Pre-professional Studies — Health Sciences
Our pre-professional offerings are designed to prepare you for entry into professional programs in many health science fields. They are not usually bachelor’s degrees or certificates; they are programs that include courses that apply toward the prerequisites of a future professional program. Of course, students may also use these courses toward the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree (most commonly biology or chemistry — medicinal chemistry and pharmacology). Choose from one- to two-year programs or three- to four-year programs, depending on your health science career goals.
%
of master's degree can be completed as an undergrad at WOU
%
of students who apply to WOU are selected for admission
student clubs and organizations are waiting to welcome you in
NCAA Division II student-athletes want to see you in the stands, cheering for the Wolves
One- to Two-Year Programs
Getting into nursing school can be challenging. That’s why you’ll need to have foundational classes under your belt including biology (a year of human anatomy and physiology), psychology, sociology, writing and math. Choosing the pre-professional path in these fields works best if you have an idea which professional program you want to apply to next. That way, you’ll know exactly what classes you need to take at WOU in order to be a strong candidate. Fortunately, your helpful advisers can guide you in the right direction.
Three- to Four-Year Programs
- Pre-dentistry
- Pre-medicine (allopathic, osteopathic, chiropractic, podiatric, optometric)
- Pre-clinical lab science
- Pre-occupational therapy
- Pre-pharmacy
- Pre-physician assistant
- Pre-physical therapy
- Pre-veterinary medicine
Students must be well-prepared if they want to get into professional programs in these health science fields. You’ll generally need good grades, a written personal statement, professional experience, the completion of required classes and/or proficiency exams (like the DAT or MCAT) and strong communication skills.
Although admissions requirements vary somewhat from program to program, all require extensive coursework in biology, chemistry and physics. Successful degree/program completion in four to five years is much more likely if you have a strong plan coming in to freshman year at WOU. Students who change their goals mid-program will face additional challenges regarding timing and prerequisites. Of course, your faculty advisers will help keep you on track!
Faculty advisers
Pre-nursing: Student Success and Advising
Pre-medicine: Michael Baltzley
Pre-occupational therapy: Chehalis Strapp
Pre-physician assistant: Ava Howard
Pre-clinical lab science, pre-veterinary medicine: Karen Haberman
Pre-pharmacy: Kristin Latham
Pre-physical therapy: Jennifer Taylor-Winney
QUESTIONS - pre-professional
WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361
503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593