Registered Nurse

As a registered nurse, you will be responsible for observing and recording both patients’ medical histories and symptoms as well as administering medications or treatments.

Recommended classes:

• BIO 160 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology  
• PSY 325 - Physiological Psychology
• PSY 375 - Psychology of Addictive Behavior
• PSY 462 - Health Psychology

Typical salary: $60,000 - $76,000 per year

Requirements:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing
• Pass the nursing licensure exam

Clinical Research

As a clinical researcher, you will help develop and implement research studies for various topics affecting people’s health and well-being.

Recommended classes:

• PSY 290 - Research Methods 
• HCR 350 - Introduction to Clinical Research 
• PSY 462 - Health Psychology

Typical salary: $82,000 per year

Job Outlook: Expected to increase by 13% by 2026

Requirements:

• Requirements vary per employer and field of work. Most positions as a researcher or research manager only require a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Nurse Practitioner

As a nurse practitioner, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), you are able to perform exams, order and analyze diagnostic testing and diagnose illnesses.They can also prescribe medications.

• PSY 224 - Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
• PSY 290 - Research Methods
• PSY 470 - Psychopharmacology 

Typical salary: $100,000 -  $118,000 a year

Requirements:

• Become a registered nurse
• Bachelor’s in nursing or other health science
• Take the GRE
• Master’s degree in nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
• Pass the nursing licensure exam

Physical Therapist

As a physical therapist, you will diagnose problems with patients’ movement and function abilities and develop personalized plans to help them improve.

Recommended classes:

• KIN 101 - Introduction to Kinesiology
• BIO 160 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
• PSY 323 - Sensation and Perception
• PSY 341 - Developmental Psychology
• PSY 443 - Abnormal Child Psychology
• PSY 462 - Health Psychology

Typical salary: $82,000 - $93,000 per year

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Take the GRE
• 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam

Click here to learn more about ASU’s Pre-Physical Therapy pathway

Physician Assistant

As a physician assistant, you will work under the supervision of a physician or surgeon to examine and treat patients. Physician assistants can work in all areas of medicine, including primary care, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.

Recommended classes:

• BIO 160 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 
• PSY 375 - Psychology of Addictive Behavior
• PSY 462 - Health Psychology
• PSY 470 - Psychopharmacology

Typical salary: $102,000 - 115,000 per year

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus in science
• Take the GRE or the MCAT
• 2-year master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies
• Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam

Physician

As a physician, you will be responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses or injuries, and you have the option to open your own private practice.

• PSY 224 - Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
• PSY 325 - Physiological Psychology
• PSY 462 - Health Psychology
• PSY 470 - Psychopharmacology

Typical salary: $188,000 - $266,000 per year

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with a focus on science
• Take the MCAT
• 4-year medical degree
• 3-7 year residency program
• Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examinations

Click here to see Arizona Medical School’s Prerequisite Chart