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Health Professions

Are you compassionate, detail-oriented, and driven by a desire to improve lives? Then a career in the health professions could be your true calling! This dynamic field is ideal for individuals who thrive on helping others and are committed to continuous learning.

For information on course planning, Prehealth events, information on medical or dental school and other departmental resources see https://prehealth.wfu.edu/.

The Basics

Health professions encompass a wide range of roles dedicated to promoting, maintaining, and restoring health. This includes direct patient care, diagnostics, therapeutic services, health information management, and environmental health. The common thread among these professions is a commitment to improving well-being and contributing to a healthier society.

Types of Health Professions and What They Do:

  • Medical Doctor (MD/DO): Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive medical care across various specialties.
  • Dentistry (DDS/DMD): Dentists diagnose and treat oral diseases, perform procedures, and educate patients on maintaining oral health.
  • Optometry (OD): Optometrists examine eyes for vision problems and diseases, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide vision therapy.
  • Physician Assistant (PA): PAs practice medicine under the supervision of a physician, able to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and assist in surgery.
  • Nursing (e.g., Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP)): Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, educate patients and families, and advocate for patient health. NPs have advanced training and can often diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and manage patient care independently or in collaboration with physicians.

Therapeutic Professions

  • Physical Therapists help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries, improving their movement and managing pain.
  • Occupational Therapists assist individuals in developing, recovering, or maintaining meaningful activities (occupations) throughout their lives, focusing on daily living and work skills.
  • Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance problems.
  • Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
  • Pharmacy (Pharmacist): Pharmacists dispense medications, provide drug information, and counsel patients on safe and effective medication use.
  • Registered Dietitian: Registered Dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy and counseling to individuals and groups to improve their health and manage diseases.
Why Health Professions?

The healthcare industry offers more than just a job; it provides stable, in-demand careers with opportunities for continuous learning and advancement. You’ll have the chance to contribute meaningfully to society, often seeing the direct impact of your work on patients’ lives. From cutting-edge research to hands-on care, this field is constantly evolving, ensuring an intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding professional journey.

Preparation

Pursuing a career in health professions typically involves rigorous academic preparation. This often includes foundational science courses (biology, chemistry, physics), followed by specialized undergraduate or graduate programs. Many roles require specific certifications, licenses, and clinical experiences. Gaining hands-on experience through volunteering, shadowing healthcare professionals, or internships is crucial for understanding the demands and rewards of these careers.

Developing a strong foundation of skills is essential for success in health professions. This includes:

  • Strong scientific and analytical skills: For understanding complex medical information and making informed decisions.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: For effective patient interaction, teamwork, and collaboration with colleagues.
  • Empathy and compassion: For providing patient-centered care.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking: For diagnosing issues and developing treatment plans.
  • Attention to detail: Crucial for patient safety and accurate record-keeping.
  • Resilience and adaptability: To navigate demanding and evolving healthcare environments.
  • Lab skills: The practical abilities and knowledge needed to safely and accurately conduct analyses.

Career Readiness

  • Coaching Appointments: Schedule an appointment with Brian Mendenhall in the OPCD for personalized guidance on:
    • Resumes & cover letters
    • Major or career exploration
    • Internship and job search strategies,
    • Networking techniques,
    • Interview preparation,
    • Job offer evaluation and negotiation
    • Navigating graduate or professional school applications
  • Quick Questions:
    • For quick questions, drop in Mon-Thu from 1:30 to 4:30.
  • Wake Your Resume: Attend our Wake Your Resume workshops on Wednesdays in the OPCD during the academic year. Search for a session and register on Handshake.

Events & Opportunities

Other Resources

Professional Organizations

  • For Nurses:
    • American Nurses Association (ANA)
    • American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
  • For Physical Therapists:
    • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • For Occupational Therapists:
    • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  • For Pharmacists:
    • American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
  • For Physician Assistants:
    • American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
    • Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
  • For Dietitians:
    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • For Audiologists & Speech-Language Pathologists:
    • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • For Health Information Management:
    • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)