The United States is rapidly transforming into one of the most racially and ethnically diverse nations in the world. Groups commonly referred to as minorities-including Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives-are the fastest growing segments of the population and emerging as the nation's majority. Despite the rapid growth of racial and ethnic minority groups, their representation among the nation's health professionals has grown only modestly in the past 25 years. This alarming disparity has prompted the recent creation of initiatives to increase diversity in health professions. In the Nation's Compelling Interest considers the benefits of greater racial and ethnic diversity, and identifies institutional and policy-level mechanisms to garner broad support among health professions leaders, community members, and other key stakeholders to implement these strategies. Assessing the potential benefits of greater racial and ethnic diversity among health professionals will improve the access to and quality of healthcare for all Americans.

Includes universities, colleges at the 4-year and 2-year or community and junior college levels, technical institutes, and occupationally-oriented vocational schools in the United States and its outlying areas.

Aimed at college and university students in all major fields of study, this book covers everything one needs to know about how to apply successfully to graduate school in North America.

Many students are coming to realize that traditional four-year colleges do not necessarily lead to gainful employment after graduation and, therefore, do not always make good financial sense. Vocational and technical education, on the other hand, provides practical skills training, real-world experience, professional certification and contacts, and a direct pathway to jobs and careers. Readers are introduced to the exciting and enriching learning opportunities afforded by vo-tech and CTE programs at the high school and postsecondary levels in manufacturing, mechanics, and automotive care. Areas of specialization, certifications, job descriptions, career pathways, resume and interviewing skills, and career-building techniques and strategies are all emphasized.