Pace University College of Health Professions Occupational Therapy, MS program students and faculty in the simulation lab.
Pre-health Advising Program

Careers in the Health Professions

Explore Your Health Profession Options

Choosing the right health profession is an important step toward building a fulfilling career in healthcare. Below, you'll find a breakdown of the practitioner programs offered at Pace University’s College of Health Professions. From nursing to physician assistant studies, each profession has unique roles, responsibilities, and requirements. This guide provides an overview of each field, including prerequisite courses, application deadlines, and direct links to learn more about the specific programs we offer.

Use this section to explore the paths that align with your passion and skills and take the first step toward achieving your healthcare career goals.

  • Professionals in communication sciences and disorders work to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and hearing disorders. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help individuals with communication challenges, while audiologists diagnose and manage hearing and balance issues. CSD professionals work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to improve clients' communication abilities and quality of life.

    Professional Organization: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

    Prerequisites

    Other Prerequisites

    Students admitted to the CSD program with no background in the discipline will be required to take and pass prerequisite courses before beginning the graduate course of study; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required (across CSD-based prerequisite courses). The following prerequisite courses are required prior to entry into the CSD program with a minimum aggregate GPA of 3.0:

    • Phonetics (known as The Science of Speech Sounds at Pace; 3 credits)
    • Introduction to Communication Disorders (3 credits)
    • Early Language Development (3 credits)
    • Speech Science (3 credits)

    GPA Criteria

    • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.

    Application Deadlines

    Communication Sciences and Disorders, MS (NYC Campus)

  • Nurses are essential healthcare providers who care for patients across all settings, from hospitals to community clinics. An accelerated nursing program allows students with a prior degree to fast-track their education and enter the field quickly. Nurses perform a wide range of duties, including patient care, education, and advocacy, making it a highly rewarding and versatile career.

    Professional Organization: American Nurses Association

    Prerequisites

    GPA Criteria

    • Minimum GPA of a 3.0 is required (good applicants have a 3.4 or above)

    Other Criteria

    • A grade of “B-” or higher is required for all prerequisite courses.
    • All prerequisites must be completed at time of application.

    Application Deadlines

    • Students apply through Pace University Admissions
    • Fall Cohort (NYC Campus): February 1
    • Spring Cohort (Pleasantville Campus): September 15
    • Summer Cohort (Pleasantville Campus): January 15

    Completion Time

    • 1 year

    Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABS) (NYC & Pleasantville Campuses)

  • Nutritionists and dietitians specialize in food and nutrition, using evidence-based practices to promote health and manage disease. They assess clients’ nutritional needs, develop meal plans, and provide education on healthy eating habits. Registered dietitians (RDs) work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and private practices, and play a key role in preventative healthcare and patient rehabilitation.

    Professional Organization: American Nutrition Association

    Prerequisites

    GPA Criteria

    • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.

    Other Criteria

    • Preferred prerequisite GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.
    • Priority consideration is given to students to complete all prerequisite coursework ahead of the March 1 application deadline.
    • The GRE is not required.

    Application Deadline

    Nutrition and Dietetics, MS (Pleasantville Campus)

  • Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life by assisting them in developing, recovering, or maintaining daily living and work skills. OTs work with people across the lifespan, from children with developmental disorders to older adults recovering from injury. They focus on adaptive strategies, functional tasks, and therapeutic interventions tailored to each person’s needs.

    Professional Organization: American Occupational Therapy Association

    Prerequisites

    GPA Criteria

    • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative university GPA and cumulative science GPA is required.

    Other Criteria

    • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
    • A minimum of 20 hours of volunteer experience shadowing an occupational therapist in at least 2 different settings is required.

    Application Deadlines

    Occupational Therapy, MS (Hybrid and Pleasantville Campus)

  • Physical therapists (DPTs) help patients improve their mobility and manage pain through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and other rehabilitative techniques. DPTs work with people recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions that affect movement and physical function. Physical therapists complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and play a critical role in the recovery and rehabilitation process, working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized rehab centers.

    Professional Organization: American Physical Therapy Association

    Prerequisites

    Will vary per school, but most common prerequisites are:

    Other Criteria

    • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
    • GPA requirements vary per school, but no lower than a 3.0 GPA will be accepted. It is recommended that your GPA is 3.5 or higher.
    • Most schools require the GRE and it is recommended that students take it in spring of their junior year.
    • Clinical experience is required, typically 100 hours, which can be completed through volunteer or work experience under a licensed physical therapist. The hours need to be across 2 different settings.

    When to Apply

  • Medical Doctor (MD)

    Medical doctors (MDs) are licensed professionals who diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries. They work across various specialties, such as family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and more. MDs complete rigorous education and training, including medical school and residency, before practicing independently. They are central to the healthcare system, providing comprehensive patient care in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

    Professional Association: American Medical Association

    Prerequisites

    will vary per school, but most common prerequisites are:

    Other Criteria

    • Each school will have their own GPA requirement, but it ranges from 3.5 to 3.9 cumulative GPA.
    • MCAT is typically taken in spring semester of junior year of college. Some schools will have a minimum MCAT score that must be met.
    • Letters of evaluation play an important role in the admissions process.
    • Some schools may require or highly recommend hands on experience, such as research experiences, volunteer and/or work experience in the healthcare field.
    • Some schools may require an interview.

