Health Careers

Chiropractic

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically takes four years to complete.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses vary from school to school. It’s very important that you check the websites of the schools you know you want to apply to in order to make sure you’re taking the courses they require. These are the most common requirements:

24 Semester Credits in Life/Physical Science (including 12 credits of lab); can include general biology, general chemistry, anatomy & physiology I and II, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or physics or advanced biomechanics. Many schools require one course with lab from each field.
If you plan to take physics, please be aware that calculus (Math 10a) is a prerequisite. Calculus requires either math placement, or completion of pre-calculus (Math 5a).

Application Process

Testing

Testing requirements vary: some schools are test-optional, some require the GRE, and others may accept the SAT or ACT.

Applications

Chiropractic colleges have rolling admissions. Schools operate on a semester, trimester and quarterly basis so check with the individual schools. There is not a centralized application for chiropractic programs, therefore applicants can apply to each program directly.

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Dentistry

According to the American Dental Association, dentists maintain the health of the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity and adjacent structures. A dentist is dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Programs offer a doctorate and programs take four years to complete. A residency is not required to practice as a general dentist, but further education is needed to specialize in areas such as endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics.

Prerequisite Courses

For a comprehensive listing, see the ADEA AADSAS Dental School Required Courses.

Application Process

Testing

The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is offered year-round at testing centers, and covers the natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. You should plan to take the test once you have completed the necessary coursework.

Applications

Dental schools use a centralized application called the Association of American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). You will submit your AADSAS one year ahead of when you want to matriculate to dental schools. The application opens in May each year.

Career Resources

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Genetic Counseling

According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, “genetic counselors are professionals who have specialized education in genetics and counseling to provide personalized help patients may need as they make decisions about their genetic health.” Programs offer a Masters in Genetic Counseling, which takes two years to complete. Practice areas typically include prenatal and preconception, pediatric, cancer, cardiovascular, and neurology.

Prerequisite Courses

Pre-Genetic Counseling Planning Guide (pdf)

Application Process

Testing

Most Genetic Counseling programs require the GRE, which includes sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

Applications

Genetic counseling programs do not have a common application; applicants apply to individual programs. There is, however, a national match program for admissions. Applicants register for the match in the fall the year before intend to matriculate. After interviewing at a program, both the applicant and the program rank each other. Therefore, applicants do not have complete control over where they might matriculate.

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Medicine

Physicians can serve various roles within healthcare including direct clinical work, research, hospital administration, teaching, policy work, consulting, and more. Medical school is four years, which can be completed through an allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) program. Students from both programs enter into residency after medical school in order to practice, where they specialize in a particular area of medicine. Residency programs can last anywhere between three and five years depending on the specialty.
There are also dual degree programs available: Master’s in Public Health, Master’s in Business Administration, and PhD in the sciences, humanities, or social sciences.

Prerequisite Courses

For a comprehensive listing, see the AAMC MSAR

Application Process

View a Medical School Application Timeline template here!

Testing

Medical schools require the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which includes four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning. You should plan to take your exam when you have completed the necessary coursework, no later than May of the year you intend to apply.

Applications

Medical schools in the United States use a centralized application: American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for allopathic-MD schools, and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) for osteopathic-DO schools. Both applications open in May for Fall admission the following year.

Career Resources

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Nursing/Advanced Practice Nursing

One of the most flexible health careers, nurses practice in a variety of specialties and settings, and at several different levels, from nursing assistant roles through doctorate level practitioners who can diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients directly. The entry-level degree for nurses is a Bachelors of Nursing (BSN). Nurses can go onto master’s or doctorate programs to specialize in care for a particular patient population or attain leadership and administration positions.

Degree Options

Accelerated BSN: These 12 – 18 month programs are intended for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and usually have science and social science prerequisites. At the end of the program, students are licensed RNs.
Direct Entry MSN: These programs are intended for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Students complete the BSN coursework and the initial RN licensure during the first year, and complete the master’s level coursework in years two and three.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): Advanced practice nurses have pursued advanced education to develop knowledge and skills beyond those expected for an RN. APRN roles include: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Certified Nurse-Midwife.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The DNP is the terminal degree in nursing practice and is intended to move the level of preparation necessary for advanced nursing practice from a master’s degree to the doctoral level.
Nurse Researchers (PhD): The PhD in Nursing is the pathway for students interested in a career in research. Nurse researchers develop new nursing science, lead the profession, and educate future nurses.
Many programs also offer dual degree programs, such as MSN/MPH or MSN/MBA.

Prerequisite Courses

Pre-Accelerated Nursing Planning Guide (pdf)

Application Process

Testing

Most nursing programs do not require a standardized test. Accelerated BSN programs do not require a test, but may want you to submit your ACT or SAT scores. Some, but not all, direct entry MSN programs require the GRE, which includes sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

Applications

Many programs use a centralized application called NursingCAS, others have individual program applications. NursingCAS opens in August of each year. Some programs use rolling admission, meaning the earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get in; other programs begin reviewing applications after their deadline. Refer to individual program’s websites so you can time your application appropriately.

Career Resources

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Occupational Therapy

According to the American Occupational Therapist Association, occupational therapists “help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.” Graduates can enter the profession with either a Masters or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Programs take between two and three years to complete.

Prerequisite Courses

Pre-Occupational Therapy Planning Guide (pdf)

Application Process

Testing

Most programs require the GRE, which includes sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

Applications

Most, but not all, occupational therapy programs use a centralized application called OTCAS, which opens in July every year. Some programs use rolling admission, meaning the earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get in; other programs begin reviewing applications after their deadline. Refer to individual programs’ websites so you can time your application appropriately.

