Health Professions

Careers in Allopathic Medicine:

Allopathic medicine refers to modern medicine that most people are familiar with. Physicians (MDs) use surgery and medications to treat various illnesses.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters Organic Chemistry
• 2 semesters Physics
• Biochemistry
• 2 semesters Math (calculus, statistics)
• 2 semesters English (writing, literature)

Core Competencies:

• Service Orientation
• Social Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Teamwork
• Oral Communication
• Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
• Reliability and Dependability
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Capacity for Improvement
• Critical Thinking and/or Scientific Inquiry
• Written Communication

Application Process/Application Service:

AMCAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

144

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Shadowing
• Volunteering/employment
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$150K (pediatrics, general practice)

$300K + (radiology, cardiology, surgery, specialties)

Resources:

MSAR ($28/year)

Careers in Osteopathic Medicine:

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) also use medications and surgery to treat or suppress illnesses, but have a holistic view of their patients. Treatment emphasizes the ability of the body systems to work together in unity.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters Organic Chemistry
• 2 semesters Physics
• English
• Some require:
• Biochemistry

Core Competencies:

• Service Orientation
• Social Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Teamwork
• Oral Communication
• Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
• Reliability and Dependability
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Capacity for Improvement
• Critical Thinking and/or Scientific Inquiry
• Written Communication

Application Process/Application Service:

AACOMAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

34

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.53

Science (BCPM): 3.43

MCAT: 503

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Shadowing
• Volunteering/employment
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$150-180K (general practice)

higher for specialties

Resources:

Osteopathic Medical College Information Book (free)

Careers in Veterinary Medicine:

Veterinary medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases in animals. Veterinarians (DVMs) may work with all animal species, from domesticated, companion animals and farm animals, to animals in the wild or zoos. 

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters Organic Chemistry
• 2 semesters Physics
• Biochemistry

Core Competencies:

• Service Orientation
• Social Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Teamwork
• Oral Communication
• Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
• Reliability and Dependability
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Capacity for Improvement
• Critical Thinking
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Scientific Inquiry
• Written Communication

Application Process/Application Service:

VMCAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

55 (30 domestic and 25 international)

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.6

Science (BCPM): 3.5

GRE: 65^th % Verbal, 61^st % Written, 53^rd % Quantitative

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Veterinary Experience:

• DVM Shadowing
• Clinical Exposure (3 species)
• Volunteering/Community Service
• 80-100 hours each

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$50-100K (depends on years experience, employer type, state)

Resources:

VMCAS / AAVMC / VMSAR ($35)

Careers in Dentistry:

Dental medicine focuses on the study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in the oral cavity and associated and adjacent structures (jaw and facial region). The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) are the same degrees, awarded upon graduation from dental school.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters Organic Chemistry
• 2 semesters Physics
• 2 semesters English
• 1 semester Biochemistry
• 1 semester Microbiology

Core Competencies:

• Critical Thinking
• Professionalism
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Health Promotion
• Practice Management and Informatics
• Patient Care
  • Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Establishment and Maintenance of Oral Health

Application Process/Application Service:

AADSAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

66

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.7

Science (BCPM): 3.5

DAT: AA-20; PAT-20

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Shadowing
• Volunteering/employment
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$192K (general practice)

$300K+  (specialties)

Resources:

ADEA Guide to Dental Schools ($15 online copy)

Careers in Pharmacy:

Pharmacy jobs help people with all things related to dispensing and consuming medicines. Pharmacists may work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and research lab, among others.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters Organic Chemistry
• 1 semester General Physics
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Microbiology
• English
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Also possible: Psychology, Public Speaking, Biochemistry, Economics

Core Competencies:

• Communication Skills
• Professionalism & Ethics
• Attention to Detail/Observation
• Reasoning & Judgement
• Organizational Skills
• Lifelong Learning
• Patient/Client-Centered Care

Application Process/Application Service:

PharmCAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

130

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.3-3.5

Science (BCPM): 3.3-3.5

PCAT: 75^th percentile

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Volunteering/Employment in Pharmacy or Health-related setting (hospital, nursing home, etc)
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$119-135K (depending on pharmacy location)

Resources:

AACP

Careers in Physical Therapy:

Physical therapists (DPTs) assist patients, clients and physicians in the management of physical movement. They help to develop and implement plans to improve movement and function, while reducing pain and preventing disability.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters General Physics
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology
• Human Growth and Development over Lifespan
• Statistics
• Medical Terminology

Core Competencies:

• Accountability
• Altruism
• Compassion/Caring
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Professional Duty
• Social Responsibility

Application Process/Application Service:

PTCAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

176

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.5

Science (BCPM): 3.0-3.2

GRE: ~300 combined, 4.0 writing

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Volunteering/Community Service
• Shadowing (100 hours)
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$85-122K

Resources:

CAPTE / PTCAS

Careers as a Physician Assistant:

Physician assistants (PAs) are health care practitioners that diagnose and treat patients under direct supervision and/or in collaboration with physicians. They work in a variety of settings, from private practice to hospitals and urgent care facilities.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Psychology
• Medical Terminology
• English Composition/Writing
• Statistics

Core Competencies:

• Medical Knowledge
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Patient Care
• Professionalism
• Practice-based Learning & Improvement
• Systems-based Practice

Application Process/Application Service:

CASPA

Estimated Number of Schools:

238

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.7

Science (BCPM): 3.5

GRE: ~300 combined score & ~4.0 in writing (scores above the 50^th percentile)

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• DIRECT PATIENT CARE (1000+ hours)
• Shadowing (100 hours)
• Volunteering/Employment/Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$100-142K

Resources:

PAEA Online Directory (free)

Careers in Occupational Therapy:

Occupational therapists treat patients through the use of everyday activities. They help those who are injured, ill or disabled to maintain skills needed for daily work and home life.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters General Physics
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology
• Statistics
• Human Growth and Development over Lifespan
• Medical Terminology

Core Competencies/Values:

• Altruism
• Equality
• Freedom
• Justice
• Dignity
• Truth
• Prudence

Application Process/Application Service:

OTCAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

67

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.6

Science (BCPM): 3.2-3.5

GRE: 60^th percentile quantitative, 77^th percentile verbal

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Volunteering/Community Service
• Shadowing (100 hours)
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$83-100K

Resources:

AOTA

Careers in Optometry:

Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are primary care physicians for issues related to the eye and associated structures. They are distinct from ophthalmologists (physicians who perform eye surgery) and dispensing opticians (who fit eyeglasses and contacts based upon prescriptions).

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters Calculus/statistics
• 5 semesters Chemistry (General, Organic, Inorganic)
• 2 semesters Physics
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Core Competencies:

• Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Attention to Detail/Observation
• Dexterity (sensory and motor coordination)
• Organizational Skills
• Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
• Behavioral and Social Attributes

Application Process/Application Service:

OPTOMCAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

21

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.5

Science (BCPM): 3.5

OAT: AA-22, Total-320

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Shadowing
• Volunteering/Employment
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$105-156K (depending on practice ownership)

Resources:

ASCO

Careers in Podiatry:

Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are physicians that diagnose and treat ailments of the foot, ankle and lower extremity. They may also be referred to as foot and ankle surgeons/specialists.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2-3 semesters Biology
• 2 semesters General Chemistry
• 2 semesters Organic Chemistry
• 2 semesters General Physics
• 2-3 semesters English

Core Competencies:

• Good Time Management
• Problem Solving Proficiency
• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Well-Rounded

Application Process/Application Service:

AACPMAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

9

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.3

Science (BCPM): 3.1

MCAT: 494

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Volunteering/Community Service
• Shadowing

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$127K

Resources:

AACPM

Careers in Nursing:

