Exploring the Health Professions Handbook 

Please click on the chapter of interest below!

INTRODUCTION

This handbook was written for Tufts students to provide information for those contemplating a career in the health professions. Originally written under the auspices of the Health Professions Advisory Committee, it offers an overview of some of the health career options available to Tufts students. It also addresses some of the most common questions students ask regarding the health profession, and medical school in particular.

You should use this handbook as a starting point in your explorations of both the health field and your own personal strengths, interests and values. Preparing for a career in the health field is not merely a question of taking the right sequence of courses. It is a process of self-examination and research. There are many faculty and staff at Tufts who can assist you in that process. Written materials in the Resource Library in Dowling Hall and elsewhere can get you started on your research. Internships and volunteer experiences in the health field can give you a clearer understanding of the roles various professionals play.

Tufts University offers a richness of health-related programs and institutions  in which you might seek people with whom you can speak. In addition, there is an Alumni Advisory Network in the Career Services Office that can offer you the chance to speak with many other professionals eager to share their experiences. Also take advantage of programs sponsored on campus that address various health issues and professions. Several student groups give you the opportunity to learn as well as play a leadership role.

Our health care system is undergoing some major changes. You, too, will change as you progress through your college years. The choice of a profession is a significant one, and requires serious thought and investigation, as well as preparation. This book should help you begin that process.

SECTION I
The following descriptions provide a brief introduction to many of the health professions that you may find attractive. Each one, in its own way, offers challenge and the opportunity to serve people in a health care setting.
 

• ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE
• BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
• CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
• DENTISTRY
• ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
• GENETIC COUNSELING
• HEALTH COMMUNICATION
• HEALTH POLICY
• HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (MANAGEMENT)
• HEALTH EDUCATION
• NURSING
• NUTRITION
• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

• OPTOMETRY
• OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
• PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY
• PHARMACY
• PHYSICAL THERAPY
• PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
• PODIATRIC MEDICINE
• PUBLIC HEALTH
• VETERINARY MEDICINE
• AND MORE

ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE

The allopathic physician (M.D.) has many career options available and new opportunities emerge with each advance in medical knowledge and with each development in the organization of medical services. The physician's responsibilities cover a wide range of functions in the maintenance of health. These include diagnosing disease, supervising the care of patients, prescribing treatment, and participating in improving the delivery of health care. Although most physicians provide direct patient care, some concentrate on basic or applied research, become teachers or administrators, or combine various elements of these activities.

Students planning to pursue M.D. study should refer to subsequent sections of this handbook for discussion of the preparation and application process. There are 126 allopathic medical schools in the U.S. Once matriculated, a medical student studies for four years before earning the M.D. degree. Graduating students select one of 24 general medical specialties for residency training after completion of medical school. Residency training can require three to twelve years to complete, depending on the choice of specialty.

New patterns of practice are emerging. A physician may work in a private office, group practice, a managed care system, clinic, hospital, laboratory, industry, military, university, government, or combination of the above. Managed care is probably the most significant change in the delivery of health care in the last decade. Students planning a career in medicine should be well-informed concerning this.

For more information, contact the American Association of Medical Schools, 2450 N St., NW, Washington,D.C. 20037-1126, (202) 828-0400, www.aamc.org or www.tomorrowsdoctors.org.

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

Students who pursue advanced degrees in the biomedical sciences have traditionally gone on to careers in research and teaching in universities, medical schools, hospitals, government or industry. Recently, some graduates have combined their training in science with other disciplines to prepare for careers in new areas such as consulting, management, biotechnology, communications, and the law. Many universities offer M.S., Ph.D., and combined MD/PhD degree programs.

The GRE General Test is an admission requirement of most programs in this field. Many programs also require that you complete a subject test as well, often in Biology or Chemistry. Some combined MD/PhD programs will allow you to substitute the MCAT for the GRE. Most PhD programs will not. Letters of reference, undergraduate transcripts, and a personal statement are also normally required. Some PhD degree programs require that students enter with a Master's degree, others require only a Bachelor's degree.

Preparation for a career in research requires that you complete prerequisite courses, which may vary depending upon the discipline you choose. Often, these prerequisites will include courses in biology, general, physical and organic chemistry, physics and mathematics through calculus. Research experience is also an important preparation for graduate school. In addition to possibly improving your chances of admission, it can also help you to decide if this is an appropriate career choice for you. Some universities and medical schools have summer programs for undergraduates, many of which are targeted toward students from under-represented minority groups. Some individual faculty members at institutions without formal programs will hire undergraduates for the summer or accept volunteer research assistants.

