Biomedical Career Paths Prepared by: Luis A. Rodriguez, B.S., M..S. Associate Professor of Biology Premedical & Dental Advisor San Antonio College

Are You Ready to Go The Distance?

Prepare To Succeed….. n Biomedical Careers require a strong background in Science and Math. n Biology n Chemistry n Math (algebra, trig, calculus) n Physics n Communication skills (oral & written)

Starting Line: Community College

Onward and Upward: Bachelor’s Degree

Typical Allied Health Careers n Clinical Lab Science n Dental Assisting n Dental Hygiene n Nursing n Respiratory Tech n Surgical Tech n Radiology / Radiology Tech n Graduate Allied Health n Physician’s Assistant n Physical Therapist n Graduate Nursing

Allied Health Applicant Profile (Desirable attributes) n Must have excellent communication skills n Must be a “team player” n Must have positive “people” skills n Must have a stable personality n Must have well - rounded science and medical background n Must demonstrate technical proficiency n Must have competitive scores for admission

How Do I Get There? n Many programs are set up as 2+2 with basic courses at the community college and specialized courses at the Program School or University. n May require entrance exam (e.g. AHPAT, Nursing entrance exams etc.) n Required Courses for Allied health fields are generally different than those for Professional schools (see your advisor)

Allied Health Trends n HMO organizations are relying heavily on Physician Assistants. n Aging “baby boomers” will require Occupational and Physical Therapists, in-home Nursing care, and various geriatric specialists. n Many Programs are now Master’s level (e.g. Phys. Assist, and Phys Therapist)

Professional Careers n Dentistry n Medicine n Pharmacy n Podiatric Medicine n Optometry n Veterinary Medicine n Doctorate of Pharmacy

Professional School Applicant Profile n Decision-making n Decision-making / Problem solving ability. n Sensitivity n Sensitivity to patient health needs. n Ability n Ability to function under demanding or stressful situations. n High n High level of responsibility / integrity. nAssertiveness / Self-confidence. n Supervisory n Supervisory / Leadership/ Management ability.

How Do I Get There? n Complete Bachelor’s degree (90 semester hours of required courses at Community College). n Competitive scores on admissions exams (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, VAT etc.) n Competitive G.P.A (>3.5) n Volunteer / community service experience. n Letters of recommendation (substantive)

Typical Medical Admissions Data. (Texas Medical Schools)

Typical Medical School Entering Class Profile By Degree.

2003 Medical Admissions “Stats” n Total applicants n Accepted * n Average age- 23.6* n Average GPA- 3.64* n Average MCAT- 28.3* n 48% Males* n 52% Females*

Trends in Professional Programs. n Current oversupply of specialists n Opportunities for generalists (family practice etc.) n Emphasis in Pharmacy curriculum to become an integral part of health care team.

Graduate Degrees n Master’s Degree n 2 + years Course of Study n Specialized training and/or research in various areas of biomedical sciences n Ph.D (Doctorate) n 4 + years Course of Study n Research in highly specialized areas of biomedical sciences n Significant research contribution to body of science

Graduate Degree Areas of Specialization n Biochemistry n Bioengineering n Biotechnology n Cellular Biology n Environmental Science n Genetics n Immunology n Microbiology n Molecular Biology n Neurobiology n Parasitology n Pharmacology n Physiology n Plant molecular biol. n Many other fields: n Public Health n Health Administration

Graduate Degree Profile nInInInIntellectual Curiosity nCnCnCnCritical / Analytical thinking ability nSnSnSnSelf “directedness”/ Internal motivation. nWnWnWnWriting / Speaking ability nTnTnTnTechnical / Laboratory Proficiency nAnAnAnAbility to teach / train others nAnAnAnAbility to focus and persevere

How Do I Get There? n Must Complete Bachelor’s Degree in appropriate field. n Competitive score on Graduate Record Exam (GRE score > 1200) n Competitive G.P.A. >3.0 (minimum 2.5) n Graduate programs often require qualifying exams after first or second year of courses.

Trends in Graduate Careers n Current job situation is mixed; there are limited opportunities in research fields, technical and science teaching areas showing increased demand. n Corporations consistently seek scientists to do research and development. n Government agencies often seek scientists for basic and applied research, regulatory agencies, and other technical positions.

How to Prepare for Your Career n Fully explore your options. n Decide what you really want to do. n Be realistic about your goals. n Learn as much as possible about the particular field you are interested in. n Develop a “Master Plan”.

How to Prepare (Cont..) n Keep your G.P.A competitive (>3.5). n Avoid non-productive grades ! (e.g. D, F, I and “w” grades). n Give yourself plenty of time to complete required courses. n Prepare thoroughly for entrance exams.

How to Prepare (Cont..) n Seek out and participate in special programs: n Summer research fellowships n Medical / dental prep programs n Bridges to the baccalaureate programs n Undergraduate internships, etc.

How to Prepare (Cont..) n Earn substantive letters of recommendation ( professors, job supervisors, etc.) n Gain work experience in your field of interest. n Get to know people already working in the profession (Networking).

How to Prepare Cont……. n Internet/World Wide Web n A very good resource !!!!. n General and specific information about biomedical career programs. n Literature requests. n Application/Registration materials. n Financial aid/Scholarships.

How Will I Pay? n Student loans. n Scholarships and grants (available through federal or state, agencies (e.g. NIH, NSF, AMP) or private and civic organizations. n Do your “homework” well in advance to find money!!! n Do your “homework” well in advance to find money!!!

“Hitting the wall” n Self-advising - wrong prerequisites taken. n Taking admissions tests without adequate preparation. n Non-competitive G.P.A (especially in science core courses). n Habitual Course Drops. n Not completing course work on schedule. n Applying late in the admissions process.

It’s Your Future…... n GO FOR IT!!