Health Care, Nursing, and Pre-Medical Degrees for International Students (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions for Health Care and Nursing Degrees

• Is a health care degree good for international students?

  Pursuing a health care degree in the US can be a great choice for international students. Health care experts are valued across the world, qualifying for many career opportunities that make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. For students aiming to build a strong foundation in health care, US universities offer high-quality degree programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and access to the latest in advanced medical technology.

  Additionally, with the growing demand for health care professionals worldwide, having a degree from a top-ranked US university can improve a student’s employability and career prospects.

• What health care careers can international students pursue in the USA?

  International students in the US can pursue a variety of rewarding health care careers, including:

  • Dental hygienist

  • Health information technician

  • Medical laboratory technician

  • Occupational therapist

  • Pharmacist

  • Physical therapist

  • Radiologic technologist

  • Registered nurse (RN)

  Each of these careers offer unique opportunities for students to help others, work in diverse environments, and grow their skills.

• Are there health care degrees in the US that are not pre-med or medical degrees?

  Yes, there are many options to earn degrees that qualify for health care careers that are not specifically pre-med or medical degrees. Here are several degree possibilities at US universities that can qualify graduates for roles in health care:

  • Bachelor of science in biomedical engineering

  • Bachelor of science in molecular microbiology

  • Bachelor of science in health care administration

  • Bachelor of science in public health

• Are pre-medical degrees useful for international students?

  Pre-med degrees provide a strong foundation in the sciences and help build critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for medical school. If you do not plan to apply to medical school, the coursework completed during a pre-med program can open doors to other health care-related fields and advanced studies, such as:

  • Biomedical research

  • Dentistry

  • Health care administration

  • Pharmacy

  • Public health

  A pre-med background can also demonstrate your dedication to working in health care, making you a competitive candidate for positions in health care administration, clinical research, and public health as well as graduate programs in pharmacy, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.

• What are nursing career opportunities?

  Nursing offers a wide range of career opportunities, allowing professionals to work in versatile and rewarding fields including hospitals, clinics, and schools. Some of the many career paths you can consider with a nursing degree include:

  • Community health nurse

  • Home health nurse

  • Hospital nurse

  • Nurse educator

  • Nurse practitioner

  • Nurse researcher

  • School nurse

  • Travel nurse

  Each of these roles offer unique opportunities to specialize, advance, and make a significant impact on patient care and the health care system.