Descriptions of Various Health Professions

Allopathic Medicine

The allopathic physician (M.D.) performs a spectrum of functions that includes promotion of health, prevention of disease, diagnosis and treatment of disease, rehabilitation, basic and applied research, teaching and organization and delivery of health services. The medical curriculum is four years in length, followed by residency training for a minimum of three years, depending on the area of specialization. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required of all applicants.

Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest growing health professions in the U.S. The osteopathic physician (D.O.) is trained and licensed to give complete medical care to patients, including promotion of health, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, rehabilitation and organization and delivery of health services. The training of the osteopathic physician is based on the philosophy that the body is a single unit, where structure and function are interrelated, with the musculoskeletal system playing a significant role in health and disease. The D.O. and M.D. earn equivalent degrees; they are both complete physicians. As with M.D.s, D.O.s attend medical school for four years, with one year of internship and a minimum of two years of residency, depending on the specialty. The MCAT is required off all applicants.

Dentistry

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D) is the medical profession devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity. Dentistry has changes drastically over the last few decades because of evolving dental technologies. The dentist is a medical practitioner and scientist functioning in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all oral diseases and conditions. Dental school is four years in length, with optional residencies in specialty areas of dentistry. The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required of all applicants.

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians (D.V.M.) are doctors and scientists who are trained in the health care of animals and prevention and treatment of animal diseases. These professionals work closely with people in this endeavor whether it be pet owners, ranchers or farmers. Veterinarians also play significant roles in the conservation of livestock, promotion of public health (both animal and human) and in the advancement of medical knowledge through research. Four years of veterinary school are required to become Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Most Veterinary schools require either the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Physicians Assistant

Physician Assistants (P.A.) are trained personnel who provide patient services under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician (D.O. or M.D.). The P.A. practice is centered on patient care. Their duties can include obtaining patient histories, performing physicals, performing diagnostic and therapeutic functions, ordering and interpreting diagnostic testing, providing emergency medical services, assisting in surgery and prescribing medications. The job market for P.A.s is excellent. Physician Assistant training programs are generally two years in length. The majority of applicants have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to entering P.A. school. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required by many schools.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists (P.T.) seek to prevent injury and functional limitations, to maintain and promote fitness, health and quality of life. They are trained to work with many different kinds of patients, from people with disabilities, to those recovering from accidents, to world class athletes. Physical therapists help improve patients’ strength and mobility, relieve pain, educate on the importance of fitness and conditioning and help people to avoid and recover from injuries at work or play. Physical Therapy involves the evaluation of muscular strength and endurance, muscle tone and reflexes, function of the heart and lungs and performance of activities required for daily living. Physical therapy techniques include, among others, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic massage, joint mobilization and range of motion exercises and utilize ultrasound, hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, electrotherapy and laser therapy. Physical therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, pediatric centers and colleges and universities. Programs are generally two to three years in length and most require an undergraduate degree with heavy coursework in the sciences in addition to a strong liberal arts background. The majority of programs now offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.). The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required by some schools.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists (O.T.) work with people experiencing health problems such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, cancer, congenital conditions, developmental problems and mental illness. Occupational therapy helps people regain, develop and build skills that are essential for independent functioning, health and well-being. Occupational therapy services include, but are not limited to, the assessment, treatment and education of individuals, interventions directed toward daily living skills, work readiness or performance, or play skills or leisure capacities; providing for the development of neuromuscular functioning and range of motion; and emotional, cognitive or psychosocial components of performance. Occupational Therapists work in such settings as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities and patients' homes. Programs are generally two years in length and typically require the completion of an undergraduate degree. Many programs are now offering a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (D.O.T.). The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required by some schools.

Optometry

Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) provide the major portion of vision care in the United States. Optometrists are health care professionals who are specifically educated, clinically trained and licensed to examine the eyes, diagnose problems and provide treatment. They examine the eyes for the presence of vision problems, eye diseases and other abnormalities. Optometry school is four years in length. The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) is required of all applicants.

Pharmacy

Pharmacists (Pharm.D.) are the primary dispensers of medicines and health supplies. They serve as a prime source of information on health topics. They are specialists in the science of drugs, including their composition, chemical and physical properties, manufacture and use, purity and strength. Pharmacists may work in community practice, hospital pharmacies, federal programs, sales and marketing, or research and development. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree takes four years of study in pharmacy school. The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is required for all applicants.

Chiropractic Medicine

Chiropractic medicine (D.C.) is a health care science and healing art that emphasizes the relationship between body structure (primarily the spine) and function (primarily the nervous system) of the human body. The chiropractic approach strengthens the inherent recuperative powers of the human body and does not employ the use of surgery or drugs. Chiropractic school is four years in length and most applicants earn a bachelor’s degree before enrolling.

Podiatric Medicine

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) specializes in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the foot and lower extremities. With the growth in the concern for physical fitness through jogging, running and hiking, the demand for podiatric medical services is growing rapidly. Podiatrists serve a vital role as part of the health care team, caring for disabilities of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists work in private practice, as part of a hospital staff, in orthopedic clinics and in connection with sports training facilities. Podiatric school is four years in length, followed by a one to three year residency program. The MCAT is required of all its applicants.

Nursing

Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress in patients; assist physicians during surgeries, treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs also develop and manage nursing care plans, instruct patients and their families in proper care and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. While State laws govern the tasks that RNs may perform, it is usually the work setting that determines their daily job duties.