Academic Planning for Professional Schools
Beyond your foundation and major coursework, you will need to complete specific prerequisite courses designed to prepare you for admission to professional school. While many programs share standard requirements, each school has specific criteria.
Planning Steps
- Use this site as your starting point for planning your courses.
- Confirm exact requirements with your target professional schools.
- Schedule meetings with your HPA advisor each semester to create a personalized plan.
Your advisor will help you coordinate your prerequisite coursework, entrance exam timing, clinical experiences, study abroad plans, and application logistics.
General Policies & Guidelines
- Review professional school requirements at schools in your home state as a starting point.
- All requirements must be completed to receive a grade, not a Pass/Fail (P/F) designation.
- Many schools require a C or better grades and will not accept a C- to fulfill prerequisites.
- Professional school prerequisite courses should not be completed while studying abroad.
- Please review our AP course considerations and check with your HPA advisor about your AP course credit.
We strive to provide the most current and accurate information available at the time of publication. Please note that prerequisite requirements may change as professional schools update their admission standards. We strongly recommend that students confirm the specific requirements directly with each school they're considering, as this ensures you have the most up-to-date information for your application planning.
Dentistry
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- 2 Upper-level Biology Courses (some schools specify required courses, e.g., Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology)
- NOTE: We strongly recommend that students take two upper-level biology courses to prepare for dental school and be competitive applicants. Although UL biology courses are often listed as recommended rather than required, at least one upper-level biology course is essential and should be taken before applying.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 + 125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L
- Analytical Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 240 + 240L
- Biochemistry - CHEM 315
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
English Composition
- First-Year Writing Seminar - FYWS 151 or 155
- A Writing Intensive Course (HUM 102, RELS 102, AMS 111, HIST 102, GREK 111, and more)
- NOTE: While these courses are generally sufficient, some schools may require a course within the English department.
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
- Calculus - MATH 115 or MATH 122
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150 and/or Introduction to Sociology - ANSO 105
NOTE: Math and Social/behavioral science requirements vary widely by school.
Experience
- A continuous commitment to dentistry experience through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment is essential. You should begin seeking dental opportunities, ideally in the summer after your first year, to allow adequate time to develop substantial experience, especially if you are planning direct entry to dental school.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include dental experience, but it does not have to be solely related to dentistry. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
- Experiences developing three-dimensional perception and fine motor skills with hands and fingers are strongly recommended. Activities include playing a musical instrument, sculpture, needlepoint, model building, and woodworking, among others.
Resources
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
- Dental Programs School List (CODA)
- Dental Admissions Test: The DAT is the required entrance exam for all dental schools in the US. The exam is broken up into four sections. For more information on the various test sections and their content, see the ADEA website.
- Recommended and Required Coursework Summary (2023)
- Recommended and Required Courses (2020)
- ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools
- ADEA Dental School Explorer: This dental school guide provides detailed profiles for each institution, including admission requirements, mean DAT scores and GPAs, shadowing requirements, and cost information. Available for $25 as a one-year subscription.
Medicine
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- 2 Upper-level Biology Courses (some schools specify required courses)
- NOTE: We strongly recommend that students take two upper-level biology courses to prepare for medical school and be competitive applicants. Although UL biology courses are often listed as recommended rather than required, at least one upper-level biology course is essential and should be taken before applying.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 + 125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L
- Analytical Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 240 + 240L
- Biochemistry - CHEM 315
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150 and/or Introduction to Sociology - ANSO 105
- NOTE: Most schools require or recommend at least one course in the social/behavioral sciences. Both Psychology and Sociology help prepare for the MCAT.
English Composition
- First-Year Writing Seminar - FYWS 151 or 155
- A Writing Intensive Course (HUM 102, RELS 102, AMS 111, HIST 102, GREK 111, and more)
- NOTE: While these courses are generally sufficient, some schools may require a course within the English department. Texas residents should consult with HPA for guidance on the First-Year Writing Seminar and the English/Literature prerequisite.
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Calculus - MATH 115 or MATH 122
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
- NOTE: We recommend statistics as statistical reasoning is part of the MCAT. Math requirements vary widely by school. Some schools require either a statistics or calculus course, while other schools may require both statistics and calculus. Some schools may have a more general MATH requirement.
Experience
- A continuous commitment to clinical experience through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment is essential. You should begin seeking clinical opportunities, ideally in the summer after your first year, to allow adequate time to develop substantial experience, especially if you are planning direct entry to medical school.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical work, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
- Medical School Admissions Requirements: Students can purchase a subscription to access information on prerequisites, mission, selection factors, average GPA and MCAT scores, and other relevant details. A free version is available; however, the released information is very limited. The HPA staff members have access to the resource if you have specific questions. Schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss the prerequisites in more detail.
