Health Professions is the "umbrella term" that contains many healthcare careers and professional school options. Applying to a health professions school may seem daunting, but our Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you through the process.
Dentists (DDS, DMD) diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases of the teeth. They advise patients on oral health and perform procedures such as fillings, crowns, implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries. Dentists may choose general dentistry or practice in one of nine dental specialties.
Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and perform tests. They may work as general practitioners, or specialize in any of 120 specialties. There are two types of medical degrees. Allopathic medical schools grant M.D. degrees and osteopathic medical schools grant D.O. degrees.
Occupational Therapists (OT) help people through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. For example, helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, or helping people to heal from injury and regain skills. Another example would be helping older adults with physical and cognitive changes.
Optometrists (O.D.) diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the visual system and the eye. They also identify related issues affecting the eye. Ophthalmologists are M.D. or D.O. physicians who specialize in eye treatment and surgery.
Pharmacists (PharmD) are experts who help patients with their medication use, monitor patient health and progress, and give recommendations for medication regimens. They need to know about the making and distribution of drugs, as well as their composition, uses, strengths, doses, side effects, and interactions. People interested in pharmacy should have high ethical standards and good communication and people skills.
Physical Therapists (PT) plan and participate in rehabilitative programs that heal pain and improve or fix disabling conditions caused by disease or injury. PTs often teach patients to manage their own condition to achieve healthy active lifestyles.
Physician Assistants (PA) are licensed healthcare professionals who give care under the supervision of a physician. PAs do many medical duties, from primary care to assisting in major surgery. They are educated at the graduate level and practice in every medical specialty.
Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Podiatrists diagnose and treat issues of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. They do four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training. Podiatrists can specialize in many fields, including surgery, sports medicine, wound care, and orthopedics.
Veterinarians (DVM) diagnose, treat, and research diseases and injuries of animals. They conduct research and development, inspect livestock, and care for pets and companion animals.
