Pennsylvania Medical Specialties Graduate Schools On-Campus Programs

access to more program choices.

Online programs can be limited since demonstration and interaction are via distance. There is something to be said for participating in live discussion, and having access to libraries, laboratories, student services and the support of classmates and professors. For some individuals, the choice isn’t ‘why?’ it’s ‘where?’ or even, ‘how do I choose a medical specialties graduate school out of all these options?’ Here are a few point to reflect on:

School Location: If location is important to you, initiate a search using a specific popular city, state or country; filter for specific medical specialties graduate degree programs;

Research: If research facilities and technological resources are important for you, compare the offerings of a few campus programs;

Leadership: If who you study from is important, compare institutions by their faculty. Sometimes you might find a professor who you feel would make a good mentor or advisor;

Education: If course curriculum is important for you, read the descriptions and course outlines to find one that resonates with you. Look for an integrated or well-rounded curriculum;

Business Basics: If your goal is to enter into a private client business such as the chiropractic profession, you might want to evaluate whether a school’s program offers you those real world business skills;

Culture and Community: If the campus atmosphere is important for you, schedule a visit to several medical specialties graduate schools to experience it first hand; while there, read or try to speak with, alumni to see what they have to say about the school you are interested in;

Time to Completion: Some schools may offer accelerated masters or professional degree programs; you can also refine your search based on masters or doctorate programs;

Financial Matters: If affordability is important to you, find out about scholarships or financing. Financial aid is usually only available at accredited schools;

Medical Specialties Graduate Schools: What is Your Specialty?

Searching for a medical specialties graduate school requires you to determine just what type of program you are interested in. Some of these categories could include:

• Alternative Medicine Graduate Schools –Campus programs

(E.g. Study Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine)

• Chiropractic Medicine Graduate Schools –Campus programs

(E.g. Earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree)

• Dental Medicine Graduate Schools –Campus programs

(E.g. Earn a Doctor of Dentistry degree)

• Medicine and Premed Graduate Schools –Campus programs

(E.g. Study Basic Medical Sciences, earn a Medical Doctor degree)

• Optometry Graduate Schools –Campus programs

(E.g. Study ophthalmology, optometry)

• Physician Assistant Graduate Schools –Campus programs

(E.g. Study integrative health, clinical science, clinical rotations)

• Respiratory Therapy Graduate Schools –Campus programs

(E.g. Study respiratory care)

Accreditation

Since medical specialty fields are regulated, meaning there is usually a state licensure protocol that hinges on the individual having earned a graduate degree from an accredited school and / or program. Many of the specialized programs, in addition to being available at regionally and nationally accredited institutions, are also accredited for their curriculums. For instance, about 200 physician assistant education programs were accredited in 2014^[ii], and in 2015 more than 60 dental school programs were accredited. Each ‘medical specialty’ has its own accrediting agency which vets the courses to ensure that industry standards are upheld. A few resources for your search:

• The Commission on Dental Accreditation^[iii]
• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc.^[iv]
• The Council on Chiropractic Education
• American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS)^[v]
• American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)^[vi]
• The Commission of Accreditation for Respiratory Care^[vii]
• American Board of Optometry^[viii]

Take the Next Step

Practical, personal and professional factors in mind, browse our list of sponsored Medical Specialties Graduate Schools with campus, or residential program options. Many of the listings have links to a school’s website and a tab to request information about enrollment deadlines and admissions procedures.