    When to Apply

    Osteopathic Doctor (DO)

    Osteopathic Doctors (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice medicine, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medications, and perform surgery, much like their MD counterparts. However, DOs receive additional training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. DOs take a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the body’s natural ability to heal itself and focusing on preventative care. They work in various specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, and surgery, and can practice in all healthcare settings after completing medical school and residency.

    Professional Organization: American Osteopathic Association

    Prerequisites

    Will vary by school, but most common prerequisites are:

    Other Criteria

    • Minimum of 3.5 GPA is required of most programs
    • MCAT is typically taken in spring semester of junior year of college. Some schools will have a minimum MCAT score that must be met
    • Letters of recommendation play an important role in the admissions process
    • Some schools may require or highly recommend hands on experience, such as research experiences, volunteer and/or work experience in the healthcare field
    • Some schools may require an interview

    When to Apply

  • Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine under a physician’s supervision. They are trained to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications. PAs work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers, playing a crucial role in patient care and expanding access to healthcare.

    Professional Organization: American Academy of Physician Assistants

    Prerequisites

    GPA Criteria

    • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and cumulative science GPA.

    Other Criteria

    • Applicants are required to complete all prerequisite science and math courses with no more than one grade below a "B-”.
    • All prerequisites must be completed at time of application.
    • NYC Program: A minimum of 200 hours of direct patient care experience is required.
    • Pleasantville Program: A minimum of 300 hours of direct patient care experience is required (Applicants with at least 40 hours spent shadowing or working directly with a PA are preferred).
    • A personal interview may be granted if the above criteria are met.

    Application Deadlines

    Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant, MS (NYC Campus)

    Physician Assistant-Pleasantville, MS (Pleasantville Campus)

  • Dentist (DDS/DMD)

    Dentists are healthcare professionals who focus on oral health, diagnosing and treating issues related to the teeth, gums, and mouth. They perform procedures such as fillings, extractions, and preventative cleanings, as well as more complex surgeries. Dentists also educate patients on oral hygiene and disease prevention. After earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, they may choose to specialize in areas like orthodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry.

    Professional Association: American Dental Association

    Prerequisites

    Will vary per school, but most common prerequisites are:

    • 2 semesters of General Biology (BIO 101 and BIO 102)
    • 2 semesters of General Chemistry (CHE 111 and CHE 112)
    • 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry (CHE 223 and CHE 224)
    • 1 semester of Biochemistry (CHE 326)
    • 2 semesters of General Physics (PHY 111 and PHY 112)
    • 2 semesters of Calculus (MAT 131 and MAT 132)
    • Some schools may require 1 semester of Statistics
    • Some school may require credits in the social sciences

    Other Criteria

    • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
    • GPA requirements vary per school, but no lower than a 3.0 GPA will be accepted. It is recommended that your GPA is 3.5 or higher.
    • Students should take the DAT (Dental Admission Test) in spring semester of their junior year. This test is required for all dental schools.
    • Letters of evaluation are highly important for the application process.
    • Some schools will require shadowing hours for application.
    • Most schools require interviews.

    When to Apply

    Pharmacist (PharmD)

    A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the safe and effective use of medications. Their primary responsibilities include dispensing prescriptions, advising patients on medication use and potential side effects, conducting health screenings, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to optimize patient care. Pharmacists also play a key role in educating patients about managing their health conditions and ensuring adherence to medication regimens.

    Professional Organization: American Pharmacists Association

    Prerequisites

    Will vary per school, but most common prerequisites are:

    Other Criteria

    • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
    • GPA requirements vary per school, but no lower than a 3.0 GPA will be accepted. It is recommended that your GPA is 3.5 or higher.
    • The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) was retired on January 10, 2024. No PCAT testing dates will be offered during the 2024–2025 admissions cycle or beyond.

    When To Apply

    *Prerequisites courses, program requirements, and application deadlines listed above for the following programs: Communication Science Disorders, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant are for CHP programs ONLY. Programs at other institutions may vary in their requirements and deadlines.

    Veterinarian (DVM)

    Veterinarians specialize in the medical care of animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care. Veterinarians often work in private practices, but they can also work in research, public health, and conservation. After completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, they may pursue additional specialization in areas like surgery, oncology, or exotic animal care.

    Professional Organization: American Veterinary Medical Association

    Prerequisites

    Will vary per school, but most common prerequisites are:

    • 2 semesters of General Biology (BIO 101 and BIO 102)
    • 2 semesters of General Chemistry (CHE 111 and CHE 112)
    • 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry (CHE 223 and CHE 224)
    • 1 semester of Biochemistry (CHE 326)
    • 1 semester of Genetics (BIO 231)
    • 1 semester of Microbiology (BIO 264)
    • 2 semesters of General Physics (PHY 111 and PHY 112)
    • 1 semester of Statistics (MAT 141 or MAT 134)
    • 1 semester of General Psychology (PSY 112) or another social science
    • Some schools may require Animal Science or Zoology courses, which would need to be taken elsewhere as they are not offered at Pace.

    Other Criteria

    • Grades for prerequisites typically need to be C or higher for most schools.
    • Some schools may require additional math prerequisites or social sciences courses.
    • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, but a 3.5 or higher is highly recommended.
    • Many schools require experience working or volunteering with a veterenarian or with animals, shadowing a veterenarian, or research experience.
    • Many schools require interviews.
    • Letters of evaluation are required and an important part of the admissions processes.
    • There are no required standardized tests for veterinary schools.

    When to Apply