Introduction to Careers in the Health Professions

Catalog description

Approximately 11% of all jobs in the economy are in the healthcare sector. This course will provide an overview of the US healthcare system and the various careers that can be pursued within it. Several career paths (such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractor, medical doctor/osteopath, nursing, diagnostic technician, clinical exercise physiologist, speech pathology and alternative therapies) will be explored in detail with opportunities to interact with professionals working in those careers. For each profession, the clinical focus, clientele, job responsibilities, knowledge, skills, personal attributes, typical workday, work/life balance, financial considerations, ethical considerations, and legal considerations will be discussed. Student personality traits will be assessed and used to help with career exploration. The requirements for gaining admission to various healthcare educational programs will be elucidated. In culmination, students will outline an academic plan to prepare them to apply to the program of their choice, as well as a Plan B option.