Explore Health Professions

Learn more about these health careers, the preparation you can do while you're an undergrad if you want to pursue them, and application tips for professional school programs in each profession. Which one is the right path for you?

Man in white coat with stethoscope hanging around his neck and arms crossed standing next to "Emergency" sign and arrow on wall

Medicine

An M.D. or D.O. can work in general practice or specialty medicine, in a hospital or outpatient clinic, in solo or group practice, with patients of many age ranges and medical needs in a multitude of diverse settings.

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Dentistry

Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining oral health.

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A woman with braided hair sits next to a younger child and watches as the child writes something at a small table

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

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Black nurse in scrubs and mask with stethoscope making notes on a chart

Nursing

Nursing is a great health career for students looking for direct patient care, who also educate and advocate for their patients.

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Woman wearing mask and gloves looking into bearded patient's ear with otoscope

Audiology

Audiologists diagnose, treat and help patients manage disorders of the auditory and balance systems.

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Two women sit across from each other at a table, making sign language movement with their hands while one forms a word with her lips.

Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with speech, language and swallowing disorders.

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Male doctor with white lab coat and stethoscope holding folder and talking to patient or family member in waiting room setting

Physician Assistant/Associate

Also called PAs, these licensed and certified medical professionals can see patients, diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses, and prescribe medications.

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Optometry equipment

Optometry

Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are independent primary health care professionals for the eyes.

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Three orange prescription bottles, one with the lid off, and a few loose pills

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are medication experts who prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients.

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Woman holding resistance band on the thigh of someone with a lower leg prosthesis

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists (PTs) provide therapy to patients to improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit physical disabilities resulting from injuries or disease.

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Person performs chiropractic adjustment on patient lying face down on table

Chiropractic

Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body’s muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems.

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A man in a skull cap instructs a woman in boxing gloves on punching technique

Athletic Training

Athletic trainers (ATs) are unique health care providers and an essential member of any team for the prevention of injury and illness, as well as diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergency, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions, and general health, fitness, and well-being.

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Two women in scrubs examine a kitten on a table in an office

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians are healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat or research medical conditions and diseases of pets and livestock, as well as animals in zoos, ranches, farms, racetracks and laboratories.

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a pile of disposable medical masks

Public Health

Public health professionals analyze and develop programs that protect the health of individuals, families and communities through education, research, and promotion of healthy lifestyles.

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bare feet next to a pair of slip-on shoes

Podiatry

Podiatrists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders resulting from injury or disease.

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