Health

Note: There are many occupations in this industry that require extensive background checks, U.S. citizenship, and state licensures.

Meet Your Industry Advisor

Caroline Ramirez-Gaston

Caroline Ramirez-Gaston Health Industry Advisor

 

Make an Appointment

The healthcare industry is extremely broad and ever expanding. New government regulations, technological advancements, and the lengthening life spans of the population contribute to this industry thriving and growing. Opportunities include clinical, administrative/management, and public health.

How to Get Started

6 steps to get you started in a clinical career

  1. There is no required major for professional health programs, although many students decide to major in Biology. It is best to choose a major of interest so that you can strive for a high GPA, while also having time for completing prerequisite coursework. This could also allow for time to pursue clinical and research experience.
  2. Join the George Mason Health Professions Advisor Listserv
  3. Focus on getting hands-on or shadowing experiences in a variety of clinical settings, interact with diverse populations, and assist in research projects outside the classroom through programs like OSCAR or at one of the various on-campus research centers or institutes.
  4. Build relationships with professors and mentors to serve as potential references for the professional school application process.
  5. Keep up with news and trends related to the healthcare industry.
  6. Join an on-campus organization:

4 steps to get you started in an administrative or management career

  1. Choose an undergraduate major in health administration, business, accounting, finance, or management.
  2. Gain experience through internships or jobs in a healthcare setting at least by junior year.
  3. Keep up with news and trends related to the Healthcare industries.
  4. Get involved in student government, leadership programs or student organizations like AcademyHealth.

5 steps to get you started in a public health career

  1. Choose an undergraduate major in Community Health and consider a concentration in Global Health.
  2. Volunteer in the community at public health-related nonprofit organizations to gain practical experience and explore various niches within public health.
  3. If interested in global health, seek out study or volunteer abroad opportunities.
  4. Become familiar with health policy, grant writing techniques and grant submission procedures.
  5. Get involved in health or peer education programs on campus such as those sponsored by the Student Support and Advocacy Center or other student organizations:

Skills

Skills needed for clinical positions

  • Accuracy
  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Dedication
  • Flexibility
  • Interest in Science
  • Good Listening Skills
  • Being Physically Active
  • Lifelong Learner

Skills needed for administration and management

  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Time Management
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Coordination
  • Reading Comprehension

Skills needed for a career in public health

  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Learning Strategies
  • Active Learning
  • Science
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring
  • Analysis

Degrees and Certifications

Degrees and certifications for clinical positions

Review the George Mason University Health Professions Advising website, join the listserv, and learn about the pre-application process for professional schools.

Centralized Application Services for professional schools:

Review Online Medical Assistant, E-Medical Assistant, and Top Medical Assistant Schools in VA to gain hands-on clinical experience to be more competitive in the professional school application process. 
 

Common Mason programs for pursuing Clinical careers include:

However, those in any major can apply to clinical professional schools as long as they complete the pre-requisite courses required by the programs.

Degrees and certifications for administrative and management positions

Review the Association of University Programs in Health Administration website to learn the various programs within the Healthcare Management field. The Health Information Management Association is a professional association that has a Career and Student Center to help plan an education in HIM.

Common Mason programs for pursuing a career in Health Administration include:

Degrees and certifications for positions in public health

Review the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health website to learn about how to pursue an education and career in public health.

Common Mason programs for pursuing a career in Public Health include:

Resources

Research, experiential learning, and job search resources

Industry Research

Experiential Learning

Job Search

Professional associations: Get connected!

Clinical

Administrative / Management

Public Health

*Note: These are just a sampling, more applicable professional associations can be found through Associations Unlimited.

Job Functions

Clinical jobs

Administrative and management jobs

Public health jobs