It’s no secret the older we get the more we need healthcare. And the U.S. is getting older. Currently, 16.5% of the U.S. population of 328 million people, or 54 million, are over the age of 65, according to the latest census. By 2030, that number will rise to 74 million, a 37% increase. And the number of people over the age of 85, who generally need the most care, is growing even faster.
So it comes as no surprise that healthcare is expected to create jobs at a faster clip than the rest of the economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 16% growth across all healthcare professions. And these professions pay very well, too. The table below lists just some examples.
| Occupation |
Projected Job Growth |
Median Pay |
| Audiologists | 16% | $81,030 |
| Chiropractors | 11% | $70,720 |
| Dentists | 8% | $164,010 |
| Optometrists | 9% | $118,050 |
| Occupational Therapists | 17% | $86,280 |
| Physical Therapists | 21% | $91,010 |
| Physicians Assistants | 31% | $115,390 |
| Podiatrists | 2% | $134,300 |
| Speech Pathologists | 29% | $80,480 |
| Veterinarians | 17% | $99,250 |
Michigan Tech’s Pre-Health professions minor has been preparing tomorrow’s healthcare leaders and helping to fill the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Pre-Health professions features helpful faculty and staff ensuring students: meet academic requirements for professional programs, receive valuable clinical experience and successfully navigate the application process. All of which results in a 70% acceptance rate into all health professional programs. For Tech students applying to medical school, they have a 65% acceptance rate (approximately twenty-five percentage points above the national average).
Students can pair this minor with any degree/major they choose at Tech. Popular pairings are made with Human Biology, Medical Lab Science, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Science, Chemistry, and Psychology. While students can choose any major, these are the most common!
But don’t let us tell you. Hear from our students first-hand how they prepared for the health professional program of their choice.
Listen to Jill Poliskey describe how a study abroad program in Ireland helped her decide to change her focus and her major and decide to go to medical school to become a doctor.
Listen to Abigail Botz describe how getting involved in research on campus and working as a peer health advocate has helped to strengthen her application.
Emma DeBaeke shares her journey from Tech into into Physcial Therapy school.
And Karmyn Polakowski talk about her entrance into med school thanks to Michigan Tech’s Early Assurance Program (EAP) with Michigan State University.
Learn more about Pre-Health at Michigan Tech or contact Nicole Seigneurie, Director, Pre-Health Profession directly at 906.487.2850 or nmseigne@mtu.edu.