MCPHS Guide to Healthcare Professions

A GUIDE TO

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers more than 100 innovative degree and certificate programs in a wide range of healthcare fields.

This handy guide will allow you to identify some of the many types of healthcare professionals who get their start here.

You’ll find out a little about who they are and what they do.

And you might even find yourself.

www.mcphs.edu

ACUPUNCTURIST Three years Health Sciences or Public Health at MCPHS–Boston, three years at MCPHS–Worcester for Master of Acupuncture or Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Median annual salary US$75,000 The modern acupuncturist operates within the integrative health medicine field, which bridges western medicine with eastern treatment philosophies and pain management therapies. Acupuncturists employ treatment methods such as needles, heat, pressure, or electricity to stimulate one or more points on the body to promote the flow of internal energy and mitigate pain.

CHEMIST BS in Chemistry

US$56,000–US$104,000 It can be said that chemistry is the core of science. So chemists can apply their education in countless ways and in endless exciting settings. Industry, medicine, government, and academia are just a few areas that rely on chemists to bring their love of problem solving and their mastery of this fundamental scientific pillar. In healthcare, the pharmaceutical chemist deals with chemical reactions and how they relate to the composition, application, and effectiveness of drugs.

CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST BS in Medical and Molecular Biology

US$38,000–US$67,000 This healthcare professional specializes in uncovering vital medical information from the analysis of tissue, blood, and other body fluids. The role of this scientist is critical in countless medical specialties including virology, bacteriology, immunology, and toxicology. The clinical laboratory scientist’s expertise is counted on every day by doctors and other clinical practitioners in confirming or ruling out important diagnoses. So he or she strives for pinpoint accuracy and obviously can’t be squeamish about working with blood (among other things)!

CLINICAL MANAGER Degree in a clinical healthcare specialty; MS in Clinical Management through MCPHS Online

US$76,000–US$131,000 Clinical managers oversee medical departments and their responsibilities are shaped by the department specialty.

Clinical managers enact department policies, goals, strategy, and procedures; evaluate staff output; and develop reports and budgets.

DENTAL HYGIENIST BS in Dental Hygiene,* MS in Dental Hygiene and graduate certificate in Oral Health Professions Education also available through MCPHS Online

US$62,000–US$90,000 A meticulous, skilled professional with a passion for maintaining oral health, the dental hygienist is a key member of the dental healthcare team. A keen eye, a sensitive touch, unnerving attention to detail, and a borderline obsession with cleanliness and hygiene are just a few of the traits that define the dental hygienist. Hygienists are also often seen doing disease screening, reviewing X-rays, and collaborating with dentists.

* This is an accelerated degree program at MCPHS. Students enrolled in accelerated programs complete a bachelor of science degree in three years instead of four.

DENTIST BS in Dental Hygiene/Predental or BS in Premedical and Health Studies, four additional years dental school

US$107,000–US$200,000+ Apart from a strong desire to care for others and a fascination with oral health, the dentist possesses the manual dexterity, depth perception, exquisite eye for detail, and ability to think and visualize in 3-D that make his or her healthcare specialty possible. A love of science, a love of learning, and a love of seeing people smile drives the dentist in this challenging, fulfilling pursuit.

DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCHER BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology, BS in Pharmaceutical Science, or MS or PhD in Pharmacology or Pharmaceutics

US$60,000–US$118,000 A drug development researcher is responsible for carrying out various tests on new drugs that are in development stages. Pharm Sci majors will focus on engineering the right drugs for specific conditions, while professionals with a Pharm Tox background study how drugs react with the body.

For both, love and understanding of chemistry are vital, along with knowledge of biological systems, a keen eye for accuracy, and a commitment to helping others through the testing and perfecting of new medications.

HEALTHCARE MANAGER BS in Healthcare Management at MCPHS–Boston; MBA in Healthcare Management at MCPHS Online

US$76,000–US$131,000

The healthcare manager is a leader with strong business acumen and problem-solving skills. Typically detail oriented and a good communicator, the healthcare manager can be seen working with senior medical staff, healthcare administrators, and business leaders within payer and provider organizations, global health organizations, and biotechnology and medical device companies.

