|
INTRODUCTION
In the nineteenth century, the dedicated and highly motivated student who wanted to heal people became a physician and that was that. Today there are more than 200 distinct professions in health care. Yet, in spite of this, many people still think that the only road to becoming a health-care professional is as an M.D. For many students, however, there are opportunities and pathways that are even better for them than the M.D. in terms of intellectual satisfaction, quality of life in professional school, career opportunities, and the time to savor extra-professional activities and a full personal life. In a recent survey of professional opportunities by Money magazine, the title of "most attractive profession" went not to the M.D. but to another one of the areas in health care described below. As part of our effort to help, encourage, and educate the resourceful individuals who may be unaware of the great opportunities "out there," we have put together this guide. We hope that it is complete, thorough, and helpful, but we assure you it is not our last word on the subject. Health care--already one of the nation's largest industries--continues to grow rapidly. New professions are springing up, and the younger ones are still in the process of defining themselves. We will, therefore, continue to update this manual as we learn more about each profession. If you have suggestions, experience, information, or sources we may have overlooked, please share your knowledge with us. With so many pathways to follow in the health-care professions, it would be naïve indeed to think that making a choice should be easy. But the search is well worth the effort. With many fields to choose from, there is one to suit virtually every individual's abilities, interests, and personal characteristics. Each career is associated with its own unique set of responsibilities, demands, and rewards. Do not feel discouraged should you research one area and find that it is not for you. All fields in health care are interconnected and interdependent, and the more you know about each of the other professions, the more confident you can be that your eventual choice will be the best one for you. As with any career, if you are considering any of the health-care professions, you should be sure to know what to expect. Idealized expectations and lack of information can only lead to disappointment and frustration. While you cannot be absolutely certain what a particular occupation will be like until you experience it, you should familiarize yourself as much as possible with its various aspects. How, then, can you, as an undergraduate, develop some degree of confidence that the path you have chosen to follow is the correct one? We strongly recommend that you learn through practical experience: volunteer in a variety of health-care settings, talk to professionals, get real hands-on experience, and read, read, read. We can advise you, but in the last analysis, only you can decide. If in doubt, follow the golden rule: Keep your options open. Here is one example: Before entering NYU, you may have been interested in pharmacy. You could have gone directly to pharmacy school or you could have elected to study in a liberal arts college first. Unless you were absolutely certain that you wanted to be a pharmacist, just a pharmacist, and nothing but a pharmacist, it was wiser to choose the liberal arts route. Not only does this road leave open the option of pharmacy after college, but it prepares you equally well for dentistry, optometry, and dozens of other professions. Even if you don't change your mind and decide to continue with pharmacy after college, a B.S. in Pharmacy would somewhat limit the career options open to you after pharmacy school. On the other hand, with a B.A. degree plus an extra year or two to get your pharmacy degree, you have far greater possibilities for professional advancement and mobility than with a very narrow, specialized degree. This is equally true for most professional schools. So, congratulations! You have already made the first decision successfully. Your road may have many forks. Let us suppose that you have just taken a course in Genetics and are really fascinated by the specific, focused, field of Human Genetics, and say to yourself, "Finally, I know what I want to do; I have chosen my specialty." Well, it would be a little premature to put your mind at rest, for your next step is to choose among the subfields of human genetics which are offered in graduate programs. Would you want to study Anthropological Genetics, Behavioral Genetics, Biochemical Genetics, Clinical Genetics, Cytogenetic Technology, Cytogenetics, Developmental Genetics, Dysmorphology, Epidemiology, Gene Mapping, Genetic Counseling, Immunogenetics, Molecular Genetics, Oncological Genetics, Pharmacogenetics, Population Genetics, Prenatal Diagnosis, Somatic Cell Genetics, or Teratology? That one field of Human Genetics leads to at least 19 new and different pathways. This "narrow little field," then, unfolds into a vast realm of information, discovery, and career opportunities--more than one individual could ever hope to encompass. But if you are aware of these options ahead of time, you can enroll in a program which offers you a taste of all or at least most of the alternatives in which you may be interested--and thus allow yourself to keep open the options that are most attractive to you. Don't rush in; be prepared, if necessary, to take some time off. Your friends may think that waiting a few years shows indecision or a lack of motivation; the professional school's admissions officers we speak to (and there are many of them) think it shows wisdom and maturity. The information in this guide is intended to introduce you to the variety of health careers, and to outline the qualifications, demands, and rewards of some specific options. While the scope of this booklet does not permit detailed descriptions, or the inclusion of all health occupations, it is our hope that it will provide you with sufficient information to help you start on the right road. You are warmly encouraged to visit the Preprofessional Advising Office, Robert and Ellen Salant Prehealth Program (Silver Center for Arts and Science, Room 901; www.nyu.edu/cas/prehealth), and the Wasserman Center for Career Development (133 East 13th St., 2nd floor; www.nyu.edu/careerdevelopment) for assistance with academic and career-planning issues. |
|
ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANT Anesthesiologist assistants are professionals who typically work as part of a health care team at a larger medical facility which offers complex, state-of-the-art procedures such as open heart surgery, neurosurgery, and transplant surgery. Anesthesiologist assistants perform many of the procedures normally associated with anesthesiologists: preoperative procedures such as the insertion of arterial and intravenous catheters; drug administration for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia; support therapy with intravenous fluids and cardiovascular drugs; adjustment of anesthetic levels on a minute-by-minute basis; recovery room and intensive care unit and pain clinic care; and sometimes a variety of administrative and educational activities. Students graduate from an Anesthesiologist's Assistant program with either a M.S. degree or a M.M.Sc. degree. REQUIREMENTS: Applicants to Anesthesiologist's Assistant programs must have completed an undergraduate premedical program and have a bachelor's degree typically with a major in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or computer science. Alternatively, they may have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Candidates must take the GRE general test; at Emory University the MCAT is being phased in as a requirement along with, but not replacing, the GRE. Candidates, therefore, would be well served by taking both tests. PROGRAMS: As of January 2008, there are five accredited Anesthesiologist's Assistant programs in the United States: Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia), Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), South University (Savannah, Georgia), Nova Southeastern Univeristy (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida), and University of Missouri (Kansas City, Missouri). The contact information for 2 of the programs is as follows:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
|
|
ART THERAPIST Art therapists treat, on an in- or outpatient basis, people who have physical, emotional, behavioral, or social problems. Carrying out and analyzing art tasks is the means of treatment. Art therapists may act in the capacity of primary therapist or as part of a treatment team. REQUIREMENTS: Students with a liberal arts degree go into a master's program in Art Therapy. These programs take a minimum of two years to complete. Most programs also require a minimum of 600 hours of supervised practicum; a few require 1,000 hours. Art therapists can apply for registration by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and receive the status ATR (Art Therapist, Registered).
NYU REQUIREMENTS: NYU's graduate Art Therapy program requires the following undergraduate pre-requisites:
NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
AUDIOLOGIST ( SPEECH PATHOLOGIST)
This term is now generally replaced by Speech Pathologist. |
|
BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST The basic medical sciences encompass a variety of non-clinical areas of the medical school curriculum, including: biochemistry, cell biology, environmental oncology, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. Most of these Ph.D. programs are located physically in a medical school, with each basic medical science represented by a specific department. Most students in such programs receive full-tuition scholarships, frequently with living allowances. Scientists in this field have many career opportunities. In the past they usually chose academic positions involving both research and teaching, including the training of future Ph.D.s in basic medical science. With the present development of biotechnology industries, however, more and more scientists are entering research positions in industry, since a good deal of the research performed in this new and developing sector is in essence "basic research." In addition to research and/or teaching, some scientists leave "hands on" work for positions with government or private funding agencies, or agencies concerned with such issues as environmental protection, scientific ethics, education policy, and the like. Finally, some become popular periodical science writers or editors for scientific publishing companies. REQUIREMENTS: All applicants must have a B.S. or B.A. degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or physics, and must also have some research experience beyond formal laboratory courses. All candidates must take the GRE. NYU CONTACTS:
Department of Biology
RECOMMENDED READING: The diversity of educational programs, information sources, and career opportunities in the biomedical sciences is vast. We suggest as a starting point an excellent article, "Careers in Biology," by Roy H. and Barbara W. Sago. This paper, in pamphlet form and augmented by a substantial list of professional societies from which students can request information, is available from the American Institute of Biological Sciences.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
CHIROPRACTOR Chiropractors are concerned with the relationship between structure (the spine, extravertebral joints, muscles, etc.) and function (the nervous and vascular systems). Chiropractors evaluate posture and spinal structure, and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems. Although employment of chiropractors is to a degree governed by the economy, there appears to be a general increase in the acceptance by the public for this type of treatment. This is particularly true in the western and southwestern states. There are seventeen chiropractic schools in the United States. Training programs can include up to five years of study depending on the program. Applications must be sent directly to the school(s) in which you are interested. REQUIREMENTS: All chiropractic colleges require applicants to have at least two years of undergraduate study. Most applicants have a bachelor's degree, and this is quickly becoming the minimum entry requirement. These schools also require a certain level of physical ability (i.e., strength and dexterity) and test for this before admission. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Undergraduate pre-chiropractic study requires the following courses:
Some schools recommend the following courses: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Genetics, Calculus, Microbiology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology. NEARBY PROGRAMS:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
DENTIST The modern dentist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the mouth. Dentists perform procedures to diagnose and treat problems of the teeth and tissues of the mouth, including corrective surgery of the gums and supporting bones. Current trends place emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, implantology, surgery, and the treatment of genetic defects. Psychological and medical implications make dentistry a significant contributor to the general health of the population. There are eight recognized specialties, requiring from one to four years of post-doctoral training. The specialties are: dental public health, endodontics, oral pathology, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatrics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. With the discovery of the effectiveness of fluoride in the prevention of many dental problems, demand in the dental profession suffered a considerable decline during the '70s and '80s. This situation has now stabilized, however, and it is once again becoming relatively difficult to get into a good dental school. For more information about the dental profession, consult the Official Guide to Dental Schools, published by the American Dental Education Association. A copy of this book is kept in Silver 901 for reference. REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of 90 credits at an approved college or university; preference given to applicants with a bachelor's degree in the liberal arts or science, and it is very strongly recommended that you earn your bachelor's degree before proceeding to dental school. Undergraduate predental study requires the following courses:
Some dental schools require or recommend additional courses in science (such as biochemistry), statistics, and/or behavioral science (psychology). Applicants must take the Dental School Admissions Test (DAT).
