SUNY Oswego - Health Science Careers

Welcome to the pre-health science advising page created and maintained by Dr. Jim MacKenzie in the Department of Biological Sciences at SUNY Oswego. The following information should be used as a guide by students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences. This page is in no way comprehensive, and should be used as a start for students to explore the careers that are available and the resources that are available to help them get the education/job that they want.

Careers in the Health Sciences

Anesthesiologist Assistant - Chiropractor - Cytotechnologist - Dental Assistant - Dentist - Emergency Medical Technician - Genetic Counselor - Histologist - Home Health Aides - Medical Geneticist - Medical Imaging Specialist - Medical Technologist - Nursing/Nurse Practitioner - Nursing Aides - Occupational Therapy - Optometrist - Perfusionist - Pharmacologist - Physical Therapist - Physician - Physician Assistant - Podiatrist - Public Health Microbiologist - Medical Research - Radiation Therapist -Respiratory Therapist - Sports Medicine - and many others.

Pre-health Experiences

No matter your career choice, it is very important that you get hands-on experience during your undergraduate training. Some health science careers require a specialized Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, which will give you the training during your undergraduate studies. However, many careers require advanced degrees/certifications, and the schools that give you that education/training will be looking for you to have involved yourself in health care settings as a part of their admissions requirements. The following are some of the opportunities that you can take advantage of during your undergraduate careers:

Certified Nursing Assistant
- This certification allows you a better chance to get a paid job while getting your hands-on experience.
- Certification Program at Oswego County BOCES Adult Education
EMT
- Student Association Volunteer Ambulance Corps of Oswego, Inc. (SAVAC)
Hospice Employee/Volunteer
Hospital Employee/Volunteer
Medical Mission Trips
Nursing Home Employee/Volunteer
Pre-med Internship (Bio 498)
- This 3-credit course is set-up for students who are specifically interested in obtaining an MD, DO, or PA graduate degree and is available for only one semester per student in their Junior or Senior year.
- It is recommended that students interested in seeking an MD or DO take the internship in their Junior year.
Summer camps that serve people with illnesses.

Physician (MD, DO, MD/PhD)

Timeline, Majors, Minors, and Coursework

What's the difference between an M.D. & D.O?

American Medical Association

Medical Schools of the U.S. and Canada

Medical School Admission Requirements
Average MCAT and GPA scores
American Medical College Application Service
M.D./Ph.D. Programs
AAMC Curriculum Directory (information about medical school curricula and joint, dual, and combined-degree programs)

American Osteopathic Association

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic Medical Schools of the U.S.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

SUNY Oswego Pre-med Advisory Committee

Naturopathic Physician (ND)

Physician Assistant (PA)

Physical Therapy (PT)

Medical Research (MS, PhD, MD, MD/PhD)

Dentistry (DDS)

Pharmacy (PharmD)

Optometry (OD)

Allied Health Careers

List of Allied Health Careers
Allied Health Professional Associations
Allied Health Accrediting Agencies
Allied Health Salary Ranges
2+2 Program with SUNY Upstate Medical University
- Participating in Oswego's 2+2 articulation agreements with SUNY Upstate does not guarantee acceptance into the SUNY Upstate program. Articulation agreements are intended to promote easy transition from Oswego into the specific Upstate program for those students that are accepted into the SUNY Upstate program. For more information, see the articulation agreement below.
- Program Prerequisites
Occupational Therapy (OT), OT Assistant

Please report dead links to jmackenz@oswego.edu