Explore Careers

History of the profession

A career as a physician can be traced back to the ancient Greeks (Hippocrates) where medical students followed the Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm,” which is still used today.

Practice of medicine as a medical doctor (MD) in the United States started in the 1600’s where MDs were expected to be a physician, surgeon and pharmacist all in one; specialization didn’t occur until midway through the 20th century. Training in osteopathic medicine (DO school) did not occur until the first school of osteopathic medicine was opened in 1892. It was founded by Dr. Taylor Still whose philosophy toward treatment was to view all body systems as interrelated and valued treating the whole patient instead of just the illness.

The nature of work for physicians who hold an MD and DO are on the surface quite similar: diagnose and treat patients. However, the philosophy behind how patients are diagnosed and treated differ between these two degrees. The critical difference lies in how each type of physician looks at illness. Find out more about the differences between MDs and DOs on the St. George’s University website 

A physician can choose to specialize in nearly 100 different fields.

Career forecast

A career as a physician is often synonymous with great job security and is shown by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics that it is a faster than average growing field.

Salary

A comprehensive look at the salary of different medical specialties can be found on Medscape.

Combined degrees (MD-PhD, MD-MPH, MD-JD, MD-MBA)

There is a growing number of physicians that are opting to complete dual degree programs. These programs allow physicians to become well versed in medical law, business, research or public health:

MD-PhD

• A dual MD-PhD degree affords a physician to have a career split between conducting research and patient care. Oftentimes they focus their area of research on advancing treatments and therapies in their medical specialty.
• The AAMC describes why pursue an MD-PhD.
• You can also explore career paths for MD-PhDs.
• Find out if a MD-PhD program is right for you.

MD-MPH

• A dual MD-MPH degree program is often geared toward physicians that want to focus on population or community health as well as individuals. These physicians also have the opportunity to work in a wide array of areas in addition to clinical practice.
• The AAMC describe why pursue an MD-MPH
• FAQ about pursuing an MD/DO-MPH

MD-MBA

• A dual MD-MBA degree program is for the physician that wants to understand and work at the intersection of healthcare and business. This program is designed to teach physicians the ins and outs of the business end of healthcare and can allow physicians to work in a variety of settings including health policy.
• Explore more about why pursue an MD-MBA.
• Here are eight reasons to get an MD/MBA.

MD-JD

• A dual MD-JD degree program benefits students who want to understand how the law impacts medicine. Like the other joint degree options, an MD-JD affords for many different career paths in medicine, law, academia, biotechnology and more.
• The AAMC describes why pursue an MD-JD.
• MD-JD career paths can be found outlined from Vanderbilt Law.

History of the profession

With the shortages of primary care physicians that started in the late 1950s and early 1960s, PA (Physician Assistant) programs started to receive funding from the federal government to be founded to solve the shortage of physicians.

Duke Medical school created the first class of PAs in 1965. These students were mainly medics from the military with vast lengths of working with patients, which is reflected in the current PA school prerequisite model of many hours of healthcare experience.

Find out more about the history of the PA profession.

Nature of the work

Autonomy in practice for PAs varies by state, but generally PAs perform tasks of a medical provider and work closely with physicians and the rest of the healthcare team. Some of the tasks they perform are as follows:

• Round on patients and take detailed medical histories
• Diagnose illnesses and injuries
• Order and interpret test results for later presentation to patients
• Prescribe medications and provide treatments to patients
• Teach patients about best ways to care for their illness and prevent diseases

A full list of a PA’s responsibilities can be found from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

PAs are primary care providers who practice under a physician supervision and work in many areas of medicine ranging from family medicine to emergency medicine to psychiatry

Given the versatility in the training of PAs during their education, there is the opportunity to specialize in multiple specialties by completing residency and fellowship training

Career forecast

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 31% increase in demands for PAs from 2018-2028.

Salary

A more detailed breakdown of median annual wage of PAs can be found on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics site, as there are variations depending on the industry a PA chooses to work full time.

History of the profession

The modern practice of nursing places nurses at the forefront of patients’ overall care. However, the nature of the work and the philosophy behind the nursing profession has changed throughout history.

More information about the history of nursing and the philosophy behind the modern practice of nursing can be found on the University of Pennsylvania website.

Nature of the work

Nurses make up the largest sector of healthcare jobs in the United States and play a vital role in the practice of medicine.

Registered nurses consult and collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide patients with comprehensive care. Responsibilities of nurses may include (but are not limited to):

• Assessing the patient’s condition
• Recording patients medical histories and symptoms
• Observing patients and recording these observations
• Administering medicines and treatments

The Gwynedd University website is a great resource for more information about the nature of the nursing profession and specialties within the field of nursing.