Financial aid for graduate study in the biomedical sciences often includes full or partial tuition scholarships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships.

The Peterson's Guides to Graduate Programs in Biological and Agricultural Sciences (www.petersons.com) provides general information and listings of programs in the biological and biomedical sciences. Students should also consult with their professors in their field of interest.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Starting in the second half of the 20th century, Clinical Psychology is the newest of the four traditional mental health professions. The essence of clinical psychology is the use of psychological techniques to ameliorate emotional and mental problems by changing behavior, feelings, thoughts and environments. In addition to providing treatment, the clinical psychologist is the mental health professional most highly trained in the science of psychology and in psychological measurement. Thus while the clinical psychologist duplicates many functions of the other traditional mental health professions of psychiatry (requires a medical degree), social work and psychiatric nursing, the clinical psychologist is particularly expert in psychological testing and in research in mental illness.

Clinical psychologists are licensed to practice in all fifty states. The doctoral degree in clinical psychology is the credential required to be a clinical psychologist. Doctoral training involves both course work and clinical experience for a minimum of four years of graduate work. Entrance into graduate clinical psychology programs is highly competitive and both excellent undergraduate grades and excellent performance on the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) are necessary in order to be a serious candidate for admission.

In addition to private practice, clinical psychologists work in a large variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools and business organizations.

Tufts has a rather unique undergraduate major emphasizing the clinical aspect of psychology so that students might have a better knowledge of this field before applying to graduate school. The Psychology Department at Tufts has more information on the requirements for graduate study in clinical psychology. You also can contact the American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, 800-374-2721, www.apa.org for further information.

DENTISTRY

Dentistry is the health profession devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. The dentist is the scientist dedicated to the highest standards of health through the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all oral diseases and conditions.

There are a variety of career options available to dentists. They may elect general dentistry or one of eight specialty areas; they may establish private practices or work for other dentists, clinics, hospitals, private agencies, government or others. With an increasing awareness of the importance of oral health, and new mechanisms for people to finance their dental care, demand for dental care is increasing.

The 55 U.S. dental schools accept students who have successfully completed prerequisite undergraduate science courses and, most often, a baccalaureate degree. Applicants are also required to take the DAT exam prior to application. These dental schools offer either the D.M.D. or the D.D.S. degree, both of which prepare graduates for all the career options available in dentistry. For more information, contact the American Dental Education Association, www.adea.org.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Environmental health is an area of increasing activity that seeks to elucidate the intersection between environmental agents and health. These pursuits have largely been carried out with concern for human consequences and effects. There is a growing interest to expand this focus to include a consideration of ecological effects, which have impact on non-human systems including flora and fauna.

Practitioners of disciplines that fall within this broad area include engineers, toxicologists, epidemiologists, chemists, biologists, ecologists and nurses. Given the proliferation of the regulatory authority of local, state, and federal governments members of the legal profession and economists have become involved in central issues involving environmental health concerns.

Undergraduate preparation in the sciences or engineering can lead one to pursue graduate level training in environmental health. Programs abound at both the master's and doctoral level.

For further information contact the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), 720 Colorado Blvd., Suite 970S, Denver, Colorado 80246-1925 or www.neha.org.

GENETIC COUNSELING

Genetic counselors provide information to individuals and families who have questions about genetic conditions or birth defects. They also help those receiving the information to process and understand it. To support individuals and families as they adapt and cope with genetic conditions, genetic counselors integrate short-term psychological counseling with their knowledge of the principles of human genetics.

Most genetic counselors hold a master's degree in genetic counseling. Their graduate education involves courses in the hard sciences and the social sciences, as well as in bioethics, public policy and health education. Some work in prenatal settings, some in pediatric settings and still others in adult genetic clinics.

For more information contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors, (301) 571-1825 or try www.faseb.org/genetics.

HEALTH COMMUNICATION

Health communication is the art and technique of informing, influencing and motivating individuals, institutions and large public health audiences about important health issues based upon sound scientific and ethical considerations. Its scope includes disease prevention, health promotion, health care policy and business.

