Hospitalists

Provide inpatient care predominantly in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, or emergency rooms. Manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment.

SOC: 29-1229.02

Common Job Titles

HospitalistHospitalist Medical Doctor (Hospitalist MD)MD (Medical Doctor)Physician

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate complex patient diagnostic data and laboratory results in acute care and intensive care settings, synthesizing multiple information sources to guide treatment decisions.
  • KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive inpatient treatment plans for diverse medical conditions across acute care units, rehabilitation centers, and emergency rooms.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with evidence-based medical protocols when coordinating multidisciplinary team care throughout the inpatient stay.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize medical literature and clinical guidelines with patient-specific factors to continuously update knowledge and optimize evidence-based inpatient management.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze evolving patient conditions and physiological monitoring data in real-time using cardiorespiratory monitors, pulse oximeters, and invasive blood pressure monitors.
  • Hands-onPerform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and central line placement in inpatient settings, adapting technique to patient acuity and clinical urgency.
  • MindsetAdvocate for optimal patient outcomes and quality of care standards when resolving conflicts among interdisciplinary teams and family members under time-sensitive conditions.
  • KnowledgeAssess medication interactions, dosing requirements, and therapeutic efficacy across complex polypharmacy regimens using electronic medical record systems and clinical decision support software.
  • MindsetEngage with patients and families during critical illness conversations demonstrating empathy and clear communication while respecting cultural and individual values.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate transitions of care and discharge planning across interdisciplinary teams, ensuring continuity and safety while managing competing priorities.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Hospitalists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

315,360

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$66,860
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$253,470

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
  • Biology4.6/5
  • English Language4.6/5
  • Psychology4.3/5
  • Education and Training4.0/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Epic SystemsMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Billing softwareComputerized physician order entry CPOE softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareEmail softwareEpocratesGlobal positioning system GPS softwareMDeverywhereMedical decision support software

Tools & Equipment

Aspheric lens magnifiersAutomated defibrillatorsAyre's spatulaBag valve mask BVM resuscitatorsBinocular light compound microscopesBipolar forcepsBlood glucometersCannula sets