Health & Medical:
Graduate Degrees

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points within the body using acupuncture needles. Practitioners may also use cups, nutritional supplements, therapeutic massage, acupressure, and other alternative health therapies.  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by meridians or pathways. These pathways create an energy flow, called Qi, that is responsible for overall health. Disease occurs when these energy flows are disrupted. The use of acupuncture is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.

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Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years to treat and prevent physical, psychological, and emotional health conditions. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, illnesses is related to an imbalance of Qi, or vital energy, in the body. Practitioners utilize acupuncture and Chinese herbs can facilitate free-flowing of Qi, which leads to balance in the whole body.

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Oregon College of Oriental Medicine

• Doctor of Chinese Medicine (DACM)

• Master of Chinese Medicine (MACM)

• Master of Acupuncture (MAc)

National University of Natural Medicine

• Masters – Acupuncture

• Masters – Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine specialization

• Doctor – Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Athletic Training

Athletic Trainers care for and rehabilitate  patients in universities, schools, corporations, professional sports teams and more. They collaborate with physicians to provide preventive services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

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Master of Athletic Training programs

Oregon State University

Pacific University

Audiology

Doctor of Audiology (AuD): Audiologists are providers of hearing and balance healthcare through evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing individuals of all ages, from newborns to 100-plus years, who have hearing and balance disorders and related issues. Treatment and management of hearing loss may involve programming and dispensing complex amplification technology and other related hearing assistance devices. Audiologists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, medical facilities, industry, universities, research labs, government and military agencies, school systems, and more.

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Pacific University

Chiropractic Physician

Chiropractic Physician:  Evaluates the overall health of the patient with a particular focus on the integrity of the structural system. They aim to optimize and support the body’s natural self-healing and intrinsic regulatory systems to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction. Evaluation includes:  detailed history and examination, specialized laboratory tests, and imaging procedures. Treatment approaches include: manual therapy (including spinal manipulation), therapeutic exercises, mobilization, stretching, rehabilitative measures, physical therapy (such as electrotherapy, laser, hydrotherapy, and ultrasound), diet counseling, nutritional therapy, lifestyle coaching, mindfulness practices, and stress management counseling.

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University of Western States - Doctor of Chiropractic

Dentistry

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.  Examples of skills:

• Educate patients about taking care of their teeth and gums as well as diet choices that affect oral health.

• Remove decay from teeth & fill cavities

• Repair or remove damaged teeth

• Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth

• Administer anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures

• Prescribe antibiotics or other medications

• Examine x rays in order to diagnose problems

• Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures

Students can advance their dental practice with six advanced education programs: Endodontics, General Practice Residency (GPR), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry and Periodontics.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD):

Oregon Health & Science University

Dietician & Nutrition

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN): Dietitians work on the spectrum of health, from prevention of chronic disease to medical treatment. Examples of work environments:

• Hospitals: provide medical nutrition therapy to patients with immediate medical needs

• Clinics: counsel people to meet their nutrition and health goals

• School districts: manage the foodservice operation (developing menus and supervising staff)

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): provide low-income pregnant women and children with food resources and providing intervention and education

• Eating disorder facilities: coach and support clients in their treatment and recovery

• Sports teams/athletics: work with athletes to optimize their performance

• Public health: develop & deliver nutrition education programs

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How to become a Registered Dietician in Oregon

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Oregon State University: Masters in Nutrition & Dietetics & PhD in Nutrition

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Nutrition Graduate programs:

• Oregon Health & Science University

  • Dietetics Internship

  • Master in Human Nutrition

  • Master of Food Systems & Society

• American College of Healthcare Sciences

  • Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition

  • Doctor of Integrative Health with Functional Nutrition Specialization

• National University of Natural Medicine - Master of Science in Nutrition

• University of Western States - Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine: Master of Science and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition

Healthcare Administration

Prepares students for administrative leadership roles in healthcare facilities and organizations: Medical and Health Services Manager, Medical Practice Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Hospital Administrator, Risk Manager, Sales Manager/Director, and Communications Director. Graduate degrees also prepare students for teaching in higher education.

• Eastern Oregon University - Master of Healthcare Administration

• Southern Oregon University - Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Healthcare Administration Concentration

• Portland State University - Healthcare Master of Business Administration

• Oregon Institute of Technology - Master of Science in Allied Health

• Oregon Health  & Science University

  • Health & Clinical Informatics – Master & Ph.D.

