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Allergists and Immunologists
At a Glance
- Treat a variety of conditions, including hay fever and auto-immune disorders
- Go to medical school after receiving a bachelor's degree
- Work with patients and other medical staff
- Often work more than 40 hours a week
- Prescribe medications
Career summary
Allergists are doctors who treat hay fever and other allergies, asthma, and diseases of the immune system. They are also called immunologists.#4/10/19 lh
An allergy is a response by the immune system to substances in the environment. To diagnose allergies, allergists and immunologists take a thorough patient history. They ask about symptoms, family history, home, work, and school environments.
During an exam, allergists and immunologists examine the upper and lower respiratory system. They look at the nose, the mouth, the ears, and the eyes. They feel the lymph nodes in the neck and listen to the heart and lungs.
Allergists and immunologists may order several types of tests such as:
- Skin tests
- Blood tests
- Breathing tests
They review test results and develop a treatment plan for each patient. They may suggest environmental changes, such as limiting exposure to pets for someone who is allergic to animals. They also prescribe drugs to relieve the symptoms. Allergists and immunologists keep detailed patient records.
Some allergists and immunologists work with people whose immune system attacks the body unnecessarily. When a patient has an organ transplant, an allergist or immunologist is on the medical team to manage the reaction until the new organ is accepted by the body.
Many allergists and immunologists work at medical offices or hospital clinics. Others are involved in research at medical schools, government agencies, or drug companies. Some allergists and immunologists combine patient care with teaching and research.
Related careers
This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Anesthesiologists
- Dermatologists
- Family and General Practitioners
- Internists
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Pediatricians
- Pharmacists
- Physician Assistants
- Podiatrists
- Psychiatrists
- Surgeons
- University and College Teachers
- Veterinarians
Military careers
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to allergists and immunologists.
- Diagnose or treat allergic and immunologic conditions.
- Order or perform diagnostic tests such as skin pricks and delayed hypersensitivity tests.
- Educate patients about diagnoses, prognoses, or treatments.
- Develop treatment plans for patients.
- Prescribe medication such as antihistamines, antibiotics, and inhaled steroids.
- Document patients' medical histories.
- Assess the risks and benefits of therapies for various allergic disorders.
- Conduct physical examination of patients.
- Interpret test results to make diagnoses.
- Provide therapies to treat immune conditions.
- Coordinate patient care with other health care professionals.
- Attend conferences and keep skills up to date.
- Consult with other health care professionals.
Common work activities
Allergists and immunologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Assist and care for others
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Get information needed to do the job
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Document and record information
- Establish and maintain relationships
- Process information
- Explain the meaning of information to others
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Perform for or work with the public
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
- Communicate with people outside the organization
- Analyze data or information
- Evaluate information against standards
- Develop goals and strategies
- Schedule work and activities
- Use computers
- Provide advice and consultation to others
- Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
- Teach others
- Develop and build teams
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
- Think creatively
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
- Guide, direct, and motivate others
- Monitor and control resources
- Coordinate the work and activities of others
- Coach others
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
- Perform administrative tasks
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, allergists and immunologists:
Interpersonal relationships
- Have a very high level of social interaction. They interact with patients throughout the day.
- Communicate with others in person, on the telephone, and through e-mail on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
- Have a great amount of responsibility for the work done by nurses and assistants
- Have a great amount of responsibility for the health and safety of patients.
- Occasionally are placed in conflict situations where patients may be unpleasant or rude due to feeling poorly.
- Usually work as part of a team.
Physical work conditions
- Work indoors.
- Are exposed to the diseases and infections of patients on a daily basis.
- Come into close physical contact with patients.
Work performance
- Must be very exact and accurate when performing the job. Errors can impact patients' health.
- Repeat the same mental and physical tasks.
- Make decisions on a daily basis that substantially impact patients and their families.
- Make nearly all their decisions and set their daily tasks and goals independently.
- Work in a moderately competitive, stressful atmosphere where they must meet daily deadlines.
Physical demands
Allergists and immunologists frequently:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Stand for long periods of time.
It is important for allergists and immunologists to be able to:
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for allergists and immunologists to be able to:
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Determine the distance between objects.
Skills and abilities
Allergists and immunologists need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Understand spoken information.
- Understand written information.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
Reason and problem solve
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Think of new ideas about a topic.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
- Develop rules that group items in various ways.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
- Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
- Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
- Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Use math and science
- Use scientific methods to solve problems.
- Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
Work with people
- Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Teach others how to do something.
- Look for ways to help people.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
- Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
- Persuade others to approach things differently.
