Professional Degree Jobs in Health Care

Are you considering pursuing a professional degree? Learn about some of the most highly specialized jobs in health care...

Professional degree jobs in health care typically require completion of a bachelor’s degree and additional education and training in a specific area of study. Additional education and training will most often include didactic instruction as well as hands on training or residency.

Terminal degree titles which fall under “professional degree” in the field of health care are the Doctor of Medicine or MD, Doctor of Osteopathy or DO, Doctor of Dental Surgery or DDS, Doctor of Pharmacy or PharmD and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or DVM. There are of course attorneys working in the field of health care as well and the Juris Doctor or JD is also considered a professional degree.

With the exception of those who choose to pursue research and the JD, these professional degrees lead to jobs in patient care and interaction. Individuals who pursue the professional degree career path in health care are often compassionate, detail oriented, dedicated, driven, patient and studious.


Careers that require a professional degree in health care

Careers Health Care Pathway Certification / Licensure Requirements
Dentist (DDS) Direct Patient Care Licensure and certification required. Varies by state.
Physician Direct Patient Care Completion of residency, licensure, and board certification is required.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Direct Patient Care Licensure required (NAPLEX). States have various separate licensure requirements as well.
Geneticist Research and Development Certification is voluntary, but not required.
Veterinarian (DVM) Direct Patient Care Licensure required (NAVLE). State board examinations required for private clinical practice.

If you haven't come across a career that you are looking for, you may be interested in researching additional health care careers that fall under the five health care pathways, all of which require varying levels of education.