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Optometry

According to the American Optometric Association, “Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.” Optometry programs are four years in length; a residency is not required to practice, although they are available for those who want to specialize in a practice area.

Prerequisite Courses

Pre-Optometry Planning Guide (pdf)

For a comprehensive listing, please view this table provided by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.

Application Process

Testing

Optometry schools require the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), which includes four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning.

Applications

Optometry schools use a centralized application called OptomCAS, which opens at the end of June every year. Some programs use rolling admission, meaning the earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get in; other programs begin reviewing applications after their deadline. Refer to individual programs’ websites so you can time your application appropriately.

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Pharmacy

According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, “pharmacists are medication experts who enhance patient care and promote wellness. You will use your professional knowledge as a pharmacist to prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications.” Pharmacists practice in retail pharmacies, hospitals, research centers, and pharmaceutical companies.

Pharmacy programs are four years in length and culminate in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Residencies are not required for practice, but are available for those who wish to specialize in a particular practice area. Fellowships are also available directly following pharmacy school for those wishing to work in pharmaceutical research and industry.

Prerequisite Courses

Pre-Pharmacy Planning Guide (pdf)

For a comprehensive listing, please view this table provided by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Application Process

Testing

Many pharmacy schools require the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), which includes sections on Writing, Biological Processes, Chemical Processes, Critical Reading, and Quantitative Reasoning. Some schools are test-optional or require no standardized test for admission. Check the PharmCAS school directory for more information.

Applications

The majority of pharmacy schools use a centralized application called PharmCAS, which opens in mid-July each year. Application deadlines vary widely by school.

Career Resources

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Physical Therapy

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.”

The entry-level degree for physical therapists is a doctorate in physical therapy; programs typically take three years to complete. Post-licensure training is available to those who wish to specialize in particular practice areas.

Prerequisite Courses

Pre-Physical Therapy Planning Guide (pdf)

For a comprehensive listing, see the PTCAS Program Prerequisites page.

Application Process

Testing

Physical therapy programs require the GRE, which includes sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

Applications

Most, but not all, PT programs use a centralized application called PTCAS, which opens in early July each year. Other programs have applications available directly on their websites. Deadlines vary widely by program.

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Physician Assistant

According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, “PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider.” PAs practice under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician.

PA programs typically last three years and culminate in a generalist master’s degree. While residency programs are available for those who wish to specialize, one of the hallmarks of the profession is the ability to switch specialties without additional education or certifications. PAs can practice in general areas such as primary care as well as specialist areas such as emergency medicine, surgery, dermatology, and orthopedics.

Prerequisite Courses

Patient Care Hands-On Hours

Physician Assistant training programs generally all require "hands-on" patient care hours. These hour requirements vary widely from program to program. This requirement is commonly a minimum of 500 hours. Pre-Health Advising recommends obtaining 1,000 hours before applying. These hours can be achieved through a variety of healthcare positions, such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), and more. These positions are very common to require entry-level healthcare training beforehand. We strongly recommend meeting with Pre-Health Advising for support in obtaining this experience.

Application Process

View a PA Application Timeline template here!

Testing

The majority of PA programs require the GRE, which includes sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

Career Resources

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Podiatry

Podiatrists, also known as podiatric physicians or surgeons, are specialized medical doctors that diagnose and treat conditions for foot, ankle, and related structures. They work with all diseases, injuries, or disorders of the lower extremities. Podiatrists must earn a doctorate degree in podiatric medicine (DPM), which takes four years to complete. After podiatric medical school, podiatrists must complete a minimum of 2 years in residency training. Podiatry residency training includes a combination of different clinical rotations with both medical and surgical experiences.

Prerequisite Courses

Pre-Podiatry Planning Guide (pdf)

Application Process

Testing

Podiatry schools require the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which includes four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning. You should plan to take your exam when you have completed the necessary coursework, no later than May of the year you intend to apply.

Applications

Podiatry schools use a centralized application: American Association of Colleges of Podiatry Application Service (AACPMAS). Applications open in August for Fall admission the following year.

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Public Health

A career in public health can vary widely in settings in public sectors, education, private consulting, and non-profit organizations. Some employers and positions require just a Bachelor’s degree in a public health field. Common career paths following a Bachelor’s degree include research assistant, health educator, or wellness coach. Upper level positions may require a Master's in Public Health (MPH). An MPH typically takes 1-3 years to complete. Common career paths following an MPH include healthcare administrator, health promotion specialist, or program coordinator. The highest education level available is a Doctorate in Public Health (PhD), which can lead to careers as a health policy advisor, epidemiologist, principal investigator, professor, or community health director.

Prerequisite Courses

Most programs do not require prerequisite courses to apply, aside from statistics.

Application Process

Testing

Most graduate and doctoral programs in public health require the GRE, which includes sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

Applications

Some, but not all, public health graduate programs use a centralized application called SOPHAS, which opens in mid-August each year. Graduate and doctoral programs in public health have rolling admissions. Schools operate on a semester, trimester and quarterly basis so check with the individual schools.

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Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians provide care to animals in settings ranging from private practices for companion animals to livestock and shelters. Veterinarians are also employed by the federal government to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure food safety. A career in veterinary medicine is highly versatile and can include work in public health, public policy, research, global medicine, teaching, and corporate medicine. Veterinary School is four years, which culminates in a doctorate of veterinary medicine. There is a growing need for veterinarians to specialize in advanced biological fields.

Prerequisites Courses

Pre-Vet Planning Guide (pdf)

For a comprehensive listing, see the AAVMC VMSAR

Application Process

Testing

Veterinary programs require the GRE, which includes sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. Additionally, some programs require the Biology GRE.

Applications

Veterinary programs use a centralized application: The Veterinary Medical Application Service (VMCAS). Applications open in January for Fall admission the following year.

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