Professionals have been working as health communicators for many years; however, the designation of health communication as a field of graduate study is a relatively new phenomenon. At this time only a few universities offer a master's degree in health communication. The rapidly changing health care industry, and the success of existing health communication programs suggest that this field will continue to grow. As the field evolves, it is likely that the number of universities offering the degree will increase. For more information contact the Tufts Health Communications Program at 636-0935 or www.hesca.org.

HEALTH POLICY

General Description and Careers

Health policy is a broad designation that encompasses the design of health programs, the formulation of recommended legislation, and the conduct of health research. Rather than being limited to medical services, health policy expertise applies to environmental and health education efforts, among other areas.

Health policy careers span both the public and private sectors. The governmental health policy positions are found at the local, state, national and international levels. Private foundations and lobbying or advocacy groups, particularly those that devote significant attention to health issues, are also sources of employment for health policy analysts.

Graduate Degrees

The study of health policy can be undertaken in a variety of ways. First, one may pursue an academic degree in a traditional discipline such as economics, political science, sociology, law or philosophy. Obviously, these various routes will produce different perspectives on formulation of policy and research design. The critical component for acquiring a health policy concentration in graduate school is the presence of faculty members who have established expertise in the field. In that way, the student is assured of learning how to integrate health-related material into the disciplinary structure.

There are also specific programs in health policy on both the master's and doctoral levels. Some departments, for instance, are designated "health management and policy," yet their focus may be geared more toward health administration than to policy formulation. The best ways to determine the main purpose of the programs are (1) to research the course requirements for completion of the degree, and (2) to obtain information on the placement of the graduates of the program.

College Preparation

Because the educational avenues into health policy are varied, recommending a single, uniform undergraduate curriculum is impractical. The best preparatory method, then, is to explore the availability of health-related courses on campus or at other schools. As you identify your specific interests in the health field as well as in traditional disciplines, you will be able to decide on the most appropriate course of study for health policy.

The Community Health Program (ase.tufts.edu/commhealth/) offers an array of courses and an internship component well suited to a student with an interest in health policy.

HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (MANAGEMENT)

General Description and Careers

Health administration, also designated "health management," is a well-established professional field devoted primarily to the direct management of the health care delivery system, including medical group practices, hospitals, nursing homes and other providers, as well as health insurance, some governmental settings and trade associations. Health administration has a great deal in common with business administration, except that health care services require specific management talents and knowledge.

Graduate Programs

The graduate school path toward health administration is typically narrower than general study of health policy or public health (see separate descriptions). High quality programs require courses in financing of health organizations, labor relations, and organizational behavior among other areas. Also required may be a residency component during graduate school in which the student serves in an administrative capacity in, for example, a hospital or nursing home.

Master in Health Administration (MHA) is the most commonly conferred degree for those interested in this profession. Other schools house their programs in business schools so that the degree received is an MBA. Accreditation by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) is a good yardstick for determining whether the program is sufficiently geared toward health care management.

College Preparation

Most graduate schools in this discipline have prerequisites to entry, such as accounting, etc. These foundation requirements vary so students should compare admissions criteria of several programs. Also, some schools require prior experience in a health care setting, so a placement during undergraduate years may be advisable. In general, a broad exposure to health-related courses as part of the college curriculum is recommended for two reasons: (1) to verify that the field may be of interest to you professionally, and (2) to indicate to graduate schools that you have a familiarity with health and health care.

For more information, contact the AUPHA, 730 11th Street NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20001-4510, (202) 638-1448, www.aupha.org.

HEALTH EDUCATION

The world of health education offers a wide array of professional opportunities. Fortunately, there are a number of possibilities when contemplating the future of health related careers. For health educators (K-12) there is a great demand in public education throughout the U.S. (especially the states that require schools to offer health education classes). In addition, those states need university faculty to be able to teach Health Education to those future teachers who are in training. Also at the college level, health educators are needed to coordinate and/or direct health & wellness, and alcohol and other drug education programs. Health Educators are also sought to work for HMO's, hospitals, community health centers and agencies. States and local governments that have tobacco control initiatives (MA,FL,MS...) need health educators to educate people about the use of tobacco. Some of the many health issues that Health Educators are trained in are nutrition, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, HIV/AIDS, eating disorders (body image), stress management, and CPR & first aid. If you would like more information regarding health education, visit www.aahperd/aahe.