- Osteopathic Medical College Information: This site provides information on all osteopathic medical schools in the United States.
- Medical College Admission Test: The MCAT is the required entrance exam for all medical schools in the United States. The exam consists of four sections. For more information on the various test sections and their content, see the AAMC website.
- Kaplan Live Online MCAT Course (12 Months): We have an institutional partnership that allows us to offer this course at a discounted rate. View the enrollment form for details and to sign up. Interested alumni should contact campbellm@rhodes.edu for a different sign-up process.
- AAMC GPA & MCAT Grid: Acceptance rates at different MCAT and GPA levels for applicants and accepted applicants.
- Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools (FIRST)
- MSAR Premed Course Requirements Chart
- AAMC Purchase Form: MCAT preparation materials at a discounted price for current students at Rhodes.
Nursing
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- Microbiology - BIOL 301
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I - BIOL 115 + 115L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II - BIOL 116 + 116L
- NOTE: Human Anatomy & Physiology is typically offered at Rhodes during the summer. Students can also pursue this course via the CBU Crosstown Consortium during the fall and spring or complete it at another institution. CVM + Animal Physiology can be substituted for Human Anatomy & Physiology if you are only applying to the UT PEP program or Vanderbilt's MN program. Other schools will NOT accept these courses. Please meet with your HPA advisor early in the planning process to discuss your options.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 + 125L
- NOTE: This is not a prerequisite for all nursing programs. It is a prerequisite for Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II at CBU. Chemistry requirements range from none at some schools to multiple courses at others. Meet with your HPA advisor to discuss options.
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150
- NOTE: Some schools require additional social/behavioral science courses. Upper-level psychology courses in developmental psychology may be required. (PSYC 229 + PSYC 230)
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Human Nutrition
- Medical Terminology
- NOTE: Human Nutrition and/or Medical Terminology may be required for specific Nursing programs. Please review the programs to which you are applying and take these courses if necessary. These courses are not offered at Rhodes, but you have the option to take them at the University of Memphis, Southwest Community College, or an accredited college of your choice when offered.
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
- Oral Communication/Public Speaking - MST 240
NOTE: The course requirements above vary widely by school.
Experience
- Nursing experience, gained through volunteering, shadowing, or employment, is highly recommended.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical experience, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
- UTHSC Partnership Enrollment Program - We have an early assurance partnership with the UTHSC College of Nursing for the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and bridge-to-DNP programs. Students interested in this program should apply before the spring semester of their senior year.
- Vanderbilt MN Program - We have course agreements with the Vanderbilt College of Nursing for the Master of Nursing program.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- AACN Member Program Directory
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education Program Directory
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required by some programs. The GRE comprises three sections: Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Occupational Therapy
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 +141L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I - BIOL 115 + 115L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II - BIOL 116 + 116L
- NOTE: Human Anatomy & Physiology is typically offered at Rhodes during the summer. Students can also pursue this course via the CBU Crosstown Consortium during the fall and spring or complete it at another institution. Please meet with your HPA advisor early in the planning process to discuss your options.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 +125L
- NOTE: This is not a prerequisite for all occupational therapy programs. It is a prerequisite for Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II at CBU. Some schools may require chemistry. Meet with your HPA advisor to discuss options.
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150
- 1-2 upper-level psychology course/s (check each program for specific UL psychology courses, e.g., Developmental Psychology PSYC 229, Adolescent & Early Adult Development PSYC 230)
- NOTE: Some schools may require additional social/behavioral science courses. (Sociology or Anthropology)
Mathematics
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Medical Terminology
- Kinesiology
- NOTE: Medical Terminology and/or Kinesiology may be required for specific Occupational Therapy programs. Please review the programs to which you are applying and take these courses if necessary. Human Nutrition and/or Medical Terminology may be required for specific Nursing programs. Please review the programs to which you are applying and take these courses if necessary. These courses are not offered at Rhodes, but you have the option to take them at the University of Memphis, Southwest Community College, or an accredited college of your choice when offered.
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Public Speaking - MST 240
NOTE: The course requirements above vary widely by school.
Experience
- Occupational therapy experience, gained through volunteering, shadowing, or employment, is highly recommended.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical experience, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Accredited Occupational Therapy Master's Level Program List
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is often required for master's programs in OT.
- AOTA's List of Creative Ways to Gain OT Experience
Optometry
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- 1 Upper-level Biology Course (some schools specify required courses, e.g., Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology)
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 + 125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L
- Analytical Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 240 + 240L
- Biochemistry - CHEM 315
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150
Mathematics
- Calculus - MATH 115 or MATH 122
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I - BIOL 115 + 115L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II - BIOL 116 + 116L
- NOTE: Human Anatomy & Physiology is typically offered at Rhodes during the summer. Students can also pursue this course via the CBU Crosstown Consortium during the fall and spring or complete it at another institution. Please meet with your HPA advisor early in the planning process to discuss your options.
