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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, February 25, 2009

IU Bloomington Health Programs Fair scheduled for March 4

Event brings representatives of more than 100 medical schools, programs and organizations to campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 25, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Students considering a career in health care can learn about more than just the familiar roles of "doctor" and "nurse" at Indiana University Bloomington's Health Programs Fair on March 4 (Wednesday) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Indiana Memorial Union Alumni Hall.

The fair -- which is free and open to the public -- will feature more than 100 health care representatives on hand to meet with students and answer questions about educational and career opportunities. Health care fields represented will range from athletic training and radiation therapy to cytotechnology and paramedic science.

Typically more than 700 students turn out for the annual Health Programs Fair, and large crowds are expected again this year to talk to representatives of medical schools, academic programs and healthcare organizations from all over the country.

"Our office encourages students to consider all the career possibilities available to them, including health fields that are not as well-known. Students should think carefully about their individual abilities and interests in making career decisions," said Rachel Tolen, assistant director of the IU Bloomington Health Professions and Prelaw Center.

At the Health Programs Fair, students can learn what medical schools look for in an applicant, connect with volunteer agencies in the Bloomington area, or find out what it takes to become a physical therapist. The fair provides the opportunity for students to speak one-on-one with admissions representatives from medical schools and other health professions programs. Students can talk with representatives about program offerings and get information to help enhance their chances for admission.

Some fields require just an undergraduate degree, while others may require extensive graduate-level study. Representatives from IU academic departments will be on hand to discuss majors and courses that can help prepare students for medicine and other health fields.

"While many other sectors of the economy have been hit hard by the recession, it is expected that jobs in health care will continue to grow. However, students should be aware that there is intense competition for admission to educational programs related to health care, so it is important that they plan carefully," said Tolen.

Students interested in some health professions need to obtain volunteer experience with community organizations to be competitive program applicants. At the Health Programs Fair, students can find information on health-related clubs, community organizations and volunteer opportunities in the Bloomington area.

Some of the universities and programs that will be represented at the fair this year include:

• Indiana University School of Medicine
• Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
• Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Ohio State University College of Medicine
• Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• St. George's University School of Medicine
• University of Kentucky College of Medicine
• University of Louisville School of Medicine
• New York College of Podiatric Medicine
• Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
• Rosalind Franklin University Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
• Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
• Indiana University School of Dentistry
• University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
• University of Louisville School of Dentistry
• Illinois College of Optometry
• Indiana University School of Optometry
• University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy
• Butler University Physician Assistant Program
• Indiana University Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Programs
• University of Indianapolis School of Physical Therapy and School of Occupational Therapy
• Indiana University School of Medicine Health Professions Programs (Clinical Lab Sciences, Cytotechnology, Paramedic Science, Pathologist Assistant, Radiological Sciences, Radiation Therapy, Respiratory Therapy)
• Ivy Tech Community College School of Health Sciences
• Indiana University School of Social Work (Master of Social Work Program)
• Rush University (Occupational Therapy, Clinical Lab Sciences, and Nursing Programs)

Some of the fields students can explore include:

• Allopathic Medicine
• Athletic Training
• Biology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Chemistry
• Chiropractic
• Clinical Lab Science
• Cytotechnology
• Dental Hygiene
• Dentistry
• Dietetics
• EMT
• Exercise Science
• Fitness Specialist
• Health Administration
• Health Information Administration
• Human Biology
• Human Development/Family Studies
• Medical Physics
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Optician/Optometric Technician
• Optometry
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Paramedic Science
• Pathologists' Assistant
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Podiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Radiological Sciences
• Respiratory Therapy
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Speech and Hearing

The Health Programs Fair is sponsored by the Health Professions and Prelaw Center and co-sponsored by the IU departments of Applied Health Science, Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Kinesiology, Nursing, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Speech and Hearing Sciences.

For more information, contact HPPLC at 855-1873, hpplc@indiana.edu or visit the Web at https://www.hpplc.indiana.edu/medicine/med-hpf.shtml.

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