Health Sciences, Nursing, & Pre-Health

Defining Interest Communities: Pathways for Discovery, Purpose, and Vocation

Interest Communities serve as starting points for exploration, not boundaries. Every student’s path is unique, and the skills you develop through Assumption’s liberal arts education open doors to countless possibilities.

Each Interest Community highlights common academic pathways at Assumption University. For simplicity in web navigation, we’ve organized related areas of study that connect to this passion area. These groupings are meant to help you connect your coursework, experiences, and goals, but they are not intended to define or limit your options.

Rooted in the liberal arts and guided by our mission to awaken a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, Assumption challenges you to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with thoughtful citizenship. Whether you study biology, philosophy, business, or the arts, your education here prepares you to thrive in diverse fields and serve the common good.

Your journey of meaning, purpose, and vocation extends far beyond your major. Explore freely. Your path may include electives, double majors, minors, or concentrations across disciplines. Your career direction will reflect your curiosity, values, and the connections you build along the way, not just your academic label.

Explore Health Sciences, Nursing, & Pre-Health Programs at Assumption University

Communication Sciences and Disorders – Prepare for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology through science-based coursework, liberal arts foundations, and supervised clinical observation leading to assistant licensure eligibility in Massachusetts.

Health Professions – Prepare for careers in medicine and allied health through rigorous science coursework, dedicated faculty advising, clinical and lab experience, and structured pathways toward competitive graduate and professional programs.

Health Sciences – Explore clinical, administrative, and policy roles in healthcare through interdisciplinary science coursework, liberal arts foundations, and a required internship that builds real-world experience and prepares you for graduate study or employment.

Nursing – Prepare to deliver safe, high-quality, compassionate patient-centered care through a rigorous, liberal-arts–based nursing curriculum, strong clinical experiences, and an accredited program grounded in Catholic healthcare ethics

Nursing, Post-Bachelor’s Accelerated Nursing Track – Earn your BSN in 16 months through a flexible hybrid program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, combining online coursework, intensive clinicals, and accredited preparation for licensure.

Patient Advocacy – Focus on non-clinical roles supporting patients and families through interdisciplinary study of health services, ethics, law, policy, and social sciences, with options leading to both advocacy and clinical graduate programs.

Pre-Clinical (Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-PA) – Explore pathways to medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, PA, and other health professions through rigorous science coursework, individualized advising, and hands-on clinical, research, and service experiences that strengthen professional school applications.

Pre-Clinical Health Science – Build a strong foundation in biological, physical, and health sciences while exploring clinical health careers, vocation, ethics, and disability studies for future graduate study in fields like medicine or dentistry.

Pre-Occupational Therapy – Complete key OT prerequisites alongside a major such as Biology, Health Science, Human Services, or Psychology, with articulation agreements offering streamlined pathways into partnered occupational therapy master’s programs.

Pre-Physical Therapy – Fulfill core PT prerequisites alongside a major like Biology, Health Science, Human Services, or Psychology, with an articulation agreement that offers a streamlined path into a partnered Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Discover Common Pathways to Purpose & Vocation in Health Sciences, Nursing, & Pre-Health

Note: These example occupations are provided to spark inspiration and exploration of interest. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a starting point.

Note: Occupations followed by an astrick* require graduate or professional school.

Audiologist* – Diagnose and manage hearing and balance disorders, fit hearing devices, and counsel patients and families in medical or educational settings.

Clinical Research Coordinator – Organize and monitor clinical trials or research studies, ensuring that protocols are followed and data are collected ethically and accurately.

Dentist* – Provide preventive and restorative oral healthcare, perform procedures, and educate patients about long-term dental health and wellness.

Health Care Administrator – Oversee operations, staffing, budgets, and patient experience in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities.

Patient Advocate or Patient Navigator – Guide patients and families through complex healthcare systems, help them understand options, and support their rights, communication, and access to services.

Physician* (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) – Diagnose illness, develop treatment plans, and coordinate care in hospitals, clinics, or community practices.

Physician Assistant* – Practice medicine on healthcare teams by taking histories, performing exams, ordering tests, and managing treatment in collaboration with physicians.

Physical Therapist* – Help patients regain mobility and function after injury or illness through exercise, education, and hands-on therapy in clinics, hospitals, or community settings.