Experience
- Optometry experience, gained through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment, is essential.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical experience, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) Pre-Requisites
- ASCO Optometry Resources
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT): The entrance exam required for optometry programs.
Pharmacy
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- 1-2 Upper-level Biology Course/s (some schools specify, e.g., Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I - BIOL 115 + 115L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II - BIOL 116 + 116L
- NOTE: Human Anatomy & Physiology is typically offered at Rhodes during the summer. Students can also pursue this course via the CBU Crosstown Consortium during the fall and spring or complete it at another institution. Please meet with your HPA advisor early in the planning process to discuss your options.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 +125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L
- Analytical Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 240 + 240L
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150 and/or Introduction to Sociology - ANSO 105
- NOTE: Schools may prefer one of these courses or a required number of social/behavioral science courses.
Mathematics
- Calculus - MATH 115 or MATH 122
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
English Composition
- First-Year Writing Seminar - FYWS 151 or 155
- A Writing Intensive Course (HUM 102, RELS 102, AMS 111, HIST 102, GREK 111, and more)
- NOTE: While these courses are generally sufficient, some schools may require a course within the English department.
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Biochemistry - CHEM 315
- Public Speaking - MST 240
- Ethics - PHIL 222
- Introduction to Economics - ECON 100
- NOTE: Schools may require an additional number of humanities and social/behavioral science credits.
NOTE: The course requirements above vary widely by school.
Experience
- Pharmacy experience, gained through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment, is essential.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical experience, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
Physical Therapy
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I - BIOL 115 + 115L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II - BIOL 116 + 116L
- NOTE: Human Anatomy & Physiology is typically offered at Rhodes during the summer. Students can also pursue this course via the CBU Crosstown Consortium during the fall and spring or complete it at another institution. Please meet with your HPA advisor early in the planning process to discuss your options.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 +125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L or General Chemistry II with a lab (not offered at Rhodes). Meet with your HPA advisor to discuss options.
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150
- 1 upper-level psychology course (check each program for specific UL psychology course, e.g., Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology)
- NOTE: Some schools may require additional social/behavioral science courses.
Mathematics
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
- NOTE: Some programs may require additional math prerequisites.
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Public Speaking - MST 240
- Medical Terminology
- Exercise Physiology
- NOTE: Medical Terminology and/or Exercise Physiology may be required for specific Physical Therapy programs. Please review the programs to which you are applying and take these courses if necessary. These courses are not offered at Rhodes, but you have the option to take them at the University of Memphis, Southwest Community College, or an accredited college of your choice when offered.
Experience
- Physical therapy experience, gained through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment, is essential. Experience in multiple settings is generally required by programs.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical experience, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
Physician Assistant
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- 1-2 Upper-level Biology Courses
- NOTE: Most schools specify Microbiology - BIOL 301. Some schools require Genetics - BIOL 304.
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I - BIOL 115 + 115L
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II - BIOL 116 + 116L
- NOTE: Human Anatomy & Physiology is typically offered at Rhodes during the summer. Students can also pursue this course via the CBU Crosstown Consortium during the fall and spring or complete it at another institution. Please meet with your HPA advisor early in the planning process to discuss your options.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 +125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L
- Analytical Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 240 + 240L
- Biochemistry - CHEM 315
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150
- NOTE: Some schools may require additional social/behavioral science courses.
Mathematics
- Calculus - MATH 115 or MATH 122
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Medical Terminology
- NOTE: Medical Terminology may be required for specific Physician Assistant programs. Please review the programs to which you are applying and take this course if necessary. This course is not offered at Rhodes, but you have the option to take it at the University of Memphis, Southwest Community College, or an accredited college of your choice when offered.
Experience
- A continuous commitment to gaining clinical experience, gained through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment, is required. You should begin to seek out clinical experience, ideally beginning in the summer after your first year.
- Many schools require significant hours (1,000-3,000) of direct patient care attained via employment.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical experience, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
- PAEA Program Directory
- ARC-PA Accredited Program List
- Physician Assistant Programs Requirements Spreadsheet
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is often required for master's programs in PA studies.
- The PA-CAT is a newer exam required by about 30 programs. It assesses competencies in science and statistical reasoning. The GRE comprises three sections: Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Podiatric Medicine
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- 1 Upper-level Biology Course (some schools specify a required course)
- NOTE: We strongly recommend that students take two upper-level biology courses to prepare for podiatry school and be competitive applicants. Although UL biology courses are often listed as recommended rather than required, at least one upper-level biology course is essential and should be taken before applying.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 + 125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L
- Analytical Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 240 + 240L
- Biochemistry - CHEM 315
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
Social/Behavioral Science
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150 and/or Introduction to Sociology - ANSO 105
- NOTE: These courses are not required for entrance to podiatry school, but the course material is helpful to prepare for the MCAT.
