students at desk on laptops

As a pre-health student, you will work with your academic advisors plus a member of the Graduate School Planning Advisors to design a course of study that is suited to your career goals. Your major and the pre-requisites taken for your specific area will help you get the foundational knowledge needed to advance into graduate health sciences. The Mount’s liberal arts foundation will help prepare you as a critical thinker, an ethical leader, and a strong communicator.  These qualities make for well-rounded, knowledgeable candidates for graduate programs in the health sciences.

You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest area, though some majors have certain graduate school pre-requisites built in and others may require you to add them in as electives. Nearly all graduate level health sciences programs require a strong grasp on the sciences, though the requirements will vary from program to program.  Your Graduate School Planning Advisor will help you understand exactly what is required to meet your career goals.

Hear from the Graduate School Planning Advisors directly!

Advantages for Pre-Health Students: MSJ Students Have Gone to Grad Programs at:
  • Individual, group advising with experienced faculty members focused on supporting you in building a strong application to a graduate health sciences program
  • Shadowing & volunteer opportunities
  • Exposure to healthcare professionals in the local community
  • Resume/CV support
  • Personal statement development
  • Interview skill building
  • Graduate school preparation courses
  • Access to the Graduate School Planning Blackboard, with career overviews, upcoming events, updated admission test information (GRE, MCAT, etc.), networking opportunities, info from related national organizations, and more
  • A close connection with staff in the Career & Experiential Center and in the Academic Advising Resource Center
  • Indiana University
  • Kettering College
  • Miami University
  • Mount St. Joseph University
  • Northern Kentucky University
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Dayton
  • University of Louisville
  • University of Michigan
  • West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Xavier University

Athletic Training

  About the Field
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.MSJ Athletic Trainers
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biomedical sciences, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice
Master of Science in Athletic Training
  Median Salary
$48,440
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals, clinics, primary care offices
  • Athletics, Sports: professional, collegiate, high school
  • Law enforcement, military
  • Occupational settings (corporate wellness)
  • Performing arts
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Audiology

  About the Field
Audiology is the science of hearing. An audiologist uses evidence-based practice to prevent, identify, diagnose, and treat auditory and balance disorders.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be in speech, language, and hearing sciences.
  Education Required for Practice
Doctor of Audiology
  Median Salary
$77,600
  Career Settings
  • Hospital
  • Private Practice
  • Long-term Care Facilities
  • Schools (all levels)
  • Developmental Learning Centers
  • Treatment Centers
  • Facilities for People with Intellectual Disabilities
  • State/Federal Government Offices
  • Public Heath Offices
  • Non-Profits
  • Military
  • Hearing Conservation Programs
  Testing
The GRE is a four-hour computerized exam that includes two multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning) and an Analytical Writing Section. The reasoning sections are scored individually on a scale from 130 to 170 in one point increments and the writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in 0.5 point increments. Additional information and free test preparation materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre.

Chiropractic Medicine

  About the Field
Chiropractors focus on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biomedical sciences, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
  Median Salary
$70,340
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals, clinics
  • Private practice
  • Athletics, Sports: professional, collegiate

Behavioral and Mental Health Counseling

  About the Field
As a discipline, behavioral health includes mental health, psychiatric, marriage and family counseling and addictions treatment, and may refer to services provided by social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, neurologists or physicians.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be behavioral science, criminology, psychology, social work, or sociology.
  Education Required for Practice
  • Master in Mental Health or Clinical Counseling
  • Master in Social Work (MSW)
  • Doctor in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
  • Doctor of Education in School Psychology or Educational Psychology (EdD)
  Median Salary
$46,240 - $78,200 depending on the degree
  Career Path Options
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Career Counseling
  • Clinical Mental Health or Community Agency Counseling
  • Marriage, Couple, Family Counseling
  • School Counseling
  • Student Affairs and College Counseling
  • Gerontological Counseling
  • Counselor Education & Supervision
  • Research
  Testing

The GRE is an exam that is required for admission into some graduate programs. It is a four-hour computerized exam that includes two multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning) and an Analytical Writing Section. The reasoning sections are scored individually on a scale from 130 to 170 in one point increments and the writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in 0.5 point increments.  The GRE is offered year-round but you must wait 60 days to retake the exam. Students should take the exam 12-18 months before the expected date of entry to the professional program. Each school has its own minimum requirements.  Additional information and free test preparation materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre.  

