Many students know they want to make a career out of helping others but don’t know where to begin. Whether it’s nursing, athletic training or veterinary medicine, the road to a degree holds many options. That’s why it’s important to learn about the variety of majors and associated careers.
The Caring Careers. Choosing a Healthcare Major.
Getting the Process Started
So you’re passionate about helping others. Great! Now what? To get on the right track it’s important to talk to those in the know. When attending an open house, ask faculty, students and the admissions counselors about all the available options in terms of majors, minors and other healthcare programs.
Evaluate Your Self
Do you like working in a lab? Do you enjoy talking with people? How long do you want to go to school for? Understanding your likes (and, even more importantly, your dislikes) helps you determine which career you may want to pursue and pick an appropriate major. Then you’re able to narrow down your college options to find the best fit for your passions.
Do Your Research
Before and after you visit a college, read the relevant pages on their website. Explore all the academic programs, the requirements, and curriculum associated with each, and how they compare school to school. It’s also helpful to research the faculty in your desired program. Are professors experienced and published in their fields? Do they remain active in their fields? These factors are especially valuable as you prepare for either graduate programs or residencies.
Search the Network
Beyond program requirements, take a close look at the college’s relationships and network. For example, if you want to continue to medical school or veterinarian school does the college have agreements and relationships that significantly increase your chances of admittance?
For example, Daemen has a 4+4 agreement with NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine for qualified students to complete their medical degree. Students can also earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in seven years through our partnership with Lincoln Memorial University if they meet qualifications.
Consider all benefits a college offers. Do they offer meaningful, one-on-one research opportunities with faculty? How robust are their internships and clinical rotations? These experiences are invaluable to you as you begin your career.
Know the Dual Program Options
A career in healthcare usually requires more than one degree. And getting multiple degrees requires more time and money. Evaluate a school’s accelerated and linked degree options. Daemen College offers students the opportunity to obtain your undergraduate and graduate degrees seamlessly in many programs. For example, in both PA and PT, undergraduate students maintaining appropriate grades are guaranteed a seat in the upper division and can complete their degree in less time.
Healthcare Programs
Daemen College offers a wide variety of healthcare and health-related majors.
- Athletic Training, BS/MS
- Biology / Cytotechnology, BS/MS
- Health Promotion / Public Health, BS/MPH
- Nursing, 1+2+1; RN to BS
- Physician Assistant, BS/MS
- Physical Therapy, BS/DPT
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Psychology
- Social Work, BA-SW/MSW
And, many of Daemen’s pre-professional programs offer a partnership opportunity for an advanced degree.
Get on the Right Pre-Professional Track
Although no specific major is required to apply for postgraduate study in medical fields, certain courses are required as prerequisites. Daemen College provides the foundation courses in the natural sciences such as chemistry, biology, genetics and biochemistry that professional programs place in high regard. And, our pre-professional degrees provide all the prerequisites necessary for your graduate program.