Physical Sciences

Interest Area

Explore how nature shapes our earth, oceans, and universe. Students who complete an area of study in Physical Sciences will develop skills in the application of mathematics, analysis, scientific writing and laboratory techniques to a large cross section of physical phenomena. Areas of study include Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Oceanography.

Programs of Study

Fast Track Career Path

Chemistry

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Geology

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Physics

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Explore Careers

Preventive Medicine Physicians

Median Salary

$246,889

Job Growth

+2%

Education

Master's Degree
4%

Doctoral or More
96%

View Career

Apply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May practice population-based medicine or diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.

New workers start around $66,169. Normal pay is $246,889 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $397,249.

Education

Master's Degree
4%

Doctoral or More
96%

Core Tasks

Direct or manage prevention programs in specialty areas such as aerospace, occupational, infectious disease, and environmental medicine.
Identify groups at risk for specific preventable diseases or injuries.
Supervise or coordinate the work of physicians, nurses, statisticians, or other professional staff members.
Direct public health education programs dealing with topics such as preventable diseases, injuries, nutrition, food service sanitation, water supply safety, sewage and waste disposal, insect control, and immunizations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed risk reduction measures or other interventions.
Deliver presentations to lay or professional audiences.
Design, implement, or evaluate health service delivery systems to improve the health of targeted populations.
Design or use surveillance tools, such as screening, lab reports, and vital records, to identify health risks.
Provide information about potential health hazards and possible interventions to the media, the public, other health care professionals, or local, state, and federal health authorities.
Perform epidemiological investigations of acute and chronic diseases.
Develop or implement interventions to address behavioral causes of diseases.
Teach or train medical staff regarding preventive medicine issues.
Document or review comprehensive patients' histories with an emphasis on occupation or environmental risks.
Coordinate or integrate the resources of health care institutions, social service agencies, public safety workers, or other organizations to improve community health.
Prepare preventive health reports, including problem descriptions, analyses, alternative solutions, and recommendations.

Median Salary

$246,889

Job Growth

+2%

Orthopedic Surgeons

Median Salary

$168,664

Job Growth

+10%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
1%

Master's Degree
7%

Doctoral or More
92%

View Career

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.

New workers start around $92,310. Normal pay is $168,664 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $316,272.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
1%

Master's Degree
7%

Doctoral or More
92%

Core Tasks

Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
Prepare case histories.
Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area.
Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.

Median Salary

$168,664

Job Growth

+10%

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Median Salary

$59,280

Job Growth

+13%

Education

Some College
1%

Associate's Degree
30%

Bachelor's Degree
63%

Master's Degree
5%

View Career

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

New workers start around $34,779. Normal pay is $59,280 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $105,144.

Education

Some College
1%

Associate's Degree
30%

Bachelor's Degree
63%

Master's Degree
5%

Core Tasks

Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.

Median Salary

$59,280

Job Growth

+13%

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Median Salary

$59,280

Job Growth

+13%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
4%

Associate's Degree
31%

Bachelor's Degree
56%

Master's Degree
7%

View Career

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

New workers start around $34,779. Normal pay is $59,280 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $105,144.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
4%

Associate's Degree
31%

Bachelor's Degree
56%

Master's Degree
7%

Core Tasks

Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.

Median Salary

$59,280

Job Growth

+13%

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Median Salary

$76,513

Job Growth

+5%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
10%

Certificate
13%

Some College
8%

Associate's Degree
63%

Bachelor's Degree
3%

Master's Degree
4%

View Career

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

New workers start around $42,386. Normal pay is $76,513 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $130,796.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
10%

Certificate
13%

Some College
8%

Associate's Degree
63%

Bachelor's Degree
3%

Master's Degree
4%

Core Tasks

Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
Prepare and position patients for testing.
Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.

Median Salary

$76,513

Job Growth

+5%

Surgical Technologists

Median Salary

$60,678

Job Growth

+8%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
5%

Certificate
31%

Some College
23%

Associate's Degree
41%

View Career

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

New workers start around $37,663. Normal pay is $60,678 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $80,884.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
5%

Certificate
31%

Some College
23%

Associate's Degree
41%

Core Tasks

Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
Prepare dressings or bandages and apply or assist with their application following surgery.
Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.
Order surgical supplies.
Observe patients' vital signs to assess physical condition.

Median Salary

$60,678

Job Growth

+8%

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Answer a few questions to see if your skills and interests align with programs and careers in Business Sciences.

Take an Assessment

Or speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Preventive Medicine Physicians

Orthopedic Surgeons

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Surgical Technologists

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Business Sciences

Humanities

Integrated Design, Engineering & Automation

Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

Languages & Learning Resources

Life Sciences & Technologies

Mathematics & Computer Science

Social & Behavioral Sciences

The Arts

Find Your Path

Opportunities

Communities

About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Main Navigation

Find Your Path

Opportunities

Communities

About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Preventive Medicine Physicians

Orthopedic Surgeons

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Surgical Technologists

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Business Sciences

Humanities

Integrated Design, Engineering & Automation

Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

Languages & Learning Resources

Life Sciences & Technologies

Mathematics & Computer Science

Social & Behavioral Sciences

The Arts

Select a Language