Career Exploration & Academic Planning

Career Exploration

Healthcare Careers

These brief descriptions provide a starting point for learning about several common health professions. Students are encouraged to meet with H3P advisors, explore multiple careers, and reflect on their interests, strengths, and goals when considering potential pathways.

Interested in another healthcare career?

H3P supports students exploring a wide range of health professions, including speech-language pathology, genetic counseling, athletic training, and many others. Students can work with H3P advisors to explore options aligned with their interests and goals.

Career Reflection Questions

  • Which populations or communities feel most meaningful to serve?
  • What types of work environments are most appealing?
  • What balance of patient care, science, education, advocacy, or leadership is desired?
  • Which strengths and interests are reflected in past experiences?
  • What values should guide future career decisions?

Academic Planning

Most health professions programs do not require a specific undergraduate major. Students are encouraged to pursue a field of study that aligns with their interests and strengths while completing prerequisite coursework for their intended health profession.

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Programs of Study

Professional School Prerequisites

Although admission requirements vary by program and institution, most professional schools expect a strong foundation in the sciences and other prerequisite coursework. H3P has developed recommended course guides for many common health professions pathways to help students plan their academic preparation.

Because admission requirements vary across professional programs, prerequisite guides should be used in conjunction with academic and pre-health advising. Students exploring healthcare careers not listed here can work with H3P advisors to identify appropriate prerequisites and preparation strategies aligned with their goals.

Post-Bac Study

While many students complete pre-requisite coursework as part of their undergraduate studies, some pre-health students must or choose to complete those requirements after graduation. This can take the form of selected coursework or a more formal post-bac program.

Students seeking to complete coursework or post-baccalaureate studies at Gonzaga University can contact the Office of Admission to discuss registration and enrollment options

For students seeking a formal post-bac program, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has curated helpful information.