Perceive and visualize
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
Training
To work as an allergist or immunologist, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- have a bachelor's degree;
- graduate from medical school;
- pass a state licensing exam;
- complete a residency program in either internal medicine or pediatrics;
- complete a fellowship in an allergy or immunology training program; and
- pass additional exams to become board certified.
Education after high school
You usually need a bachelor's degree to get into medical school. While you do not need to be a pre-medicine or science major, these programs are good preparation. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take courses in physics, biology, and chemistry.
To become a doctor, you must complete medical school. Medical schools grant a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DOM) degree. You spend the first two years of medical school in classrooms and labs studying anatomy, biochemistry, and medicines. You also learn how to take a medical history, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses. During the next two years, you care for patients in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of doctors.
After completing medical school, you must complete three years of additional training in either internal medicine or pediatrics. Following this residency, you must pass an exam. Finally, you must complete a two-year fellowship in allergy or immunology training.
On-the-job training
While in medical school, you spend much of the last two years working in a clinical setting. Clinical work emphasizes diagnosing and treating patients. After completing medical school, you complete three years of additional training as a resident in either internal medicine or pediatrics. More training is gained during a fellowship.
Military training
The military provides advanced training for doctors. However, it does not provide the initial training to become a doctor. Scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for a required period of military service.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements .
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Computer Applications
- Food and Nutrition
- Foreign Language
- Introduction to Health Care
- Nursing
- Safety and First Aid
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Many allergists and immunologists begin work in a group practice or clinic. Some go to work for the hospital where they complete their residency.
Employers look for applicants who are inquisitive, compassionate, and patient. It is important to have good communication skills and be an effective decision-maker. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also important.
Costs to workers
Allergists and Immunologists who join professional associations may pay membership fees and annual dues. They may also attend courses, seminars, and workshops to update their knowledge and keep up to date on changes in their field.
Allergists and immunologists who have borrowed money to pay school expenses have large debt payments for the first few years after graduation. The average educational debt for medical students who graduated in 2017 was $190,694 with 83% percent owing at least $100,000. Malpractice insurance is expensive. To enter private practice, practitioners must invest in equipment, office space, and staffing costs. Estimated costs range from $75,000 to $100,000 or more.
#Updated to mean 2014 graduate debt info from debt fact card 2/4/14, cj. Used 2015 debt card 4/13/15 lh. Updated link for source of debt data & updated info 2/2/16 & 1/31/18, cj. https://members.aamc.org/iweb/upload/2017%20Debt%20Fact%20Card.pdf
Licensing/certification
Allergists and immunologists must be licensed by the State of Washington as either medical or osteopathic physicians. General licensing requirements include:
- a good moral character;
- physical and mental capability to safely perform the duties of a physician;
- completion of a four-year doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine program at an approved medical school;
- one year (osteopathic physician) or two years (medical physician) approved post-graduate training;
- completion of four- (medical physician) or seven- (osteopathic physician) clock hours AIDS education; and
- passing a national written exam.
For more information on the US Medical Licensing Exam, call 215.590.9500 or go to the National Board of Medical Examiners website.
Osteopathic doctors must complete 150 hours of continuing education every three years and medical doctors must complete 200 hours of continuing education every four years.
Licensing fees vary ranging from $491 (medical physicians) to $391 (osteopathic physicians) for the application. The annual renewal fee for osteopathic physicians is $441 and the biannual renewal fee for medical physicians is $657. The combined fee for an application and state exam for osteopathic practitioners is $516. The licensing and the renewal fees generally include an access fee for health-related online library journals and publications and a Washington physician health program surcharge.
