What should I major in if I want to become a health professional?
There is not a specific major that is required for admittance into a professional health program at a medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy or veterinary school. With your advisor’s help you can design a program of study that meets the admission requirements of professional health schools while still studying what interests you the most. Professional health schools are seeking students who have developed excellent writing and speaking skills, possess analytic and synthetic thinking ability, are enthusiastic life-long learners and possess an understanding of the interpersonal aspects of life.
Students in the pre-professional health program must obtain a major from a department such as chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, etc. Although professional schools require a major, they do not specify what that major must be.
What pre-professional health programs are offered at Austin Peay State University?
APSU provides guidance for the following pre-professional health programs:
- Pre-Chiropractic
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Optometry
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
If a pre-professional area that you are interested in is not listed above, please contact the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Dean's office so we can direct you to the appropriate department and academic advisor. College of STEM office: 931-221-7971.
Why is APSU a good place to prepare for a professional health program?
The APSU College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics strives to ensure that each student obtains the skills and information needed to be a successful professional school applicant. As a pre-professional health student, we will keep in touch with you so that you receive vital information in a timely manner. For example, you will receive information about when and how to participate in pre-professional health program events. Some of the events that you will have an opportunity to participate in include: mock interviews for professional schools, taking practice entrance exams in your field, finding out how to “shadow" a professional, volunteering in your field of interest and taking field trips to professional schools and surrounding health care facilities.
Whom should I contact to learn more about the pre-professional health programs?
Please contact the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Dean's office so we can direct you to the appropriate department and academic advisor. College of STEM office: 931-221-7971.