Health Sciences

Welcome

This Career Community supports students exploring careers in nursing, radiologic technology, dental hygiene, laboratory sciences, physician assistant, veterinary medicine, and health sciences. You will develop skills that employers value: critical thinking, scientific reasoning, precision, compassion, communication, and attention to detail.

Choose Your Major


Allied Health Programs:

  • Nursing (AAS) – Registered Nurse (RN) licensure preparation.
  • Radiologic Technology (AAS) – Medical imaging and diagnostic radiology careers.
  • Dental Hygiene (AAS) – Dental hygiene licensure and oral health careers.

Science Transfer Programs:

  • Science (AS) – Pre-medicine, pre-physician assistant, pre-veterinary, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, biology, and laboratory science pathways.

Liberal Arts & Sciences Programs:

  • Science (A.S.) 
  • Liberal Arts &Sciences (A.S.) 

Relevant Options: Psychology Research (research methods and statistics), Community Health, Health Care Management, Physical Education Science.

View all Liberal Arts Options

Not sure which major? ðŸ“… 

Meet with Career Advisor Yolanda Soto

Career Exploration


Research Careers

My Next Move – Explore job duties, salaries, and job outlook:

Clinical and Direct Patient Care:
→ Registered Nurses
→ Radiologic Technologists
→ Dental Hygienists
→ Physician Assistants
→ Physicians and Surgeons
→ Dentists
→ Veterinarians
→ Pharmacists

Laboratory and Research:
→ Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
→ Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
→ Biological Technicians
→ Microbiologists

Browse All Careers:
→ My Next Move

Learn From Professionals

Candid Career Videos – Watch industry professionals share their stories:

→ Healthcare Career Videos
→ All Career Videos

Find a Mentor - Connect with Industry Professionals 
→ Mentorship — The City Tutors: A Volunteer Tutoring and Mentoring Community

Science (AS) Career Pathways


The Science (AS) degree provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and sciences for students planning to transfer to competitive health professions and science programs.

Pre-Health Professions Pathways

Pre-Medicine (M.D. or D.O.)

  • Transfer to bachelor's programs in biology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences.
  • Complete pre-medical requirements (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry).
  • Prepare for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
  • Apply to medical schools after bachelor's degree.

Pre-Physician Assistant (PA)

  • Transfer to bachelor's programs in health sciences, biology, or related fields.
  • Gain direct patient care experience (required for PA school admission).
  • Complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.
  • Apply to master's-level physician assistant programs.

Pre-Dental (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)

  • Transfer to bachelor's programs in biology, chemistry, or health sciences.
  • Complete pre-dental requirements (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry).
  • Prepare for Dental Admission Test (DAT).
  • Apply to dental schools after bachelor's degree.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

  • Transfer to bachelor's programs in biology, animal science, or zoology.
  • Complete pre-veterinary requirements (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics).
  • Gain animal care experience through internships and volunteering.
  • Prepare for Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT or GRE).
  • Apply to veterinary schools after bachelor's degree.

Pre-Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

  • Transfer to bachelor's programs in biology, chemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Complete pre-pharmacy requirements (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics).
  • Prepare for Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT).
  • Apply to pharmacy schools (some accept students after two years of undergraduate coursework).

Pre-Optometry (O.D.)

  • Transfer to bachelor's programs in biology or health sciences.
  • Complete pre-optometry requirements (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics).
  • Prepare for Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
  • Apply to optometry schools after bachelor's degree.

Laboratory and Research Science Careers

Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technician

  • Work in hospital labs, diagnostic labs, and research facilities.
  • Perform laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and bodily fluids.
  • Bachelor's degree typically required for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).
  • Associate degree qualifies for Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) roles.

Biological Technician

  • Support biological and medical research in laboratories.
  • Conduct experiments, collect data, and maintain lab equipment.
  • Work in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies.

Research Assistant

  • Support scientific research in academic, hospital, or industry settings.
  • Assist with data collection, laboratory procedures, and research protocols.
  • Entry-level position with opportunities for advancement.

Quality Control Analyst

  • Test and analyze products in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food industries.
  • Ensure products meet safety and quality standards.
  • Work in manufacturing and production facilities.

Gain Experience


On-Campus:

  • Work-study in science labs and healthcare simulation centers.
  • Clinical rotations and field placements (Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Dental Hygiene).
  • Biology and chemistry laboratory assistant positions.
  • Student organizations (Nursing Student Association, Biology Club, Pre-Health Society).
  • Peer tutoring in sciences and mathematics.

Off-Campus:

  • Clinical externships at hospitals and imaging centers.
  • Dental hygiene field placements in dental offices and clinics.
  • Volunteer positions in hospitals, clinics, and veterinary offices.
  • Laboratory internships with research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
  • Medical scribe positions in hospitals and physician offices.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) positions for patient care experience.
  • Career Launch Program – Paid internships.
  • Spring Forward Program – Professional development.

Where Students Gain Experience:

  • Hospitals and medical centers (NYC Health + Hospitals).
  • Imaging centers and radiology departments.
  • Dental offices and community health clinics.
  • Research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.
  • Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals.
  • Public health departments and community health organizations.

Volunteer Opportunities

NYC Hospitals and Health Systems

NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H)
Volunteer across 11 public hospitals in all five boroughs. Direct patient interaction and clinical support roles in diverse, underserved communities.
→ NYC Health + Hospitals Volunteer Program

Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein
Volunteer positions and clinical externships in patient care units, emergency department, and outpatient clinics. Strong partnerships with Hostos for clinical rotations.
→ Montefiore Einstein – Volunteer Opportunities

Community Health Organizations

American Red Cross – Greater New York Region
Blood drive volunteers, disaster response, and community health education. CPR and first aid training opportunities.
→ American Red Cross Volunteer

Planned Parenthood of New York City
Volunteer opportunities in reproductive health education and patient support. Community outreach and health advocacy roles.
→ Planned Parenthood NYC Volunteer

City Harvest
Food rescue and nutrition education programs. Community health and food insecurity volunteer opportunities.
→ City Harvest Volunteer

Veterinary and Animal Care

ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Animal care volunteer opportunities for pre-veterinary students. Shelter support and animal welfare programs.
→ ASPCA Volunteer

Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society
Animal care and conservation volunteer programs. Educational outreach and wildlife health observation opportunities.
→ Bronx Zoo Volunteer

Career Resources

Professional Development

Professional Associations:

Meet Your Career Advisor


Yolanda Soto, Career Advisor
📅 Schedule an Appointment
📧 Email: careerservices@hostos.cuny.edu
📞 Phone: 718-518-4468
Located in the D-building, room 210

Yolanda can help you:

  • Explore nursing, allied health, and science careers.
  • Review your resume and highlight clinical and laboratory experience.
  • Find internships and volunteer opportunities.
  • Prepare for healthcare and science interviews.

Quick Links


Explore:
→ Career Services Events & Opportunities 
→ Academic Departments - Hostos Community College
→ Student Success Coaching (SSCU)
→ Transfer Services