THE CENTRALIZED APPLICATION SERVICE:
NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
DIETICIAN (NUTRITIONIST) Nutritionists and dieticians plan nutrition programs and supervise the preparation and serving of meals for such institutions as schools, hospitals, hotel chains, and prisons. They help prevent and treat conditions such as hypertension and obesity by promoting healthy eating habits. To become a registered dietician, you must complete an academic program and a clinical training component of roughly six months in duration before sitting for the registration exam. There are several different ways in which you can complete the requirements to become a Registered Dietician (R.D.); for a student with a B.A. degree, however, earning a master's degree in nutrition appears to be the most sensible approach. Students who do not major in Nutrition can apply for an M.A. program, which will ask them to complete a 15-course Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) before they can start their M.A. work. CAS students may wish to consider completing the Nutrition minor, which will fulfill several DPD requirements. REQUIREMENTS: Students must be well grounded in biology, chemistry, physiology, and computer applications, as well as social sciences.
NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
FOREIGN MEDICAL SCHOOLS For individuals who have their hearts set on becoming an M.D., but who have been unable to gain acceptance into a US medical school, this may be an option. However, three words immediately spring to mind along with "Foreign Medical School"; they are "delicate," "difficult," and "dangerous." Extreme caution should be exercised here. The reason for this is that usually one's objective is not merely to earn an M.D. degree (that's easy), but to be able to practice medicine legally in this country. That is far more difficult. A brief explanation is perhaps appropriate. In order to obtain a license to practice in a given state, you must fulfill three conditions. You must graduate from a medical school acceptable to the licensing board of that state, you must receive passing scores on the United States Medical Licensure Examinations (USMLEs or "Boards"), and you must enter and successfully complete a residency program in the United States. It is the second step, passing the Board exam, that is the biggest stumbling block, and this is closely followed by obtaining your residency. You should bear in mind that most students who are accepted into US medical schools find the entire process of becoming an M.D., passing the Board Examinations, and practicing medicine to be extremely demanding and stressful. Irrespective of your talents, you must realistically expect that if you attend a foreign medical school you will have an even more difficult time passing the necessary examinations. You must be realistic in evaluating why you are applying to a foreign medical school in the first place. There are three very common reasons: poor grades in college, poor MCAT scores, or both. It is true that the MCAT is a standardized test and perhaps does not reflect your real abilities as a student or as a future doctor. Unfortunately, however, the Board exams are of the same format, and the best predictor of one's ability to pass the Boards is, sadly, the MCAT. Thus if you have tried valiantly and just have not been able to muster a satisfactory score on the MCAT, beware! A medical education at a foreign school is a very expensive undertaking. It may get you the M.D. or equivalent degree, but it does not allow you to practice in this country. What is a "good" score on the MCAT? If you score 30 or above, it is probable that you could study the material necessary and eventually pass the exams. There are preparation courses for this purpose, just as there are for the MCAT. A score of less than 25 on the MCAT suggests that you will have enormous difficulty with the Boards and would be better advised not to take the risk. You are not permitted unlimited attempts at these exams, and they are spaced at infrequent intervals. This means that your debts keep mounting while you keep trying. With MCAT scores between 25 and 30, it is a gamble and depends very much on whether or not you can afford to lose the cost of the undertaking (roughly $200,000 by most estimates). But, assuming that you have passed either the financial or the academic test of the preceding paragraph and have decided to make the attempt, the question then arises: "Where are the best foreign medical schools?" In the past, unsuccessful applicants often turned to highly regarded European or Mexican medical schools as an alternative to going to an American school. For a number of reasons, these options are no longer viable ones: the European schools are much stricter about taking foreign students, the quality of the education at the most highly regarded Mexican schools has declined substantially, and it is now much more difficult to return to the United States with a foreign degree to practice medicine. In place of these schools, a number of "offshore" medical schools have sprung up, particularly in the Caribbean. Some of these, particularly those which have been in existence for only a few years, are extremely risky prospects. Before you plan to attend such a school, you MUST make sure that it has a strong, solid program and good connections with enough hospitals in the United States to enable you to enter a suitable residency program. It is extremely difficult to obtain reliable information regarding the quality of these schools. The schools themselves can be very misleading; the AMA has stopped publishing information on the subject because certain schools were deliberately abusing the evaluation system; and anecdotal information from friends who graduated from a foreign school even quite recently may have been true then, but not now. Check with our prehealth advising office before seriously committing yourself. We rely on information coming to us from various sources, particularly our own students enrolled in the individual schools. There are five foreign schools which we currently suggest to students who are aware of all the above dangers. SUGGESTED FOREIGN PROGRAMS:
