Many students know they want to make a career out of helping others but don’t know where to begin. Whether it’s nursing, athletic training or veterinary medicine, the road to a degree holds many options. That’s why it’s important to learn about the variety of majors and associated careers.   

So you’re passionate about helping others. Great! Now what? To get on the right track it’s important to talk to those in the know. When attending an open house, ask faculty, students and the admissions counselors about all the available options in terms of majors, minors and other healthcare programs.   

Do you like working in a lab? Do you enjoy talking with people? How long do you want to go to school for? Understanding your likes (and, even more importantly, your dislikes) helps you determine which career you may want to pursue and pick an appropriate major. Then you’re able to narrow down your college options to find the best fit for your passions.

Before and after you visit a college, read the relevant pages on their website. Explore all the academic programs, the requirements, and curriculum associated with each, and how they compare school to school. It’s also helpful to research the faculty in your desired program. Are professors experienced and published in their fields? Do they remain active in their fields? These factors are especially valuable as you prepare for either graduate programs or residencies.

Beyond program requirements, take a close look at the college’s relationships and network. For example, if you want to continue to medical school or veterinarian school does the college have agreements and relationships that significantly increase your chances of admittance?

For example, Daemen has a 4+4 agreement with NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine for qualified students to complete their medical degree. Students can also earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in seven years through our partnership with Lincoln Memorial University if they meet qualifications.  

Consider all benefits a college offers. Do they offer meaningful, one-on-one research opportunities with faculty? How robust are their internships and clinical rotations? These experiences are invaluable to you as you begin your career.  

A career in healthcare usually requires more than one degree. And getting multiple degrees requires more time and money. Evaluate a school’s accelerated and linked degree options. Daemen College offers students the opportunity to obtain your undergraduate and graduate degrees seamlessly in many programs. For example, in both PA and PT, undergraduate students maintaining appropriate grades are guaranteed a seat in the upper division and can complete their degree in less time.

Daemen College offers a wide variety of healthcare and health-related majors.

• Athletic Training, BS/MS
• Biology / Cytotechnology, BS/MS
• Health Promotion / Public Health, BS/MPH
• Nursing, 1+2+1; RN to BS
• Physician Assistant, BS/MS
• Physical Therapy, BS/DPT
• Pre-Dentistry
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• Psychology
• Social Work, BA-SW/MSW

And, many of Daemen’s pre-professional programs offer a partnership opportunity for an advanced degree.