Which Area of Healthcare Calls You?
At Juniata pre-health students are introduced to local, national, and global models of healthcare through a variety of experiences including traditional coursework, experiential learning, internships, and study abroad. Additionally, we provide guidance and learning opportunities to understand the wide variety of healthcare fields an individual can enter. Explore below to see the various paths we support and help students gain an understanding of their best fit in the healthcare field.
Healthcare is increasingly becoming based on a wellness, rather than a disease based model. Modern care is holistic and inter-professional. This approach requires a team-based approach to care combining traditional and complementary medicine.
Medical Practice, Wellness, and Disease
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- Medicine (M.D. or D.O):
- Practice medicine specifically: allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.).
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- Veterinarian (D.V.M.)
- Train in the medical and surgical treatment of animals.
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- Naturopathic Physician (N.D.)
- Emphasize prevention, treatment, and optimal health.
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- Chiropractor (D.C.)
- Diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.
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- Physician Assistant (P.A.)
- Diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider.
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- Nursing
- Focus on the care of individuals, families and communities.
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- Podiatry (DPM)
- Train in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
Population Based, Big Picture, More than an Individual
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- Health Communication
- Study communication as it relates to health professionals and health education.
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- Healthcare Administration
- Practice leadership, management, and administration of healthcare systems, hospitals and outpatient facilities.
Mental Health Focus
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- Medical Social Work (MSW)
- Practice as a mental health professional who assists families and individuals in a health care setting.
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- Genetic Counseling (MS)
- Specialize in genetics and counseling to provide personalized help patients may need as they make decisions about their genetic health.
Mechanical and Body Focus
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- Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Remediate impairments and promote mobility and function.
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- Occupational Therapy (MSOT or DOT)
- Use assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities.
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- Chiropractor (D.C.)
- Diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.
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- Podiatry (DPM)
- Train in the medical and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
Technical and Detail Oriented
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- Dentistry (DMD)
- Focus on maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other tissues in and around the mouth.
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- Optometry (OD)
- Focus on maintaining the health of the eye.
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- Audiology (AuD)
- Specialize in identifying, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems.
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- Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions.