Sackler School of Medicine (Tel Aviv, Israel)
Technion American Medical Students Program (Haifa, Israel)
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Beer-Sheva, Israel)
St. George's University School of Medicine (Grenada)
|
|
GENETIC COUNSELOR Genetic counselors are health professionals who provide information, advice, and support to individuals and families who may be at risk from genetically transmitted diseases, disorders, and birth defects. The massive international effort to map all human genes has been virtually completed as of the year 2000 and tests for specific genes are widely available. Should individuals avail themselves of such tests? What do the results of these tests mean? What options are available to individuals who have such "defective" genes? The answers to these questions are not simple, and involve an understanding of genetics, statistics, psychology, ethics, law, and sociology. This is the province of the genetic counselor. Training is available at the M.S., M.D., Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and post-doctoral level. REQUIREMENTS: For someone with a bachelor's degree wishing to apply to an M.S. program, a knowledge of genetics, statistics, and psychology is essential. A biology or psychology major with some additional elective courses will provide an excellent starting point. Some programs require or recommend courses in Biology, Chemistry, Embryology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Statistics. Programs also may want to see shadowing/intern experience or counseling experience. THE NEAREST PROGRAMS IN GENETIC COUNSELING:
Sarah Lawrence College
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATOR/HEALTH POLICY MANAGER
The health care administrator is the person who coordinates much of what goes on behind the scenes in a health care setting, be that setting a major teaching hospital, a nursing home, an HMO, or a dental clinic. Individual health care administrators find themselves in a wide range of career positions from assistant administrators or directors of group practices to directors of HMOs or CEOs of major hospitals. Health care administrators can be classified into two groups: generalists and clinical specialists. Generalists oversee an entire hospital or HMO or serve as assistants to the chief administrator. Clinic administrators oversee the administration of specialized health care services—physical therapy, long-term care, radiology, and the like. Students who wish to pursue a career in Health Care Administration can study in an accredited undergraduate program in Health Services Administration leading to a bachelor's degree. Some students opt to pursue a liberal arts degree at the undergraduate level and then pursue a master's degree in Health Services Administration. REQUIREMENTS: Undergraduate courses in Health Policy, Economics, and Business may be helpful. NYU REQUIREMENTS: GRE or GMAT scores are recommended for the M.P.A. program in Wagner. NYU CONTACT:
Community Public Health, MPH
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
MEDICAL SCIENCE TRACK PROGRAMS (See also: POSTBACCALAUREATE PREHEALTH PROGRAMS) In these programs, students are registered for a master's degree, and they take several medical school classes with first-year medical students. The object is ostensibly to prepare the candidate for research and similar work in the health sciences. It is no secret, however, that many students use these programs fruitfully to improve their chances of admission to medical school (sometimes also to veterinary medical or dental school). There are a number of programs which give students the opportunity to demonstrate that they can handle the course work and then reapply to medical school. Obviously, good grades in the classes show that the student can succeed in professional school. Students are permitted—even encouraged—to apply to medical school and are by no means required to complete the master's programs (some of the programs are for only one year). You would not be exempted from the first year of medical school because you will not have completed the entire first year. Exemption from the particular courses already completed is entirely at the discretion of the medical school of matriculation. Two words of warning: A student considering this approach should bear in mind that the probable reason for his or her original nonacceptance to medical school was grades. Is it realistic to expect a significant improvement in the upcoming year to cause a medical school to change its opinion? Every other student in the program is going to be in a similar situation, trying equally hard. Only a small percentage will actually gain admission. For this reason it would be wise to enroll only in those programs which, should you still not be admitted to medical school, provide you with some extra qualification which you can use in an alternative career, should that be necessary. NEARBY PROGRAMS: Drexel University College of Medicine
Georgetown University "Biomedical Graduate Education"