Dentistry

  About the Field
Dentists are professionals who maintain the health of oral structures such as teeth, gums, palates, tongue and other tissues. They prevent, diagnose and treat oral diseases as well as oral-facial anomalies.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice
  • Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD)
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS)
  • Post graduate work for orthodontia or oral surgery
  Median Salary
$155,600
  Career Settings
  • Private practice, general or specialist
  • Academic dentistry
  • Research
  • Public health
  • International healthcare
  • Federal government
  • Military
  Testing
DAT: In order to apply to dental school, students are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The DAT is a four-and-a-half hour computerized exam. It includes four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test should be taken at least one year prior to the planned date of dental school enrollment.

Genetic Counseling

  About the Field
Genetic counseling is a process to evaluate and understand a family's risk of an inherited medical condition. A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional with specialized training in medical genetics and counseling.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biochemistry, biology, exercise science and integrated health, or nursing.
  Education Required for Practice
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
  Median Salary
$81,880
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals, medical centers, clinics
  • Diagnostic laboratories
  • Health maintenance organizations
  • Non-profits
  • Government
  Testing
The GRE is an exam that is required for admission into some graduate programs. It is a four-hour computerized exam that includes two multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning) and an Analytical Writing Section. The reasoning sections are scored individually on a scale from 130 to 170 in one point increments and the writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in 0.5 point increments.  The GRE is offered year-round but you must wait 60 days to retake the exam. Students should take the exam 12-18 months before the expected date of entry to the professional program. Each school has its own minimum requirements.  Additional information and free test preparation materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre.  

Medicine (Allopathic or Osteopathic)

  About the Field

Physicians diagnose and treat disease. Following undergraduate education, students train for four years in medical school. Medical school training is then followed by three or more years of residency and fellowship training.

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  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice

Doctorate, with some post graduate training for specializations.

  • Doctorate of Medicine (MD): Allopathic medical school training
  • Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Osteopathic medical school training
  Median Salary
$201,590
  Career Path Options
  • Anesthesiology
  • Cardiovascular medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Emergency medicine
  • Family medicine
  • Internal medicine
  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • Radiation oncology
  • Sports medicine
  • Surgery
  Testing
MCAT: In order to apply to medical school, students are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). It includes four multiple-choice sections (Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Living Systems; Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills). These sections are scored individually on a scale from 118 to 132. Students should take the exam 12-16 months before the expected date of entry to medical school. Additional information is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.

Nursing (Graduate Pre-Licensure)

  About the Field

Nursing is the art and science of caring which should be universally accessible, and practiced in partnership with clients and colleagues from other disciplines. Nursing's professional and social accountability is exercised through a commitment to evidence-based practice, the principles of planned change, quality improvement, life-long learning, cultural sensitivity and participation in professional, social, and political arenas (Mount St. Joseph University Nursing Philosophy, 2006).

 

Colleges/universities typically offer four year programs with studies in nursing, sciences, and liberal arts that grant a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN). Now, colleges and universities have second degree options. These programs are developed for individuals with bachelor degrees in other areas of study that want to return to school to obtain a nursing degree. Degrees granted may be at the bachelor level or higher. All of these programs allow an individual upon successful completion of the course of study to take the NCLEX Exam (licensing exam needed to practice nursing).

 

Mount St. Joseph University offers pre-licensure nursing programs that include the traditional BSN program and a second degree option, the accelerated MAGELIN (entry level MSN) program. Mount St. Joseph University also offers graduate programs in nursing (MSN, DNP).

 

  Suggested Majors

You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, health and exercise science, or natural science.