For more information on medical doctors, contact:
Washington
Medical Commission
PO Box 47866
Olympia, WA 98504-7866
360.236.2750
For information on osteopathic doctors, contact:
Washington
State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
360.236.4700
#1/31/18, cj. 4/10/19 lh
Wages
Physicians and surgeons, all other (SOC 29-1069)
Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
Washington | Hourly | $48.36 | $79.36 | (1) | (1) | (1) |
Monthly | $8,381 | $13,753 | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
Yearly | $100,600 | $165,060 | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
Bellingham | Hourly | $72.55 | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $12,573 | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $150,899 | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Bremerton-Silverdale | Hourly | $71.33 | $84.43 | $99.42 | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $12,361 | $14,632 | $17,229 | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $148,372 | $175,633 | $206,801 | (2) | (2) | |
Clarkston-Lewiston | Hourly | $53.58 | $97.51 | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $9,285 | $16,898 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $111,434 | $202,811 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | $41.79 | $60.88 | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $7,242 | $10,551 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $86,905 | $126,626 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Longview | Hourly | $82.07 | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $14,223 | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $170,709 | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Mount Vernon-Anacortes | Hourly | $25.58 | $47.63 | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $4,433 | $8,254 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $53,211 | $99,052 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Olympia-Tumwater | Hourly | $18.27 | $31.23 | $98.25 | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $3,166 | $5,412 | $17,027 | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $38,002 | $64,966 | $204,361 | (2) | (2) | |
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $53.73 | $86.69 | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $9,311 | $15,023 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $111,749 | $180,323 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | $28.29 | $48.86 | $93.56 | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $4,903 | $8,467 | $16,214 | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $58,850 | $101,628 | $194,605 | (2) | (2) | |
Vancouver | Hourly | $28.12 | $37.37 | $73.86 | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $4,873 | $6,476 | $12,800 | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $58,485 | $77,735 | $153,643 | (2) | (2) | |
Walla Walla | Hourly | $37.55 | $56.33 | $60.19 | $72.58 | (2) |
Monthly | $6,507 | $9,762 | $10,431 | $12,578 | (2) | |
Yearly | $78,115 | $117,177 | $125,194 | $150,965 | (2) | |
Wenatchee | Hourly | $58.09 | $92.04 | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $10,067 | $15,951 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $120,826 | $191,441 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yakima | Hourly | $80.87 | $96.36 | (2) | (2) | (2) |
Monthly | $14,015 | $16,699 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
Yearly | $168,219 | $200,420 | (2) | (2) | (2) | |
United States | Hourly | $28.98 | $53.58 | $96.58 | (1) | (1) |
Monthly | $5,022 | $9,285 | $16,737 | (1) | (1) | |
Yearly | $60,280 | $111,440 | $200,890 | (1) | (1) |
(1) Wages are greater than $90/hour or $187,200/year.
(2) Wage estimate is not available.
Wages vary by employer, years of experience, and hours worked. The doctor's skill, personality, and professional reputation also affect wages. Self-employed allergists and immunologists generally earn more than those who are not self-employed.
Allergists and immunologists usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Allergists and immunologists who are self-employed must provide their own insurance and retirement plan.
National wage information is not available specifically for allergists and immunologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other physicians and surgeons."
Employment and outlook
Washington outlook
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Physicians and Surgeons, All Other (SOC 29-1069)
Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Washington | 9,109 | 19.9% | 16.1% | 620 |
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 151 | -4.6% | 13.4% | 3 |
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 109 | 15.6% | 8.6% | 6 |
Benton and Franklin Counties | 267 | 26.6% | 15.0% | 22 |
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 264 | 24.2% | 11.9% | 20 |
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 547 | 21.4% | 15.2% | 38 |
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 338 | 17.2% | 14.1% | 21 |
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 364 | 20.3% | 14.6% | 25 |
King County | 4,362 | 19.6% | 19.6% | 294 |
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 243 | 18.9% | 13.8% | 16 |
Pierce County | 678 | 20.1% | 15.2% | 46 |
Snohomish County | 973 | 21.7% | 12.4% | 70 |
Spokane County | 669 | 18.7% | 13.9% | 43 |
United States | 433,700 | 7.8% | 5.2% | 16,500 |
National employment
Major employers:
- Doctors' offices
- Hospitals
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
National outlook
Much of the demand for allergists and immunologists will be the result of a growing population. As the population grows, the number of people in need of care from allergists and immunologists will increase. In addition, an aging population will increase the number of people with conditions that require treatment from an immunologist.
Job prospects are good for physicians willing to practice in rural, low-income areas.
Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for allergists and immunologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other physicians and surgeons."
Other resources
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414.272.6071
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301.968.4100
American Board of Allergy and Immunology
1835 Market Street, Suite 1210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
866.264.5568
215.592.9466
American Medical Association
American Medical Association - Medical Student Section
American Osteopathic Association
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
800.621.1773
312.202.8000
Immunology Link
The Student Doctor Network
Washington Osteopathic Medical Association
PO Box 1187
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
425.677.3930
Washington State Medical Association
2001 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2700
Seattle, WA 98121
800.552.0612
206.441.9762
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Investigative (Science)
O*Net
occupationO*Net job zone
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.
DOT occupation
Strong Interest Inventory
- Physician
Holland occupational cluster
- Investigative/Social/Realistic
COPSystem
- Science Professional
- Service Professional