9 Chapter 9 Decide My Major and Minor
Introduction
Our home, the College of Health Professions, offers many opportunities to pursue careers in the health field. Along with our sister programs offered through the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work, you have many paths to consider. Take time to check the various degree programs and hear from fellow students.
To learn more about a health profession of interest, complete the health professional interview assignment below.
College of Health Professions Bachelor Degrees
- Addiction Studies (BS)
- American Sign Language and Interpretation Studies (Communication Studies), BS
- American Sign Language and Interpretation Studies (Spanish Translation and Interpreting), BS
- Biomedical Sciences, BS
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences, BS
- Communication Sciences Disorders (American Sign Language Minor), BS
- Exercise Science (BS)
- Exercise Science (Occupational Therapy Concentration), BS
- Exercise Science (Physical Therapy Concentration), BS
- Health, BS
- Health Services Technology (BAT)
- Integrated Health Sciences, BS
- Kinesiology, BS
- Kinesiology (Athletic Training Concentration), BS
- Kinesiology (Coaching Concentration), BS
- Kinesiology (Recreational Sports Management Concentration), BS
- Kinesiology (Teacher Certification), BS
- Nutritional Sciences (Food Technology and Management Concentration), BS
- Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition Concentration), BS
- Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition and Fitness Concentration), BS
- Nutritional Sciences (Research Concentration), BS
- Rehabilitation Services, BS
- Rehabilitation Services (Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Concentration), BS
College of Health Professions Minors
- American Sign Language Studies
- Addiction Studies
- Expressive Arts
- Health
- Health Services Technology
- Kinesiology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Rehabilitation
Meet students from the College of Health Professions
https://mycourses.utrgv.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-8354767-dt-content-rid-91190262_1/xid-91190262_1
School of Nursing Bachelor Degrees
School of Social Work Bachelor Degrees
After the exposure to the available majors and minors, it’s time to understand how they translate to the associate career after graduation. Here is an activity that helps you to learn more about healthcare career options.
Exercise – Interview with a Health Professional
This assignment aims to learn about what a health professional does.
- Select a health profession that you are interested in pursuing.
- Identify a professional in that field.
- Make an appointment by asking for a 15-20 minute informational interview.
- Ensure to respect the person’s time and not exceed the allotted time.
- Make sure to thank them for their time. A thank you email or note serves as an excellent follow-up.
Suggested questions (feel free to add any others):
- What degrees do you hold, and what other practice preparation did you have for your current position?
- What path did you take to arrive at this position?
- What types of activities are you involved in on a day-to-day basis?
- What are the essential skills and competencies that are needed in this job?
- What brings you satisfaction in your job?
- What challenges do you face in your job?
- Did you have any role models on your educational and career path?
- Did you have a mentor? If yes, how did you go about to have one?
After completing the interview, prepare a narrative of the answers and reflect on the knowledge you gained: Are you more or less interested in pursuing this health profession? Any surprises, etc.? The total assignment (answers + reflection) is around 500-600 words.
This assignment is adapted from an Informational Interviewing assignment by Dr. Sharon Buchbinder.
For any questions on the different majors and minors, consult an advisor, a program coordinator, a chair and/or school director.