  • Health Management & Policy – Master of Public Health (partnership with PSU)

  • Health Systems & Policy – Ph.D. (partnership with PSU)

  • Healthcare Administration – Master of Science

• Pacific University

  • Healthcare Management MBA

  • Doctor of Healthcare Science

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Medical Sciences

Graduate degrees (Masters & PhDs) in health related sciences prepare students to become educators at colleges or universities, researchers, innovators, and leaders in their field of study. Graduate programs emphasize student research and advanced study. Examples of health science graduate programs in Oregon:

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University of Oregon: Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biology and Human Physiology

Oregon State University: Bioengineering; Chemical Engineering; Radiation Health Physics; Kinesiology; Biochemistry & Biophysics; Integrative Biology and Microbiology

Oregon Health Sciences University: Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience; Biomedical Engineering;  Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Biostatistics; Cancer Biology; Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology; Medical Physics; Molecular Microbiology & Immunology and Neuroscience

University of Portland: Biomedical Engineering

Naturopathic Physician & Integrative Health Professions

Naturopathic physicians are primary health care professionals that use natural remedies to help the body heal itself, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.  They diagnose, treat and counsel patients with acute and chronic conditions, while addressing disease and dysfunction at the level of body, mind and spirit. They concentrate on whole-patient wellness through health promotion, disease prevention, patient education, and self-care. They focus on finding the underlying cause of the patient’s condition and provide individualized, evidence-informed therapies that balance the least harmful and most effective approaches to help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health.

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Integrative Health: An evidence-based approach to treat the whole person - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs are all addressed, Utilizes conventional approaches to health and complementary therapies to achieve optimal health and healing.

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National University of Natural Medicine

• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

• Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research

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American College of Healthcare Sciences

• Master of Science in Integrative Health

• Master of Science in Herbal Medicine

• Master of Science in Health & Wellness

• Master of Science in Aromatherapy

• Doctor of Science in Integrative Health

Nurse Practitioner & Nursing Graduate Programs

Doctor of Nurse Practitioner: Nurse Practitioners work independently or in collaboration with physicians and choose specialization track. In most states, they can prescribe medications, order medical tests, and diagnose health problems. They also provide primary and preventive care, including:

• Assess medical history and symptoms

• Perform physical exams

• Create patient care plans

• Perform and order diagnostic tests as well as analyze results

• Diagnose various health problems

• Administer medications and treatments

• Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals as well as refer patients to specialists

• Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries

• Prescribe medications within their scope of practice

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Graduate programs in nursing require students to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for admissions.

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Difference between Nurse Practitioner & Physician Assistant

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Oregon Health & Science University

• Master in Nursing Education: Prepares nurses who are interested in pursuing a career as either faculty in a school of nursing or staff educator in a health care organization

• PhD in Nursing: Prepares scientists who will be educated to develop new knowledge through research and assume positions of leadership in academic and health care settings

• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Practitioner program tracks (DNP):

  • Family Nurse Practitioner

  • Nurse Anesthesia

  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

  • Nurse-Midwifery

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

  • Pediatric Primary & Acute Nurse Practitioner

• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing to PhD or DNP: Earn your bachelor of science with a major in nursing degree in 15 months and transition directly to the PhD or DNP program.  For students with a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.

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University of Portland:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

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Linfield University: Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with clients who may have experienced trauma, illness, or developmental issues, or who may simply want to improve their health and happiness. In helping clients gain greater self-awareness through everyday activities, occupational therapists facilitate the client's ability to engage in "occupations" which give meaning to the person's life. Occupational therapists work with individuals from every age group and community, and they may work in a variety of settings, including business and industrial workplaces, community-based programs (homeless shelters, athletic clubs, group homes), health agencies, hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. More experienced practitioners can advance into management, specialization, teaching or research.

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Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs:

George Fox University

Pacific University

Optometry

Doctor of Optometry: Optometrists examine, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. They prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, and contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures. They counsel their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyle.

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Pacific University

Pharmacist & Pharmaceutical Sciences

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): Pharmacists focus on safe and effective medication use and are prepared to offer support, counseling, and knowledge to patients and other healthcare providers. They utilize their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology in order to understand biochemical mechanisms of drug action, drug uses, therapeutic roles, side effects, potential drug interactions, and monitoring parameters. Educational experiences prepare graduates to interpret and communicate this specialized knowledge to patients, physicians, healthcare providers, and the general public.

Oregon State University & Oregon Health & Science University (partnership)

Pacific University

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Pharmaceutical Sciences: Research-oriented graduate program of study in pharmaceutical sciences:. Research focus areas may include the exploration and design of anti-infective agents, the design and development of innovative drug dosage forms, and the mechanisms and consequences of drug interactions with living organisms.

Oregon State University - Masters & PhD

Pacific University - Masters

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. They also work with patients to prevent the loss of ability before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness programs. They help patients manage pain, improve balance to prevent falls and injuries, treat health issues like joint pain and osteoarthritis, help manage lung and heart disease, and treat sports injuries and reduce the risk of future sport injuries.

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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs:

• Oregon State University - Cascades

• Oregon Institute of Technology

• George Fox University

• Pacific University

• Western University of Health Sciences

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Related Degree:

Linfield Univeristy - Master of Sports Science & Analytics

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Physician or Doctor

Physicians diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. They examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They educate patients about diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.

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There are three types of physicians:

• M.D. (Medical Doctor)

• D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Like M.D.s, D.O.s use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are also trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) -- manual manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they work in all specialties.

• DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine): Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists can help people with various foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot ulcers. Podiatrists can also perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and fit orthotics and prosthetics. There are no DPM programs in Oregon (U.S. DPM programs).

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There are many specialty areas in medicine.  In medical school, all students have the opportunity to explore specialty areas for the first few years of medical school and then specialize in the later part of the program and residency.

• Surgeons: Operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

• Anesthesiologists: Care of surgical patients and provide pain relief.

• Cardiologists: Diagnose and treat diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels.

• Dermatologists: Provide care for diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails.

• Emergency medicine physicians

• Family Practice: Generalists who address health maintenance and assess and treat conditions that occur in everyday life in a clinic setting (such as sinus and respiratory infections, intestinal ailments, and broken bones).

• General internal medicine physicians: Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a range of problems that affect internal organs and systems such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract.

• Neurologists: Diagnose and treat those with disorders of the brain and nervous system.

• Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs): Provide care and counsel to women regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system.

• Ophthalmologists: Diagnose and treat conditions of the eye including surgery.

• Orthopedic Surgeons: Diagnose and treat conditions of or injuries to the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

• Pathologists: Test body tissue, fluids, and organs and review test results to diagnose diseases.

• Pediatricians: Provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults.

• Pediatric surgeons: Diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of disorders and diseases in fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents.

• Psychiatrists: Primary mental health physicians that diagnose and treat mental illnesses through a combination of personal counseling (psychotherapy), hospitalization, and medication.

• Radiologists: Review and interpret x rays and other medical images, such as ultrasounds, to diagnose injuries or diseases.

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Applying to Medical School Guide

Excellent resource from OSU with general information to prepare students to apply to medical school.  Medical schools will accept any Bachelor degree major. Every medical school has their own admissions requirements so students need to work with their academic advisor to research admissions requirements and required pre-requisite courses to create an appropriate academic plan.

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Oregon Medical Schools: M.D. and D.O.

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Oregon Health & Science School of Medicine: Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree program

• Admissions Requirements

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Western University of Health Sciences: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

• Admissions Requirements

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants (PAs) practice medicine as a member of the healthcare team. They take comprehensive histories, perform complete physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory tests, diagnose and treat illnesses, develop treatment plans, counsel patients and their families, perform minor procedures, and assist in surgery. They work in private physician offices and clinics, hospital inpatient and emergency departments, and mental health facilities.

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Admissions: Programs require students to have 1000-2000 hours or more of direct patient care experience.  Research each program to understand types of patient care experience that qualify and number of hours required.  Many students choose to pursue certification in Medical Assisting since working as a medical assistant is an excellent way to get experience working with a team of physicians & physician assistants.

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Difference between Nurse Practitioner & Physician Assistant

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Masters Degree programs:

Pacific University

George Fox University

Oregon Health & Science University

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Public Health

Public health includes a wide variety of careers that focus on the following skills and responsibilities: disease & injury prevention, health promotion, health and social equity, environmental sustainability, health education & coaching, advocacy, addressing health disparities, case management, developing health policies & programs, community needs assessment, healthcare reform, disaster preparedness, workplace safety, epidemiology, and so much more. Work settings include health departments, government agencies, non-profit & social service organizations, medical clinics, academic institutions, and international health.

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University of Oregon - Prevention Science: Masters & PhD

Oregon State University

• Human Development & Family Studies - PhD

• Pubic Health - Masters & PhD

Portland State University

• Emergency Management & Community Resilience - Masters

• Public Health (partnership with Oregon Health & Science University)

  • Masters of Public Health (MPH): Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Systems & Human Health, Health Management & Policy, Health Promotion, and Public Health Practice

  • PhD: Community Health, Epidemiology, and Health Systems & Policy

National University of Natural Medicine - Master of Science in Global Health

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 Speech Language Pathology

Speech Language Pathologists: Graduates of a master's degree program become accredited speech language pathologists. Most work directly with children, adolescents, or adults with a variety of speech, language, communication, literacy, cognition, and swallowing disorders in settings that include schools, clinics, hospitals, and agencies.

PhD: Doctoral program graduates often assume professor positions at colleges and universities where their responsibilities include teaching, research, and other scholarly activities.

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University of Oregon - Masters & PhD

Pacific University - Masters

Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Veterinarians are medical professionals who care for the health and well-being of animals. They work in a variety of fields: clinical practice, biomedical research, education, diagnostic laboratory science, consultation, or safeguarding our nation’s food supply.

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Doctor of Veterinary Science  - Oregon State University

• Admissions Requirements

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Animal Sciences (Masters & PhD): Graduate students in the animal sciences program work on advancing scientific knowledge and can pursue careers as researchers as well as educators at colleges or universities. Topics may include: anatomy, physiology, immunology, pathology, clinical pathology, infectious diseases (bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology), public health, and more.

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Oregon State University

• Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences

• Animal Sciences

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