Student in protective clothing removing honeyed tray from apiary

What You'll Learn and Do in the Health Fields at NMU

On campus, you’ll have classes in our modern science complex with specialty simulation labs and the equipment and technology you’ll use on the job. Gain experience in clinical settings as early as your sophomore year at one of our 40 partner hospitals and labs. Work with children and adults in NMU’s Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic. Present your research at the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Join in ground-breaking on-campus research on ALS, or test new classes of drugs to treat attention and memory problems caused by schizophrenia. And so much more.

Graduates of many of NMU’s health-related fields have a 100 percent pass rate on their national certifying exams and are highly sought after by employers.

Alumni have gone on to attend the nation’s top graduate schools and to careers at leading hospitals, health centers and mental health clinics; own their own fitness centers; work with professional sports teams; and teach at universities.

Health Sciences make up many of the fastest-growing occupations, such as nurse practitioners, physical therapists, physician assistants and genetic counselors. NMU’s programs can provide different entry points into many high-need, rewarding fields.

NMU Health Sciences Programs

Biology

General
Microbiology
Physiology

Chemistry

Biochemistry
Chemistry (ACS)
Forensic Biochemistry
Medicinal Plant Chemistry

Clinical Sciences
Clinical Health Science
Clinical Laboratory Science (six different concentrations)
Clinical Laboratory Technology
Deaf Studies
Radiography
Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Surgical Technology

Health & Human Performance
Applied Exercise Science and Health
Athletic Coaching Education
Secondary Education Health and Physical Education
Outdoor Recreation and Leadership
Sports Science

Nursing

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)

Pre-Professional

Pre-Athletic Training
Pre-Chiropractic
Pre-Clinical Psychology
Pre-Dental
Pre-Medical
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary

Psychological science

Neuroscience
Psychology

Technology and occupational sciences

Plant-Based Wellness

Nursing Students at work

Job Spotlight - Registered Nurse

Median earnings

$34/hour 

Projected job growth to 2024

+15% (National)
+14% (Michigan)


About the career

Nurses are concerned with the “whole person.” They provide for the physical, mental and emotional needs of patients. They work in a variety of settings. Opportunities are available for many different levels of education and specialties within the field.

What you'll learn and do

Learn anatomy, physiology and pharmacy; observe, assess, record symptoms, reactions and progress; supervise others; manage stress and emergencies; work with physicians.

Clinical Lab Students at Work

Job Spotlight - Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Median earnings

$25/hour

Projected Job Growth to 2024

+13% (National)
+11% (Michigan)


About the career

Work in a variety of clinical pathology laboratories, assist surgeons or perform testing which may impact patients and health sciences. Students select a concentration in a unique clinical emphasis and test to become certified to practice.


What you'll learn and do

Collect, prepare and analyze specimens, blood, bodily fluids or DNA. Use microscopes, cell counters, chemistry analyzers and molecular diagnostic equipment.

Radiology

Job Spotlight - Radiologic Technologist

Median earnings

$29/hour

Projected job growth to 2024

+9% (National)
+13% (Michigan)


About the career

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.


What you'll do and learn

The radiology associate degree at NMU prepares students for an entry-level position as a registered radiographer. Radiographers use radiation equipment to produce images of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels of the body, as prescribed by physicians, to assist in the diagnosis of disease or injury.

Athletic Training Student at work

Job Spotlight - Athletic Trainer

Median earnings

$23/hour 

Projected job growth to 2024

+23% (National)
+20% (Michigan)


About the career

Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Athletic trainers need at least a bachelor’s degree. Nearly all states require athletic trainers to have a license or certification; requirements vary by state.


What you'll learn and do

NMU offers a 3+2 program in athletic training where students can earn an undergraduate degree in sports science and a master’s degree in athletic training in just 5 years.NMU’s athletic training degree prepares students for the National Board of Certification Exam in athletic training and for entry into the profession.

The program is taught by faculty with excellent, varied collective experience who are well-connected in the athletic training community across the country. The program is competitive and delivered in a small cohort model, with small class sizes and hands-on learning.

Clinical placements include five on-campus athletic training rooms, a campus Injury Evaluation and Care Clinic, local medical centers, and community affiliates

SLHS Students at Work

Job Spotlight - Speech, Language Pathologist

Median earnings

$37/hour 

Projected job growth to 2024

+27% (National)
+27% (Michigan)


About the career
  • One out of every 10 people has a speech, language or hearing problem. Help clients overcome these issues.
  • NMU offers unique clinical training opportunities to undergraduates, including an on-campus clinic.