Strategizing For Your Future
AP® Courses And SAT® Scores For Your Ideal Major In Healthcare And Clinical Science
Did you know that choosing the right AP® courses can greatly impact your college education? If you want to set yourself up for a specific major in college, the first step is to take advanced courses and exams that will support your academic trajectory. That way, you can achieve two things; first, you’ll prepare for college-level courses early, and second, you’ll save time and money toward your college degree.
We know that choosing a college major, taking AP courses, and dealing with AP courses and exams can be overwhelming. But with the right approach, the whole process can become a cakewalk! Our user-friendly guides will help you decide which AP courses you should take based on the major you're interested in. This means you can select only the AP courses that directly relate to what you want to study in college. No more searching through websites to determine which courses to take, and no need to overload yourself with too many AP courses. We've already done the research, so you don't have to!
If you're considering a career in the health professions and related clinical sciences, this guide is for you. It includes a list of healthcare majors you might be interested in and recommends AP courses that support them. We've also included average SAT scores for healthcare and related clinical sciences majors, so you'll know what to aim for when preparing for the SAT. You can make your graduation journey smoother and quicker with good AP courses and SAT scores. But first, let's learn about health and clinical sciences and whether a career in them can benefit you. Let's get started!
Will a Major in Healthcare and Clinical Science Benefit You?
Healthcare and clinical sciences aim to explore, apply, and create knowledge and technology to improve patient diagnosis and treatment. As an interdisciplinary field, health science majors study various subjects covering a broad range of fields, including the natural and behavioral sciences plus technology. Degrees in clinical science also help students learn to apply medical knowledge to give better patient care and prevent sickness. While many high-paying healthcare and clinical science roles require an advanced degree, lucrative opportunities exist for those with only an undergraduate degree.
But why opt for a healthcare and clinical science education? What are the benefits? Here are some factors to consider:
Be a Part of the Massive Employment Boom
The healthcare industry is experiencing a boom, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The massive surge has been reflected in all three sectors: healthcare research, applied healthcare, and healthcare management. Two reports published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show the fastest-growing jobs from 2016 through 2031. Of these, 13 out of 30 include health and clinical science jobs. Check these numbers out:
Fastest Growing Occupations 2016 - 2030 Job Projected Change in Employment Projected Employment
20262016 - 26 2021 - 31 Personal care aides 38.6 % 25 % 2,793,800 Home health aides 47.3% 25 % 1,342,700 Medical assistants 29% 16% 818,400 Physical therapists 28.0% 17 % 306,900 Health specialties teachers 25.9 % 12 % 294,00 Nurse practitioners 36.1 % 46 % 211,600 Massage therapists 26.3 5% 20 % 202,400 Phlebotomists 24.5 % 10 % 152,800 Physician assistants 37.3% 28 % 145,900 Physical therapist assistants 31 % 26 % 115,800 Physical therapist aides 29.4% 24 % 67,200 Occupational therapy assistants 28.9 % 25 % 50,700 Medical and health services managers - 28 % - Occupational therapy aides 24.7 % 25 % 9,300 Note: The average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S. is 5%. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics -
Make Good Money
With a bachelor's degree in health or clinical sciences, you can expect a nice paycheck. Notable job options include becoming a community health organizer, health educator, or lab manager, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 annually based on the role. Whether you choose to pursue a research-oriented, management, or creative role, this industry is promising. According to the BLS, medical and health services managers earned a median salary of $101,340 in 2021. Their job growth is projected to be 28%, exceeding the sector's average. That's a whopping $48.72 per hour!
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Better Job Prospects
According to a 2016-2026 report from the BLS, there is a high surge in demand for healthcare professionals, and employment in healthcare will grow 13% between 2021 and 2031. This makes it one of the most promising sectors in the country right now. Job opportunities, especially for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and personal care aides, are exceeding a growth rate of 31%. Forbes reveals that healthcare has been one of the four top industries for job seekers in 2023.
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Flexible Degree
People who earn these degrees can care for patients or do research, which makes sense. But there are also cool things you can do that are more creative. You can become a science writer, do medical photography, interpret for healthcare, or even create biomedical art—the job options for this discipline are limitless!
Related Career Options for Students Interested in This Major
Health professions and related clinical sciences are interdisciplinary fields that offer a wide range of majors and career paths. We looked up information about it in the BLS and Salary.com to find out if a health and clinical science career is financially rewarding. Here’s what we found:
| Related Career Paths for Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences Major |
Earning Potential in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $61 - $110,270 |
| Travel Nurse | $40,000 - $155,500 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $105,372 - $142,364 |
| Nursing Assistant | $26,978 - $41,497 |
| Physician General Practitioner | $168,203 - $277,290 |
| Occupational Therapist | $81,521 - $113,683 |
| Radiation Therapist | $74,297 - $112,124 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $62,202 - $87,901 |
| Physician Assistant | $99,564 - $140,395 |
| Medical Assistant | $33,530 - $45,428 |
| Health Information Management Specialist | $32,870 - $52,028 |
| Epidemiologist | $77,170 - $146,098 |
| Registered Dietitian | $46,894 - $63,763 |
| Audiologist | $77,668 - $107,646 |
| Physiotherapist | $89,965 - $116,782 |
| Pharmacist | $133,000 - $168,112 |
| Health Educator | $47,045 - $73,931 |
| Dentist | $153,136 - $236,990 |
| Biomedical Equipment Technician | $45,615 - $59,504 |
| Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist | $45,115 - $67,119 |
| Obstetrics Surgical Technologist | $38,664 - $57,522 |
| Head Radiologic Technologist | $68,866 - $118,728 |
Percentage of Students Interested in Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences
Health science is a rapidly expanding field in healthcare that is also gaining popularity among college students. A 2022 report published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) tells us that in the 2020–2021 school year, around 3.1 million students earned their undergraduate degrees and around 870,00 earned graduate degrees. Of these degrees, the ones for health-related professions and programs ranked second in popularity, with an astounding 600,000 degrees earned in that field. That amounts to more than 15% of the total degrees awarded in 2020-2021.
| Degree Type | Total No. of Degrees in 2020 - 21 | No. of Degrees in Health Professions and Related Programs | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate (2-year college) | 1 million | 181,046 | 18.1% |
| Bachelor’s (4-year College) | 2.1 million | 268,018 | 12.7% |
| Master’s degree | 866,900 | 142,025 | 16.3% |
This continued interest also reflects in the number of students taking the SAT in 2022. A survey by the College Board in 2022-2023 found that 14% of students taking the SAT opted for health professions and related clinical sciences as their college major. This makes it the most sought-after major, generating the highest student interest in 2022. Here's the list of the top 5 college major affinities for the 2022 SAT:
| Intended College Major | Test takers | Percentage | Mean SAT Score 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Score | ERW | Math | |||
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences | 169,713 | 14% | 1052 | 533 | 518 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services | 157,501 | 13% | 1075 | 538 | 537 |
| Undecided | 140,121 | 12% | 1009 | 511 | 498 |
| Engineering | 114,593 | 10% | 1177 | 582 | 544 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences | 117,931 | 10% | 1154 | 581 | 572 |
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right AP Course?
As you may already have realized by now, the huge surge in the healthcare sector and the promise of a solid income have made health and clinical sciences majors widely popular among students. Because of this popularity, more students want in! Colleges and institutions that teach healthcare-related sciences are getting more qualified applicants than they can accept, impacting these majors at most schools.
So, suppose you're wondering how student interest affects getting into a program. In that case, the more student interest there is, the more competitive these college programs are, and to get into a hotspot for these majors, you need to make your application stand out from the rest. The right AP courses and solid SAT scores do that for you! Some AP courses are major-specific, and you should take them if you're gunning for a specific major, while some AP courses are flexible and work well across multiple disciplines. All in all, choosing the right AP courses will benefit your future career prospects, whether you have an intended major or want to stay flexible. Below are a few tips:
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Advanced Knowledge and Skills
Choosing a targeted AP courseload relevant to your desired major showcases your passion for the field better than enrolling in every available AP class. Most majors require the development of specialized academic backgrounds and skills. Strong AP scores in related subjects show your potential to succeed. They help set academic and career goals and make a clear plan to reach them.
