Health Careers–
Program Options for Students Interested in Health Careers

Specific pre-professional course requirements vary significantly depending upon the health field chosen. All professional schools, however, prefer those students who have had a broad undergraduate education, have a solid foundation in the natural sciences, poses well-developed communication skills, and have had some experience (either volunteer or paid) in the health related profession of their choice. Hence, the pre-health-professions student should anticipate securing a thorough understanding in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and English. At Fort Lewis College, degree options that fulfill a majority of the requirements for most health professions programs are the Cellular and Molecular or General Biology options in the Biology Department. Although most pre-health professions students have majored in biology or biochemistry, most professional schools will consider graduates in other major fields who have met the basic requirements for admission. The Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) that students must take prior to application to medical school emphasizes knowledge in cell biology; genetics; embryology; bacterial physiology; basic chemistry; human physiology; organic chemistry, particularly as it relates to biological molecules; and basic physics related to biological systems. Many of the other health-associated professions (i.e., veterinary medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy) also look for general knowledge in these areas, in addition to other more specific requirements.

Students considering careers in health professions should carefully plan their academic program very early in their undergraduate education. To assist the prospective pre-health professions student in selecting curricula that will satisfy the academic requirements of specific professional schools, Fort Lewis College has established a Pre-Health Advisory Committee. It is strongly recommended that the pre-health professions student, in addition to consulting his or her major advisor, select a member of this committee to serve as a personal academic advisor. Contact the biology or chemistry department chair for information on membership of this committee.

Students may pursue courses at Fort Lewis College that lead to a variety of health careers. Over the years, the Pre-Health Advisory Committee and Fort Lewis College have developed a very favorable rapport with the professional schools in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Many of our students have chosen to attend schools in the Four Corners states; many also have attended professional schools throughout the nation.

The most popular pre-professional programs at Fort Lewis College have been those in dentistry, medicine, medical technology, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine, but advising and academic planning also are available for programs in other allied health fields.

The purpose of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee is to guide and counsel all students in the health careers preparatory programs. This committee has prepared a Pre-professional Student handbook containing examples of suggested course schedules and curricula. Interested students may obtain a copy of the handbook by contacting any member of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee.

In addition to advising students in their preparatory programs, the Committee assists students with application procedures and in preparing for professional school admissions interviews. The Committee will, upon student request, provide recommendation documents to professional schools in accordance with the student’s qualifications.

Please contact the chair of the biology or chemistry department for more information.