Occupation AtlasGeneral Internal Medicine Physicians
O*NET · 29-1216.00
General Internal Medicine Physicians
Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
Also called DO Physician · DO Physician (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Physician) · Doctor · Endocrinologist · Endocrinology Physician · Gastroenterologist · Gastroenterology Physician · General Internal Medicine Doctor
25 more
General Internal Medicine Physician · General Internist · Hematologist · Hematology Physician · Hospitalist Physician · IM Hospitalist Physician · IM Physician · Internal Medicine Doctor · Internal Medicine Hospitalist Physician (IM Hospitalist Physician) · Internal Medicine PCP · Internal Medicine PCP (Internal Medicine Primary Care Physician) · Internal Medicine Physician (IM Physician) · Internist · MD · Medical Doctor (MD) · Medical Hematologist · Medical Oncologist · Oncologist · Oncology Physician · Physician · Primary Care Physician · Pulmonologist · Rheumatologist · Rheumatology Physician · Trauma Doctor
Compare with another occupationCompare with Nurse Practitioners
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ISRInvestigative · Social · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative6.81
- S Social6.08
- R Realistic4.43
- C Conventional3.63
- E Enterprising2.10
- A Artistic1.44
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (33%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (44%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (36%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- SciencebasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Service OrientationImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
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- CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- RepairingImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.1Level —
Tasks
16 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Treat internal disorders, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or problems of the lung, brain, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.Importance 4.5
- Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.Importance 4.5
- Prescribe or administer medication, therapy, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.Importance 4.5
- Manage and treat common health problems, such as infections, influenza or pneumonia, as well as serious, chronic, and complex illnesses, in adolescents, adults, and the elderly.Importance 4.5
- Provide and manage long-term, comprehensive medical care, including diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases, for adult patients in an office or hospital.Importance 4.4
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.Importance 4.4
- Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.Importance 4.4
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.Importance 4.3
- Make diagnoses when different illnesses occur together or in situations where the diagnosis may be obscure.Importance 4.3
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary.Importance 4.3
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.Importance 4.2
- Immunize patients to protect them from preventable diseases.Importance 4.1
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- Advise surgeon of a patient's risk status and recommend appropriate intervention to minimize risk.Importance 4.1
- Provide consulting services to other doctors caring for patients with special or difficult problems.Importance 4.1
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.Importance 3.8
- Prepare government or organizational reports on birth, death, and disease statistics, workforce evaluations, or the medical status of individuals.Importance 3.1
- Operate on patients to remove, repair, or improve functioning of diseased or injured body parts and systems.Importance 3.7
- Conduct research to develop or test medications, treatments, or procedures to prevent or control disease or injury.Importance 3.7
- Plan, implement, or administer health programs in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention and treatment of injuries or illnesses.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.9Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Perform open heart surgery
- BiologyImportance 4.5Level 5.6
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.4Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
- PsychologyImportance 4.3Level 5.8
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- English LanguageImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
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- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- MathematicsImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- ChemistryImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- AdministrativeImportance 3.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- PhysicsImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- GeographyImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- TransportationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- DesignImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- MechanicalImportance 1.4Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.4Level 5.6Level 6 looks like: Recognize an illness at an early stage of a disease when there are only a few symptoms
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 6 looks like: Diagnose a disease using results of many different lab tests
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Category FlexibilityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 4.0Level 4.1
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- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
- Number FacilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.4Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Static StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Rate ControlImportance 1.3Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.3Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.9Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Care for seriously injured persons in an emergency room
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.8Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
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- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 5.8
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
26 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (5)
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Other tools (21)
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- Billing software
- Brickell Research Brickell Medical Office
- ChartWare EMR
- e-MDs software
- e-MDs topsE&M Coder
- Email software
- Epocrates
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Greenway Health PrimeSuite
- Med Math
- MedcomSoft Record
- Medical reference software
- MicroFocus GroupWise
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Misys Healthcare Systems Mysis Tiger
- Practice management software PMS
- Practice Partner Total Practice Partner
- Scheduling software
- SOAPware EMR
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Nurse Practitioners
Average difference 0.1 points · Coordination +0.5, Programming −0.4
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Physician Assistants
Average difference 0.1 points · Equipment Selection −0.5, Operation and Control −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Neurologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.7, Coordination +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Naturopathic Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.9, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Pharmacists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.9, Time Management +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Pediatricians, General
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.6, Quality Control Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Veterinarians
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness −0.7, Monitoring −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.7, Operations Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.