If you don't start the program prerequisites in your freshman year and complete them in your sophomore year, a program might take five or six years to complete. The master's programs generally take two years to complete, after you have completed a bachelor's degree. Dental school is four years, generally after you have completed a bachelor's degree, and if you are interested in a dental specialty you might be required to complete several years of additional training. Medical school is also four years, followed by a residency of anywhere from two years to ten or more years, depending on your specialty. You can also volunteer at many clinics and nursing homes.
Some students make arrangements to be an observer at a private practice.
Other related volunteer experiences can also help you make decisions about your future, such as work in classrooms, homeless shelters, consumer advocacy groups, etc. A librarian could help you locate books about health careers, or look in the self-help section of a bookstore. Some of these have excellent job opportunities. UW Extension offers evening certificate programs in gerontology and health information administration. Admission to bachelor-degree allied health programs is competitive.