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST BS in Health Psychology (master’s, PsyD, or PhD in psychology needed to give therapy)

US$73,000–US$113,000 Somebody with a specialty in health psychology focuses on the many ways our thoughts, actions, and emotions influence our overall health.

A caring and understanding problem solver with strong interpersonal skills, the health psychologist treats without even picking up a stethoscope.

Apart from therapy, those with a background in the field are often seen helping people quit smoking, manage stress, master relaxation techniques, and otherwise stick to healthy lifestyles.

MEDICAL DOCTOR BS in Premedical and Health Studies, four years medical school, additional years residency

US$80,000–US$200,000+ The medical doctor is selflessly dedicated to healing and maintaining health. Compassionate, personable, and empathetic, but also a critical thinker and problem solver unswayed by pressure, the MD applies seemingly infinite knowledge and expertise to the care of others.

Motivated by a deep desire to serve and a constant hunger for new learning, the medical doctor works tirelessly in innumerable healthcare specialties and settings.

MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography*

US$60,000–US$86,000 The sonographer uses high-tech imaging equipment to look inside patients and also has the interpersonal skills to put them at ease. The ultrasound field is ever expanding, with specialties including OB-GYN, abdominal, vascular, and pediatric and adult echocardiography. Sensitivity, approachability, curiosity, and a disarming personality, plus a love of technology and a genuine desire to help people, are some of the traits the sonographer exhibits.

* This is an accelerated degree program at MCPHS. Students enrolled in accelerated programs complete a bachelor of science degree in three years instead of four.

MRI TECHNOLOGIST BS in Magnetic Resonance Imaging*

US$59,000–US$83,000 Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most powerful and fascinating techniques for seeing inside the human body. And the MRI tech utilizes this amazing, noninvasive tool every day to aid in providing healthcare. The MRI tech has great interest in physiology and an awareness of internal body structures, plus a love of computers, an ability to follow instruction flawlessly, and great interpersonal skills.

* This is an accelerated degree program at MCPHS. Students enrolled in accelerated programs complete a bachelor of science degree in three years instead of four.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology*

US$66,000–US$92,000 With warmth, empathy, and an easygoing manner, the nuclear medicine technologist prepares radioactive drugs and administers them to patients for imaging or therapeutic purposes. A love and understanding of math and science and a love of computers, along with acute spatial awareness of the manual dexterity to work in fine detail, make the nuclear medicine technologist and his or her rapidly expanding specialty a vital asset in the realm of healthcare. * This is an accelerated degree program at MCPHS. Students enrolled in accelerated programs complete a bachelor of science degree in three years instead of four.

NURSE BS in Nursing;* MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Educator available through MCPHS Online

US$59,000–US$88,000 Caring, compassionate, and with a deep commitment to heal and ease suffering, the nurse thrives in a complex, dynamic, fastmoving healthcare environment. Warm and empathetic, but also highly intelligent, vital, and critical acting, registered nurses provide all degrees of expert care in countless specialties, for people of all ages, in all communities, and are indispensable pillars of the healthcare world.

* This is an accelerated degree program at MCPHS. Students enrolled in accelerated programs complete a bachelor of science degree in three years instead of four.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Three years Health Psychology, Health Sciences, or Public Health at MCPHS–Boston; two years at MCPHS–Manchester for Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

US$67,000–US$102,000 The occupational therapist helps patients to develop or regain independence by teaching them to perform the everyday activities that are most important to them. With expertise in both psychological and physiological therapies, an occupational therapist uses adaptive equipment and methods to treat injured, ill, and disabled patients of all ages.

OPTOMETRIST Three years Premedical and Health Studies, four years at MCPHS–Worcester for Doctor of Optometry

US$86,000–US$136,000 Fascinated and inspired by the power of vision, the optometrist is dedicated to preserving our most precious sense. Skilled in math and science, and with a hands-on approach to his or her specialty, the optometrist gets genuine fulfillment out of helping others see the world as clearly as possible. A good mind for business and strong interpersonal skills often land the optometrist in a successful private setting.