Georgetown University Special Masters Program in Physiology
University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ
|
|
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR Mental health counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education, training and clinical practice. The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is the professional membership organization that represents the mental health counseling profession. Clinical membership in AMHCA requires a master's degree in counseling or a closely related mental health field and adherence to AMHCA's National Standards for Clinical Practice. Graduate education and clinical training prepare mental health counselors to provide a full range of services for individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children. Mental health counselors practice in a variety of settings, including independent practice, community agencies, managed behavioral health care organizations, integrated delivery systems, hospitals, employee assistance programs and substance abuse treatment centers. REQUIREMENTS: Licensure requirements for mental health counselors are equivalent to those for clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists - two other disciplines that require a master's degree for independent status. A licensed mental health counselor has met or exceeded the following professional qualifications: (1) Earned a master's degree in counseling or a closely related mental health discipline (2) Completed a minimum of two years post master's clinical work under the supervision of a licensed or certified mental health professional (3) Passed a state-developed or national licensure or certification examination. NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
American Mental Health Counselors Association
|
|
NURSE (R.N.) Students who are attracted to the health professions because they are particularly interested in the art of healing might want to give serious thought to nursing. Nurses provide direct care to people of all ages and in a variety of settings. Nursing care includes health promotion activities such as nutrition; immunization or baby care information; disease prevention such as blood pressure screening; acute care, including first aid and CPR; and rehabilitative care. With the changes taking place in the medical profession the opportunities open for motivated and ambitious nurses are many. Clearly there are many similarities between the work performed by nurses and M.D.s. Nursing combined with a specialty (e.g., nurse-anesthetist) or nurse-practitioner are longer-term goals where autonomy and flexibility are making this area exceptionally attractive. The employment opportunities are excellent; there is a shortage of nurses. Salaries have increased dramatically in the past several years, the types of settings in which nurses work are endless, and hours and conditions are extremely flexible. While it is possible to enter directly into a B.S.N. degree program from high school, there are well over 100 accelerated nursing programs of 12-18 months designed specifically for people who have earned B.A.s in other areas. At NYU, there is a 15-month program leading to the B.S.N. degree and R.N. certification. The NYU Division of Nursing also offers the Dual Degree B.S./M.A. Program for students interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner. At schools without an accelerated program, you would generally apply as a transfer student, receive transfer credit for the required science and liberal arts courses, and then proceed with the nursing sequences. Nursing schools vary widely in how they treat college graduates, so you should check with the schools in which you are interested. REQUIREMENTS: For college graduates: A grade point average of 3.0 or
above; postbaccalaureate science courses of above 3.0.
NYU REQUIREMENTS: NYU's program does not require the GRE. Its course requirements are similar to the above except that Organic Chemistry need not be taken and one semester of Anatomy and Physiology is sufficient if taken in a Nursing department. NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
NURSE-MIDWIFE Certified nurse-midwives (C.N.M.) provide a wide range of primary health care services: primary and gynecological care, preconception and prenatal care, labor and delivery management, and postpartum and infant care. They are trained to promote birth without modern intervention practices, but when necessary utilize modern medical technology. Nurse-midwives consider childbirth to be a natural process and seek to provide a complete--both physiological and psychological--approach to care. Greater numbers of women are choosing nurse-midwives for their maternity care because they appreciate this holistic approach. Midwives traditionally spend more time with their patients throughout both prenatal care and the labor process. This practice allows a stronger relationship to be built between the midwife and the patient and for the patient to continue learning about the process through her provider. Beyond the range of maternity care, nurse-midwives also provide well-woman gynecological care on an ongoing basis and have the independence to work closely with their patients and their families to provide the best possible care. Nurse-midwives practice in a variety of settings from freestanding birthing centers to community and hospital-based clinics. In addition to being a practicing midwife, there are possibilities of doing clinical research, teaching at a university, or promoting legislation and health care reform.