English Composition
- First-Year Writing Seminar - FYWS 151 or 155
- A Writing Intensive Course (HUM 102, RELS 102, AMS 111, HIST 102, GREK 111, and more)
- NOTE: While these courses are generally sufficient, some schools may require a course within the English department.
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
- NOTE: We recommend statistics as statistical reasoning is part of the MCAT.
Experience
- A continuous commitment to clinical experience through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment is essential. You should begin seeking clinical opportunities, ideally in the summer after your first year, to allow adequate time to develop substantial experience, especially if you are planning direct entry to podiatry school.
- Service to the community through volunteering is highly desired. This may include clinical experience, but it does not have to be solely related to clinical care. Service should demonstrate a commitment to helping others and be a continuous effort throughout one's college career.
Resources
- American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPMAS): Accredited U.S. Podiatric Medical Schools
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA): Student Resources
- What is Podiatry?
- A Career in Podiatry
- AACPMAS Prerequisites
- Medical College Admission Test: The MCAT is the required entrance exam for podiatric medical schools in the United States. The exam is broken up into four sections. For more information on the various test sections and their content, see the AAMC website. NOTE: Some schools may accept the DAT.
- AAMC Purchase Form: MCAT preparation materials at a discounted price for current students at Rhodes.
Veterinary Medicine
Core Prerequisites
Check individual schools as program requirements vary. Prerequisites often include:
Biology
- Biology I with Lab - BIOL 130 + 131L
- Biology II with Lab - BIOL 140 + 141L
- 2-5 Upper-level Biology Courses
- NOTE: Most schools specify upper-level biology courses (e.g., Animal Physiology, Microbiology, etc.). Many schools require Genetics (BIOL 304). Discuss prerequisite coursework with your HPA advisor.
Chemistry
- Foundations of Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 120 + 125L
- Organic Chemistry I - CHEM 211
- Organic Chemistry II with Lab - CHEM 212 + 212L
- Analytical Chemistry with Lab - CHEM 240 + 240L
- Biochemistry - CHEM 315
Physics
- Introductory Physics I with Lab - PHYS 109 + 113L or PHYS 111 + 113L
- Introductory Physics II with Lab - PHYS 110 + 114L or PHYS 112 + 114L
Mathematics
- Statistics - MATH 211 or PSYC 211
- Calculus - MATH 115 or MATH 122
Additional School-Specific Admission Requirements May Include:
- Introduction to Psychological Science - PSYC 150 and/or Introduction to Sociology - ANSO 105
- Public Speaking - MST 240
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Science
- NOTE: Animal Nutrition and/or Animal Science may be required for specific veterinary programs. Please review the programs to which you are applying and take these courses if necessary. These courses are not offered at Rhodes, but they can be taken at an accredited college of your choice. Your HPA advisor is happy to help you look for appropriate courses.
NOTE: The course requirements above vary widely by school.
Experience
- A continuous commitment to animal experience through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment is essential. You should begin seeking out animal experience, ideally in the summer after your first year, to allow adequate time to develop substantial experience, especially if you are planning on direct entry.
- Many schools require significant hours of work directly with animals. Many schools also specify a required number of hours working directly with veterinarians.
Resources
Additional Health Professions
The course requirements and recommended GPAs for the fields below vary significantly, not only by profession, but also by programs within the same profession. Clinical experience and service to the community are required for some professions, while they are strongly recommended for others. Students should consult with an HPA Advisor early in their academic career and meet regularly with them to plan their coursework and experiences.
General Career Resources
Anesthesiology Assistant
- What do CAAs do?
- CAA vs CRNA: What's the difference?
- CAA vs CRNA: Comparison of Educational Path
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or MCAT is often required for admission to master’s programs as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant.
Athletic Training
- Find an Accredited Program (CAATE)
- AT: Find Your Athletic Training Program
- National Athletic Trainers' Association
- NATA: Education Overview
Audiology
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- What do Audiologists do?
- American Academy of Audiology
- The GRE is often required for admission to master’s programs in Audiology.
Chiropractic
Genetic Counseling
- National Society of Genetic Counselors: Who are Genetic Counselors?
- Becoming a Genetic Counselor
- Find an Accredited Program
- The GRE is often required for admission to master’s programs in Genetic Counseling.
Public Health
- American Public Health Association
- Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
- Council on Education for Public Health
- This is Public Health - Student Journey
- Public Health Pathways
Speech-Language Pathology
- Find an SLP Program
- What is Speech-Language Pathology?
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- The GRE is often required for admission to master’s programs in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP).