Careers

We know that your college experience is important, but what matters more is how you can use your newfound knowledge to impact the world around you after graduation. The UAB School of Health Professions can help you find an exciting career that is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of others.

Genetic Counselor

Health Physicist

Hospital Administrator

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Occupational Therapist

Pharmacologist

Physical Therapist

Physician Assistant

Registered Dietitian

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who combine their passion for science and desire to help others to provide specialized expertise in many areas of medicine and industry. As a genetic counselor, you learn to assess risk for a variety of genetic conditions based on an individual’s medical and family history. Genetic counselors discuss genetic testing options and support informed decision making by providing education to patients on genetic concepts and potential testing results at a level the patient can understand. Genetic counselors also use their counseling skills to support individuals and families throughout the diagnostic process to help patients address the emotional implications of their diagnosis. Genetic counselors can work in many areas of medicine including prenatal care, pediatrics, oncology, cardiology, neurology, and others. Genetic counselors can also have non-clinical roles, which include working for research studies, genetic testing laboratories, insurance companies, and in public policy just to name a few.

Outlook and demand

Demand for genetic counselors is projected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing technological innovations, including lab tests and developments in genomics, has increased the utilization of genetic testing across many areas of healthcare. This increase in the number and types of tests available to patients has increased the need for genetic counselors, who are able to identify appropriate testing based on a patient’s history, explain the testing and results implications to patients and providers.

Employers look for professionals who can: 

• Demonstrate critical thinking including the ability to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and to problem solve in a timely fashion.
• Explain complex concepts, medical procedures and test results to patients and families while providing emotional support
• Educate medical professionals and others regarding genetics and genetic conditions that impact daily living

Paths that can lead to this career

An M.S. in Genetic Counseling is required for genetic counselors entering into the profession, and genetic counselors need to be certified. Please note, this program requires an application to National Match Services and interview process for admission, as well as an application to the UAB Graduate School.

Job titles and employers

Genetic Counselor

Places of work for this career:

• Hospitals
• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
• Physician Offices
• Colleges and Universities

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database..

Organizations to check out for this career:

• American Board of Genetic Counseling 
• Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer 
• National Society of Genetic Counselors 
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Genetic counselors 
• Organization of Teratology Information Specialists 
• Teratology Society 
• The American Society of Human Genetics

Next steps

Pharmacologist

Pharmacology is the science of drugs and how the body responds to the drug. In a career as a pharmacologist, you could be on the front lines of research, testing medications and chemical compounds that will be used to treat and prevent major diseases. New areas in pharmacology are rapidly evolving, including personalized precision medicine and gene therapy, regenerative tissue development, and nanotechnology-based approaches used to fight diseases. 

Often confused with pharmacy, pharmacology is a separate discipline in the health sciences. As a pharmacologist, you will learn to design and test new and/or existing therapeutic drugs to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Pharmacists on the other hand, ensure the proper dosage and composition of the medication is dispensed to the patient or utilized in clinical trials. Pharmacology integrates the knowledge of many disciplines, including biochemistry, physiology, medicine, and pharmacy. This integrative nature allows pharmacology to make unique and significant contributions to human health.

Outlook and demand

Demand is projected to increase for medical scientists such as pharmacologists. A larger and aging population, increased rates of several chronic conditions, and a growing reliance on pharmaceuticals are all factors that are expected to increase demand for pharmacologists. 

Pharmacologists will be needed for research related to drugs and clinical trial development to treat diseases such as AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.  In addition, the increasing frequency of international travel may facilitate the spread of existing diseases and give rise to new ones. Pharmacologists will continue to be needed because they contribute to the development of treatments and medicines that improve human health.

Employers look for professionals who can:

• Direct medical science or healthcare programs.
• Plan biological research.
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Operate laboratory or field equipment.

Paths that can lead to this career

To become a pharmacologist, you will need a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. Depending on your chosen career field, a master's, Ph.D., or other professional doctoral degree may be required. UAB's M.S. in Biomedical and Health Sciences is a one year program that can help you prepare for a variety of other professional healthcare programs. 