NURSING

Nurses are an integral part of the health care team and assume a great deal of professional responsibility. Today's rapidly expanding and technologically-driven health care environment has created challenging new career opportunities for professional nurses. In addition to hospitals, nurses now work in birthing centers, outpatient clinics, wellness centers, nursing homes and home health care agencies where they provide direct patient care. Beyond these roles, nurses hold administrative positions, teach and do research in businesses, insurance companies, employee health programs, community and public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, schools and fitness centers.

There is a significant number of baccalaureate nursing programs for non-nurse graduates whereby a college graduate earns a second bachelor's degree. There are also opportunities for a non-nurse graduate to find an entry-level master's program. Careers in nursing titled "nurse practitioner", "clinical nurse specialist", "nurse midwife" and other such specialty designations, require education beyond the basic nursing education programs that prepare for licensure as a registered nurse. There are also doctoral programs for nurses who wish to pursue teaching and research or assume senior level administrative roles.

For more information contact the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 1 Dupont Circle, Suite 530 Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-463-6930, www.aacn.nche.edu or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, www.aanp.org or www.allnursingschools.com

NUTRITION

Most people trained in nutrition become laboratory scientists (biochemistry, physiology, etc.) or go into dietetic counseling. Here at Tufts, the School of Nutrition and associated faculty also offer many other courses of study on such topics as world hunger in relation to international development, nutrition policy/program design and implementation, primary health care, health communications and social marketing, domestic hunger, the food industry and government regulation, and the management of famine and other humanitarian disasters (Ethiopia, Somalia, Rwanda). In addition, there are courses on agriculture, food, and the environment.

As this list implies, there are careers in "nutrition" that transcend the parochial. Graduates of the School of Nutrition, for example, work in the areas of child survival, community development, agriculture and food security, and famine mitigation internationally and, on the domestic front, in the food industry, government agencies, congressional committees, and public organizations. Leading employers include the private voluntary agencies (CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children, PLAN International, etc.), UN agencies (UNICEF, FAO, WHO especially), the World Bank, and the Agency for International Development (where the Office of Nutrition is being incorporated into the larger Office of Health), plus a plethora of domestic agencies and programs (FDA, WIC, food stamps, etc). Most careers assume at least a Master's degree.

For further information concerning courses, career opportunities, and appropriate -- and inappropriate -- graduate training please contact the School of Nutrition, 132 Curtis Street on the Medford campus (phone 627-3223). Also contact the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, www.faseb.org/asns.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Occupational therapy is based on the use of everyday activities as the means of helping people to achieve independence.

In treating a person with a physical disability, the first focus is on performing critical daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating. Once these skills are mastered, the occupational therapy program is built around the skills needed to perform a person's daily responsibilities, such as caring for a home and family, participating in education, or seeking and holding employment.

The goals for a client with mental illness are also based on the ability to function independently. In treating mental or emotional problems, the occupational therapy program often includes practice in managing time, working productively with others and enjoying leisure.

Depending on your employer or the setting in which you work, your occupational therapy career may include...

* aiding the growth and development of premature babies

* creating learning environments for physically challenged school children

* providing activities to build self-esteem in teens recovering from drug or alcohol abuse

* adapting home environments for people dealing with the effects of stroke

* analyzing job task requirements for an injured worker

* conducting research to measure the effectiveness of treatment activities

* teaching occupational therapy skills and methods to students and other health professionals."

(from Occupational Therapy Careers, American Occupational Therapy Association.)

To become an occupational therapist, you must complete a program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Accredited programs are available in colleges and universities throughout the country. You may complete either a 4-year bachelor's degree program, or transfer to an Occupational Therapy program after 2 years in a liberal arts program. Beginning in January, 2007 all new occupational therapy candidates will need a post baccalaureate degree. College graduates with a degree in another field may choose an entry-level master's degree program or a post-baccalaureate certificate program. After completing the educational program, you will be eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Occupational Therapist (OT).

Preparation required for entry into an entry level master's program varies among schools. It is, therefore, best to contact individual schools for their prerequisite requirements. For further information about occupational therapy and a list of accredited programs, contact the American Occupational Therapy Association, 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220, (301) 652-2682, www.aota.org. Or contact the Boston School of Occupational Therapy (BSOT) of Tufts University at (617) 627-3720 or ase.tufts.edu/bsot.

OPTOMETRY

Doctors of optometry (O.D.'s) are primary health care providers who diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system as regulated by state law. They are the major providers of visual care in America today. Optometrists provide treatment by prescribing ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses or other optical aids, and provide vision therapy when indicated to preserve or restore maximum efficiency of vision.

