3 Potential Careers in Health Care (Vlog)
by Sophia S.
High school is an exciting time to explore different fields and develop a better understanding of how you see yourself spending your career. If you are interested in health care, here are 3 potential career options you may want to look into:
Dentistry
A career in dentistry involves “maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other tissues in and around the mouth” through the diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions, procedures such as fillings and extractions, and patient education about oral health.1 The path to dentistry includes earning a bachelor’s degree while completing prerequisites in biology, chemistry, and physics, taking the Dental Admissions Test, and completing four years of dental school with the option of further specializing after.2 If you are artistic and detail-oriented, you may enjoy a career in dentistry.
Veterinary Medicine
The role of a veterinarian often expands beyond delivering health care to animals, with many veterinarians working to promote the health and welfare of animals, control disease spread, and ensure animal products are safe for human consumption.3 The requirements to become a veterinarian include pre-requisite courses in math, science, social science, and humanities (a bachelor’s degree is not required), four years of veterinary medical school, followed by passing of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.3 If you enjoy problem-solving, and working with animals, you may want to consider exploring a career in veterinary medicine.
Physician Associate
PAs (physician associates) are providers who collaborate with healthcare teams to provide patient-centered care through education, disease prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.4 PAs are integral providers across every specialty and their roles can include taking histories, performing physical exams, developing management plans, and assisting in surgery.4 Becoming a PA requires a bachelor’s degree with completion of science prerequisites, completion of a PA master’s program which is typically 3 years long, and passing of a certification exam.4 If you enjoy critical thinking, interacting with people, and collaborating across teams, you may want to explore a career as a PA.
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