Job titles and employers

Pharmacologist

Places of work for this career:

• Academia (Professor, Lab Manager, Researcher)
• Non-Profits
• Government (Staff Scientist, Director of Regulatory Affairs)
• Pharmaceutical Industry (Director of Research, Medical Science Liaison)
• Law (Tech Transfer Specialist, Patent Lawyer)
• Science Policy and Outreach (Policy Analyst or Advisor, Public Affairs Director, Outreach Director, Government Affairs Specialist, Consultant)
• Science Writing (Author, Editor, Freelance Writer, Medical Writer)

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database..

Organizations to check out for this career:

• American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET)
• American Association for Cancer Research
• American Association for the Advancement of Science
• American Association of Bioanalysts
• American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
• American Chemical Society
• American Federation for Medical Research
• American Society for Investigative Pathology

Next steps

Health Physicist

A career in health physics, also referred to as the science of radiation protection, is a profession devoted to protecting people from potential radiation hazards, while making it possible to enjoy the beneficial uses of radiation. As a health physicist you can work with and manage radiation safety across all industry. Hospitals, clinics, and major medical centers use radiation sources, including x-ray machines, particle accelerators, lasers, and many other types of radiation that have to be managed and are regulated to ensure safety to humans. Health physicists are needed to ensure proper and safe working conditions for anyone who use or could be exposed to radiation.

Outlook and demand

Employment of medical scientists such as health physicists are projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. A larger and aging population, increased rates of several chronic conditions are all factors that are expected to increase demand for medical scientists.  Continued advancements in the detection of cancer and the development of more sophisticated treatment techniques may also lead to greater demand for radiation therapy.

Employers look for professionals who can: 

• Ability to pick up on visuals cues in structure, equipment, or procedures that may pose a threat
• Evaluate your data and samples to draw conclusions about the health of the environment and the public
• Presenting verbal and written analysis of your findings, as well as interact with the public when gathering information
• Have lab skills and familiarity with testing procedures and equipment to run samples

Paths that can lead to this career

An M.S. in Health Physics can prepare you for a career as a health physicist or radiation safety officer. Certification as a health physicist is obtained through state examination, and must be maintained through continuing education. 

Job titles and employers

Radiology Safety Officer

Places of work for this career:

• Hospitals
• Radiology Imaging Clinics
• Nuclear Plants

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database..

Organizations to check out for this career:

• Health Physics Society
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Specialists in Radiation Protection 

Next steps

Medical Laboratory Scientist

As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, you will perform tests to analyze many types of samples from the body for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, as well as monitoring treatments and therapies. Medical Laboratory Scientists often analyze body fluids such as blood, urine, and spinal fluid. Although the majority of patients have normal results, you will also spend your time acting as a medical detective in some cases of abnormal findings. The medical laboratory has sophisticated equipment which requires a highly trained scientist to run, but also many intricate procedures which require hands-on duties. A day in the life of a Medical Laboratory Scientist is never boring as they count cells, prepare blood for transfusion, determine causes of infection, discuss results with the healthcare team, and provide accurate results.

Outlook and demand

Demand for Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians will be in demand to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Employers look for professionals who can: 

• Understand how to operate computerized lab equipment
• Follow exact instructions in order to perform tests or procedures correctly
• Work closely with precision laboratory instruments
• Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage
• Spend workdays in laboratories, often away from face-to-face patient contact

Paths that can lead to this career

A bachelor's degree in medical technology or biomedical sciences can prepare you to earn an M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences for an advanced understanding of clinical testing techniques.

Job titles and employers

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Places of work for this career:

• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories
• Physicians offices
• Outpatient care centers

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database.

Organizations to check out for this career:

• AABB 
• American Association of Bioanalysts
• American Medical Technologists
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society for Cytotechnology
• American Society of Cytopathology
• Clinical Laboratory Management Association
• Department of Health and Human Services
• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences 

Next steps

Physical Therapist

A career as a physical therapist (PT) allows you to work directly with patients to improve their movement and manage their pain. Physical therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Physical therapists work with individuals of all ages, from newborns to older adults, who are limited by their abilities to move and perform essential activities in their daily lives. PT's examine each patient and then develop treatment plans using techniques designed to promote ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PT's work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. They also play important roles in promoting health, wellness, and fitness to the public, as well as developing standards for physical therapy practice and ensuring therapy is available and accessible.

