Explore Health Professions
The years spent at Cornell are a time for both the exploration of the curriculum and preparation for future professions. Whether you feel certain of your goals or are just beginning to look at your options, it is important to learn more about what career pathways exist and how to pursue them successfully. Being informed helps you make meaningful decisions. We recommend the following as a guiding framework for researching different professions and deciding what resonates with you:
- Conduct online research
- Consult the HPAC Pre-Health Guide module for Getting Started
- Consult the Pre-Vet Canvas Course
- Shadow a variety of different health professionals
- Informational interviews
- Attend events, talks, webinars, etc. (virtual and in person)
- Take courses and talk with faculty/instructors
- Network at conferences and symposiums, via CUeLINKS, LinkedIn, etc.
- Work with HPAC, Cornell Career Services (Career Development Toolkit), and other advisors
Explore different educational and experiential requirements, learn about career growth and trajectories, and discover what a “day in the life” looks like. Identify what core values are important to you and determine what career pathway aligns with your vision of success, including a work/life balance that works for you. We encourage you to keep a journal of your thought process.
Healthcare Professions
Allopathic Medicine (MD, MD/PhD more info below)
| American Association of Medical Colleges | Applying to MD/PhD Programs – AMCAS |
| Careers in Medicine (AMCAS) | Texas Schools – TMDSAS |
| Aspiring Docs | Explore Health Careers – Allopathic Medicine |
| MD-PhD Dual Degree Training - AMCAS | MD Occupational Outlook Handbook – US Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Dental Medicine (DDS, DMD)
| American Student Dental Association | Dental Specialties |
| American Dental Education Association | Explore Health Careers – Dental Medicine |
| Occupational Outlook Handbook – US Bureau of Labor Statistics | Other Careers in Oral Care – US Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Go Dental | Texas Schools – TMDSAS |
| ADEA AADSAS | TMDSAS (Texas Schools) |
Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Physician Assistant (PA)
Optometric Medicine (OD)
Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
| American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) | American Veterinary Medical Association Channel | Explore Health Careers – Veterinarian |
| Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) | Occupational Outlook Handbook – US Bureau of Labor Statistics | Texas Schools – TMDSAS |
The majority of veterinary schools do not require a standardized exam. Some may require the GRE. Please check directly with your program of interest for updated requirements.
Other Direct Care Professions
| Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA, CRNA) | Nursing |
| Athletic Training | Nutrition (Registered Dietitian, RDN) |
| Chiropractic | Occupational Therapy |
| Clinical Dietician (RD, RDN) | Orthotics and Prosthetics |
| Clinical Psychology (Clinical Psychologist, PsyD or PhD) | Pharmacy |
| Communication and Speech Disorders (CSD) Professions: Audiologist, Speech Language Pathologist | Physical Therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT) |
| Genetic Counseling | Respiratory Therapy |
Dual Degree Pathways
Individuals who wish to blend health care/medicine with the discovery and application of new knowledge may wish to pursue a dual degree to receive comprehensive training in both areas. We encourage students interested in this pathway to work with HPAC and the Pre-Health Guide.
Generally the requirements will mirror your chosen health career profession, although this may vary depending on the doctoral field of interest. Significant research experience is expected. Please check directly with your school/program of interest for specifics.
There are multiple dual degree programs: MD/PhD, DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, DMD/PhD, DVM/PhD, OD/PhD, DPM/PhD. HPAC support for dual degrees combining health career professions and MBAs, MPHs, JDs, etc. is forthcoming.
Health professional programs also have technical standards that must be met to ensure students can perform the duties of their profession. Please familiarize yourself with each institution’s technical and professional standards, which can vary across programs. Schools are generally prepared to provide reasonable accommodations at their discretion, provided the student can still complete the curriculum and functions of their future job. You are welcome to meet with a Pre-Health advisor in HPAC to discuss general expectations and strategize communicating with schools about accommodations.
The HPAC Pre-Health Guide will delve deeper once you decide on a pre-health track.
Learn more about the Pre-Health Guide next.