The best majors for the medical field depend on your specific interests. The medical field is vast, encompassing not only physicians and surgeons but also radiological technicians, athletic trainers, pharmacists and veterinarians.

If you know that you want to pursue a career in the medical field but aren’t sure how to go about it, start by taking a look at some of the best healthcare degrees. Explore the courses and curriculum, and consider how any given degree might align with your career interests.

There is a wide assortment of degrees that are aligned with the medical field. Some degrees, such as pre-med degrees, are designed to provide a foundation from which to pursue advanced medical training in a professional school, such as medical school, dentistry school or veterinary school. Others are aligned with entry-level positions in the medical field, such as technician jobs or positions in medical labs.

Bachelor of Science in Biology With an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine

A BS in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine combines didactic coursework with experiential components in labs. You’ll explore medicine-related topics, such as scientific research and communication, pathophysiology, molecular biology and cellular mechanisms. 

Many students who enroll in a pre-med emphasis program may plan on applying to medical school after graduation with the goal of becoming a physician. Undergraduate degree requirements to attend medical school vary, and applicants do typically need to have taken courses in biology and other subjects that are generally covered in a pre-med program.^{(See disclaimer 1 )}

Bachelor of Science in Biology With an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy

If you’re interested in how medications manage symptoms and treat disease, you might consider earning a pre-pharmacy emphasis. A BS in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy will follow a comprehensive curriculum with plenty of science courses, such as: 

• General chemistry
• General biology
• Organic chemistry
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science With an Emphasis in Pre-Athletic Training

If you have a passion for both sports and medical science, you might consider majoring in a pre-athletic training program. While earning a BS in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Pre-Athletic Training, you’re likely to examine topics in nutrition, health promotion, kinesiology, resistance training, cardiovascular fitness and the treatment, care and prevention of sports injuries. 
 

Bachelor of Science in Biology With an Emphasis in Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Not all who work in the medical field work on aspects of human health. Many specialize in animal health. If you love animals and are interested in learning about their health issues, consider earning a BS in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. 

In this type of degree program, the curriculum is likely to cover topics such as:

• Biology, chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology
• Animal pathophysiology and vertebrate physiology and zoology
• Animal behaviors
• Nutrition for animals
• Medical terms

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Physicians and other healthcare providers rely on clinical laboratory tests to analyze medical samples and provide findings that shed light on patients’ health. With the aid of clinical laboratory tests, physicians can diagnose and treat disease. If you’re interested in the laboratory aspect of the medical field, you might want to earn a BS in Medical Laboratory Science. GCU also offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLT to MLS) designed for current MLTs seeking to advance their education and expand their professional pathways.

In this type of degree program, you can typically expect to examine topics such as:

• Clinical chemistry and microbiology
• Molecular diagnostics
• Hematology and hemostasis
• Immunology and immunohematology
• Laboratory instrumentation, practices and procedures

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

A health sciences degree covers a wide range of topics pertaining to the medical field—from risk management and healthcare regulations to ethics issues applicable to healthcare professionals. This degree may be aligned with some allied health professions, such as:

• Respiratory therapists
• Radiology technicians
• Phlebotomists
• Surgical personnel
• Physical therapist assistants
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)

Note that additional training and credentials may be required for allied health professions.

If you decide to earn a BS in Health Sciences, your coursework might explore topics such as: 

• Healthcare quality
• Transcultural healthcare
• Healthcare environments and technological advancements
• The application of evidence-based practice
   

While you’re considering which degree on the medical majors list might suit you best, it can be helpful to explore which sort of medical field career you are most interested in. There are so many careers in the medical field to consider, such as the following:

Doctor

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries and other medical conditions. They are responsible for performing physical exams, ordering medical tests, recommending and performing treatments, prescribing medications and delivering patient education.

Doctors may choose from a wide range of specialties, such as:

• Primary care
• Cardiology
• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Psychiatry
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and gynecology

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in medications. They are responsible for dispensing medications according to a doctor’s prescription, and they sometimes counsel doctors about medications, such as their potential interactions, side effects and ideal dosages.

Patient education is a significant part of a pharmacist’s job, as patients need to know how to take medications according to the directions and which side effects to watch out for. Pharmacists also administer vaccinations to help patients stay healthy and avoid contagious diseases like the flu or measles.

Veterinarian

Veterinarians care for animals, including domesticated pets, livestock and zoo animals. They are responsible for promoting healthy care practices, such as by educating clients about feeding their pets properly. In addition, veterinarians can:

• Examine animals, diagnose illnesses and injuries and prescribe treatments
• Provide wound care
• Operate medical equipment
• Vaccinate animals
• Euthanize animals when appropriate

Athletic Trainer

Because of the word trainer, it’s sometimes thought that athletic trainers are the same as personal fitness trainers. In fact, they are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries and illnesses.

Athletic trainers may do any of the following:

• Identify and evaluate injuries
• Administer first aid
• Apply devices intended to stabilize or prevent injuries, such as braces
• Develop rehabilitation programs for athletes recovering from sports injuries
• Plan and implement injury prevention programs for an organization

Athletic trainers may work with athletes of all ages and skill levels—from those participating in youth recreation leagues to professional athletes. It can be an ideal career for those interested in sports medicine.

Radiologic Technologist

Medical imaging is used to diagnose medical conditions, perform preventive health screenings and monitor a patient’s response to treatment. Radiologic technologists are responsible for operating medical imaging equipment and performing tests on patients in accordance with a doctor’s order. 

Professionals in this role may do any of the following:

• Maintain and operate imaging equipment
• Take patients’ medical histories, shield non-targeted exposed areas and otherwise prepare patients for the imaging test
• Maintain patient records
• Coordinate with the doctor to determine if additional images are required

Some radiologic technologists choose to specialize in a particular type of imaging equipment, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) or mammography.

Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of medical science and healthcare degrees, both at the undergraduate and the graduate level. Consider applying to our Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine degree, Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy program or Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Pre-Athletic Training degree. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about the world of possibilities that await you at our private Christian school.