GradSchools.com has an extensive listings page and you can literally click on any subject in the health medicine graduate programs directory to find out more about the degrees associated or offered in that area. Some of these fields actually contain subfields too, so you can really get specific in terms of finding a program. Here’s a for instance: Biomedical Science also includes Biotechnology as well as Immunology and Cancer Biology. Medical Specialties includes alternative medicine, chiropractic, dental medicine and medicine and pre med programs amongst others. On the other hand, Health Informatics graduate programs are focused in on that one subject. Although, it is likely you could find areas of concentration such as biomedical informatics within the larger context.
In other words, really explore the subject selection, because there are layers to it. Once you have selected the academic program, it gets easier to pinpoint the right program, as you can then choose the degree level (masters, doctorate, certificate)
There’s more to Health Care than Medicine and Pre Med
Bear in mind that there are:
- Non-science oriented avenues (e.g. Master of Business Administration-Healthcare Management, Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration)
- Very focused nursing programs (e.g. MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN-Executive Leadership, Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Scientific programs that range from the technical to the clinical (e.g. Master of Computational Imaging and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Biological Science: Anesthesia M.S.
- Alternative to traditional medical degrees (e.g. Master in Acupuncture, oriental Medicine, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees)
Medical School or Online Health Degree?
Once you have waded through the different types of Health Medicine Graduate degrees, decided between public health, health services, health sciences and healthcare, you want to consider the learning method that works with your lifestyle and schedule. Quite commonly, but not in every case, no matter which academic track you select, there are part-time and full-time programs, on-campus and online class formats.
Some graduate degrees, especially research-focused or purely coursework-oriented programs tend to lend themselves well to a distance-learning option. Many graduate schools offer both campus and online health and medicine degree programs to accommodate currently working grad students. Other types of degrees where there could be a high level of laboratory work or hands-on practical coursework, you may want to opt for onsite. In these instances, you might also be able to select a hybrid program – this is a combination of online and on-campus courses.
Selecting your program format becomes another way to pinpoint the right graduate degree in health medicine or find colleges with good medical programs. If you conduct a geographical location search on GradSchools.com you can actually filter programs by city, state or country. Lots of choice, whether at home or abroad!
Licensure and Certification
The other thing to factor in is whether your intended profession requires any licensure or certification you want to ensure that you are choosing a graduate program that prepares you for it. For instance, all states require optometrists to be licensed and to get that license a prospective optometrist must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school and must complete all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam.
Accreditation for Health Medicine Graduate Programs and Schools
Accreditation is important for Health Medicine Graduate Programs you might look into. It’s common that when you do go to pass your exams for licensure in any area, they want to know you have completed an accredited program, or accredited medical school. These accrediting bodies may vary, depending on the subject. Often, you can contact your state’s medical board to verify these details. For medical school questions, check the American Medical Association (AMA).
Ready to Search for Health Medicine Graduate Programs?
There are just so many options for Health and Medicine Graduate Programs it can truly be overwhelming! Just go step by step using the search tools on the site. Remember that graduate school is a time to research a topic or prepare for a career that you are truly engaged with or passionate about. Whether you aspire to work as a dietician, help cure diabetes in the lab, treat patients, run a hospital, or develop new drug protocols, there are teams of highly trained professionals in all these fields who may have started out with the desire to work in wellness. So take the next step and look into all that a Health Medicine Graduate program has to offer you!