Outlook and demand

Demand for physical therapy is projected to grow due to the aging baby boomers generation, who are not only staying active later in life, but are susceptible to health conditions, such as strokes, that may require physical therapy. Physical therapists also treat people with mobility issues stemming from diabetes or obesity. Employers look for professionals who can:

• Develop medical treatment plans
• Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals
• Have close physical proximity and face-to-face interaction with others

Paths that can lead to this career

A Doctor in Physical Therapy degree is required for physical therapists entering into the profession, and all states require physical therapists to be licensed. Please note, this program is highly competitive and requires a national application and an interview process for admission. 

Job titles and employers

Physical Therapist

Top local employers/where our grads work:

• Clinics
• Private Practices
• Hospitals
• Home Health
• Rehabilitation Facilities

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database.

Organizations to check out for this career:

• American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
• American Occupational Therapy Association
• American Physical Therapy Association
• International Association for Dance Medicine and Science
• National Athletic Trainers' Association
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• American College of Sports Medicine
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)

Next steps

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants (PA's) are healthcare professionals who practice medicine with the supervision of a licensed physician. They work in all areas of medicine, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, and psychiatry. PA's provide services ranging from primary care to very specialized surgical care. Physician Assistants obtain patient histories, perform physical examinations, diagnose illness and develop and execute treatment strategies.

Outlook and demand

With the growing need for healthcare services to provide care to patients in rural, urban and indigent populations, the demand for Physician Assistants is projected to continue to grow. Having Physician Assistants in a healthcare practice provides greater access to medical care and allows physicians to be able to provide medical care to a larger population of patients.

Employers look for professionals who can:

• Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
• Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
• Prescribe therapy or medications to treat their medical conditions.
• Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
• Interpret diagnostic test results.
• Work well in an interprofessional, collaborative team.

Paths that can lead to this career

Prior to entering into the profession, students must obtain a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree from an accredited educational program and they must obtain certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Please note, this is a highly competitive program that requires a national application through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and requires an interview process for admission.

Job titles and employers

Physician Assistant

Places of work for this career:

• Physicians Offices
• Hospitals
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Family Practice Clinics
• Psychiatric Practice Clinics
• Pediatric Practice Clinics
• Home Health

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database.

Organizations to check out for this career:

• American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
• Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)

Next steps

Registered Dietitian

A career as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) will provide you opportunities to use food services and nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. Registered Dietitians assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions and health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling. For example, a dietitian or dietitian nutritionist might teach a client with diabetes how to plan meals to balance the client’s blood sugar.

You will be trained to advise patients on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and food selection and preparation to improve quality of life. Using nutritional principles, dietary plans and modifications you may supervise activities of a department providing food services, counseling individuals, or conducting nutritional research.

A Registered Dietitian is a trained nutrition professional who has met the strict educational and experiential standards set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Outlook and demand

Demand for Registered Dietitians are projected to grow due to the role of food in preventing and treating diseases, such as diabetes, is now well known. More Registered Dietitians will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.

Employers look for professionals who can:

• Assess patients’ and clients’ nutritional and health needs
• Counsel patients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits
• Develop and evaluate effects meal and nutrition plans
• Promote better health by speaking to groups about diet, nutrition, and disease prevention
• Create educational materials about healthy food choices
• Keep up with or contribute to the latest food and nutritional science research

Paths that can lead to this career

Dietitians typically need a bachelor’s degree, along with supervised training through an internship. Many Registered Dietitians have advanced graduate degrees. Many states require dietitians to be licensed. At UAB, the Dietitian Education Program and the Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention Track with the Dietitian Education Program-Certificate can lead to eligibility to sit for the registration exam.

Please note, the UAB Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship is a competitive program that participates in the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) and online computer matching through D&D Digital. Students who are matched to the MS in Nutrition Sciences, Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship will then apply to the Graduate School.

Job titles and employers

Registered Dietician

Places of work for this career:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Research
• Rehabilitation Facilites
• Cafeterias
• Corporate Nutrition Programs
• Sports Nutrition
• State and Local Governments

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database.

Organizations to check out for this career:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• American Association of Diabetes Educators
• American College of Nutrition
• American College of Sports Medicine
• American Diabetes Association
• American Society for Nutrition
• American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
• Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists
• Dietetics in Health Care Communities
• National Association of Nutrition Professionals

Next steps

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist you will provide physicians with diagnostic images, diagnostic non-imaging information and treat patients for some diseases using radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals. You will primarily prepare radioactive drugs and other adjunctive medications, administer them to patients, and operate equipment in order to create images of patients that cause abnormal areas (pathology) of the body to appear different from normal areas. Other responsibilities include using liquid radiation sources to treat and cure diseases such as cancer or hyperthyroidism.