PHARMACIST Six-year Doctor of Pharmacy

US$111,000–US$146,000 Inquisitive, patient, and detail oriented, the pharmacist is a logical, trustworthy problem solver with a desire to help others through an expert command of chemistry. The most visible of healthcare professionals, pharmacists have great people skills and are often seen educating patients about medication interactions and side effects. Beyond pharmacies in every community, they are often found engaging in product safety evaluation, clinical research, drug development, consulting, and teaching.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Three years Health Psychology, Health Sciences, Public Health; three years at MCPHS–Worcester for Doctor of Physical Therapy

US$73,000–US$103,000 The physical therapist loves to get people back on their feet. Propelled by a desire to preserve health and prevent injury, the therapist uses a strong command of physiology to help others remain active and fit and to live as well as possible. Physical therapists are friendly, energetic, motivating, positive, and approachable. Often seen in private practice, they typically have a good business sense as well.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT Three years Premedical and Health Studies, three years Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at MCPHS

US$90,000–US$127,000 Like a physician, the physician assistant is dedicated to treating the sick and injured and has great sensitivity, compassion, and skill.

Efficient, detail oriented, and an incredible multitasker, the physician assistant does it all, including examining and treating patients, ordering tests and interpreting results, prescribing medication, diagnosing, maintaining complete records, and supporting the physician in countless other ways.

PODIATRIST BS in Premedical and Health Studies or BS in Biology, four years podiatry school

US$88,000–US$183,000 A doctor of podiatric medicine is dedicated to helping others live productive lives by diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot, ankle, and leg structures. A genuine fascination with anatomy and deep knowledge of the mechanics of the human body are necessary to pursue a career in this unique and interesting specialty. The podiatrist possesses great universal medical knowledge in addition to a focus on the delicate and intricate workings of the lower extremities and is motivated by a desire to literally get people on their feet— and help keep them there.

PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST BS in Public Health, Master of Public Health also available through MCPHS Online

US$89,000–US$94,000 An extremely valuable member of the healthcare team, someone with a degree in Public Health uses a fusion of biological, behavioral, and social science expertise to contribute to the maintenance and protection of the population’s health. A love of science and a strong duty to community motivate those with this unique training to work in innumerable diverse capacities, including environmental science, public health policy, health promotion, healthcare administration, medicine, law, and even politics.

RADIATION THERAPIST BS in Radiation Therapy*

US$67,000–US$102,000 Radiation therapists are known for their compassion and sensitivity when working with patients coupled with the technical know-how to safely and effectively administer the powerful forces of radiation in the treatment of cancer. Excellent communication skills, critical thinking, and adherence to safety standards are key as the radiation therapist helps to improve quality of life and health outcomes for patients every day. * This is an accelerated degree program at MCPHS. Students enrolled in accelerated programs complete a bachelor of science degree in three years instead of four.

RADIOGRAPHER BS in Radiography*

US$48,000–US$73,000 With a deep fascination for what’s inside, this compassionate, warm, conversationally skilled member of the healthcare team handles very sensitive but also large, heavy pieces of equipment with grace and ease. Despite having one of the more physically demanding roles in healthcare, the radiographer has a disarming, friendly presence and is much more comfortable in an energetic, hands-on setting than sitting at a desk. * This is an accelerated degree program at MCPHS. Students enrolled in accelerated programs complete a bachelor of science degree in three years instead of four.

VETERINARIAN BS in Premedical and Health Studies, four years vet school, additional years residency

US$74,000–US$122,000 The veterinarian loves animals and is dedicated to their health and welfare. A deep interest in science and nature, an understanding of human–animal relationships, and a vast command of physiology coupled with a disarming, sensitive presence set the veterinarian apart in the healthcare world.

The vet possesses a gift for observation and an ability to identify minute subtleties in the diagnosis and treatment of patients that can’t say what’s bothering them.

I want to be a

UNIVERSITY IN THE U.S. FOR EARNING POWER WALL STREET JOURNAL/TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION 2018 COLLEGE RANKINGS

Salary figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018.

Figures represent the median 50% of income in these fields nationally.

FIND OUT MORE Come explore Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) and Boston.

Observe students in more than 100 innovative healthcare degree and certificate programs in action.

www.mcphs.edu/visit 617.879.5964