Explore Pre-Health Professions

Allied health refers to healthcare professions distinct from medicine (MD/DO/PA), nursing, and pharmacy--encompassing as many as 200 health careers. Allied health professionals are involved either directly or indirectly with patient care and practice independently or with a health care team assessing patient needs and continual evaluation.

There are two types of Allied Health Professionals, technicians/ assistants and therapists/ technologists.  Technicians/assistants are trained in two years or less and work under the supervision of therapists/technologists.  The training of therapists/technologists is more intense, approximately 4-6 years of training, which includes acquiring procedural skills, evaluating patients, diagnosing conditions, and developing treatment plans.  Therapists/technologists are also trained to evaluate a patient’s response to therapy and make the appropriate modifications to the treatment plans when necessary.

Application Information
Since allied health encompasses so many different health professions, students are encouraged to research the allied health fields of interest and schedule an appointment to meet with the pre-health advisor to discuss the areas of interest.  The majority of the allied health professions do not follow the standard pre-health academic curriculum; therefore the pre-health advisor is instrumental in guiding you to the right courses to prepare you for a career in allied health.

Resources

• Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs
• ExploreHealthCareers.org

Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)

Dentistry is a dynamic health profession committed to maintaining oral health.  Dentists examine teeth and tissues of the mouth to diagnose and treat diseases or abnormalities. Students preparing for dental school follow the typical prehealth curriculum exactly. Like medical school, dental school consists of four years of postgraduate study.

Upon receipt of degree, newly-graduated dentists many enter practice immediately or continue specialty work in graduate school.  Postdoctoral Dental Education programs are available in the following areas:  

• Endodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Pediatric Dentistry          
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Dental Public Health

Medical Exposure
In order to gain a better understanding of what the practice of dental medicine entails, it is highly recommended that you gain firsthand exposure by shadowing a dentist.  The experience will not only confirm your desire to practice dental medicine but will also make you a competitive dental school candidate (many schools ask for a letter of recommendation from a dentist).  You are encouraged to contact a dentist where you are attending school or home town and ask if they would allow you to shadow.  Most dentists are happy to help and want to give you the experience necessary for dental school.

Application Information
Applications for dental school are submitted online through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), which is a centralized application process that allows applicants to complete one central application form and apply to participating dental schools. Eighty-five percent of dental schools are AADSAS participants; please look on the ADEA website for a list of participating schools. The student should apply at the earliest possible date, which varies by school.

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required. Although the DAT and MCAT are very similar, there are two major differences: The DAT contains no test questions on physics, and the DAT has a section that tests students on three-dimensional perception (Perceptual Ability Test).

Resources

• Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
• American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
• American Dental Association

In the United States, there are two types of licensed physicians: those with a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) and those with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.). There are many similarities between the two education and career paths, and a few key differences.

Both M.D. and D.O. physicians complete four years of medical school followed by a residency program that lasts from three years to seven years, depending on the specialty. M.D.'s and D.O.'s must pass licensing exams and meet the same requirements for practicing medicine. The essential rights and responsibilities of the M.D. physician and the D.O. physician are the same.

The premedical path for both M.D. and D.O. physicians is also the same: earning a bachelor’s degree, completing the prerequisite coursework, taking the MCAT exam, as well as building a meaningful resume through medical experience, research, leadership, and service.

So, what’s the difference?

The majority of U.S. medical students attend allopathic medical schools (those that offer the M.D. degree). During the 2015-2016 academic year, around 20% of the total number of medical students attended an osteopathic medical school (offers the D.O. degree). D.O. programs are often considered “less competitive” than M.D. programs, though you should take this distinction with a grain of salt, as D.O. programs remain highly competitive.

D.O. students receive similar training to M.D. students, and then some.  D.O. programs often emphasize alternative therapies, holistic medicine, and preventative care. Future D.O.s also receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system, using this knowledge to perform osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which the American Osteopathic Association describes as “a series of hands-on techniques used to help diagnose illness or injury and facilitate the body's natural tendency toward self-healing.” D.O. may specialize in any area of medicine, including surgery, emergency medicine, dermatology, psychiatry, etc., though the majority typically spend their career as primary care physicians in family practice, internal medicine, or general pediatrics.

