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Information for Pre-Health Students
Preparing for a Health Professionals School
Overview of the Profession
Job titles and occupational descriptions on this list were compiled from information published by the American Medical Association's 30th Editions of the Health Professions Career and Education Directory
There is no “prehealth” major but rather a curricular program students follow to complete the requirements for entry into the professional schools for their selected fields upon graduation.The information in this section offers a breakdown of the various pre-health professional fields:
CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE Chiropractic Medicine stresses the patient's overall health and well-being. They encourage the use of natural, non-surgical health instruments. In addition to manually manipulating the spinal column, chiropractors may utilize physiological therapies such as water light massage, ultrasound, electric and heat therapy.
DENTISTRY Dentists diagnose and treat problems associated with oral cavity. This usually encompasses the teeth and tissues of the mouth. To accomplish these tasks, a Dentist may use x-rays to fill cavities, straighten teeth, and treat gum disease. Dental surgery may be employed depending on the needs of the patent. Different jobs within the dentistry work team include Dentists, Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists, Dental Technicians. Dentists can specialize and some of the specialties include: Pedodontists, Oral Surgeons, Orthodontists, Periodontists, Endodontists, and Prosthodontists.
NURSING Nurses care for sick people and help them stay well, emotionally as well as physically. They may make a nursing diagnosis based on observing, assessing, and recording symptoms. Nurses may administer prescribed medications and provide other treatments, usually as directed by the physician. The duties depend on the setting, and types of nursing service providers include: Homemaker-Home Health Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Nurse's Aides and Orderlies, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses (RNs).
OPTOMOMETRY Over half the people in the United States wear glasses or contact lenses. Optometrists provide most of the primary vision care people need. They examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases. They use instruments and observation to examine eye health and to test patients' visual acuity, depth and color perception, and their ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Professions in the health field of vision care include: Dispensing Opticians, Ophthalmic Assistants, Ophthalmic Technicians and Ophthalmic Technologists, Ophthalmologists, Optometrists (Doctors of Optometry), Optometric Assistants and Optometric Technicians, and Orthoptists.
PHARMACOLOGY Pharmacists dispanse drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. They must understand the use, compositions, and effects of drugs. Pharmacists work in several settings, including community, hospital, and home health care. Pharmacy Technicians assist licensed pharmacists by collecting, organizing, and evaluating information to assist the pharmacist in serving patients. Technicians develop and manage medication distribution and control systems; about half of this time is spend preparing, dispensing, distributing, and administering medications.
PODIATRY Podiatrists diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of the foot and lower leg. A podiatrist can be a generalist or specialist in foot surgery, podopediatrics (children's foot ailments) or podogeriatrics (foot ailments of the elderly) and sports medicine. They can take x-rays and perform or prescribe blood and other pathological tests. Depending on the diagnosis, they may recommend proper shoes, fit corrective devices, prescribe drugs, order physical therapy or perform surgery.
VETERINARY MEDICINE Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), care for pets and livestock, treat sporting animals and protect the public from exposure to animal diseases. Typically, veterinarians diagnose medical problems in their animal patients, perform surgery and prescribe and administer medication.