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Optometry

  About the Field
Optometrists are primary health care providers for the treatment and care of the eye and related structures. They examine, diagnose and treat conditions that may affect vision including systemic disorders that lead to visual deficits.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice
Doctor of Optometry (DO)
  Median Salary
$115,250
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals
  • Private, group practice
  • Retail optical settings
  • Academic or industry research
  • Professional sports
  • Government
  • Consulting
  Testing
OAT: The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is designed to provide optometry education programs with a means to assess program applicants’ potential for success. The OAT is comprised of multiple-choice test items presented in the English language. The test consists of a battery of four assessments on the following: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Physics, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Occupational Therapy

  About the Field
Occupational Therapists are health care professionals who assist individuals of all ages in activities associated with everyday life and occupational concerns. Occupational therapists provide comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home, school and work environments, make recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, therapeutic interventions to achieve maximal outcomes and provide education for family members and caregivers when needed. Occupational therapists utilize a holistic perspective in which the focus is on adapting an individual’s environment to fit the person.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biomedical sciences or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MOT)
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Generally, programs are moving away from the MOT and moving toward an entry level OTD (masters not required). As long as students enroll in an accredited program that allows them to sit for the NBCOT exam at the end of the graduate program, they can be certified to practice.

  Median Salary
$84,950
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals
  • Private practice, physician offices
  • Schools
  • Home health services
  • Long term care facilities
  Testing
The GRE is an exam that is required for admission into some graduate programs. It is a four-hour computerized exam that includes two multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning) and an Analytical Writing Section. The reasoning sections are scored individually on a scale from 130 to 170 in one point increments and the writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in 0.5 point increments.  The GRE is offered year-round but you must wait 60 days to retake the exam. Students should take the exam 12-18 months before the expected date of entry to the professional program. Each school has its own minimum requirements.  Additional information and free test preparation materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre.

Pharmacy

  About the Field
Pharmacists dispense prescription drugs and help patients to understand the instructions that are provided by physicians and other health practitioners. They monitor patients' health and progress to make sure their medications are working effectively and safely.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or biomedical sciences.
  Education Required for Practice
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D.)
  Median Salary
$128,090
  Career Settings
  • Retail pharmacy
  • Hospitals, medical centers, clinics
  • Physician offices
  • Poison control centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Government, military
  Testing
PCAT: Most U.S. pharmacy schools require the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) for admission. The PCAT is a three-and-a-half hour computerized exam. The exam includes five subtests: Writing, Biological Processes, Chemical Processes, Critical Reading, and Quantitative Reasoning. The exam is administered a limited number of times each year at Pearson VUE Test Centers. Students should register several months in advance if possible. It is advised that students take the PCAT exam 12-16 months before the expected date of entry to pharmacy school.

Physician Assistant Studies

  About the Field
Physician assistants (PAs) are medical practitioners who work as a team with physicians for the care, diagnosis and treatment of patients. They practice in private practices, clinics, hospitals and other health-care institutions and serve in fields from general practitioner to surgical specialties._S5A8256.jpg
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

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  Median Salary
$112,260
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals, medical centers
  • Private practice
  • Government, military
  • Community health centers, rural health clinics, pro bono clinics
  • Urgent care
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  Testing
The GRE is an exam that is required for admission into some graduate programs. It is a four-hour computerized exam that includes two multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning) and an Analytical Writing Section. The reasoning sections are scored individually on a scale from 130 to 170 in one point increments and the writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in 0.5 point increments.  The GRE is offered year-round but you must wait 60 days to retake the exam. Students should take the exam 12-18 months before the expected date of entry to the professional program. Each school has its own minimum requirements.  Additional information and free test preparation materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre.

Physical Therapy

  About the Field

Physical therapists are health care professionals who assist individuals of all ages in maximizing their functional abilities. Physical therapists care directly for patients with musculoskeletal or neuromuscular conditions in order to restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.

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  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biomedical sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice

Doctor of Physical Therapy

  Median Salary
$89,440
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals, medical centers
  • Private practice
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Home health agencies, nursing facilities
  • Schools
  • Sports and fitness centers
  • Corporate wellness settings

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  Testing
The GRE is an exam that is required for admission into some graduate programs. It is a four-hour computerized exam that includes two multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning) and an Analytical Writing Section. The reasoning sections are scored individually on a scale from 130 to 170 in one point increments and the writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in 0.5 point increments.  The GRE is offered year-round but you must wait 60 days to retake the exam. Students should take the exam 12-18 months before the expected date of entry to the professional program. Each school has its own minimum requirements.  Additional information and free test preparation materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre.