When reflecting on which career path is right for you, consider the following:

Residency match: Students who graduate from M.D. programs participate in what is known as the National Resident Matching Program, where students “match” with a hospital or training center to complete their graduate medical education, or residency. All M.D. students go through a single matching process. Students who graduate from D.O. programs actually have multiple opportunities to apply for a residency program. 99.34% of students in Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine "matched" in a residency program.

Beginning 2015, the professional associations for M.D.’s and D.O.’s began a process of merging the two distinct residency matching programs; the goal is to create a single, unified accreditation system for graduate medical education programs in the United States. This will ensure that all physicians trained in the U.S. will have the same graduate medical education accreditation, and as of June 30, 2020, the American Osteopathic Association will cease its residency matching/accreditation functions.

Specialty: Both M.D.’s and D.O.’s have the opportunity to specialize in virtually any medical specialty/subspecialty, including surgery, psychiatry, orthopedics, etc. Given the slight differences in professional philosophy (see below), it is perhaps not surprising that around 57% of osteopathic physicians choose to specialize in primary care, including family and general practice, pediatrics, general internal medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Earning potential: Salaries for the two degrees are comparable, and depend more on the physician’s specialty than any other factor. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics D.O.es not distinguish between physicians with the M.D. vs. the D.O. degree with respect to salary, qualifications, job outlook, etc.

Professional philosophy: While both M.D. and D.O. programs focus on diagnosing and treating human illness, many osteopathic schools have a stronger focus on alternative therapies, holistic medicine and disease prevention. As mentioned above, D.O.’s receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system, and they use this knowledge to perform osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a series of hands-on techniques used to help diagnose illness or injury and facilitate the body's natural tendency toward self-healing.

Learn More

The best way to learn about the differences between allopathic and osteopathic medicine is to shadow physicians in both careers. It is especially important to shadow a D.O. before applying to osteopathic schools—many schools require or highly recommend getting a letter of recommendation from a D.O. 

For further reading, see:

• US News and World Reports
• A Brief Guide to Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
• Association of American Medical Colleges (M.D.)
• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

Registered nurses (RNs) perform a range of health care roles, such as providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients about heath conditions, and offering advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. Most registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others might work in correctional facilities or schools, or serve in the military.

Duties of a registered nurse can include:

• Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
• Administer patients’ medicines and treatments
• Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute to existing plans
• Observe patients and record the observations
• Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
• Operate and monitor medical equipment
• Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results
• Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
• Explain what to do at home after treatment

How to Become a Nurse

There are many paths to becoming a nurse, but all include graduating from an approved nursing program and passing a national licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN), in addition to meeting any state-specific licensing requirements. The three most common nursing degrees are:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete, and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts. Students also gain supervised clinical experience and training in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Students with a BSN have a competitive advantage for entry-level nursing jobs, and a bachelor’s degree or higher is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching.

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field are eligible to apply to accelerated second-degree programs, earning the BSN in 12-16 months after earning their original undergraduate degree. (See below for more information). The most common path to nursing for Tulane undergrads is through an accelerated BSN or MSN degree program, which students begin after earning their undergraduate degree, in any major, from Tulane.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The associate degree is an introductory nursing program focusing on the fundamentals of the profession. These not only include technical skills, but also pharmacology, healthcare informatics, and hospital/clinic administration. With an ADN, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. RNs with an ADN qualify for many entry-level positions at hospitals and clinics, though preference may be given to individuals who have earned a higher credential (like a BSN). Many registered nurses with an ADN or diploma choose to go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program.

Diploma from Approved Nursing Program

Nursing diploma programs tend to be offered by hospitals or schools tied to hospitals, providing students with hands-on experience in a professional setting. With an NCLEX-approved diploma, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Nurses who wish to enter the workforce, rather than earn a BSN, will qualify for entry-level positions at hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. Nurses who are looking for more advanced positions in the field typically pursue the ASN, or more commonly, the BSN degree.

