Pre-Medicine – Allopathic/Osteopathic, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Podiatry, Pre-Physician’s Assistant, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-Occupational Therapy
Admission into any of the health professions is very competitive. Students should maintain a high grade point average, obtain leadership skills and exposure to the health profession of interest and make a strong showing on their test scores (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, OAT, or GRE). Although it is not necessary to obtain a baccalaureate degree to gain entrance into some of the health professions, it is highly recommended. Programs leading to the BA or the BS degree in a variety of majors are suitable as long as students complete the prerequisite coursework for their chosen professional health program. Many students select a major in biological sciences; chemistry or biochemistry; communication disorders and sciences; exercise science; health communication; human services; psychology or neuroscience; public health or nutrition & dietetics. When registering, such students must indicate their choice of degree-granting major, and declare Pre-(identify health profession) as a second major. It is recommended that the program be enriched with electives in social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and fine arts. All students interested in a career in a clinical health profession should consult with the University Pre-Health Professions Advisor for information regarding specific admission requirements. More information concerning these programs at EIU is available at https://www.eiu.edu/prehealth/.

Most of the clinical health professions will expect one year of each of the following; English, Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics. Many will also expect Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Statistics, Microbiology, and Biochemistry. Be sure to check the health profession of choice for their specific requirements.