Nursing pathways

There are many different ways to become a nurse. After graduation, students then have the opportunity to choose which nursing degree is right for them

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

After obtaining a degree in nursing and becoming a registered nurse, nurses then have the option to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) by obtaining the following degrees:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• APRNs may choose to specialize as one of the following:
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

Comprehensive information on nursing schools, degrees, programs, and licensure is described on the nurse.org website.

Nursing Licensure varies by state. The nurse.org website also provides details about nursing license requirements in each state.

Career forecast

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the field of nursing in the U.S. is projected to grow 12% from 2018 to 2028. This growth is much faster than that of all other occupations nationally.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook for registered nurses provides information on average salaries for nurses, job outlook, and more.

History of the profession

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Psychologists who provide clinical or counseling services assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They use the science of psychology to treat complex human problems and promote change. They also promote resilience and help people discover their strengths.”

Psychologists working in this profession tend to enjoy working with people and understanding human behavior and emotion.

Nature of the work

Health service psychologists such as clinical or counseling psychologists are an example of psychologists working in a clinical setting.

The APA provides more information about the nature of the work of clinical and counseling psychologists and the many ways these psychologists serve our communities.

Clinical or counseling psychology pathways

Students interested in entering the field of clinical or counseling psychology must first obtain a graduate degree in psychology. Clinical or counseling psychologists then have the option to choose which program is right for them. Terminal master’s degree programs aid themselves well to careers in clinical or counseling psychology, however many students choose to further their education and pursue a doctoral degree. After completing the graduate program that is right for them, psychologists interested in pursuing clinical or counseling psychology must obtain licensure for independent practice.

To APA website has more about preparing for a career in clinical or counseling psychology and the many educational pathways available.

Career forecast

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of psychologists in the U.S. is projected to grow by 14% from 2018 to 2028. This growth is much faster than that of all other occupations nationally.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook for psychologists provides information on average salaries for psychologists, job outlook, and more.

Salary

The APA has more up to date information on the average salaries for clinical or counseling psychologists.

History of the profession

Social work as a profession is a field that promotes community and wellbeing using evidence-based education to serve those in need

Since it’s first class at Columbia, social workers have a history of addressing the needs of our society and bringing the nation’s social problems to the public’s attention

Nature of the work

Depending on the setting that social workers are placed, practice may look very different—with the variation in work settings also comes a variation in education required.

When considering clinical positions in social work, individuals in these fields help to create treatment plans and provide counseling to patients using psychotherapy techniques, with an emphasis on connecting people with support services within the community.

Clinical social workers also typically collaborate with other health professionals to ensure the health of their patient physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Find more about the differences between individuals who provide psychotherapy in a clinical setting on the APA website.

Career forecast

US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 11% increase in demands for Social Workers, generally, from 2018-2028. Their website has more details.

Salary

A more detailed breakdown of median annual wage of social workers can be found on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics pay site, as there are variations depending on the settings of work.

History of the profession

Our understanding of genetics as a scientific community has only deepened vastly within the past few decades.

Accordingly, in the 1960s, as our knowledge of genetic disorders and medical genetics increased, careers in genetic counseling became medicalized.

It was not until later on, in the practice of the career, that the psychological basis to it was added.

With all of these points, though, one aspect the the history of advising people about inherited traits that began earlier in the 20th century in “Heredity” that is important to acknowledge is its interwoven relationship to eugenics.

The Personal Genetics Education Project website has more information about eugenics.

Nature of the work

Genetic counselors work as members of a healthcare team to act as patient advocates and support their patients with their genetic test interpretations. Through that role here are some other tasks they perform:

• Provide information and emotional support to individuals who have been diagnosed with genetically inherited illnesses or are at high risks for developing a disease or condition according to their genetics etc
• Assist patients in the exploring options for treatment and fully understanding test results
• Conduct comprehensive interviews to obtain family and medical histories

Outside of the clinical patient interaction, they are also able to be involved in: teaching, research, screening programs, and coordinating support groups

In terms of training and specialization of practice, a the most common amongst genetic counselors work in prenatal, cancer, or pediatrics, followed by other specialty fields in health, neurogenetics, genomic medicine, etc.

Career forecast

US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 27% increase in demands for genetic counselors from 2018-2028. Their website has more details.

Salary

A more detailed breakdown of median annual wage of genetic counselors can be found on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website, as there are variations depending on the settings of work.

Nature of the work

Put in simplest terms, a physical therapist treats patients with neuromusculoskeletal issues. These can come from a variety of circumstances such as injury, chronic pain, stress, and more, and can be in a wide range of settings, including:

• Hospitals (intensive rehab, inpatient and outpatient)
• Nursing homes
• Schools
• Sports
• Private practice

For a comprehensive guide to the physical therapy industry for a potential/incoming therapist, explore this site (note: your two best resources for information for a career in physical therapy will be WebPT and the American Physical Therapy Association [APTA] website).

Training programs and licensure

Program characteristics: A recent change to physical therapy graduate programs is that the doctorate level program has replaced the masters as the standard and required training (active PTs who hold a masters may continue to practice). The program is usually 3 years in length, however how those years are broken down, including practicums, varies by institution. The cost is quite high but also varies by institution; explore specific program’s websites to make comparisons.

Licensure: There is one general licensing test plus additional requirements which vary by state. You can only practice in the specific state that you are licensed for, and have to get re-licensed if changing states or practicing in multiple states. What a physical therapist is allowed to do, especially in compliance with insurance, also varies a lot by state/jurisdiction. This is all explained further, and you can see specifics for your state, on the APTA website.

Salary

A current look at the typical salary of a physical therapist and how this varies between states can be found on the US News website.

Career forecast

The demand for physical therapists is on the rise, following the trend of many health professions. This is especially true as the baby boomer generation continues to age and requires more attention and care to stay healthy and active.

Related degrees and careers

There are many careers related/similar to physical therapy in the realm of helping people come back from injuries, especially in the world of sports. If you are interested in this type of career but are not quite sure which avenue would be best to pursue, consider also looking into athletic training, as well as orthopedic physicians and surgeons, sports psychologists, and exercise physiologists.

Nature of the work

An occupational therapist’s job is to develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills and abilities an individual needs for normal, everyday activities. For a complete guide to a career in OT, explore the American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA] website.

Nature of the work

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat disorders related to speech, language, social communication, and related issues. Explore American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA] and SpeechPathology.org for more information about the career.

You can also learn more about graduate programs and accreditation.

Nature of the work

There are many specialties one can pursue with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS). Most commonly, those who obtain a DDS practice as a dentist. By nature, a dentist diagnoses, treats and educates patients on how to prevent various diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth. Dentists can work in a variety of settings, most common of which being private practice. A more in depth look at a career in dentistry can be found on the American Dental Association [ADA] website.

Other specialties that someone with a DDS can pursue (with further education) include: orthodontist, endodontist, oral surgeon, periodontist and more. Explore these specialties on the Brittanica website.

Career forecast

Dentistry is a fast growing field in healthcare with a great outlook, with more information at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary

A  look at a dentist’s salary can also be found on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

From explorehealthcareers.org:

Introduction to veterinary medicine

Veterinarians play a major role in the health of our society by caring for animals and by using their expertise and education to protect and improve human health as well. It’s likely that you are most familiar with veterinarians who care for our companion animals, but there is more than that one career to choose from if you decide to become a veterinarian.

There are many opportunities for veterinarians, and it’s worth exploring them to discover which is the best fit for you . There is a growing need for veterinarians with post-graduate education in particular specialties, such as molecular biology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, immunology, diagnostic pathology or environmental medicine. The veterinary profession is also involved in aquaculture, comparative medical research, food production and international disease control.

For example:

• You may work to protect animal and human health by working at a government agency like the United States Department of Agriculture. Or you may want to put your expertise as a veterinarian to work with an agency like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to aid biosecurity, public health or disease prevention.
• You may decide to join the U.S. Army Corps or Air Force to work on food safety or care for military working dogs. The military also provides advanced training in specialty areas for those who commit to service.
• You can also go to work for a corporation that provides animal care or animal-related products or choose a research career within academic or industry.

 

Working conditions

Veterinarians work in different kinds of environments. Those who care for companion animals may be in a workplace filled with activity and noise while veterinarians who care for farm animals may spend a lot of time outside. If you are a veterinarian working in research, you may spend your workdays in a lab. Veterinarians who work on policy or for a corporation may spend their workdays in an office.

If you are in a veterinary practice, you will likely put in long hours and be on call in the evenings and on weekends.

Academic requirements

Prospective veterinarians must graduate from a four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree and obtain a license to practice. The prerequisites for admission vary by veterinary medical college. Many of these colleges do not require a bachelor’s degree for entrance, but all require a significant number of credit hours—ranging from 45 to 90 semester hours—at the undergraduate level. However, most of the students admitted have completed an undergraduate program.

You can start preparing for a career as a veterinarian while you are still in high school:

• Study hard so you can maintain a good GPA.
• Take as many math and science classes as you can.
• Look for chances to participate in extracurricular activities that involve animals like 4-H or FFA. Some colleges of veterinary medicine offer veterinary camps.
• Volunteer at a local veterinarian or at a local animal shelter.

When you get to college, you should continue studying hard to get good grades. It’s a good idea to major in pre-veterinary or comparable curriculum but it’s not necessary. Veterinary medical students come from all kinds of backgrounds and majors, including the arts or humanities. The important thing is to accumulate the necessary prerequisites, especially prerequisites in math and science, which vary by school. It’s best to start taking math and science early in your academic career, but you can also pick up those classes along the way. Learn more about how to prepare in this brochure from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

You will also want to join your school’s pre-vet club if there is one and continue gaining experience by volunteering with or working for a veterinarian and/or volunteering at an animal shelter.

As you prepare for veterinary school, you will also need to prepare financially. AAVMC has developed a Cost Comparison Toolto help prospective students further develop their financial plan for veterinary school. As concerns continue to grow about the increasing educational debt held by recent veterinary school graduates, it is imperative that prospective students take time to consider and plan for the costs associated with becoming a veterinarian.

Read the preparation timeline below for tips for each year of your undergraduate education.

Preparation Timeline

Applicants to veterinary medical school are not required to have a bachelor’s degree, but more than 90% of all entering students do. The other 10% choose to start veterinary school after their junior year of college. AAVMC publishes a summary of course prerequisites required by veterinary schools.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

• As soon as you can, meet with a pre-vet or pre-health advisor, who can offer guidance and help you identify the key courses you’ll need to take in order to be an ideal candidate for veterinary school.
• It’s good to take a fairly heavy course load throughout your college career (i.e., 15-18 hours per semester). Admissions committees like to know that you can handle a rigorous schedule.
• Since chemistry and biology are basic requirements for entry into all veterinary medical schools, it’s a good idea to take these courses early in your college career. This will give you plenty of time to take the other courses that may be required by individual vet schools. Each vet school has a list of prerequisite courses. Work with your pre-vet or pre-health advisor in obtaining information about pre-requisite courses early in your college, so you can plan your courses appropriately.

Sophomore Year—Summer

• It is possible to start veterinary school after your junior year of college. If you’re interested in this option, you should start the application process during the summer after sophomore year or early in the fall of junior year. See the Senior Year information below for details.

Junior Year

• Applications to vet schools are due each year around September 15, for entry into veterinary school the following fall. Search for veterinary medical schools. See the Senior Year information below for details.
• Know the specific course requirements and deadlines for each of the schools to which you’re applying. If you have questions, ask them. Don’t listen to anyone but officials from that school.

Junior Year—Summer

• Most students choose to finish their bachelor’s degrees first, in which case they apply to veterinary school during the summer following junior year or early in the fall of senior year. Search for veterinary medical schools. See the Senior Year information below for details.
• Know the specific course requirements and deadlines for each of the schools to which you’re applying. If you have questions, ask them. Don’t listen to anyone but officials from that school.

Senior Year

• Applications to veterinary schools are due each year around September 15 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time, for entry into veterinary school the following fall. Most schools in the U.S. (and some non-U.S. schools) participate in the online Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), which allows students to apply to multiple schools using a single application. Some schools require a supplemental application which contains additional questions specific to their college.
• Know the specific course requirements and deadlines for each of the schools to which you’re applying. If you have questions, ask them. Don’t listen to anyone but officials from that school.
• You may apply to veterinary school while still working to complete the required courses, as long as you complete all the prerequisites within the veterinary school’s timeline. (Most schools require all prerequisites to be completed by the end of the spring semester prior to the fall you will enter the program — no last-minute summer school courses.)
• If the school you are applying to requires the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), ensure you take it early to meet their reporting requirement. There are only two schools that require the GRE and two other schools that are GRE optional. Ensure you use the correct GRE code to report your score.
• Remember that the burden for submitting a complete application (which includes recommendations, transcripts and fees), meeting deadlines, and making it to your interview falls on you. It is also your responsibility to ensure that your recommenders comply with the application deadlines. Veterinary schools try to communicate effectively, but ultimately it is the applicant’s responsibility to be sure all is well.
• Check your mail and email daily, including your spam folder. Schools depend more and more on electronic communication, and they use the address you provide in your VMCAS application. If any of your contact information changes (address, email, phone numbers), immediately notify all the schools to which you’ve applied.
• Track your application progress in the VMCAS application to ensure it is complete and verified.
• Know the timelines for each school’s application review, interviews, etc. If you do not hear from any of the schools to which you’ve applied based on their timeline, contact the school directly.

• Median salary

  $119,099

• Years Higher Education

  8+

• Job Outlook

  Excellent