There are seventeen schools of optometry throughout the U.S. Applicants must complete the prerequisite science courses (which are virtually identical to the premed requirements) and take the OCAT standardized test. The program that leads to the O.D. is a four year program after which the graduate can begin practicing as an optometrist.

For more information, contact the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 510, Rockville,MD 20852, (301) 231-5944, www.opted.org.

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

Osteopathic medicine is one of two routes to a medical career, the other being allopathic medicine. Its philosophy states that health is a matter of the entire body - each system interdependent with the others.

In brief, osteopathic physicians (D.O.'s) are fully-licensed and recognized physicians and surgeons who stress the unity of all body systems. They place special emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, holistic medicine, and proper nutritional and environmental factors. While D.O.s practice in every medical specialty, many are in general practice, with special emphasis placed on preventive medicine and service as family practitioners.

Currently, twenty colleges of osteopathic medicine offer a four-year post-baccalaureate program leading to the D.O. degree. Graduates go on to do residency training in their chosen area of specialization. Prerequisites for study in an osteopathic school include the premed requirements discussed later in this handbook and the MCAT exam. Contact with an osteopathic physician is also required.

For further information contact the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231, (301) 968-4100, www.aacom.org

PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY

Pediatric psychology encompasses all activities that involve the study of or intervention with psychological and behavioral problems encountered by children and their families in medical and health care settings. Special concerns include the prevention of illness and injury in children through psychological and behavioral interventions, and interdisciplinary assessment and management of children with chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities.

There is no single path to becoming a pediatric psychologist. Most practitioners have completed doctorates in clinical psychology or clinical child psychology, although there are a limited number of formal doctoral training programs in pediatric psychology. Check the website for the Tufts Child Development Department at www.tufts.edu/as/cd for informative links.

PHARMACY

As an expert in both the science and clinical use of medications, the pharmacist is an essential member of the health care team. In addition to the traditional role of dispensing medications, today's pharmacists actively participate in the direct care of the patient. Pharmacists are found in community pharmacies, hospital and other institutional settings, the pharmaceutical industry, in government agencies and in academic pharmacy.

As of 2002, the first professional degree that will qualify the graduate for licensure examination will be that leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.). A Pharm.D. program requires two years of preprofessional study at the college level. Many require that applicants take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) prior to applying.

For more information, contact the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, 1426 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2841, (703) 739-2330, www.aacp.org

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapists are respected members of the health care team. They work in conjunction with other health providers to meet the individual health needs of their patients. A physical therapist's duties may range from rehabilitation of accident victims, to educating in the schools and community on health issues, to sports-related assessment, conditioning and preventive medicine.

Many physical therapists work in hospital settings. Increasingly, however, they are found in private offices, corporate health centers, schools, community health clinics and nursing homes, as well as other settings. While many are employees, some start their own businesses.

Physical therapy is gradually moving to a strictly post-baccalaureate degree program. There are many entry-level master's programs for students who have graduated with a liberal arts degree. Emphasis is placed on a broad-based undergraduate curriculum with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and psychology.

For further information contact the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, (800) 999-APTA, www.apta.org.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

A physician assistant is educated to provide services that would otherwise be provided by a physician. PA's are qualified to take medical histories, counsel patients, order laboratory tests, perform physical exams, determine treatment, assist in surgery, set fractures, among other health care activities. While PA's practice medicine with the supervision of a physician, their role has become more and more important over the past decade as the profession has grown dramatically.

Physician assistants work in hospitals, HMO's, community clinics, nursing homes, physician offices, public health agencies, and any other setting where physicians work.

There are over 129 accredited programs of study for physician assistants located in colleges, universities and hospitals. While some of these programs offer certification or a bachelor's degree, the movement is towards entry-level master's programs. Many programs participate in a central application known as CASPA that can be found at the website of the Association of Physician Assistant Programs, www.apap.org. For more information contact the Association of Physician Assistants, 950 North Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-836-2272, www.aapa.org.

PODIATRIC MEDICINE

Podiatric medicine is a branch of the medical sciences devoted to the study of human movement with the medical care of the foot and ankle as its primary focus. A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM.) specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders resulting from injury or disease. A DPM makes independent judgments, prescribes medications and when necessary performs surgery.