Nuclear Medicine Technology provides information about both the function and structure of virtually every major organ system within the body with little to no patient discomfort and usually does not require the use of any anesthesia. Techniques utilizing Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging with gamma cameras enables the images to be formed. Continued new development of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic work and therapies allows for greater confidence between the patient and medical provider, making Nuclear Medicine an important and ongoing part of advancements in medical care.

Outlook and demand

Demand for Nuclear Medicine Technology is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population may lead to the need for nuclear medicine technologists who can provide imaging to patients with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, or treatments for cancers and other diseases.

Employers look for professionals who can: 

• Work under the direction of a physician to administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment.
• Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription. 
• Pay close attention while recording and processing results of procedures.
• Assist and care for others by providing assistance, attention, support, or care to others.

Paths that can lead to this career

A Master of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology provides didactic and clinical coursework in a curriculum that is designed to prepare you to become a competent and productive technologist. You will earn about 1,000 hours of hands-on, clinical experience while in the program, that can be difficult to obtain outside of a program like this. These clinical hours are valuable especially if you choose to pursue further education in medicine. Please note, this program requires an interview process and clinical observation arranged by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Clinical Coordinator for admission.

Job titles and employers

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Places of work for this career:

• Community hospitals
• University-affiliated teaching hospitals and medical centers
• Outpatient imaging facilities
• Public health institutions
• Government and private research institutes

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore theDepartment of Labor's O*Net database..

Organizations to check out for this career:

• Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 
• American Board of Nuclear Medicine
• American Board of Radiology
• American College of Nuclear Medicine
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology 

Next steps

Occupational Therapist

As an Occupational Therapist (OT) you will promote health and well-being to people of all ages through the therapeutic use of daily activities. OTs help people who aren’t able to participate in activities due to physical, affective, or cognitive impairments from a health condition. They also work with those who have been challenged, such as children in foster care, people who are incarcerated, or others affected by their physical, social, cultural, or attitudinal environments. Using a holistic approach, occupational therapists work to enable these individuals to adapt to their environments and enhance their participation in the world around them.

Occupational therapists find ways to make life easier and support people with self-care and household tasks, getting out and about, or even by modifying a person’s home. They also enable people to be successful at work, education, and in social and leisure activities. Some OT’s specialize in working with clients within a specific age group or disability such as those with visual impairment, arthritis, developmental coordination disorder, mental illness, or spinal cord injury. Other OT’s may work with children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations. They may help people recovering from injury to regain skills, and they may provide support for older adults experiencing physical, sensory and/or cognitive changes.

Outlook and demand

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of healthcare for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb. The need for occupational therapists is expected to increase as the large baby-boom generation ages and people remain active later in life.

Employers look for professionals who can:

• Work in close contact with people and other healthcare providers.
• Analyze and evaluate an individual’s circumstances and situation to determine their needs and goals.
• Provide health and wellness advice to individuals and their family or caregivers, to groups of people and to communities.
• Prepare reports summarizing a person’s occupational needs and goals.
• Design and direct public or employee healthcare delivery programs.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide evidence-based evaluation and intervention plans.
• Are creative problem-solvers.

Paths that can lead to this career

Either an entry level Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) or a Master’s degree is required for occupational therapists entering into the profession. All states require occupational therapists to be licensed. Please note, the program at UAB is a highly competitive program that participates in the centralized application service for occupational therapy programs (OTCAS) and requires an interview process for admission, as well as application to the UAB Graduate School.

Job titles and employers

Occupational Therapist

Places of work for this career:

• Hospitals
  • Acute care
  • Intensive care units (ICU)
  • Inpatient rehabilitation
  • Outpatient care
  • Specialty units (ex. spinal cord injury)
  • Pediatric specialty units (ex. oncology, burns, NICU)
  • Outpatient pediatric clinics

To find out detailed salary information and more information on this career, you can explore the Department of Labor's O*Net database.

Organizations to check out for this career:

• American Occupational Therapy Association
• American Society of Hand Therapists
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Occupational therapists
• Society for the Study of Occupation: USA
• World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Next steps