Health Science Minor

Career Areas

• Clinical practice
• Acute care, rehab/subacute rehab, extended care, wellness and prevention, sports and fitness
• Management
• Education
• Research
• Consultation
• Pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, orthopedics, neurology, cardiovascular and pulmonary, women’s health, clinical electrophysiology

Employers

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics/private practice
• Home healthcare agencies
• Nursing and residential care facilities
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Physician offices, particularly orthopedic
• Hospices
• Schools
• Universities and colleges
• Department of Defense
• Public Health Service
• Veterans’ Health Administration
• Indian Health Services

General Information

• Earn a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from a program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Programs include supervised clinical experiences.
• All states require licensure which includes passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.
• Approximately one third of physical therapists work in hospitals and another third in physical therapy offices.
• Obtain knowledge of several basic sciences including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Attain superior grades in pre-physical therapy course work due to intense competition for admittance to physical therapy programs.
• Volunteer for a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic to gain experience and improve chances of acceptance into a program. Many programs require volunteer experiences and a good understanding of the field for admission.
• Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, patience, and a desire to help individuals of all ages with disabilities.
• A positive attitude is important when working with patients.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina are important in succeeding in physical therapy work.
• Some physical therapists complete a clinical residency after PT school to gain training and experience in a specialty.
• Fellowships in advanced clinical areas after residency are also available.

Career Areas

• Screening
• Evaluation
• Physical, psychosocial, social, vocational treatment
• Follow-up
• Administration
• Teaching
• Research
• Geriatrics, pediatrics, mental health, work and industry, health and wellness, low vision, hand therapy, driver rehabilitation

Employers

• Hospitals (psychiatric and rehabilitative)
• Schools
• Out-patient rehabilitation facilities
• Group or private practice
• Nursing and residential treatment facilities
• Community mental health centers
• Adult daycare programs
• Job training centers
• Home healthcare agencies
• Department of Defense
• Public Health Service
• Veterans’ Health Administration
• Universities and colleges

General Information

• Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy to gain entry in the field.
• Programs include supervised clinical fieldwork.
• All states regulate licensure which requires passing an exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
• Build a solid foundation in physical, biological, and behavioral sciences.
• Volunteer in an occupational therapy or related healthcare setting to experience the field first-hand and improve chances of program admittance.
• Develop excellent communication skills which are important when interacting with patients and their families.
• Individuals working in occupational therapy should possess patience and a true interest in helping people with disabilities reach their full potential.
• Learn to work well within a team. OT’s work with many other professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, and social workers in the rehabilitation of patients.
• Occupational therapists may choose to specialize in a particular age group or type of disability.

Career Areas

• Screening and Diagnosis
• Evaluation of Tissue
• Technological equipment operation
• Molecular diagnostic testing

Employers

• Hospital and private laboratories
• Federal and state government laboratories
• Public health facilities
• Research and biotechnology industry
• Healthcare administrative departments

General Information

• Supplement curriculum with courses in biology that emphasize body structure, development, tissue organization, and function.
• Recommended courses include histology, cellular biology, and genetics.
• Additional recommendations may include other biological sciences such as zoology or ecology.
• Become comfortable with applied learning techniques. Most programs utilize a combination of training activities such as microscopic evaluation, laboratory skills development, case presentations, research, community health projects, and supervised clinical laboratory site experiences.
• Develop problem solving as well as effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Display personal characteristics such as accuracy, responsibility, and motivation.
• Plan to learn new technology and techniques to stay ahead of developments in the field.
• Specialty certifications exist for those who want supervisory or other advanced positions.

Career Areas

• Gathering data for a dental diagnosis
• Recording medical and dental histories
• Screening and charting oral structures and conditions
• Exposing and processing oral radiographs
• Dietary Analysis

Employers

• Private dental offices and dental clinics
• Federal, state, and local health departments or associated institutions
• Hospitals and nursing homes
• School districts or departments of education
• Private business/industry
• Correctional facilities
• Private and public centers for pediatric, geriatric, and other individuals or groups with special needs
• Managed care organizations

General Information

• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is required to enter the field in nearly all states.
• A passing score on the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and state or regional clinical examination is also required for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
• The scope of practice for dental hygienists is determined by individual states.
• Opportunities for practice are available throughout the world, particularly with the military, the US government, and US-owned corporations.
• A master’s degree in dental hygiene is available at some institutions.
• Dental hygienists with bachelor’s or master’s degrees may work in teaching, research, or administrative positions.
• Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills and an attention to detail.

Career Areas

• Patient health information management
• Operations/Medical records administration
• Health information technology
• Computer information systems management
• Revenue cycle management/billing and coding
• Personnel and budget administration
• Quality management and improvement
• Risk management and compliance
• Privacy and security
• Utilization review
• Management
• Research
• Health informatics specialties

Employers

• Hospitals
• Physician offices and clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Insurance companies
• Government agencies
• Home care providers
• Behavioral health facilities
• Information systems vendors
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Research facilities
• Consulting firms
• Educational institutions

General Information

• Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Health Information Management or Health Informatics from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
• A passing score on a national examination is required for certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
• Visit a health information management department in a hospital to better understand the role of health information managers.
• Research career opportunities through The American Health Information Management Association and The American College of Medical Informatics.
• Develop strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, orientation to detail, flexibility, and advanced technology skills.

Career Areas

• Hematology
• Immunohematology (blood banking)
• Microbiology
• Clinical chemistry
• Immunology
• Urinalysis
• Mycology
• Parasitology
• Histocompatibility
• Molecular diagnostics
• Laboratory product development and sales

Employers

• Hospital and private laboratories
• Public health laboratories
• Biotechnology industry
• Pharmaceutical and chemical companies
• Research and forensic laboratories
• Veterinary clinics
• Transplant and blood donor centers
• Fertility clinics
• Universities and colleges

General Information

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from a nationally accredited program.
• Be prepared to participate in supervised clinical experiences.
• Attain good grades in pre-medical technology course work, including biology, anatomy, physiology, and general and organic chemistry.
• Develop manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and an attention to detail.
• Be willing to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Visit a clinical laboratory. Talk with practitioners to gain critical knowledge of the profession.

Career Areas

• Neurology, oncology, orthopedic, renal, cardiac, pulmonary
• Nuclear cardiology
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Clinical Research
• Education
• Administration
• Training
• Sales

Employers

• Community hospitals
• Teaching hospitals
• Medical centers
• Public health institutions
• Research institutes
• Outpatient imaging facilities
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories
• Physician offices
• Private clinics
• Commercial radiopharmaceutical suppliers
• Nuclear imaging equipment manufacturers

General Information

• Secure a strong foundation in science and mathematics, along with interests in computer technology and medicine.
• Develop strong interpersonal skills, as nuclear medicine technologists work directly with patients interviewing and providing instruction.
• Conduct informational interviews or shadowing experiences with professionals, and plan to tour nuclear medicine facilities to confirm interest in the field.
• Seek volunteer experience in a clinical setting, nuclear medicine if possible.
• Consider specializing further in nuclear cardiology or positron emission tomography (PET).
• Approximately two-thirds of Nuclear Medicine Technologists work in hospitals.
• Professionals may be on call in some hospital settings.
• Part-time or shift work may be available.