Health Professions Pathways
K-State's pre-health students get started on the right path toward a health career by choosing an academic major from more than 250 academic majors/options and then adding one of the health professions pathways below.
Chiropractors work to restore full functionality to their patients' muscular, nervous and skeletal systems using hands-on techniques such as spinal adjustments and manipulations. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. The primary focuses of chiropractic care include nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons and how the connections among them relate to preserving and restoring health. Chiropractors work in cooperation with other healthcare providers when appropriate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for chiropractors is growing faster than average compared to most jobs. Most chiropractors are self employed and work in either a group or solo practice.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences)
Degree Pathway to Become a Chiropractor
Current Doctor of Chiropractic program (DCP) entrance requirements include the following:
- Completion of at least three academic years of undergraduate study (90 semester hours) at an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign agency.
- A GPA of no less than a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for those 90 hours.
- Completion of at least 24 semester hours of life and physical sciences courses with at least half including a substantive laboratory component. These courses will provide an adequate background for success in the DCP; completion of courses leading to a well-rounded general education program in the humanities and social sciences, and other coursework deemed relevant by the DCP for students to successfully complete the DCP curriculum.
An increasing number of chiropractic schools require completion of a bachelor's degree because that is required for licensure in many states.
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Dentists contribute to the general health and quality of patients' lives by relieving pain and providing oral care that is both preventive and restorative. Dentistry is primarily focused on maintaining proper oral health, but it also focuses on improving appearance, which can have an enormous, positive influence on people's lives. Dentists work with people of all ages and enjoy independence, good salaries and a flexible lifestyle. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for dentists is increasing. Many dentists work in private practices either alone or in partnership with other dentists and own their own businesses. Some dentists work as faculty members in academia combining teaching, research, community service and patient care. Others work in public health, research, international healthcare organizations and hospitals. No matter the setting, dentists work in a team environment.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biomedical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Chemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutritional sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Dentists
A bachelor's degree prior to dental school admission is highly recommended. Dental schools are four-year programs leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree. Some dentists begin practicing immediately after completing a DDS or DMD degree. Others choose to complete a dental residency, either to gain advanced training as a general dentist or to become a specialist.
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There are two types of physicians in the United States: Allopathic physicians (MDs) and Osteopathic physicians (DOs). Both types of physicians are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients based on physical examinations and the results of a wide array of tests and other assessments. Physicians provide routine, preventive care and treat people who have sustained injuries or who have medical conditions that range from minor problems to severe, acute and chronic diseases. Both MDs and DOs order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, perform surgery and practice in a variety of specialty areas. Most physicians work as employees of hospitals, community health centers, or multidisciplinary group practices or in privately owned solo or group practices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for physicians is high and expected to continue to grow.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biochemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biological systems engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biomedical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Chemical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutritional sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Medical Doctors
Students must earn a bachelor's degree prior to admission to medical school. In addition to a bachelor's degree, students must also complete the core courses required by the medical schools to which they apply and score competitively on the MCAT. Strong applicants also shadow physicians in a variety of settings and are involved in community service.
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Nursing is a very flexible health career offering employment opportunities in a wide range of work settings. Examples include hospitals, physician offices, long-term care facilities, community healthcare organizations, educational organizations, correctional facilities and homecare and hospice organizations. Nurses work in cooperation with all members of a healthcare team. They care for people of all ages, providing direct patient care such as observing, monitoring, and recording patients' conditions, administering medications, providing wound care, giving educational information and instruction, communicating with physicians and other care providers, directing and supervising nurse aides and providing general physical and emotional support to patients and their families and friends. They also work as educators, managers, researchers and administrators in non-clinical environments. There are numerous nursing specialties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for nurses is very good, and the need for nurses is expected to continue to grow.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a K-State degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Human development and family science (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Integrated Human Sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences)
Nursing Degrees
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) requires completion of either an associate degree (ADN) or a bachelor's degree (BSN). For many positions, the preferred entry level into the profession is the BSN.
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complete only the prerequisites (about 60 semester hours) for application to a traditional two-year BSN program -
complete a bachelor's degree at K-State and then apply to either a traditional or accelerated BSN program. -
The Pathway to Nursing Program is a unique option, with students earning a bachelor's degree from K-State and BSN from Wichita State University.
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This unique dual degree program will give students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from K-State and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) from the College of Health Professions at Wichita State University.
Upon completion of the program, graduates earn two bachelor’s degrees; one from each institution. Students will spend the first three years in their K-State program and earn a BS degree from K-State. Students will then submit an application for WSU’s Traditional BSN program. Accepted students will spend the next two years in the Traditional BSN program, and earn a BSN degree from WSU. Both degree programs will be based in Manhattan, Kansas.
The American Occupational Therapy Association describes the work of occupational therapists (OTs) as "helping people do activities they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations)". Occupational therapists:
- Help clients and their families set personal goals by conducting individualized evaluations.
- Customize therapeutic interventions to help improve their clients' abilities to do daily activities that will help them reach their goals.
- Evaluate their clients' progress, adjusting the interventions as needed.
OTs evaluate clients within their homes, schools and workplaces so they can make the most appropriate suggestions for using adaptive equipment and provide guidance and education for their clients' families, teachers and caregivers. OTs work with people of all ages and abilities. Work settings for OTs include hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools and home health agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for occupational therapists is very good, and the need for OTs is expected to increase much faster than most occupations.
