WHAT PATHS?
Students looking to enter the world of health care are pursuing careers that promote health, wellness, and diagnosis as well as treat injuries and diseases. Some of the careers involve working directly with people, while others involve research into diseases or collecting and formatting data and information. Work locations are varied and may be in hospitals, medical or dental offices or laboratories, cruise ships, medevac units, sports arenas, space centers, or within the community.
AT A GLANCE
IS THIS YOU?
-
I enjoy helping people learn, grow, or heal.
-
I like to teach, counsel, train, etc.
-
I am concerned about the welfare of others.
-
I like to solve problems by guiding or treating.
-
I want to take care of children, elders, or people in need.
-
I like dealing with illness or emotional challenges.
-
I enjoy physical activities and sports.
Helping
Others
HUMAN
Anatomy
PROBLEM Solving & CRITICAL Thinking
Explore the Different Possibilities
Check out the specific concentrations within this interest cluster, with information regarding specific careers, as well as potential majors to pursue in college!
ROADMAPS
Connect with Alumni or a Senior Mentor
Check out how our alumni students and current seniors are pursuing this pathway! Learn about what it takes. To learn more about an alumni's journey, check out their roadmap.
COURSEWORK
Choosing the Right Courses
Provided here are the COC classes that are recommended for your pathway. You are not required to take all them, so you should talk to your counselor to clarify which classes are right for you. Explore the different possibilities below!
Four-Year Ed Plans
Provided here are ed plans for you to take AOC & COC coursework for specific concentrations within this pathway.
Keep in mind that these ed-plans are subject to change based on your individual needs and preferences.
AA Degrees
The ed-plans above will allow you to earn an Liberal Arts & Science Associate Degree in Health Science or Mathematics & Science. All of the ed-plans above will allow you to complete your IGETC and to transfer several General Ed college credits.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR THIS PATHWAY
Back in the day, almost every undergraduate who wanted to go to med school majored in biology, chemistry, or physics. This has changed, as med schools realize the value of a liberal arts education, and there will be a variety of pre-med majors in the applicant pool. So, study what you love. You'll still need solid MCAT scores along with good grades and stellar extracurriculars.
Bear in mind that each medical school has its own pre-med course requirements. Depending on where you plan to apply, courses in the following subjects may be required or recommended.
Primary care experience is particularly valuable. Many hospitals and clinics have volunteer positions that allow you to interact with patients. You can also consider finding a position at a hospice or a chronic-care facility, or assisting disabled children or nursing home residents.
If you want to learn at a more depth level you can set up a preceptorship. In a preceptorship, you’ll shadow a knowledgeable physician as an observer over an extended period of time. The best preceptors are doctors with great people skills, patience, and a passion for education.
Medical research is another worthwhile extracurricular to pursue. A number of well-known universities, labs, and private companies run summer internship programs for undergraduates.
