Healthcare Careers
There is a growing interest among students in health care careers. The UWW science departments have already helped many students prepare for entry into professional programs.
The pages here are designed to help advisors find pertinent information about healthcare careers. Some faculty at UWW already have prepared pages related to career preparation, and you will find links to those sites; please note that even if such information is NOT available, we can often help students in their undergraduate preparation. There are, though, some occupations where the student should consider transferring to another program (see Notes on Nurses: we do not prepare students for LPN or RN positions). There are also some careers that our students are qualified to enter but have not done so (e.g., podiatry, radiation therapy)
Categories of Careers
Healthcare occupations are usually divided into categories by role. The list below has examples of occupations that UWW students have entered and also a few other options students might wish to investigate on their own.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Careers: Chiropractors, Dentists, Optometrists, Physicians, Podiatrists, Veterinarians
- Associated Careers: Dietitians & Nutritionists, Genetic counselors, Nurse practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician assistants (Please see Notes:Nurse)
- Adjunctive Careers: Technologists, Technicians, Assistants, and Aides* (Please see Notes.)
- Rehabilitation Careers: Occupational therapist, Physical therapist, Respiratory therapist, Speech-language pathologist and audiologist
- Administrative Careers: Hospital and Geriatric Facility Directors
- Affiliated Careers: Medical Scientists, Educators, and Information Workers
Entries
The list here of (18) careers is linked to summary entries; these are occupations that UWW students have successfully pursued, or ones that our students are qualified to enter but perhaps are not aware of.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos.
Saul Wischnitzer and Edith Wischnitzer, 2011. Top 100 Health-Care Careers: Your Complete Guidebook to Training and Jobs in Allied Health, Nursing, Medicine, and More, 3rd ed. JIST Works, Indianapolis, IN.
Career NameBureau of Labor Statistic Site |
|
Principal Activities |
A very brief description of the work. Please see BLS entry for details, including salary and job prospects. |
UWW Advisor |
Name of UWW faculty member who advises interested students |
Pre-professional education/training |
A summary of education or training commonly needed BEFORE entering professional school in this field. Specific requirements vary, so the student will have to check specific schools as part of their preparation. |
Professional education/training & accrediting agency |
A list of the degree or credential received, list of internships or residencies, exams or licensure or certification required to practice legally. The accrediting agency organization that regulates training in this field will have a website full of information on programs across the country. |
Professional Organization |
The organization and website of the group that regulates people once they are active in their career. |
Training in this Area:
|
A list of schools in these four states that provide training in this career. |
VETERINARIANBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activities |
Treatment and care of animals; may include or focus on routine health, diagnosis, surgery, treatment, behavior |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Ellen Davis Biological Sciences |
Pre-professional education/training |
BS degree; required courses; entrance exam (GRE); previous experience of field Bio (PreBiomedical or Cell Phys), Chem (liberal arts BS), or other major |
Professional education/training & accrediting agency |
DVM degree; licensure; board exams in some states American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges,www.avma.org |
Professional Organization |
American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org |
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: UW-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, vetmed.wisc.edu, |
PHYSICIANBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activities |
Care of humans; can be primary care (family practice), internal medicine, pediatrics; can be highly specialized. A physician is typically a doctor of allopathic medicine (MD); the job includes diagnosis and treatment of any human disease, injury, or other condition. A doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) is also a licensed physician; the DO can practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medications. |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Pete Mesner, lead advisor for pre-MD |
Pre-professional education/training |
BS degree; required courses; entrance exam (MCAT); previous experience of field |
Professional education/training |
MD degree (allopathic medicine); residency; licensure |
Professional Organizations |
American Medical Association, ama-assn.org |
Training in this area:
|
Allopathic Medical SchoolsWisconsin: Medical College of Wisconsin,Medical School Osteopathic Medical SchoolsIowa: Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, |
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA)Bureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activities |
Diagnosis and therapy of diseases, preventive health services, order lab tests and x-rays; working under supervision of MD or DO |
UWW Advisor |
(none designated at this time) |
Pre-professional education/training |
Bachelor’s degree; required courses; entrance exam (GRE; some schools); previous experience of field |
Professional education/training |
MS degree; certification (some states) American Academy of Physician Assistants, aapa.org |
Professional Organizations |
American Academy of Physician Assistants, aapa.org |
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Gunderson Lutheran Medical Foundation, Mayo School of Health Sciences |
DENTISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activities |
Care of mouth, including teeth and gums; examine, evaluate, treat, prevent diseases and disorders, perform surgery. |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Mike Woller FIX THIS |
Pre-professional education/training |
Bachelor’s degree; required courses; entrance exam (DAT), previous experience of field |
Professional
|
DDS degree; internship (some programs); additional training (some specialties); licensure American Dental Association, ada.org |
Professional organization |
American Dental Association, ada.org |
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: Marquette University School of Dentistry |
OPTOMETRISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activities |
Primary caregivers for eyes: examination and care of people’s eyes, including prescription of glasses and contacts, surgery, monitoring eyes for complications due to other medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure). |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Steven Sahyun |
Pre-professional education/training |
BS degree; required courses; entrance exam (OAT); previous experience of field |
Professional
|
Doctor of Optometry (DO) degree; residency for some specialties; licensure Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, opted.org |
Professional organizations |
American Optometric Association, aoa.org |
Training in this area:
|
Illinois: Illinois College of Optometry ico.edu |
PHYSICAL THERAPISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activities |
Working with patients, using a variety of treatment techniques, to restore function, decrease pain, recover after injury or surgery, and educate. |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Daryle Waechter-Brulla, Biological Sciences |
Pre-professional education/training |
BS degree; required courses; entrance exam (GRE); previous experience of field |
Professional
|
MS or DPT degree; licensure |
Professional organizations |
American Physical Therapy Association apta.org |
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: Minnesota: Illinois: Illinois: Iowa: |
PHARMACISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal activities |
Preparing and dispensing prescription medications; compounding individualized or veterinary prescriptions; research and development; long-term care; monitoring compliance |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Hephzibah Kumpaty |
Pre-professional
|
BS/BA degree; required courses; entrance exam (PCAT); previous experience of field |
Professional education/training & accrediting agency |
PharmD degree; internship; qualifying exam; licensure American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, aacp.org |
Professional organization |
|
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin:University of Wisconsin, School of Pharmacy |
Pharmacy technician This is a not a college-degree position
PODIATRISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activities |
Examination, diagnosis, and treatment of health of the foot, ankle, and lower limb. |
UWW Advisor |
None designated at this time |
Pre-Professional Education/Training |
BS degree; required courses; entrance exam (MCAT); previous experience of field |
Professional education/training |
DPM degree; licensure; boards (some states) American Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, |
Professional organization |
|
Training in this area:
|
Iowa: Des Moines University, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, |
Nurse |
|
Principal Activities |
Diagnosis and therapy of diseases, preventive health services, order lab tests and x-rays; many NPs will have a specialty |
UWW Advisor |
None Assigned at this time |
Pre-professional education/training |
BA/BS degree; required courses; entrance exam (GRE); previous experience of field |
Professional
|
MS degree; certification; |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: Minnesota: |
Notes on Nurses
The term “nurse” is applied to a wide range of individuals, some having relatively brief training and others with BS, MS, or even PhD degrees. A student does NOT have to begin as an aide and work their way up through the ranks; an individual with a BS degree can go into an MS-level program to become an advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse practitioner (NP).
- Nurse’s aides have a high school degree or GED, train for 6 weeks to 3 months, and perform the basic tasks associated with care of patients. These people are under supervision of an LPN or an RN.
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have 1 to 1 ½ years of training, following completion of their HS/GED. They are state-licensed caregivers, working under the supervision of an RN.
- Registered nurses (RNs) have graduated from a nursing program, have passed a state board examination, and are licensed by the state. There are three routes to becoming an RN: a) a two-year associate degree; b) a three-year diploma from a hospital with this training program available; OR c) a four-year BSN (bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- Advanced practice nurses have education and experience beyond RNs.
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) have training in patient examination, diagnosis, treating illnesses, and working with health promotion. An NP can prescribe some medications and make referrals to specialists. There are two routes to becoming an NP: a) from an RN/BSN background, OR from a science BS background.
- Nurse midwives work with women's health care needs, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and care following delivery.
- Nurse anesthetists have training in the field of anesthesia, working with patients during examinations and/or surgery.
- Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) have training in a specialty, such as cardiac, psychiatric, or community health.
CHIROPRACTORBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Prinicpal Activites |
Pain relief through non-invasive manipulation of spine and joints |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Steven Anderson |
Pre-professional
|
BS degree; required courses; or 3 years, required courses, and acceptance to articulation agreement program; previous experience of field |
Professional
|
DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) degree; license Council on Chiropractic Education, cce-usa.org |
Professional Organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Illinois: National University of Health Sciences, |
CYTOTECHNOLOGISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal activities |
Collection and preparation of tissue samples, microscopic examination of samples for pathological conditions, such as cancer |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Pete Mesner |
Pre-professional
|
BA/BS degree; required courses; entrance exam (GRE) |
Professional education/training |
Certification, licensure Commission of ccreditation of Allied Health Education Programs |
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin:Marshfield Clinic/St. Joseph Hospital, Cytotechnology Program |
GENTETIC COUNSELORBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activites |
Working with individuals and families to understand inherited conditions and deal with the resulting challenges. |
UWW Advisor |
None designated at this time. |
Pre-professional education/training |
BA/BS in biology; required courses; entrance exam (GRE); advocacy education/training experience, shadowing/internship experience |
Professional Education/Training |
MS degree; certification/licensure National Society of Genetic Counseling, |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: |
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activites |
Working with people with disabilities to perform daily tasks of life, helping people with injuries be able to return to work |
UWW Advisor |
None designated at this time. |
Pre-professional education/training |
BA/BS degree (or articulation); required courses; entrance exam (GRE) |
Professional Education/Training |
MS degree; Licensure Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: |
There are three paths for entry
- a) Associate degree (or general liberal arts courses for 2 years), followed by two years in OT bachelors program;
- b) Four-years in OT bachelor's degree progam; or
- c) Certificate of MS in OT after bachelor's in another area.
AUDIOLOGISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activites |
An audiologist evaluates, diagnoses, and assists people with hearing disorders. |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Scott Bradley, Communicative Science & Disorders |
Pre-professional education/training |
BA/BS; required courses; entrance exam (GRE) |
Professional Education/Training |
MS in Audiology, moving to doctorate (AuD); licensure Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: Minnesota: Iowa: Illinois: |
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activites |
An audiologist evaluates, diagnoses, and assists people with hearing disorders. |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Scott Bradley, Communicative Science & Disorders |
Pre-professional education/training |
BS in speech pathology; required courses; entrance exam (GRE) |
Professional Education/Training |
MS in speech pathology; internship, certification Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: Minnesota: Iowa: Illinois: |
DIETITIANS & NUTRITIONISTSBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activites |
Develop and implement food and nutrition programs with individuals or for institutions (schools, hospitals, etc.), provide counseling and education, conduct research. |
UWW Advisor |
None designated at this time. |
Pre-professional education/training |
BS/BA ; specific courses; entrance exam (GRE) |
Professional Education/Training |
MS or MBA degree; registration www.cdrnet.org Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, www.eatright.org/cade |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Minnesota: Illinois: |
RESPIRATORY THERAPISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activites |
Treat, manage, and rehabilitate people with diseases of the lungs and cardiovascular system, provide supportive care to patients undergoing surgery |
UWW Advisor |
None designated at this time. |
Pre-professional education/training |
BS/BA ; required courses; entrance exam (GRE); previous experience of field |
Professional Education/Training |
MS degree; registry, licensure National Board for Respiratory Care, |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Illinois: |
RADIATION THERAPISTBureau of Labor Statistic Site
|
|
Principal Activites |
Design and conduct actual radiation exposure for cancer treatment; control amount and location; prepare, maintain, and calibrate equipment; prepare and handle radioactive source materials. |
UWW Advisor |
None designated at this time. |
Pre-professional education/training |
BA/BS in science; previous experience of field |
Professional Education/Training |
MS degree in Medical Dosimetry; certification Medical Dosimetry Certification Board www.mdcb.org |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Wisconsin: Illinois: |
PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT(no BLS site) |
|
Principal Activites |
Assist medical examiner with autopsy, either in hospital (for medical review) or in the morgue(for forensic review); conduct gross examination of specimens |
UWW Advisor |
Dr. Daryle Waechter-Brulla, Biological Sciences |
Pre-professional education/training |
BA/BS degree in science; required courses; previous experience of field (some); GRE or MCAT (some) |
Professional Education/Training |
MS degree; certification (American Society for Clinical Pathology, ASCP) National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences |
Professional organizations |
|
Training in this area:
|
Illinois: |
In This Section
- Veteranarian
- Physician
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Physical Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Podiatrist
- Nurse
- Chiropractor
- Cytotechnologist
- Genetic Counselor
- Occupational Therapist
- Audiologist
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Dietitians & Nutritionists
- Respiratory Therapist
- Radiation Therapist
- Pathology Assistant