Podiatry

  About the Field
Podiatrists diagnose and treat diseases of the foot and ankle. Following undergraduate education, students train for four years in podiatry school.  Podiatry school is then followed by two or more years of residency training.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice
Doctor of Medicine and post-doc study under a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
  Median Salary
$126,240
  Career Path Options
  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Public Health
  • Sports Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Dermatology
  • Radiology
  • Geriatric
  • Diabetic Foot Care
  Testing
MCAT: In order to apply to medical school, students are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). It includes four multiple-choice sections (Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Living Systems; Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills). These sections are scored individually on a scale from 118 to 132. Students should take the exam 12-16 months before the expected date of entry to medical school. Additional information is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.

Public Health

  About the Field
Public health professionals serve local, national, and international communities and confront complex health issues, such as improving access to health care, controlling infectious disease, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury. You can consider public health as a career path in itself, or you can have a public health focus in your health care interest area!
  Suggested Majors

You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, chemistry, health and exercise science, natural science, nursing, psychology, sociology, or social work.

  Education Needed for Practice
Since public health focuses on disease prevention at the community level, there are many options for further study. Some to consider are listed here, but this is not an exhaustive list of all possibilities.
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • Master of Science in Biostatistics
  • Master of Science in Epidemiology
  • Master of Non-Profit Management (or Leadership)
  Areas of Specialization
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Biostatistics, Informatics
  • Community Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Disparities
  • Health Policy
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Communication
  • International Health
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Social Sciences

Registered Dietician and Nutritionist (Graduate)

  About the Field

What we eat and drink significantly impacts our health, and controlling diet can prevent or improve many health problems. Nutritionists use food science to help people become or remain healthy. Registered Dieticians (RDs) are nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential. They work in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice.

  Suggested Majors

You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or nursing. 

Department of Exercise Science and Integrative Health is in discussions with Union Institute and other regional programs regarding articulation agreements for MSDN admissions.

  Education Required for Practice
Post-bac or Master in Nutrition with RDN eligibility
  Median Salary
$61,270
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals, clinics (public & private)
  • Nursing homes, home health agencies
  • Fitness centers
  • Corporate wellness
  • Food industry
  • Schools (in research, education, athletics, or working with the school cafeterias)
  • Private practice
  • Professional sports teams

Social Work (Graduate)

  About the Field

Social work is a profession that is committed to helping all people function the best they can in their environment. Master’s level social workers (MSWs) can operate in more advanced and independent career options, such as in clinical settings or private practice.

  Suggested Majors
To complete a 1-year MSW, students must have a BSW. However, you can apply for a 2-year MSW with any degree. Suggested degrees may be sociology, psychology, or health and exercise science.
  Education Required for Practice
Master in Social Work (MSW)
  Median Salary
$41,000 - $71,000 depending on area of practice
  Career Settings
  • Schools (all levels)
  • Hospitals, medical centers, physician offices
  • Mental health and substance use clinics
  • Senior centers, nursing homes
  • Private practice
  • Prisons
  • Corporations
  • Military
  • Social services agencies
  • Non-profits
  • Elected office and policy advocacy organizations

Speech Language Pathology

  About the Field
Speech Language Pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be in speech, language, and hearing sciences.
  Education Required for Practice
  • Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
  • Clinical Doctorate in Speech Language Pathology (CScD, SLPD)
  • PhD in Communication Science Disorders (CSD)
  Median Salary
$79,120
  Career Settings
  • Hospitals, medical centers
  • Private/group practice
  • Residential & non-residential facilities for adults and children with disabilities
  • Education (K-12 through higher education)
  • Developmental learning centers
  • Government (federal & state)
  • Uniformed services
  • Hearing conservation programs

Veterinary Medicine

  About the Field
Veterinarians diagnose and treat disease in animals. Following their undergraduate education, students train for four years in veterinary school.  Veterinary school training is then often followed by one or more years of internships and residency training.
  Suggested Majors
You may choose any undergraduate major that fits your interest. Some to consider for this major would be biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or biomedical sciences.
  Education Required for Practice
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  Median Salary
$95,460
  Career Settings
  • Academia
  • Animal shelters
  • Associations (such as non-profit organizations, shelters)
  • Small animal clinic
  • Large animal clinic
  • Rehabilitation and sport vet medicine
  • Emergency vet medicine
  • Zoo medicine
  • Wildlife medicine
  • Aquatic vet medicine
  • Computer software development
  • Government, military
  • Diagnostic laboratories
  • Private industry
  • Forensic vet medicine