Public Health Administrator – Address community health challenges through program design, data analysis, policy, and education in areas like disease prevention and health equity.

Registered Nurse (RN) – Provide direct, evidence-based patient care in hospitals, clinics, or community settings, coordinating with healthcare teams and educating patients and families about treatment and recovery.

Speech-Language Pathologist* – Assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice.

Veterinarian* – Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals, perform surgery, and advise owners on preventive care in clinical, public health, or research settings.

Build momentum through Explore → Build → Engage → Launch. Complete checklists, attend events at each stage, and tap Resources for career development support throughout.

Note: If you are exploring clinical health pathways, be sure to follow the established pre-clinical four-year advising checklist built by Assumption University faculty, in addition to the tips below.

Pre-PA Note: All applicants must have at least two thousand (2,000) hours of documented direct patient care experience for Assumption’s Physician Assistant graduate program.

First-Year: Explore

Join student organizations and sample introductory courses to discover how you might want to help patients, communities, or health systems. Try clubs like Assumption Against Cancer, Best Buddies, Neuroscience Club, Psychology Club/Psi Chi, Peers Advocating Wellness for Students (PAWS), National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), or the Student Nurses’ Association to explore interests and build early connections. Complete beginner-level LinkedIn Learning courses related to health care, communication, and well-being to clarify what excites you most.

Sophomore Year: Build

Deepen your academic foundation and campus involvement in areas that align with potential pathways like nursing, pre-clinical tracks, communication sciences and disorders, health sciences, or patient advocacy. Take foundational science and health courses, continue leadership or active membership in organizations such as the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, NSSLHA, or Assumption Against Cancer, and begin gaining early experience through shadowing, volunteering, or campus roles that connect you with health and human services.

Junior Year: Engage

Secure (or complete) at least one internship, research experience, clinical observation sequence, or expanded volunteer role to apply your skills in real health care or human service environments.

Attend health-focused events, graduate school information sessions, and networking opportunities through the CDIC, and actively build your LinkedIn presence to highlight clinical exposure, related coursework, and involvement in organizations such as the Student Nurses’ Association, Pre-Physician Assistant Club, or Best Buddies. Internships and meaningful health-related experiences significantly strengthen both graduate applications and job outcomes, especially in competitive pre-health pathways.

Senior Year: Launch

Launch with clarity about your next step—whether that is nursing practice, a health sciences role, a service year, or graduate and professional school in areas like medicine, dentistry, public health, or therapy programs.

Apply best practices to your applications, using Resources for tailored résumés, personal statements, graduate essays, cover letters, the job search, and interview preparation. Stay connected with your health-related clubs and mentors as you request letters of recommendation and transition into your next chapter.

LinkedIn Groups for Students Interested in Health Sciences, Nursing, & Pre-Health

Why join LinkedIn groups? LinkedIn groups give you access to targeted professional communities where you can network with industry professionals, discover hidden job/internship opportunities, stay current on industry trends, ask career questions, and learn from experienced practitioners, all for free. As a student, joining these groups helps you build your professional network before graduation and signals a genuine interest to recruiters.

Recommended Groups for Assumption University Students:

Advanced Practice: Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CRNA, Midwife – A community where Physician Assistants, Advanced Practice Nurses, and related professionals network, share resources, discuss clinical practice, post jobs, and support the growth of advanced practice careers.

Occupational Therapy Practitioners Networking Group – A collaborative space for occupational therapy practitioners to exchange ideas, discuss current issues and evidence-based practice, share resources, and support each other’s professional growth in a private, mentorship-oriented community.

Physical Therapist (PT) Network – Network with physical therapists nationwide in a large LinkedIn community focused on discussion, professional connection, and shared resources, with a dedicated external job board for PT opportunities at LinkedPT.com.

Pre-Med – Connect with pre-med students, physicians, faculty, and medical school representatives who share guidance, answer questions, and discuss timelines, requirements, and realities of pursuing medical school and medical careers.

Speech Language Pathologist Networking Group – A focused job and mentoring community linking speech-language pathology graduates and clinical fellows with employers, sharing specific SLP-CF opportunities, practical advice, and evidence-based resources rather than general networking.