The seven colleges of podiatric medicine sponsor a central application service through which the student applies. Applicants are required to complete the premed requirements and take the MCAT exam. The DPM degree is awarded after four years of study. Graduates can pursue residency training to specialize.

For more information, contact the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, 1350 Piccard Dr., Suite 322, Rockville, MD 20850-4307, (800) 922-9266, www.aacpm.org.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Public Health is the discipline that deals primarily with community-based, population-oriented aspects of health care. Grounded in epidemiology and closely allied with preventive medicine, public health stresses health promotion and disease prevention and seeks to understand and control many of the non-medical aspects that influence disease and human well-being. Public health undergo many aspects of curative health care but is taught as a separate discipline in over twenty-five schools of public health and in numerous programs in public health at other institutions.

Often (but not always) a graduate course of study, the MPH (Master of Public Health) is the recognized primary credential and is sought by those wishing to enter a broad, health-oriented career. So-called "core" public health courses include basic biology, epidemiology and biostatistics, health planning and management, environmental health and social behavior. These courses can be augmented by advanced work in nutrition, population health, environmental health, health law and a number of other areas. A thesis and/or practical experience is often required. Advanced degrees can be pursued.

With the completion of public health training many graduates enter state and local agencies, non-governmental organizations and a variety of other institutions requiring a broad knowledge of health and disease.

Tufts University offers an MPH combined with the MD degree, as well as a freestanding MPH degree. In addition, there is a joint BA/MPH program that students can apply to in their sophomore year (see www.tufts.edu/med/gpph.) For further information contact the Association of Schools of Public Health (or The Council on Education for Public Health.), 1101 Fifteenth St., NW Suite 910, Washington, DC 20005, www.asph.org. or the Council on Education for Public Health www.ceph.org, or www.whatispublichealth.org.

VETERINARY MEDICINE

Looking at health from the perspective of comparative medicine, veterinarians work to help animals and people live longer, healthier lives. They serve society by preventing and treating animal disease, improving the quality of the environment, ensuring the safety of foods, controlling diseases transmitted from animals to humans, and advancing medical knowledge. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree can lead to diverse career opportunities and different lifestyles--from a solo mixed animal practice in a rural area to a teaching or research position at an urban university, medical center, or industrial laboratory. Of the approximately 65,000 veterinarians in the United States, the majority are in private practice, although significant numbers are involved in preventive medicine, regulatory veterinary medicine, military veterinary medicine, aquatic animal medicine, avian medicine, laboratory animal medicine, research and development in industry, and teaching and research in a variety of basic science and clinical disciplines. There are more domestic animals in the United States than there are people in any of the European Economic Community countries.

Currently, twenty-eight U.S. schools of veterinary medicine offer a four-year program leading to the DVM. degree. Prerequisites for admission vary by school, but usually include the premedical requirements discussed later in this handbook. A standardized examination (GRE, MCAT, or VCAT) is required in most cases. You should contact individual schools for specific information.

For further information, contact the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, 1101 Vermont Avenue, NW Suite 710, Washington, D.C. 20005, www.aavmc.org or Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536-1895, (508) 839-7920.

AND MORE

The opportunities in the health care field are so numerous and varied that they cannot all be discussed here. Many are growing in importance and popularity. Begin researching these opportunities through the resources available in the Resource Library at Dowling Student Service Center and by checking additional websites mentioned in the appendix.

SECTION II: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

THE QUESTIONS AND THE ANSWERS

What are the requirements for medical school?

Specific requirements can vary from school to school; however, virtually all require at least two semesters each of:

Biology (http://ase.tufts.edu/bulletin/biology.html) (Biology 3 or 13 & 14, offered each fall and spring respectively)

General Chemistry (http://ase.tufts.edu/bulletin/chemistry.html)  (Chemistry 1 & 2, offered each fall and each spring, as well as the summer OR Chemistry 11 & 12; Chemistry 16 is another alternative for the first semester of chemistry, offered each spring)
 
Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 51/53 & 52/54, offered each fall and spring respectively as well as the summer)

Physics (http://ase.tufts.edu/bulletin/physics.html) (Physics 1 & 2, offered each fall and spring respectively as well as summer OR 11 & 12, offered each fall and each spring)
 
English (2 courses)

A very small number of schools require biochemistry, but many suggest some additional biology coursework beyond the two introductory courses.

All these courses must be taken for letter grades.

What about requirements for other health professions?