Nurses are health professionals who provide personalized care to patients. They promote health and help patients prevent and cope with illness. Degrees are available at the bachelor’s (BSN), master’s (MSN) and doctorate (DNP) levels, and come with varying levels of responsibility and job requirements.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 2 semesters General Biology
• 1-2 semesters General Chemistry
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Human Nutrition

Core Competencies/Values:

• Compassion
• Human Dignity
• Integrity
• Autonomy
• Altruism
• Social Justice

Application Process/Application Service:

NursingCAS

Estimated Number of Schools:

185

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.0

Science (BCPM): 3.3 (C or higher in all pre-req)

GRE: ~300 combined score & ~4.0 writing (scores >50^th %)

TEAS: 75% or higher (non-graduate level programs)

HESI: 75% or higher (non-graduate level programs)

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical Experience:

• Volunteering/Community Service
• Shadowing (100 hours)
• Internships

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$97-122K

Resources:

AACN Guide to Graduate Nursing Programs

Careers in Chiropractic:

Chiropractors practice a form of alternative medicine related to diagnosis and treatment of ailments related to the musculoskeletal system, frequently concerning the spine. Chiropractors are not medical doctors.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 24 semester science credits (half with labs) –
• may include:
• 2 Semesters General Biology
• 4 Semesters Chemistry (General, Organic, Biochemistry)
• 2 Semesters Physics
• Statistics
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychology

Core Competencies/Values:

• Academic Excellence
• Business Acumen
• Collaboration
• Communication & Relationship Skills
• Community Health & Health Care Policy
• Critical Thinking
• Integrity & Citizenship
• Life-long Learning

Application Process/Application Service:

N/A

Estimated Number of Schools:

20

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.0

Science (BCPM): 3.0

GRE or CCAT required for some schools: N/A

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Clinical experience not required but encouraged:

• Volunteering/Community Service
• Shadowing (100 hours)
• Internships

Expected Salary:

$67K (average)

Resources:

ACA, Association of Chiropractic Colleges

Careers in Public Health:

Public health professionals prevent disease and injury by promoting healthy lifestyles and implementing educational programs. They develop policies, administer services, conduct research, and regulate health systems. Public health professionals may work in community health centers, local, state and federal health departments, large non-governmental organizations, private corporations or international health organizations.

Typical Course Requirements:

• 1 semester of science such as biology, chemistry, or physics
• 1 semester social or behavioral science like anthropology, psychology, or sociology
• 1 semester of research methods (qualitative or quantitative)
• 1 semester of mathematics or statistics
• Note: Program requirements vary greatly, check with individual schools.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership
• Effective Communication
• Data Collection
• Program Management
• Interest in Global Health Issues
• Working in Teams
• Systems Thinking

Application Process/Application Service:

SOPHAS (if specific program participates)

Estimated Number of Schools:

>90 accredited US schools and programs

Average GPA & Entrance Exam Score:

Overall (OA): 3.0+

Science (BCPM): 3.0+

GRE often required

Experience Needed Prior to Beginning Program:

Healthcare Experience:

• Volunteering/employment

Research encouraged

Expected Salary:

$44-58K (Community Health Workers, Health Educators)

$70K (Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, Emergency Management Directors)

$90-106K (Health Administration)

$85-135K (Health Informatics Systems Managers)

$70-97K (Epidemiologists, Medical Scientists)

Resources:

https://www.apha.org/what-is-public-health

www.aspph.org

https://www.publichealthdegrees.org

Top 25 MPH in Global Health Programs

• USC MPH Program
• Emory MPH Program
• University of Washington MPH Program

Top 10 MS Programs in Global Health/Migrant Health

• Duke MS in Global Health Program
• CUNY Global and Migrant Health Policy
• DePaul Refugee and Forced Migration Studies
• CUNY MA in International Migration Studies
• University of London Refugee and Forced Migration Studies