International study programs: Health and medicine
Health and medical degrees make up an expansive area of study – from public health and pharmaceuticals to nursing and medical school programs.
In fact, they’re among the top international study programs in U.S. postsecondary schools. If you’re an international student considering a health – or medicine-related graduate or professional program in the United States, here’s what you can expect from the program during school and beyond.
About health and medicine programs
Health and medicine is a broad academic category including a host of postgraduate areas of study, such as programs for:
- Professional medical doctor (M.D.)
- Advanced practice nursing (APRN)
- Master’s of public health (MPH)
- Doctor of dental surgery (DDS)
Curriculum requirements vary depending on the program you choose.
For example, when studying within a medical school program, expect a four-year curriculum. Traditionally, the first two years involve preclinical education that covers various medical concepts, from anatomy and physiology, to diseases and treatments. During this time, you’ll also learn about diagnoses, doctoring, medical history and more.
In your third and fourth years of medical school, the curriculum teaches you how to engage with patients and other healthcare teams in real-life situations and environments. This phase of your graduate health and medicine education is called clinical rotations, or clerkships. During this period you’ll be exposed to different types of specialties, which you can explore deeper after medical school, if a specific area of medicine is of interest.
If you hope to have a career as a physician, speak to an advisor at your school. They can help guide you through medical school admissions, specialty options and residency applications toward the end of your graduate career.
Demand for health and medicine degrees
One thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to study medicine is that the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has reported that the United States expects to face a physician shortage. By 2036, it projects a deficit of 86,000 health and medical professionals, which means demand for health and medicine degrees might grow.
Also, health-related professions remain among the top 10 areas of study among international students. According to the 2023 Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education, there were a total of 467,027 postgraduate students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, professional and other graduate degree levels. Based on all survey participants, 12.8% of international students chose a health profession-based program.
Be aware that not all U.S. medical schools accept international students, but many programs do. The AAMC reports that 48 U.S. M.D. programs accept international applicants. For a glimpse into how competitive health and medicine programs are, during the 2023-24 academic year, the AAMC found that 1,886 international students applied to an M.D. program, and ultimately, 287 students successfully enrolled.
When considering an M.D. graduate program, review the school’s admission requirements closely.
5 jobs you can get with a health and medicine degree
With health and medicine postgraduate programs, you likely already know the medical profession or specialty you’re focused on pursuing.
Depending on the area of health or medicine you practice in, your return on investment might vary. Pursuing graduate school in a healthcare field is a big commitment, but over your career you will achieve a high ROI, according to Education Data analysis. Generally, ROI reaches an estimated 350% over a 40-year career.
Here are just a handful of possible career paths with an advanced degree in health or medicine.
1. Obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Obstetricians and gynecologists provide reproductive medical care for women at all stages, including pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. They diagnose patient concerns, provide treatment options, observe patients, perform tests and screenings, and offer preventative guidance.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the mean annual wage for this medical profession is US$278,660. Between 2022 to 2032, OB-GYN roles are projected to have 2.2% job growth.
2. Cardiologist
As a cardiologist, you’ll diagnose, treat, order and review tests and imagery, and provide medical care for patients experiencing heart and cardiovascular concerns. This includes chest pains, high or low blood pressure and heart failure.
The BLS reports that the mean annual wage for cardiologists is US$423,250, and cardiologist roles are projected to rise 3%.
3. Pharmacist
Working as a pharmacist in the United States requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Upon completing pharmacy school, you’ll work alongside other healthcare professionals to advise them on appropriate dosage for patient medications. You’ll also interact with patients to instruct them on safe use of their prescriptions, its side effects and record maintenance.
The BLS states that pharmacists earn a sizable six-figure median income of US$136,030 annually. This health profession is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2023, with an estimated 13,400 job openings per year.
4. Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
The minimum education level to become an entry-level APRN is a master’s degree. Typically, you’ll serve within a specialty, such as a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife or nurse practitioner. As an APRN, you’ll provide patient care, diagnose health problems, perform exams and more.
The median annual salary for a specialized APRN in 2023 is US$129,480, according to the BLS. And the demand for nurses is high. Between 2022 to 2032, this job is expected to grow 38% faster than average of all occupations. Over the next decade, the number of openings expected in nursing fields is expected to total about 29,200.
5. Speech-language pathologist
Treating individuals of all ages who have speech, language or swallowing disorders is the primary role of a speech-language pathologist. They evaluate clients’ existing concerns and determine the appropriate treatment or therapy plan to help them improve their language, speech rhythm and fluency.
This health profession requires a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a license in the state you’re practicing. The BLS reports that this job earns a median annual wage of US$89,290 with those working at nursing facilities and hospitals earning more than US$100,000 annually. The employment growth for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow faster than average at 19% from 2022 to 2032.
Final thoughts: Getting a health and medicine degree
Pursuing a graduate-level degree in health and medicine as an international student is challenging, but it offers a variety of rewarding career paths.
Before launching your studies, make sure you have sufficient funds to pay for medical school or other health-related programs. In 2023, more than 300 health and medical graduate students received financial assistance through MPOWER Financing loans.
If you need help paying for school especially for a healthcare or STEM field, consider an international student loan from MPOWER Financing.