Certified nurse-midwives are educated in both nursing and midwifery. In order to become a C.N.M., you must first earn the certification of R.N. This is followed by additional study in midwifery, which may take the form of a certificate program or the master's degree. The certificate program usually entails 9-12 months of study while the master's program is usually of 16-24 months duration. Many programs require additional clinical experience. There are a few programs that have a three-year curriculum in which the R.N. is earned in the first year and the remaining time is spent on midwifery. On completing any of the above midwifery programs, you are eligible to sit for the national midwifery exam. Nurse-midwives are licensed in all 50 states. REQUIREMENTS: The master's programs usually require the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
NUTRITIONIST (DIETICIAN ) |
|
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Occupational therapists are specialists in helping people recover from or deal with the physical, emotional, and social effects of an illness or injury, including Alzheimer disease, the effects of a stroke or heart attack, arthritis, repetitive stress conditions, or developmental disabilities. They help people improve or regain their basic motor functions, reasoning, and ability to perform activities of daily living (such as dressing, bathing, cooking, or driving) to help them achieve as much independence as possible. A bachelor's degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for this field, though students already holding a liberal arts B.A. would generally be best served by earning a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. REQUIREMENTS: Students applying to the master's program in
Occupational Therapy should usually have taken the GRE and the following courses at the undergraduate level:
Some schools may require Biology with Lab; others may recommend General Chemistry or Physics with Lab. NYU REQUIREMENTS: The OT program at NYU requires Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, 1 semester of behavioral sciences (Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology), Human Anatomy & Physiology (2 semesters), and Statistics. NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
OPTOMETRIST The primary source of ocular care in the United States, optometrists help people who have diseases, injuries, and disorders of the eyes and associated structures. Doctors of optometry may work in private practice, hospitals, industry, research, the military, and community centers. There are eighteen schools of optometry in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Application deadlines vary widely from school to school. You certainly should gain experience and exposure to this health profession by working in a vision center or optometrist's office. REQUIREMENTS: At least three years of undergraduate education; schools show a strong preference for applicants with a bachelor's degree. You are very strongly advised to complete your baccalaureate degree before proceeding to Optometry School. Applicants must take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)), which has sections on Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. Undergraduate pre-optometry study requires the following courses:
Some schools also require courses in Microbiology, Psychology, Social Sciences, Biochemistry, and Physiology. Other schools recommend courses in Anatomy and advanced Biology. You should consult school websites, as well as the reference booklet Schools and Colleges of Optometry: Admissions Requirements. A copy of this book is kept in Silver 901 for students to consult. NEARBY PROGRAM:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
|
|
PHARMACIST Pharmacists dispense medicines and drugs prescribed by physicians, dentists, and podiatrists. They advise patients and doctors about the effects and strengths of both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including selection and dosage. You do not necessarily have to have an undergraduate pharmacy degree to be eligible for a graduate degree in pharmacy. Most pharmacy schools break their education into two parts: two years of "preprofessional education," and a subsequent period of "professional studies." A student with an undergraduate degree including the regular prehealth curriculum generally would be accepted as a transfer student directly into the professional part of the program. (The Pharm.D. requires 2 years of undergraduate preprofessional coursework followed by 4 academic years (3 calendar years) of professional study.) However, students should carefully research the admissions policies of pharmacy schools that interest them. Some of these schools prefer to admit most of their students as freshmen right out of high school, and therefore have only limited seats available for transfer students who have completed a liberal arts degree and wish to enter the professional phase of a Pharm.D. program. REQUIREMENTS: Most schools require the Pharmacy College Admissions
Test (PCAT). The preprofessional requirements vary from school to school, but the
following are essential:
Some schools may also require courses in Physical Education, Statistics, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and/or Public Speaking. You should look at the book Pharmacy School Admission Requirements, which is kept in Silver 901 for students to consult. THE NEAREST PHARMACY SCHOOLS:
Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Pharmacy College Application Service
|
|
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Physical therapists seek to prevent the onset and/or slow progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes. They provide help with daily functioning to accident victims, amputees, and individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy or arthritis. They use exercise, ultrasound, and other methods to relieve pain and increase the range of mobility, and to help patients adjust to the use of crutches, wheelchairs, and prosthetics. Physical therapy can be studied at either the undergraduate level or the graduate level. Those students who already have a liberal arts degree have two options: earn a second bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, or apply to an entry-level graduate program. NYU offers a three-year entry-level clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program. Acceptance into PT programs is very competitive. Irrespective of which of these two pathways you choose, the requirements are basically the same and include observation of a PT practice and a letter of recommendation from a physical therapist. Applicants should generally plan on taking the GRE and the following courses: REQUIREMENTS:
Some schools may also require or recommend courses in Psychology, Organic Chemistry, and/or Biochemistry. NYU REQUIREMENTS: NYU's D.P.T. program requires applicants to have taken all of the above, plus Speech Communication (1 semester), Statistics (1 semester), and 3 Social Science courses, including Psychology (1 semester). Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry is recommended (1-2 semesters). NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
PHYSICIAN (DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, M.D.)
Physicians are involved in every subfield of the health care profession in both clinical and research areas. Students who are interested in the field of medicine should be prepared to work independently, as part of a health care team, or as a paid employee under the direction of the administrator of an HMO. Those of you who follow health care issues in the newspapers know that students are choosing to go into M.D. programs, despite strong indications that their life in the field will by no means be as independent, affluent, or stable as were the careers of the earlier generation of physicians. REQUIREMENTS: Students are most strongly encouraged to establish a track record of long-term commitment to the health professions through volunteer work over a sustained period of semesters and years. Students must also take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Since students must have a B.A. or B.S. to go on to medical school, they must not only take the prerequisite courses but also do very well in terms of grades both in the sciences and in non-sciences. Undergraduate premedical study requires at least the following courses:
Some schools may require one or two semesters of college math or a course in biochemistry. Please consult this website under the "prehealth courses" tab for a listing of all medical schools with math and/or biochemistry requirements. Also consult the Medical School Admissions Requirements ("MSAR") book, which is updated annually. A copy is available in Silver 901 for reference. NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
American Medical Association
|
|
PHYSICIAN (DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE, D.O.)