You can assume that any clinical health profession will require at least basic biology and chemistry. So even if you are uncertain about which profession you will choose this is a good starting point. From there you can investigate the websites in the first section of this handbook for differences in requirements.
 

What about lab requirements?
Almost all schools require laboratory participation for all of these science courses. It is assumed, and usually required, that you take the lab concurrently with the lecture.

What medical schools require more than the standard premed science courses?

California
Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California: Biochemistry: 1 semester, Social Sciences, and Molecular Biology: 1 semester

University of California, Irvine : Biochemistry: 1 semester and 1 semester of upper level biology

Florida
Florida State University College of Medicine: Biochemistry: 6 semester hrs.
 

University of Florida College of Medicine: Biochemistry: 4 semester hrs.
Georgia
 

Emory University School of Medicine: Behavioral sciences and Social Sciences

Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine: Biochemistry: 3 semester hrs., Cell and Molecular Biology: 4 semester hrs. and other biological science

Illinois
University of Illinios at Chicago College of Medicine: Behavioral sciences: 3 semesters

Iowa
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine: Advanced biology: 1 semester

Louisiana
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center of Medicine in Shreveport: One other science course: 6 semester hrs.

Maryland
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine: Behavioral Sciences: 8 semester hrs. and Social Sciences: 8 semester hrs.

Michigan
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine: 1 Upper level Biology course: 3-4 semester hrs.
 

University of Michigan Medical School: Biochemistry: 3 semester hrs.

Minnesota
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Mayo Medical School: Biochemistry: 1 semester
 

University of Minnesota Medical School: Behavioral sciences, Biochemistry: 1 semester, Psychology: 1 semester and Social Sciences

Nebraska
University of Nebraska College of Medicine: Biochemistry: 3 semester hrs. and Genetics: 3 semester hrs.

Nevada
University of Nevada School of Medicine: Behavioral sciences: 6 semester hrs.

New Mexico
University of New Mexico School of Medicine: Biochemistry: 3 semester hrs.

New York
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry: Social Sciences: 1 year

North Dakota
University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences: Psychology: 3 semester hrs.

Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine: Genetics: 1 semester

Oregon
Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine: Biochemistry: 1 qtr., Genetics: 1 qtr. and Social Sciences: 6 qtrs.

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine: Behavioral sciences: 1 semester

Puerto Rico
Ponce School of Medicine: Behavioral sciences: 12 semester hrs.
 

Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine: Social Sciences: 12 semester hrs.
 

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine: Behavioral sciences: 6 semester hrs. and Social Sciences: 6 semester hrs.

Rhode Island
Brown Medical School: Behavioral sciences: 1 year, Biochemistry: 1 semester, Social Sciences: 1 year and Probability & Statistics: 1 semester .

Utah
University of Utah School of Medicine: Social Sciences: 1 semester

West Virginia
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine: Behavioral sciences: 6 semester hrs.
 

West Virginia University School of Medicine: Behavioral sciences: 6 semester hrs. and Social Sciences: 6 semester hrs.

What are the specific math requirements for Allopathic medical schools?*

Specifics for the Pre-dental student:

Be sure to read all that was discussed above. While predental requirements are virtually the same as premedical, the DAT does not test physics but rather has a section on perceptual ability. Students can take the DAT anytime of year, since it is computerized. Typically students with a 3.1/3.2 GPA and a 17 academic average on the DAT are viable dental school applicants.

Tufts offers a seven or eight year Bachelor's/DMD Program to which students can apply at the end of their first undergraduate year, having completed one of the predental sequences. For more information check www.tufts.edu/dental/student_admissions.

Specifics for the Preveterinary student:

Most vet schools add some additional science requirements to the core courses mentioned above. Most common are biochemistry, microbiology and genetics. It is important to check the Veterinary School Admissions Requirements book or www.aavmc.org for details later in your sophomore or junior year. Your state residency will have a significant influence on which schools will seriously consider your application. You also have to have a sense of where you are applying before taking your standardized test; you will most likely need to decide between the GRE or VCAT. Veterinary schools look for strong grades (at least a B+/A- average) and scores, but are also very interested in seeing experience working with animals in a hospital, clinic, shelter, lab, etc.

Prevet students particularly interested in Tufts Vet may now apply as sophomores to an early acceptance program.

What are the required courses for the MSN program?

Entry-Level MSN Programs for Non-Nursing Graduates

Common Course Requirements: