Health Professions
Programs that prepare students to provide healthcare services, from direct patient care to diagnostics and therapy. Includes nursing, pharmacy, dental hygiene, physical therapy, public health, and dozens of clinical specialties.
Common careers: Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Medical Technologist, Healthcare Administrator
Specializations
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Health and Medical Administrative Services
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Public Health
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Somatic Bodywork
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Health Professions
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Medicine
Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies
Medical Illustration and Informatics
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
Dentistry
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
Optometry
Chiropractic
Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services
Energy and Biologically Based Therapies
Top Earning Programs
Highest median earnings one year after graduation
Career Paths
Occupations linked to health professions programs
Dentists, General
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.
Orthodontists
Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.
Prosthodontists
Diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that maintain oral function, health, and appearance for patients with clinical conditions associated with teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues, or the jaw.
Dentists, All Other Specialists
All dentists not listed separately.
Physicists
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
Natural Sciences Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Clinical Research Coordinators
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
Marketing Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Podiatrists
Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Medical Dosimetrists
Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.
Sales Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Pharmacists
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
Optometrists
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
Physician Assistants
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Anesthesiologist Assistants
Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.
Nurse Anesthetists
Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Nurse Midwives
Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.
Nurse Practitioners
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Top States
States with the most health professions programs