Accelerated Programs

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (also called a second degree nursing program) allows students who already hold an undergraduate degree to complete a nursing curriculum in less time than a traditional baccalaureate program (12-16 months vs. 4 years). Students with a non-nursing undergraduate degree can also apply directly to Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing programs. These accelerated Master program curricula include the typical foundational coursework associated with the BSN and then additional upper level coursework in a variety of nursing specializations. This is the most common path for Tulane students pursuing a nursing degree.

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions.

Among the types of treatment optometrists use are:

• Prescription glasses
• Contact lenses
• Vision therapy
• Low vision aids
• Pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of ocular disease

Vision constantly changes throughout a person's lifetime and, as it does, vision care needs change as well. Doctors of Optometry provide optometric examinations and treatment which may prevent a patient's vision problem from developing into serious vision impairment. An optometrist may help a child whose school work is hindered by visual problems, a worker whose vision problem causes safety hazards on the job, or an elderly patient who may have needlessly given up reading.

During an examination, the Doctor of Optometry also assesses general health conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis are often detected during a vision examination. The diagnosis of systemic manifestations of ocular disease is necessary to preserve and enhance the patient's quality of life. When appropriate, the optometrist refers patients to other health care professionals and frequently works with them in co-managing the patient's condition.

Medical Exposure
Optometry School Admissions Committees consider applicants with work experience in the optometry field to be highly desirable candidates. Applicants are encouraged to explore the optometry field either by employment or in a volunteer capacity by shadowing, observing, interning, or working with a practicing optometrist.  The primary objective is to ensure that you are familiar with the scope of the profession and to assure the Admissions Committee that you are making an informed decision.

Application Information
Applications for optometry school are submitted online through OptomCAS, the only centralized application service for students applying to optometry school. Please refer to the OptomCAS website for a complete list of participating optometry schools and their respective deadlines; students should apply at the earliest possible date, which varies by school. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is required for admission into optometry school. As well, most optometry schools require a supplemental application in addition to the OptomCAS application (the supplemental application from the previous year can often be found on the optometry school’s website.)  Please note that your application for admission to most optometry schools will not be complete until they receive BOTH the OptomCAS and supplemental application.

Resources

• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
• Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS )

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

Pharmacy is becoming an increasingly important field in the current state of medical care, as more pharmacists are counseling patients in planning therapy regiments.  A pharmacist is not just the person behind the counter at a drug store that dispenses prescription medication to patients.  Although this is part of what a pharmacist does, they also act as advisors to doctors and other healthcare professionals about dosages and side effects of medications.  Pharmacists also explain doctors’ instructions to patients about how to use their medications safely and effectively.

Pharmacists enjoy an array of employment opportunities upon completion of pharmacy school.  Clinical pharmacists may work in retail drugstores such as Wal-Mart or Walgreens, while some own their own pharmacy and run a business doing so.  Pharmacists can also work within a hospital helping physicians customize medicine solutions for intravenous use in patients. Pharmacy school graduates interested in research may work for pharmaceutical companies testing the effects and side effects of different medications.  Similarly, pharmacists can work for insurance companies developing pharmaceutical benefit packages for customers.  Experienced pharmacists may return to pharmacy school as professors, teaching the next generation of pharmacists and conducting research.  There are also specialized services available to pharmacists.  These pharmacists typically deal with one or more specific conditions such as diabetes or asthma, helping patients with correct medicine and dosages to help their affliction. Similarly, some pharmacists work in home healthcare, preparing and monitoring treatments for the home setting.  Other pharmacists may work for the government, armed services, or public health organizations.

Medical Exposure
Pharmacy colleges look for applicants to have a comprehensive knowledge of the profession when applying to their program. Some programs require applicants to have volunteer or paid experience within either a pharmacy or other healthcare related setting. If finding volunteer or work related opportunities is difficult in your area, it is advisable to contact specific programs to see how you can gain a better understanding of the pharmaceutical profession.

