Medical professionals provide care in order to improve patients’ health and quality of life. Other staff members support this work through administration, research, and technical support. Informed by your concern for the common good, you can advocate for more effective practices that ensure that patients get the care they need regardless of their resources. You also participate in a community of continuous learning that changes constantly in the face of new discoveries, treatments, and insights about how to deliver effective care.

One way to participate in health care is to become a physician or nurse to work with patients directly. Many Fordham Theology alumni have gone on to do just that! But you can also contribute in other ways. Theology students from Fordham have also served as medical scribes, hospital managers, and medical I.T. specialists.

Your theology degree has given you skills and perspectives that will be helpful in health care:

• Analyzing and synthesizing complex ideas and materials, which has given you research habits well-matched to the demands of scientific research.

• Cultivating an understanding and respect of a range of cultures and perspectives, which will help you serve patients with compassion and patience.

• Articulating and showing a commitment to values of human flourishing and the common good, which you will further through a commitment to the well-being of patients and communities.

While at Fordham

If you plan on going to medical or nursing school following graduation, you need to make sure that you are fulfilling prerequisites, staying informed about internship opportunities, and adequately preparing for application requirements such as the MCAT exam. Get in touch with Pre-Health Advising.

Students considering pursuing a career in health care often find that volunteering at a hospital is a helpful way to learn how a healthcare organization works and a signal to future employers that you are passionate about the field. You can volunteer for a variety of roles, many of which involve assisting patients with physical therapy, providing entertainment, or keeping them company. Many hospitals even recruit volunteers for spiritual roles, such as assisting a chaplain or bringing communion to patients who are not able to attend Mass. Most large hospitals list volunteer opportunities on their websites. One hospital system with facilities across New York City, including several in the Bronx, is NYC Health & Hospitalswww.nychealthandhospitals.org/volunteering/.

Positions in health care that do not require a scientific background involve organizational management, administration, or patient experience. For these positions, employers are looking for evidence that you have specific skills, such as sustained research abilities, organization skills, and customer service skills.

Following Graduation

If you are going to medical, nursing, or veterinary school, work with your Pre-Health Advisor on assembling your application. Think about how your theological studies offers experiences and skills that could give you an edge in your application process, such as cultural sensitivity, attentiveness to values, or dedication to service.

If you are interested in getting involved in other aspects of health care, do some research into the roles available at local hospitals and clinics. These will require different levels of expertise and scientific knowledge, but offer options for long-term careers and short-term jobs alike:

• Program coordinator. Provide administrative support for programs within the hospital or clinic.

• Patient advocate. Guide patients through complicated parts of the healthcare system, such as courses of treatment for cancer and chronic illnesses.

• Medical scribe. Help physicians spend more time with patients by charting in the medical record during appointments.

• Electronic health record analyst. Work with clinicians to set up software related to medical records.

• Research associates. Assist physicians with research projects and analysis. These positions generally require a science background.

Helpful Resources

• All Things Considered, “A Top Medical School Revamps Requirements to Lure English Majors.” Discusses ways in which liberal arts degrees are useful for students going into medicine.