There are a few slight differences between allopathic physicians and osteopathic physicians. Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medical practice that provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic Medicine focuses on health education, injury prevention, and disease prevention. Osteopathic medical students are often strongly urged to go into primary-care areas (including General and Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics/Gynecology), so students drawn to these areas may find that osteopathy is ultimately their best option. In many areas outside of metropolitan areas (where there often is a big concentration of medical centers and physicians), D.O.s and M.D.s often work side by side and in the same hospitals. In some states, there is only one licensing agency for both M.D.s and D.O.s. As of June 2008, there were 25 osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. REQUIREMENTS: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required. Additionally, schools of osteopathic medicine evaluate letters of recommendation, leadership qualities, and participation in both academic and non-academic extracurricular activities. It is becoming increasingly important that you have considerable, direct experience under the tutelage of a D.O. Undergraduate pre-osteopathic medical study requires the following courses:
Some schools may have additional required or recommended courses, such as Biochemistry. You should consult The Osteopathic Medical College Information Book. It is updated annually, and a copy is kept on reserve in Silver 901. NEARBY PROGRAM:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
PHYSICIAN (DOCTOR OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE, N.D.)
Naturopathic medicine focuses on disease prevention and wellness. Naturopathic physicians are primary-care physicians in the states in which they are licensed. In their 4-year curriculum, N.D.s take the same basic science courses as their allopathic and osteopathic counterparts, and they also receive training in fields such as Nutrition, Homeopathy, Botanical Medicine, Acupuncture, Counseling, Hydrotherapy, Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy, Pharmacology, and Minor Surgery. REQUIREMENTS: Required courses include a year each of General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Some schools may also require Math and Psychology courses. Recommended courses may include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Botany, and Developmental Psychology. NEARBY PROGRAM:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT Physician assistants provide health care under the direction and supervision of a doctor. PAs make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. PAs work in primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings. PA practice may also be involved in educational, research, and administrative activities. There are over 130 accredited PA programs (for complete list see American Academy of Physician Assistants website below). The typical program is 24-25 months long and requires at least 2 years of college and some health-care experience prior to admission. REQUIREMENTS: Requirements for PA programs tend to vary so check with the individual programs you are interested in for specific requirements. The following is a list of some typical requirements:
Some schools may require or recommend Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry. NEARBY PROGRAMS:
UMDNJ
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Physician Assistant Education Association
|
|
PODIATRIST
Doctors of podiatric medicine perform most of the functions of physicians, but their treatment focuses solely on the feet and lower legs. Upon completion of the doctoral degree, students may enter a one- to three-year residency or a one-year preceptorship. There are a number of specialties including sports medicine, surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, and orthopedics/biomechanics. Students with a particular interest in sports medicine or surgery should give this field very serious consideration. There are seven podiatric schools in the U.S., located in California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and have a minimum of 90 credit hours with an acceptable GPA. 90%
of applicants have completed a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate prepodiatry study requires the following courses:
NEARBY PROGRAM:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
POSTBACCALAUREATE PREHEALTH PROGRAMS (See also: MEDICAL SCIENCE TRACK PROGRAMS)
You do not have to have an undergraduate major in the sciences or to have been an undergraduate prehealth student to enter a school of the health professions. Students without a science background can qualify to enter a school of the health professions by completing the prehealth science prerequisites in a postbaccalaureate prehealth program. A list of colleges offering postbaccalaureate programs is available through the Association of American Medical Colleges at: http://services.aamc.org/postbac NYU CONTACT:
|
|
PUBLIC HEALTH Public health professionals work in governmental health departments, medical centers, or in private companies in fields such as Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Education, and Health Services Administration. They may work to identify and study community health issues, provide education about health issues, develop laws or procedures that improve health and wellness, enforce health-related regulations, and evaluate health services. The entry-level degree in this field has many different names, including the following: M.P.H., M.H.A., M.S., M.A., and M.H.S.A. The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), can be earned in as few as 11 months of full-time study. Some programs also offer part-time (or even Internet-based) programs of up to three years. REQUIREMENTS: Requirements generally include math (Calculus, Statistics), General Biology, and health-related sciences such as Nutrition, Microbiology, Anatomy, and Physiology. Some programs prefer or require that applicants have several years of health-related work experience-or even an advanced degree-before applying for an M.P.H. Programs usually expect the results of a standardized test such as the GRE, but also sometimes the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT. NYU REQUIREMENTS: NYU offers two M.P.H. programs, one through Steinhardt in Community Public Health and an interdisciplinary program in Global Public Health. The latter program requires applicants to have an advanced degree. The Community Public Health program also offers a combined R.D.(Registered Dietitian)-M.P.H. degree option. The GRE is required. NYU also offers an M.P.A. in Health Policy and Management through the Wagner School. NYU CONTACTS:
Master's Program in Global Public Health
M.P.A. in Health Policy and Management
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS)
|
|
RECREATIONAL THERAPIST Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, often referred to as recreational therapists, work with individuals who have mental, physical or emotional disabilities. Select activity modalities are utilized to treat or maintain the physical, mental and emotional well-being of their patients. These interventions help individuals remediate the effects of illness or disability and achieve an optimal level of independence. The goals of interventions include improving physical, cognitive and social functioning. A degree in Therapeutic Recreation (or in Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation) is required to be considered for jobs in clinical settings such as hospitals or community mental health facilities.
