Not Sure Where to Start?
You don't have to have your future figured out today.
Many students come to UNI knowing they want to make a difference but aren't yet sure what that looks like. With 50+ health-related majors, minors and certificates, there are many ways to turn that passion into a meaningful career. Start by exploring the kinds of work that interest you most.
To help you navigate your options, we've grouped programs by the kinds of impact they have.
Note: many span more than one area, working across physical and mental health, supporting people throughout the lifespan and improving the well-being of individuals, families and communities. These categories are simply a place to begin exploring.
Work directly with people (or animals!) to assess, treat and support their health throughout every stage of life.
Programs
Common careers
- Physician
- Registered nurse
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Pharmacist
- Physician assistant
- Radiographer
- Sonographer
- Veterinarian
(Some careers require graduate or professional study)
You might enjoy this path if you . . .
- Enjoy working directly with people.
- Like science and problem-solving.
- Stay calm in fast-paced environments.
Support movement, rehabilitation and lifelong wellness.
Programs
- Communication Disorders: Pre-Audiology
- Communication Disorders: Pre-Speech-Language Pathology
- Kinesiology: Exercise Science
- Kinesiology: Pre-Athletic Training
- Kinesiology: Pre-Health
- Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Chiropractic
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Athletic Training (graduate)
- Kinesiology & Sports Performance (graduate)
Common careers
- Audiologist
- Speech-language pathologist
- Exercise physiologist
- Athletic trainer
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Chiropractor
- Strength and conditioning specialist
- Wellness coordinator
(Some careers require graduate or professional study)
You might enjoy this path if you . . .
- Are fascinated by the human body.
- Enjoy movement and performance.
- Want to help people recover from injury or improve their quality of life.
Help individuals, families and communities navigate life's challenges.
Programs
Common careers
- Social worker
- Mental health counselor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Family life educator
- Healthcare administrator
- Long term care administrator
- School counselor
- Case manager
- Behavioral health specialist
(Some careers require graduate or professional study)
You might enjoy this path if you...
- Enjoy listening and building relationships.
- Want to help people overcome challenges.
- Are interested in human behavior.
Healthy communities are built in many ways — from preventing disease and promoting wellness to strengthening neighborhoods, expanding access to resources and creating places where people can thrive.
Programs
Common careers
- Epidemiologist
- Public health educator
- Community health specialist
- Community development coordinator
- Recreation or parks director
- Nonprofit program manager
- Wellness coordinator
- Health policy analyst
(Some careers require graduate or professional study)
You might enjoy this path if you . . .
- Like solving problems on a community scale.
- Enjoy connecting people with resources and opportunities.
- Are interested in prevention, wellness and quality of life.
- Want to create healthier, stronger communities
Your path doesn't have to be a straight line.
The more you explore, the more you'll discover how connected health professions really are. Many careers blend direct patient care, prevention, rehabilitation, mental health, research and community engagement. As your interests grow, your path may too.
At UNI, you'll work with faculty and advisors who will help you explore your options, connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences and build a path that fits your goals.