Application Process
Students wishing to apply to pharmacy programs should register and sit for the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), which is offered in "testing windows" approximately four times a year. Applications for pharmacy school are submitted online through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), the only centralized application service for students applying to pharmacy school.  PharmCAS offers students a convenient way to research and apply to multiple pharmacy schools with a single online application.  Approximately two-thirds of pharmacy programs in the U.S. use PharmCAS for admission; please visit the PharmCAS website for more information on the application process and requirements.

Resources/Links

• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
• Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages to help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injury or disease.  Physical therapists may help with functional problems from, for example, back and neck injuries, or injuries related to work and sports. Their job is generally to restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, educators, and other health professionals.

Physical therapists provide treatment in a range of different settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home care agencies, corporations, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Employment for physical therapists is expected to increase faster than average, and job opportunities should be good particularly in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings. Physical therapists can practice as generalists or choose to specialize in a particular area. Some areas the physical therapists may specialize in are: orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, pediatrics, sports physical therapy, and cardiopulmonary. In addition to practicing options, therapists have opportunities in administration, research, and education.

Medical Exposure
Physical therapy programs require that applicants have exposure to the field before being admitted. Many programs require a minimum of 40 to 100 hours of supervised volunteer hours that must be verified by a licensed physical therapist. Volunteer experience is important because it allows applicants to gain exposure and knowledge of the field so they can make better informed decisions about future career paths. Physical therapy schools look for strong letters of recommendation from physical therapists as well as from science professors.

Application Process
Applications for physical therapy programs are submitted online through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), the only centralized application service for students applying to physical therapy programs. Please refer to the PTCAS website for a complete list of participating physical therapy programs and their application requirements, including prerequisite coursework and number of required shadowing hours. The GRE is required for admission into physical therapy programs and students should apply at the earliest possible date, which varies by school.

Resources

• American Physical Therapy Association
• Physical Therapy Common Application Service (PTCAS)

*Please note: Tulane University does not offer a physician assistant program. LSU Health-New Orleans does offer a PA program in New Orleans.

Physician Assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons.  PAs have considerable job autonomy and perform a wide range of medical duties including writing prescriptions, taking medical histories, examining patients, and even making diagnoses.  PAs also often act as first or second assistants in surgeries and provide pre- and post-operative care.  PAs work as members of the health care team, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and x-rays, treating minor injuries, and other tasks delegated by a physician. Although PAs work under the supervision of a physician, in some areas with marked physician shortages, such as rural and inner-city clinics, they are the principle care provider where a physician is present only a few days a week. PAs work everywhere from major urban hospitals, in doctor’s offices, clinics, the armed forces, and generally any other area where medical care is provided.

In order to practice as a PA, you must graduate from an accredited PA program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), and obtain a license in the state you wish to practice. Over 90% of accredited programs offer a master’s degree; the remainder of PA programs offer either a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or certificate of completion, all of which are acceptable to qualify for the certification exam, licensing and eventual practice. Starting in 2020, all PA programs will be required to offer a master’s degree upon completion of and graduation from a PA program.

Master’s degree programs for physician assistants typically take 24 to 30 months to complete. The first half of the program focuses on pre-clinical studies in anatomy, health sciences, and professional practice, while the second half of the program consists of supervised clinical experiences in various medical specialties.

Medical Exposure
Most PA programs require a minimum number of direct patient care hours with direct hands on experience.  Note that the health care experience requirement for many programs is quite substantial—sometimes up to 2,000 hours of documented patient-care experience. Many applicants to PA programs have previous experience in the health care field (nursing, emergency technicians, physical therapists, and other allied health professions). Undergraduate students who are considering applying to PA programs are encouraged to work towards gaining clinical experience early and often; some students also elect to take a gap year between the bachelor’s and master’s degree to obtain the necessary health care experience.