REQUIREMENTS: Academic programs in therapeutic recreation emphasize
course work in the Physical, Biological, and Behavioral Sciences and Recreation and Leisure Theory.
Relevant courses include: Anatomy, Psychology, and Art. Some states require a
certification examination. They also require a minimum of 360 hours of internship under the
supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
St. Thomas Aquinas College
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
|
|
SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS EDUCATOR
Students interested specifically in the health professions should give serious consideration to the teaching of science and mathematics for two reasons: 1) the teacher-student relationship is similar to that of the doctor and patient, and 2) both involve proficiency in and enjoyment of the sciences. For those uncertain of their commitment to the health professions, science teaching provides an opportunity to hone further the appropriate skills and develop a solid track record in the "helping professions." Science educators usually major in a science at the undergraduate level, and some may go on to graduate work in their field. A core of education courses, student teaching, and a certification test set the science educator apart from science students who are not prepared for teaching. Usually science educators seek to become certified by the state in which they live, as this leads to a broader range of teaching opportunities and to higher salaries. REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor's degree in math or science with completion of one of the Education minors. You can visit Silver 901 or 905 or http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/educationminor for information on these minors. NYU REQUIREMENTS: NYU's accelerated 14-month M.A. program requires a bachelor's degree in math or the sciences, completion of an Education minor, and a strong GPA. NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
National Science Teachers Association
|
|
SOCIAL WORKER
Clinical social workers are prepared to counsel teenagers, help neglected children, work with people dependent on alcohol or drugs, assist members of a broken family, and improve the quality of life for the chronically ill, the elderly, and the disabled. They may work in hospitals, the public sector, clinics, or private practice. NYU offers a 2-year program and a 16-month accelerated program. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with at least 60 credits of liberal arts, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a demonstrated commitment to community service and organizations dedicated to humanistic values. NYU undergraduates may pursue the Social Work minor. NYU REQUIREMENTS: 60 liberal arts credits and volunteer or work experience in related fields are required. NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER Teachers of special education provide educational services to individuals with disabilities. They help students of all ages develop the skills to be successful and independent in school and their community. Most special educators work in schools, but some are employed as specialists in hospitals and residential programs. REQUIREMENTS: Those interested should contact the department directly regarding program requirements for undergraduate and master's degrees. NYU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have teacher certification or be willing to enroll in a dual certification program. NYU offers a 12-14 month fast-track M.A. option. NYU CONTACT:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
|
|
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST (AUDIOLOGIST)
Professionals in this field provide evaluation and rehabilitation for persons with any of a full range of communication disabilities and will engage in research into normal and disabled communication. They work in hospitals, schools, and communication laboratories, and provide primary service in private practice.Licensure requires at least a master's degree in speech pathology. REQUIREMENTS: Those interested should contact the department directly.Recommended courses may include Biology, Behavioral Sciences, Math, and Physical Sciences. Graduate programs typically require a minimum GPA of 3.0. NYU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and may be invited to a group (or phone) interview. Additional courses may need to be taken (that do not count toward the M.A.) if you do not have a background in the field. NYU CONTACT:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
|
|
SURGEON ASSISTANT (see PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT) |
|
VETERINARY PHYSICIAN Veterinarians provide health care for pets, livestock, zoo, and laboratory animals; study diseases carried by animals that may affect people; and conduct clinical and laboratory research. Veterinarians often work long hours, with well over one-third of full-time workers spending 50 or more hours on the job. The authoritative text on the veterinary school application process is Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements; a copy is kept on reserve in Silver 901. REQUIREMENTS: Applicants will need to submit scores from either the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) depending on the preference of the college to which they will be applying. A minimum GPA and the applicant's veterinary and animal experience are also weighed heavily. Experience with both small and large animals is essential. Required courses usually include:
Some programs may also require courses in Biochemistry, Animal Biology, Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Vertebrate Embryology, Cellular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Zoology, or Systemic Physiology. Mathematics requirements may be nonexistent or include Calculus, Statistics, College Algebra, Trigonometry, or Precalculus. Most schools also have requirements in English, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
|