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Targeted College Credit and Placement
Picking suitable AP courses saves time and money on targeted exams. This helps you get college credit and placement for your chosen major. It's like charting a focused career path without overwhelming yourself with too many AP courses and stress.
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Foundation for Graduate Studies
Because AP courses are rigorous and standardized, they equip you with transferable skills that work across subjects and college majors. These skills and good AP scores in core subjects, like AP Psychology and AP Statistics, are key to college success and flexibility, even if you need more certainty about your major.
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Competitive Advantage in College Admissions
Emphasizing the value of strong AP scores is vital. Impressive scores in relevant AP courses enhance your college application, setting you apart from other applicants and giving you an advantage in the admissions process.
Do colleges and universities value AP courses related to healthcare and clinical sciences?
That's a definite yes! Colleges value AP courses that prepare you to study healthcare and clinical sciences. These courses indicate your willingness to tackle challenging content in biomedical and health sciences, showcasing your commitment and college readiness. So, enrolling in AP courses related to your intended major can set your college application apart and demonstrate your readiness for higher education's academic demands.
Recommended AP Classes for Students Interested in Different Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences
| Intended College Major | Related Careers | Related AP courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | Extras | ||
| Biomedical Sciences Biochemistry Molecular Biology Biomedical Engineering Biotechnology |
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Equipment Technician Biomedical Engineer Clinical Laboratory Technologist Nuclear Medicine Technologist Medical Scientist Pre-Dentistry Pre-Optometry Physician Assistant Medical Assistant |
AP Biology AP Chemistry |
AP Psychology AP Statistics |
| Dentistry | Dentist Dental Hygiene |
AP Statistics AP Biology AP Chemistry |
AP Physics 1 |
| Emergency Medical Services | Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic |
AP Biology AP Chemistry |
- |
| Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies Nutrition Sciences |
Dietitian & Nutritionist | AP Statistics AP Biology AP Chemistry |
- |
| Health science | Epidemiologist Respiratory Therapist Health Educator Bioethics Health Information Management Manager |
AP Biology | AP Psychology AP Chemistry AP Statistics AP Chemistry AP Statistics AP Psychology |
| Nursing (RN) | Nursing Travel Nurse Nurse Practitioner Nursing Assistant Registered Nurse Pre Nursing Studies Practice Nurse |
AP Statistics AP Biology AP Chemistry |
AP Calculus AB |
| Therapy Studies | Occupational Therapist Mental Health Services Psychologist Clinical Psychologist Rehabilitation Services Audiologist Speech-Language Pathologist |
AP Biology | AP Psychology AP Chemistry AP Psychology AP Chemistry AP Statistics AP Chemistry |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | Medicinal Chemist Pharmacist Pharmacy Technician Pharmacologist Toxicologist |
AP Statistics AP Biology AP Chemistry |
- |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching Exercise Science |
Athletic Trainer Physiotherapist Physical Therapist Pre-Physical Therapy |
AP Biology AP Chemistry |
- |
| Surgical Technology | Surgical Technologist Veterinary Technician Wildlife Technician |
AP Biology AP Chemistry |
AP Statistics |
| Radiation therapy | Nuclear Medicine Technologist Radiation Oncologist Radiation Physicist Radiation Therapist Radiologic Technologist Surgical Technologist |
AP Chemistry | - |
Average SAT Scores for Students Interested in Health Professions and Clinical Sciences
In addition to your AP scores, SAT scores play a significant role in your college admissions. Colleges use SAT scores and high school grades to predict your performance in college. Surprisingly, SAT scores are 15% more predictive of college success than grades alone. Colleges often use your SAT scores, subscores, and AP scores to determine your preparedness for specific majors. This correlation between SAT scores and majors can help you make informed decisions about your college major. Here's further insight into how this connection can be beneficial:
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Scholarship Opportunities
Many scholarship programs use SAT scores to grant financial awards. Recognizing majors linked to greater scholarship prospects can enable you to strategize your educational expenses better.
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Career Alignment
Some professions might demand specific educational backgrounds and SAT scores. Subscores are a particularly common indicator of a student's aptitude in those fields. For instance, a strong SAT math subscore can benefit STEM-focused careers.
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Future Planning
Understanding the relationship between SAT scores, majors, and careers can help students set academic and professional goals and work on a well-defined plan to achieve them.
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Career Success
Although SAT scores don't solely determine career success, they can offer glimpses into a student's abilities. Aligning your academic strengths and interests with a selected major and career direction can lead to a successful career and accomplishments.
What's the typical SAT score range for a health and clinical sciences major, and why does it matter?
Knowing the average SAT scores for your selected major helps you gauge your performance so you get placed in your desired college major. This knowledge acts as a guide, helping you track your progress and tailor your test prep accordingly. It also offers insights into the competitiveness of your planned major, helping you set goals for success in your chosen field.
| Intended College Major | Mean SAT Score 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Score | ERW | Math | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences | 1052 | 533 | 518 |
Key Takeaways
- Enrolling in core AP courses like AP Biology and AP Psychology meets general college prerequisites (credit and/or placements) beyond your main area of interest.
- Matching AP classes to your intended major reduces college costs and duration. It also gives you an edge during college admissions, particularly for competitive and highly sought-after colleges.
- Taking AP classes that complement each other (like AP Biology and AP Psychology) will help you acquire transferable skills, which will help you build a solid foundation for your prospective major.
- Good AP and SAT scores (and a subscore) will increase your chances of getting into your planned major exponentially.
- Need help preparing for the AP courses that will help you prepare for a health profession or related sciences major? Check out UWorld's AP Exam Study Guide!
References
- Salary.com. (2021, April 1). https://www.salary.com/
- Healthcare Occupations : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 6). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
- Medical and Health Services Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 6). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. (n.d.). Health Information Manager - Explore Health Care Careers - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science. https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/health-information-manager/
- National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.-b). Fast Facts: Most popular majors (37). https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=37
- Travel nurse salary: How much do travel nurses make? (n.d.). Nurse.org. https://nurse.org/education/travel-nurse-salary/#:~:text=ZipRecruiter%20states%20that%20telemetry%20Travel,%24124%2C122%20annually%20or%20%2460%2Fhr
- SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report. (2022). College Board. Retrieved August 20, 2023. https://reports.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/2022-total-group-sat-suite-of-assessments-annual-report.pdf
- Kelly, J. (2021, September 16). The 30 Fastest-Growing Jobs And Careers For The Next 10 Years. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2021/09/16/the-30-fastest-growing-jobs-and-careers-for-the-next-10-years/?sh=3322f240609f
- Thirty fastest growing occupations projected to account for 19 percent of new jobs from 2016 to 2026 : The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017, October 30). https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2017/thirty-fastest-growing-occupations-projected-to-account-for-19-percent-of-new-jobs-from-2016-to-2026.htm
- National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Fast Facts: Most popular majors (37). https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=37
- Connect AP to Careers and Majors – AP Students | College Board. (n.d.). https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/major-career-results/course/ap-biology
- Connect AP to Careers and Majors – AP Students | College Board. (n.d.). https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/major-career-results/course/ap-statistics
- Connect AP to Careers and Majors – AP Students | College Board. (n.d.). https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/major-career-results/course/ap-chemistry
- Connect AP to Careers and Majors – AP Students | College Board. (n.d.). https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/major-career-results/course/ap-psychology
- Connect AP to Careers and Majors – AP Students | College Board. (n.d.). https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/major-career-results/course/ap-calculus-ab
- Connect AP to Careers and Majors – AP Students | College Board. (n.d.). https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/major-career-results/course/ap-physics-1%3A-algebra__based
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