Pre-Professional Health
Accelerated Pathway
Westminster College of Arts and Sciences
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- Key Benefits
- Plan of Study
The Pre-Professional Health Advising Path at Westminster University
There are many kinds of programs that fall under the category of “Pre-Professional Health.” It is a common misconception that one is only a pre-professional health student if they are either “premed” or “pre-dent.” Westminster University offers courses that satisfy the pre-requirements for many kinds of health programs:
- Allopathic Medicine (MD)
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chiropractic Medicine
- Dental Medicine
- Health Sciences
- Medical Imaging
- Medical Scientist Training (MD/PhD)
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Pharmacy
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapy
- Podiatry
- Public Health
- Veterinary Medicine
What You'll Learn in the Pre-Professional Health Program
The term "Pre-Professional" does not designate a specific major or preferred undergraduate program at Westminster University as medical schools do not favor one major over another. Students are encouraged to choose a major that fits their academic interest and take the necessary science prerequisites while completing that major. You will work closely with faculty and peer advisors who will help you develop your course plan, understand the extra-curricular requirements and then when you are ready, complete your application to a medical school.
What Are the Key Benefits of the Pre-Professional Health Program?
In general, professional schools require applicants to have completed course work in the basic sciences, social sciences, humanities, and mathematics. Each student's program is designed so that by the end of the junior year they will have completed the basic requirements for application to professional schools and enjoy success in a medical profession.
Accelerated Programs and Partnerships
Several undergraduate programs at Westminster feature an accelerated track or partnership that allows our graduates to earn a graduate degree as quickly as possible.
Plan of Study for the Pre-Professional Health Program
Year One
- Enroll in General Chemistry, WCore courses and other recommended first-year courses (math, biology, major requirements).
- Attend Pre-Professional Health informational events.
- Meet with a Pre-Professional Health Advisor and complete a plan of study.
- Review the Self Assessment provided by the University of Utah SoM.
- Consult the Pre-Professional Health Library for information about chosen field.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities.
- Develop good study habits.
- Do well in classes. Grades lower than a "C" are not acceptable in prerequisite courses.
- Join the pre-professional health student club.
Year Two
- Enroll in Organic Chemistry, Introduction to Cell Biology, Physics, WCore courses and other courses for the major
- Continue to meet with Pre-Professional Health Advisors.
- Declare a major and sketch a plan for your remaining coursework.
- Actively participate in extracurricular activities.
- Explore opportunities for research, leadership, shadowing, volunteer and patient exposure.
- Continue practicing good study habits.
Year Three
- Enroll in Biochemistry, biology classes for continued MCAT preparation and other courses for the major.
- Continue to actively participate in leadership, shadowing volunteer and patient exposure opportunities
- Fall: Register for MCAT Exam and begin studying
- Spring: Take MCAT Exam
- Spring: Consult "MSAR" & Advisor to develop a list of potential schools.
- June: Complete and submit medical School Applications
- July–September: Complete secondary applications.
Year Four
- Complete required coursework for graduation.
- Participate in mock interviews.
- Travel to interviews.
- Repeat the MCAT Exam if necessary.