Grad School
What is the name for the professional degree earned by veterinarians?
What is a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)?
Which healthcare professional specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the eyes and prescribing glasses or contacts?
What is an optometrist?
Which exam is commonly required for medical school admission?
MCAT
What is the term for observing a healthcare professional at work to learn about their career?
Experience
What is the difference between gross pay and take-home pay?
Gross pay is earnings before deductions; take-home pay is what remains after deductions.
What degree do physicians earn in the MD pathway?
Doctor of Medicine
Which professional helps patients improve movement and recover physical function after injury?
PT
Which exam is commonly used for dental school admission?
DAT
What is one benefit of volunteering in a healthcare setting before applying to graduate school?
It provides exposure to healthcare environments, helps students understand patient needs, and demonstrates commitment to serving others.
What was the approximate median annual wage for general dentists?
About $196,100 (using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2024)
What degree do physical therapists typically earn to enter the profession?
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Which healthcare professional evaluates fine motor skills?
What is an occupational therapist?
Which exam is commonly used for optometry school admission?
OAT
Why might an admissions committee value experience working with people from diverse backgrounds?
It demonstrates cultural awareness, communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.
What was the approximate median annual wage for physician assistants in May 2025?
Approximately $135,880 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What centralized application service is used by many U.S. veterinary schools?
VMCAS
Which professional can diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatment, and practice medicine as part of a healthcare team under applicable laws?
PA
What does GRE stand for?
Graduate Record Examination
What is the difference between clinical experience and research experience?
Clinical experience involves working with or observing patient care in a healthcare setting. Research experience involves helping investigate questions, collect or analyze data, and contribute to scientific knowledge.
What is the approximate median annual wage for U.S. physical therapists?
About $103,000 (using the May 2025 BLS figure)
Can a student major in something other than biology and still apply to medical school?
Yes, provided they complete the required prerequisites and other admissions requirements.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist earns an OD; an ophthalmologist is a physician (MD/DO) who specializes in eye care and can perform eye surgery.
Which standardized exam is commonly used for admission to veterinary school?
The GRE
Does every PA program require the exact same number of patient-care hours?
No. Requirements vary by program.
Why might a career with a higher salary not necessarily leave someone with more financial flexibility than a career with a lower salary?
Debt, taxes, living costs, and other expenses can reduce financial flexibility.