6 Steps to Take When Choosing an Allied Health Major - Geneva College
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6 Steps to Take When Choosing an Allied Health Major

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Program Spotlight

Is allied health a good major? An allied health degree program offers a way to learn the skills you’ll need for a healthcare career. During this type of program, you might take courses such as virology, neuroscience, genomics, and biomedical ethics. You can also expect to work with state-of-the-art equipment in labs as part of your studies.

When you know you want to work in healthcare, earning a bachelor’s degree in allied health is an important step to take. However, you might not know which type of program you should choose, especially if you’re not sure what kinds of jobs you can get with this degree. The following tips can help you decide on a major so you can choose the right allied health program.

  1. Speak to a Professional in the Programs That Interest You

Allied health programs range from pre-med, pre-dental, and pre-nursing to biomedical research and medical technology. This provides a wide range of potential career paths in the healthcare field. When you’re not sure which program to choose, talk to professionals in the ones you’re interested in. For example, you might talk to registered nurses or biomedical researchers to learn more about the kind of work they do. Gathering this information directly from professionals can help you understand what to expect as far as job duties and responsibilities. You can also find out more about job satisfaction for those careers. All of this information and feedback can make it easier for you to choose an allied health program.

  1. Speak to Your Peers

Turning to fellow students or peers who have majored in allied health is another good way to decide on a program. If you know peers who are planning on working in the healthcare field, talk to them about the allied health degree program they chose. You can ask them what they like most about the program, what kinds of academic work they are expected to do, and what types of skills and concepts they’re learning about. When talking to peers about allied health programs, you can also ask about the career path they’re focusing on. Discussing these programs with peers can help you decide which program is right for you.

  1. Do Research

When you’re trying to decide on an allied health program, doing research is important. Depending on your interests, you should look into the programs or concentrations you are thinking about choosing. As part of your research, explore the types of courses that are included in each program to learn what you’ll be studying. You should also learn more about the kinds of advanced degree options you can choose from after earning your bachelor’s degree. For example, a pre-med or pre-dental allied health program can prepare you to pursue an advanced degree in dentistry, optometry, or another medical field.

  1. Find Jobsthat Align with the Programs You’re Interested In

Thinking about the kind of career you want can help you narrow down your options for an allied health program. Look into the types of jobs that are available to those with different allied health degrees. If you’re considering a nursing program, for example, explore the types of nursing career options you’ll have with this degree. If you’re leaning toward a medical technology program, research the kinds of jobs you can do with this degree. You might find it much easier to choose an allied health program when you know what kind of work will be available after graduating.

  1. Review the Classes You Will Need to Take for Each Program

With multiple allied health programs to choose from, exploring the classes for the ones you’re interested in can help you make your decision. Keep in mind that these programs also include pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, pre-occupational therapy, and pre-physical therapy. Depending on what your interests are, you should look up the courses you’ll need to take. Going over a course list gives you a better idea of whether a program fits your goals and interests. You might discover that you have a strong interest in a particular program based on the kinds of classes you’ll be taking.

  1. Speak to Your Advisor

Talking to your advisor can provide you with guidance when choosing an allied health degree program. Your advisor can help you go over the classes each program offers and discuss your career interests. Speaking to your advisor also gives you a chance to gather more information about the programs you’re interested in. With help from your advisor, you can explore your career goals, which can help you realize which program provides the best way to achieve them.

Putting these tips to use can help you choose an allied health program. When you take time to think about your career interests in healthcare and speak with others about your goals, you’ll be in a good position to decide on the right degree program.

If you’re interested in earning an allied health degree from a Christian-based program, please contact Geneva College about our bachelor’s degree program options. We can prepare you for a fulfilling healthcare career in medical technology, biomedical research, nursing, dentistry, or another medical path. With a degree from Geneva College, you'll receive training that provides you with the scientific knowledge needed for your career while also allowing you to put your Christian values to use helping others.

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Dec 22, 2021

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