Tips for academic success and career growth in healthcare

Getting into medical school is no easy task. With individual schools admitting just a small fraction of first-time student applicants, the path to becoming a physician has become increasingly competitive. While it helps to have a strong GPA and MCAT score, they aren’t always enough to stand out. 

One way to strengthen your application? Earning a master’s degree.  

The Admissions team at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) has seen firsthand how graduate study can provide a competitive edge. NUNM Provost Heather Zwickey, PhD, explains how a master’s degree can be beneficial—not only during the admissions process but also in the classroom once students are accepted.

In an NUNM webinar, Dr. Zwickey explores alternative careers in healthcare and shares key takeaways on why earning a master’s degree can make a big difference in your career.

Why a Master’s Degree?  

Graduate education is more than just a stepping stone—it can enhance your academic credentials, build experience, and open doors to opportunities beyond a traditional medical career.  

Here are a few advantages of earning a master’s degree to help you decide which path is right for you.

1 – Strengthen Your Academic Record:

If your GPA or MCAT score isn’t where you want it to be, you’re not alone. Low test scores are one of the top reasons first-time medical school applicants get denied admission to medical school.

Dr. Zwickey references data from the Association of American Medical Colleges, noting that, on average, roughly 40% of students are accepted into one of their top medical school choices. However, that number decreases to roughly 10% for many first-time MD applicants.

For students who fall short on paper, graduate studies may compensate for low grades. Earning a master’s degree can demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a rigorous academic program, as well as a drive to improve your knowledge and skills.

Additionally, it offers opportunities to connect with mentors who can provide valuable feedback and guidance, increasing your chances of entry.   

2 – Gain Real World Experience:   

Medical schools don’t just want good test takers. They’re looking for aspiring doctors with hands-on experience, problem-solving skills, and a passion for patient care.   

Students on a typical pre-med career path who reapply to medical school after gaining additional professional or volunteer experience may see improved acceptance rates. However, their chances increase even more significantly after earning a master’s degree.

At NUNM, both online and in-person master’s programs give students an opportunity to:  

• Conduct clinical research and learn evidence-based practice  

• Participate in global health fieldwork and gain insight into healthcare across diverse cultures  

• Study nutrition and the science of food as medicine  

These programs provide real-world training for a career in healthcare and the realities of attending medical school, where clinical exposure, research skills, and civic engagement are vital for success.  

Dr. Zwickey adds that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, obtaining a master’s degree can also boost graduate earning potential by 20% or more.

3 – Achieve Career Flexibility:  

Maybe you’ll stay committed to your initial career goals in medicine. Maybe you’ll discover a passion in another field. Either way, a master’s degree can expand your portfolio and provide flexibility to navigate other professional avenues.

Some medical school graduates choose an adjacent career in research, education, or healthcare leadership. Others choose Naturopathic Medicine for its whole-person, patient-centered approach to care and emphasis on treating the root causes of illness.  

Whether or not you decide to pursue medical school, the skills gained through a master’s degree can be valuable both within and outside the healthcare field.   

Bottom Line: Master’s Degree Before Med School?  

For many, the answer is a clear yes. For others, a master’s degree requires weighing the advantages alongside costs and time investment. Either way, graduate studies give you a chance to refine your academic credentials, gain greater career freedom, and acquire new skills.  

In a competitive field where thousands of students are competing for limited spots—a master’s degree could be the one thing that sets you apart from the rest.