Health

Graduate students hoping to enter the health field can choose from many different branches. To become a social worker, either in the public or private sector, most students will need a graduate degree. Graduate studies in social work include both theoretical and practical application, and also typically require a field placement.

There is a growing need for nurses, especially in the geriatric field as baby boomers continue to age. Nursing students study to master a number of specific skills, including infection control, clinical skills, and the administration of medication. Students will find numerous career opportunities available to them after they earn a master's in one of the following tracks: nursing, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse educator.

In recent years, speech pathology students have found opportunities for job placement after graduation. Their coursework usually focuses on helping people with speech, communication disorders, problems with swallowing, and other problems related to verbal communication.

Physical therapy students are taught how to increase mobility and heal physical impairments due to injury or disorder. Students typically study many of the sciences during graduate school.

A Masters of Public Health will allow a student to work in health services administration and nutrition after graduation, among other areas. Students will have private and public sector options. In the public sector, most mid-to-large size municipalities prefer to hire employees with a Masters of Public Health to direct their public health programs.

Other fields for graduate students interested in health include: audiology, clinical psychology, pharmacy, and rehabilitation counseling.