Other common degree programs in the field of medicine focus on training different types of therapists. Physical therapists help patients with rehabilitation and pain relief techniques. Occupational therapists help injured or sick patients regain basic life skills for daily activities. Respiratory therapists help patients with breathing exercises and administer oxygen treatments.
In some cases, other allied health professionals also complete degree programs in medicine. These professionals include phlebotomists, who are responsible for drawing blood for tests and other procedures. Most phlebotomists complete a certification program. EMS technicians and medical assistants perform limited patient care and often undergo certification programs.
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