WHAT IS PRE-HEALTH?

Many people think of traditional tracks in medicine, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy when considering a career in health care. There are a number of different fields in health care, however, that can lead to fulfilling careers. We encourage you to assess your goals and aptitudes before choosing a specific field.

Many careers in health care require professional school after completion of the baccalaureate degree. If you are interested in medicine (allopathic or osteopathic), dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, or veterinary medicine, you should expect to attend a doctoral or professional post-baccalaureate program. Physician assistants (PAs), genetic counselors, orthotists, and occupational therapists are also required to complete a master’s degree in their respective field. The College of Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Programs Office can assist you in preparing to apply to any of these programs.

If you are uncertain of what area you would like to work in, the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists many job titles along with the basic job requirements, required education, and median salary. ExploreHealthCareers.org is another resource you can use to explore different professions in the field.