Pre-Med and Pre-Health

Chiropractic medicine is a branch of healthcare that focuses on treating patients without drugs or surgery. This profession advocates a holistic philosophy, which emphasizes prevention and wellness over treating disease and injury. Doctor of Chiropractic Physicians (DCP) are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of all body systems with a concentration in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. 

In addition to the classroom instruction, there are additional internships and preceptorships that lead to the completion of the doctorate degree. Following completion of the necessary doctoral coursework and internships, the student will be expected to take the National Board Exam. Individual states differ in their licensing requirements. Employment for chiropractors is expected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, much more quickly than for other professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. 

Chiropractic schools do not favor a particular major. A major should be chosen completely based on the student’s interests and goals. A major in Biology, