Health profession students and a Creighton economist say undergraduates shouldn’t let the current economic problems keep them from applying for pharmacy, physical therapy and occupational therapy school.

Though some students might feel the sting of the recession, the current economic situation shouldn’t be the prime reason whether or not to attend professional or graduate school.

“You can’t let the current economic downturn dictate what happens to you the rest of your life … Make the decision you want to [make] and then look at the economy and figure out how [to] make it happen,” said Dr. Ernie Goss, Professor of Economics and Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics.

Many students tend to focus on their current situation and do not give consideration where they want to be in 10 to 20 years, Goss said.

The economy will constantly be going through peaks and valleys, so a student should not decide whether or not to attend professional or graduate school based on the economic downturn, he said. You have to look at the long term because six months or a year of financial struggle is nothing compared to your whole life, Goss said.

Current health professional students offer similar advice for undergraduates.

“Just jump in with both feet and don’t second-guess yourself,” said Allie Schroeder, first-year pharmacy student.

First-year ccupational therapy student Kevin Bielanski admits there are economic advantages to professional school.

Alongside OT school, Bielanski teaches an online microeconomics class through Rio Salado College in Arizona.

“I do think a lot of people are returning to school as a result of the economy in order to become more competitive in the job market. The unskilled workers will have the hardest time getting a job,” Bielanski said.

The bottom line: don’t let the economy have final say in whether you attend professional school.

“If it’s something worthwhile at the end it’s going to be something worth working for,” Goss said.