Common Academic Majors
- Human development and family science (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Occupational Therapists
A bachelor's degree is required prior to entering a professional OT education program. Students may choose any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Entry into the OT profession requires at least a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, and some practitioners have earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) degree.
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Optometrists examine the eyes, perform vision tests and diagnose sight problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness. They also diagnose conditions and diseases that affect the eyes, like cataracts, retinopathy, eye infections, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, other visual aids and medications in the states where laws allow it. Some examples of optometric specializations include pediatrics, geriatrics, low vision, rehabilitation, contact lenses and ocular diseases. Optometrists may work as solo practitioners or in a group practice; some are self-employed and some work for corporations or in a physician's office. There are opportunities for optometrists to work in education and research at optometry colleges and as consultants in the eye care industry. The job outlook for optometrists is good, and the need for optometrists is expected to grow, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health/Nutritional sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Optometrists
A bachelor's degree is not required for admission into optometry school. However, nearly all accepted applicants have earned an undergraduate degree prior to entering optometry school. As such, earning a bachelor's degree is highly encouraged.
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Pharmacists dispense medications to patients as prescribed by physicians and other healthcare providers. They communicate directly with healthcare providers who prescribe medications, work with them to ensure medications are correctly delivered and advise them about medication therapy. Pharmacists educate and advise patients about the appropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter medications to help them get the most benefit from the drugs they take and to avoid complications that might arise from drug or food interactions or improper storage or administration of medications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs prospects in pharmacy are good and expected to grow at about the same rate as the average for most professions.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biochemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Chemical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Chemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Microbiology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health/Nutritional Sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Pharmacists
Entry into the Pharmacy profession requires completion of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Admission requirements vary among Pharm.D. programs; some require completion of a bachelor's degree and some do not. Completing a bachelor's degree is recommended for pre-pharmacy students because they are better prepared for the academic rigor of pharmacy school, and some Pharm.D. programs give preference to applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree.
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Physical therapists (PTs) work with people of all ages, from infants to the very elderly. They diagnose and treat people with medical problems and physical conditions that prevent them from moving and doing activities they want and need to do. PTs examine patients and establish individualized treatment plans that focus on maintaining and restoring mobility, relieving pain and avoiding disability. PTs also promote fitness and wellness to help people live active, healthful lifestyles. They also work with people to prevent the onset or progression of symptoms, impairments and physical limitations that may result from a variety of diseases or conditions. Typical work settings for PTs include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, fitness facilities and outpatient clinics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for PTs is very good, and the need for PTs is expected to grow.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Athletic training and rehabilitation sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Physical Therapists
Entry into the PT profession requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A bachelor's degree is required for admission to DPT programs.
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Physician Assistants (PAs) work on health care teams with physicians and other providers. They are qualified to provide a broad range of health care services including performing medical interviews and physical examinations, screening and interpreting results of diagnostic studies, diagnosing patients, implementing treatment plans, counseling patients regarding illness and preventative medicine, monitoring patients, and facilitating access to appropriate health care resources. Students may provide these services to individuals of any age in various settings. PAs work in:
- a variety of clinical practice settings with physicians.
- any environment, from large academic institutions to remote rural areas.
- hospitals, single and multi-specialty practice groups, public and private clinics, armed services, and many other settings.
- every area of medicine, including primary care, specialty, and subspecialty practice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for PAs is excellent and expected to grow more than the average for all jobs.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Athletic training and rehabilitation sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health (College of Health and Human Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Physician Assistants
The minimum education required to enter the PA profession is the master's degree and, with a few exceptions, a bachelor's degree is required before entering a PA program.
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Kansas State University physician assistant program leads to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree. The program follows the traditional medical model of training, providing in-depth analysis of disease processes, diagnosis and treatment, and prepares students to serve as primary health care providers who practice medicine with physician supervision.
The 27-month physician assistant program will admit 44 students once a year and is designed to prepare graduates to provide medical care as part of an interprofessional health care team. The curriculum consists of three semesters of classroom training (didactic), followed by four semesters of clinical rotations (clinical). All students enter as a single cohort in early January, complete seven continuous full-time semesters, and graduate in May with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree.
Veterinarians provide healthcare for pets, livestock, zoo animals, sporting animals and laboratory animals. Some veterinary specialists work to protect people against animal-borne diseases, others help restore health to sick or injured animals, some conduct research to increase knowledge about animal health and disease, and others are involved in food production, safety and inspection. The veterinary profession is also involved in aquaculture, comparative medical research and international disease control. In addition to private clinics and hospitals, some veterinarians provide educational services through state, local and private agencies, and some are employed by the government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for veterinarians is good and expected to grow. Many veterinarians are self-employed owners of their own businesses and work in either solo practices or in partnership with other veterinarians.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a bachelor's degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Animal sciences and industry (College of Agriculture)
- Biochemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biomedical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Chemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
Degree Pathway for Veterinarians
Completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) is required to become a veterinarian. K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine offers the DVM degree, which is a four-year program. An early admission program is available to exceptional high school students. Although a bachelor's degree is not required for admission to veterinary school, the majority of applicants who are accepted have completed one.
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