The Careers in Health and Medicine office encourages all students to explore the vast number of health and medicine related careers. Highlighted below is an overview of the most asked about health related professions, the admissions requirements, and the application criteria. Learning about the different fields will allow you to make an informed decision about your own path in health and medicine. Unsure if a health and medicine career is the right fit, visit this page.
Health and Medicine graduate and professional programs seek students with academic potential, robust experiences and unique attributes. First and foremost, prospective applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, breadth and depth through coursework in the liberal arts and additional prerequisite courses. In addition to coursework, future health and medicine professionals should identify and pursue meaningful opportunities including research, volunteering in the community, shadowing, clinical interactions, internships and other experiential opportunities. A consistent record of involvement will help you establish your pre-professional identity, ultimately reinforcing your commitment to a career in health and medicine. Over time, as you move through these experiences, you will determine if and when you are ready to apply.
CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and improving a patient’s health through adjustments to these structures, particularly the spinal column.
DENTISTRY
Dentists (DMDs or DDSs) diagnose and treat problems with a patient’s teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
MEDICINE
There are two kinds of practicing physicians in the United States: Allopathic Physicians (MDs) and Osteopathic Physicians (DOs). Physicians diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians and use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery.
NURSING
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy is the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities.
Click here for Occupational Therapy Profession Overview & Details
OPTOMETRY
Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.
PHARMACY
Pharmacists (PharmDs) dispense medications prescribed by health practitioners and monitor patient health. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs) treat patients with injuries, disabilities, and disease, and can work with a variety of populations with a wide range of functional problems. Physical therapy uses physical methods to assist patients with functional problems from injuries or illnesses.
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PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Physician Assistants (PAs) provide services under the supervision of physicians. PAs are trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services, as deemed necessary by a physician.
Click here for Physicians Assistant Profession Overview & Details
PODIATRIC MEDICINE
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), also known as a podiatric physician or surgeon, specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders, diseases and injuries.
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PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health professionals improve human health and quality of life through the prevention and treatment of disease and other physical and mental health conditions, through the promotion of healthy behaviors and the analysis of global research and data.
VETERINARY MEDICINE
Veterinarians (DVM or VMD) care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.
Click here for Veterinary Medicine Profession Overview & Details
OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS
Health care is a vast field that offers a range of diverse opportunities to help improve people’s health and well being. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects health care to be the fastest growing employment industry between 2014 and 2024. This means more career possibilities for individuals who are passionate about caring for and helping others.
Coming Soon! Click here for Other Health Care Professions Overview & Details