Psychology and the Health Professions
Psychology is a popular major among premed students, as well as those interested in other health-related professions. National statistics show that students who major in psychology are as likely to be admitted to medical school as those who major in biology or chemistry. Psychology is particularly valuable for those premedical students interested in neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, or behavioral medicine. Northwestern students considering medical school should consult the Premedical Brochure prepared by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Premed/Prehealth Professions Advising page of the University Academic Advising Center.
Psychology courses with a strong neuroscience component may be most relevant for students considering some health professions. These include 212-Introduction to Neuroscience, 312-Neurobiology and Behavior, 361-Brain Damage and the Mind, and 363-Images of Cognition. 303-Psychopathology is especially relevant for those interested in psychiatry and is likely to be useful and interesting for others as well. Taking 218-Developmental Psychology will help you to appreciate differences among your patients that relate to the difference in their ages, as well as to better understand the ways in which their social development, personality, cognitive skills, and physical well-being can all affect each other. In addition, many of our courses, especially those in social and personality psychology, should enhance the sensitivity of health care providers to the clients they serve.
Research-oriented courses can be especially valuable for those entering medicine, or any other career in which they are likely to engage in ongoing reading of research reports documenting new developments in the field. In fact, in recent interviews of graduates of Northwestern's Honors Program in Medical Education, several students commented that their undergraduate course in statistics was especially helpful in their medical school studies. In addition, hands-on research experience through 399-Independent Study and 397-Advanced Supervised Research can be valuable for these students.
Psychology majors can easily complete required premed courses, which are the same as or similar to those required for entry to many other health-related professional schools. Two terms of calculus--Math 220 and 224 (Math 214-1 and -2 prior to Fall 2005)--can fulfill the Related Course requirement in mathematics, and three of your science courses can complete the Related Course requirement in natural science. You should also have room in your schedule for other courses relevant to a career in the health professions, including additional science courses. Another useful course is Classics 110-Scientific Vocabulary through Classical Roots, designed primarily for science and premedical students and providing an understanding of some of the technical terms you will encounter in your further education.
Students interested in health careers should also try to gain some firsthand experience in health-care settings. Volunteering at hospitals or nursing homes, or helping out in a doctor's office during the summer, will help you learn if this sort of career is really the best one for you. In addition, medical school admissions committees strongly favor applicants with a good understanding of what a career in medicine is likely to entail.