Application Process
Applicants for Physician Assistant programs are submitted online through the Centralized Application Service for Physician’s Assistants (CASPA). It is important to carefully review the prerequisite course requirements of all programs because they do vary, in some cases to a significant degree. In general, requirements may include a completed bachelor’s degree, science and non-science prerequisites courses, minimum GPAs, health care experience and standardized exams. The GRE is required for admission into a Physician Assistant program and students should apply at the earliest possible date, which varies by school.

Resources

• Physician Assistant Education Association
• Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
• American Academy for Physician Assistants

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders, diseases and injuries. A DPM makes independent judgments and performs or orders all necessary diagnostic tests. They perform surgery; administer medications; and prescribe physical therapy regimens. In addition, a DPM is often the first to detect and diagnose serious systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis that might not otherwise be detected since many of these diseases start in the lower extremities. Podiatrists tend to work in private practice or group practices and many choose to focus their practice on a particular area of podiatric medicine , such as surgery, sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, and more. A career in podiatric medicine lends itself to a flexible schedule, the ability to set your own hours, and determine your type of practice, all of which offer a comfortable and balanced lifestyle.

Medical Exposure
There are nine podiatry schools, and all Podiatry School Admissions Committees consider applicants with work experience in the podiatry field to be highly desirable candidates. Applicants are encouraged to explore the podiatry field either by employment or in a volunteer capacity by shadowing, observing, interning, or working with a practicing podiatrist.  The primary objective is to ensure that you are familiar with the scope of the profession and to assure the Admissions Committee that you are making an informed decision.  You will be asked for a letter of recommendation from a podiatrist, in addition to two letters of recommendations from science professors that are familiar with your work.

Application Information
Application to a college of podiatric medicine is made through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS).  Similar to online central application services for the other health professions, AACPMAS offers students a convenient way to research and apply to podiatric schools with a single online application. Please refer to the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine website for a complete list of participating podiatry schools.  The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for admission into podiatry school and students should apply at the earliest possible date, which varies by school.

Resources

• American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
• American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)
• American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS)

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

The practice of veterinary medicine not only deals with pets, livestock and working animals; veterinarians are also at the forefront of protecting the public’s health and welfare.  Veterinarians are trained to diagnose medical conditions, perform surgery on sick and injured animals, and prescribe and administer medicines and drugs.  They also work to keep the nation’s food supply safe, prevent the spread of diseases and conduct research to ensure animals are kept healthy and limit and ultimately prevent the spread of salmonella, e-coli or other food borne pathogens.  

Although 80% of veterinarians are in private practice, the U. S Department of Agriculture is the largest employer of veterinarians in the United States employing approximately 1,300 civilian veterinarians.  Veterinary school graduates have a multitude of career options where they can effectively apply their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees. 

Below is a sample list of veterinary career options:

• Private Practice
• Corporate Veterinary Medicine
• The Federal Government
• Research
• Teaching
• Public Health
• Food Supply Medicine
• Global Veterinary Medicine
• Public Policy
• Shelter Medicine

Medical Exposure

Veterinary school admissions committees consider applicants with work experience in the veterinary field to be highly desirable candidates.  Applicants are encouraged to explore the veterinary field either by employment or in a volunteer capacity by shadowing, observing, interning, or working with a practicing veterinarian.  Most competitive veterinary schools require a minimum number of veterinary experience hours.  It is highly recommended to research each veterinary schools admissions criterion to see if specific number of veterinary experience hours is a requirement.  The primary objective is to ensure that you are familiar with the scope of the profession and to assure the admissions committee that you are making an informed decision. 

Application Information

Applications for veterinary school are submitted online through Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), the only centralized application service for students applying to veterinary school.  VMCAS offers students a convenient way to research and apply to multiple veterinary schools with a single online application.  Please refer to the VMCAS website for a complete list of participating veterinary schools.  The GRE is required for admission into veterinary school and students should apply at the earliest possible date, which varies by school.  Most veterinary schools require a supplemental application in addition to the VMCAS application and the supplemental application can be found on the veterinary school’s website.  Please note that your application for admission to most veterinary schools will not be complete until they receive BOTH the VMCAS and supplemental application.

Resources

• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
• Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)