Overview of Health Professions

Overview

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants and home health aides.

Registered nurses’ duties and titles often depend on where they work and the patients they work with. For example, an oncology nurse works with cancer patients and a geriatric nurse works with elderly patients. Some registered nurses combine one or more areas of practice. For example, a pediatric oncology nurse works with children and teens who have cancer.

For more information: Registered Nurses (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

There are many potential pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). At SF State, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) on their route to licensure. 

Students who complete other undergraduate majors can still pursue Entry-Level Master’s (ELM) programs in Nursing to transition into the field, as long as they have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for each of the majors listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Biology (Physiology)
• Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)
• Biology (Microbiology)
• Biology (General)
• Nutrition and Dietetics (Dietetics and Nutrition Science)

Overview

Physician assistants (PAs) examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

Physician assistants work in a variety of healthcare specialties, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine and psychiatry. The work of physician assistants depends, in large part, on their specialty or the type of medical practice in which they work. For example, a physician assistant working in surgery may close incisions and provide care before, during and after an operation. A physician assistant working in pediatrics may examine a child and give routine vaccinations.

Physician assistants differ from nurse practitioners in their training and the level of care they provide; for example, nurse practitioners cannot provide surgical care, whereas physician assistants can. They also differ from medical assistants, who do routine clinical and clerical tasks but do not practice medicine.

For more information: Physician Assistants (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

It is possible to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant with any SF State major as long as you have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for each of the majors listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Biology (Physiology)
• Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)
• Biology (Microbiology)
• Biology (General)

Overview

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health. They diagnose, treat and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock and other animals.

Veterinarians treat the injuries and illnesses of pets and other animals with a variety of medical equipment, including surgical tools and x-ray and ultrasound machines. They provide treatment for animals that is similar to the services a physician provides to humans.

For more information: Veterinarians (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

It is possible to pursue a career as a Veterinarian with any SF State major as long as you have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for each of the majors listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology)
• Biology (Physiology)
• Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)
• Biology (Microbiology)
• Biology (General)

Overview

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health. Most dentists are general practitioners and handle a variety of dental needs.

Dentists in private practice also oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and buying equipment and supplies. They employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.

For more information: Dentists (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

It is possible to pursue a career in Dentistry with any SF State major as long as you have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for each of the majors listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Biology (Physiology)
• Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)
• Biology (Microbiology)
• Biology (General)
• Biochemistry

Overview

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses or injuries.

Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, care for people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries; sprains, strains and fractures; arthritis; amputations; neurological disorders, such as stroke or cerebral palsy; injuries related to work and sports; and other conditions.

The work of physical therapists varies by type of patient. For example, a patient working to recover mobility lost after a stroke needs care different from that of a patient recovering from a sports injury. Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care, such as orthopedics or geriatrics. Many physical therapists also help patients maintain or improve mobility by developing fitness and wellness programs that encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

For more information: Physical Therapists (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

It is possible to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist with any SF State major as long as you have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for each of the majors listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Kinesiology (Exercise and Movement Sciences)
• Biology (Physiology)

Overview

Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses or disabilities. They help clients meet goals to develop, recover, improve and maintain skills needed for daily living and working.

Occupational therapists work with people who have permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, and may need help with daily tasks. They recommend options and show clients how to use appropriate adaptive equipment, such as leg braces, wheelchairs and eating aids. These devices help clients live their lives more independently.

Therapists who work with older adults help clients live independently and improve their quality of life. They assess clients’ abilities and environment and make recommendations to improve the clients’ everyday lives. For example, therapists may identify potential fall hazards in a client’s home and recommend their removal or help clients attend social outings.

Occupational therapists help clients create functional work environments. They evaluate the workspace, recommend modifications, and meet with the client’s employer to collaborate on changes to the client’s work environment or schedule.

Occupational therapists also may work in mental health settings, where they help clients who have developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. Therapists assist and educate clients on improving skills such as managing time, using public transportation and doing household chores. In addition, therapists may work with individuals who have problems related to drug or alcohol abuse, depression or trauma.

For more information: Occupational Therapists (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

It is possible to pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist with any SF State major as long as you have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for each of the majors listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Kinesiology (Exercise and Movement Sciences)
• Psychology
• Biology (General)
• Biology (Physiology)

Overview

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use. They also advise physicians and other healthcare workers on the selection, dosage, interactions and side effects of medications to treat health problems. They may help patients with their overall health through activities such as providing immunizations.

Pharmacists usually have a variety of other duties. In addition to answering patients’ questions about their prescriptions, for example, pharmacists may advise about or assist with topics of general health or the use of over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists also may have administrative responsibilities, including keeping records and managing inventory.

For more information: Pharmacists (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

It is possible to pursue a career as a Pharmacist with any SF State major as long as you have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for each of the majors listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Biochemistry
• BS in Chemistry

Overview

Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate the health of their clients through nutrition assessment and diagnostic laboratory testing. Based on their findings, dietitians and nutritionists advise clients on behavior modifications and intervention plans, including which foods to eat—and which to avoid—to improve their health.

Dietitians and nutritionists help prevent or support treatment of health conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disease and obesity. Many dietitians and nutritionists provide personalized information for individuals. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might teach a client with diabetes how to plan meals to improve and balance the person’s blood sugar. Other dietitians and nutritionists work with groups of people who have similar needs. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might plan a diet with healthy fat and limited sugar to help clients who are at risk for heart disease. Dietitians and nutritionists may work as part of a team with other healthcare staff to coordinate client care.

For more information: Dietitians and Nutritionists (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

It is possible to pursue a career in Nutrition and Dietetics with any SF State major as long as you have completed the admissions prerequisites. The curriculum for the major listed below covers the majority of the prerequisites needed to pursue this career:

• Nutrition and Dietetics (Dietetics and Nutrition Science)

Overview

Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) work with clients who have speech and language problems, including related cognitive or social communication problems. Clients may have difficulty speaking, such as being unable to speak or speaking too loudly or softly. They also may have problems with rhythm and fluency, such as stuttering. Speech-language pathologists also work with clients who have problems understanding language.

Speech-language pathologists may select alternative communication systems and instruct clients in their use. They also must record their evaluations and assessments, track treatment progress and note any changes in a client's condition or treatment plan.

Some speech-language pathologists specialize in working with specific age groups, such as children or older adults. Others focus on treatment programs for specific communication or swallowing problems that result from developmental delays or from medical causes, such as a stroke or a cleft palate. Still others research topics related to speech and language issues.

For more information: Speech Language Pathologists (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

SF State Majors to Consider

Most Speech Pathology programs require completion of an undergraduate degree in a related program. At SF State, you can pursue a major in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences to fulfill admissions prerequisites for most programs.