Explore Careers, Explore Pathways
Many Options Exist
Most students are unaware of the wide variety of career options in health care. Patient care involves contributions from professionals with a wide variety of specialties that work together as a team. Explore the available career options, and find the one that is the best fit with your strengths, goals and interests.
Ask yourself why you want to pursue the health profession you are considering. Try to answer this question with concrete reasons. Remember, this is a question you will be asked by admissions committees of the health profession programs to which you will apply. Give your reflection depth and careful thought. It is not enough to say, “I have always wanted to be a doctor.” It is imperative for you to demonstrate exploration of personal interests, strengths and health care professions through both academic and nonacademic pursuits.
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Dentist
Dentists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the teeth, mouth and oral cavity. Dentists also provide a range of oral-health services.
➥ Learn more: Dentistry
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Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists are health care professionals specializing in occupational therapy and occupational science. OTs use scientific bases and a holistic perspective to promote a person's ability to fulfill their daily routines and roles.
➥ Learn more: Occupational therapy
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Pharmacist
Pharmacists are medication experts who play a critical role in helping people get the best results from their medications. Pharmacists 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.
➥ Learn more: Pharmacy
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Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve patients’ quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education.
➥ Learn more: Physical Therapist
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Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat human disease, ailments, injuries and other conditions. Some doctors are general practitioners while others work in specialties, from emergency medicine to surgery.
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Physician’s Assistant
A physician’s assistant is a medical professional who diagnoses illness, develops and manages treatment plans, prescribes medications, and often serves as a patient’s principal health care provider.
➥ Learn more: Physician’s Assistant
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Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders (speech and language impairments), cognitive-communication disorders, voice disorders and swallowing disorders. SLPs also play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, often working as a team with pediatricians and psychologists.
➥ Learn more: Speech-Language Pathologist
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Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and dysfunctions of animals. Specifically, they care for the health of pets, livestock and animals in zoos, racetracks and laboratories. Some veterinarians use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems. Others work in basic research, broadening knowledge of animals and medical science, and in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge.
➥ Learn more: Veterinarian
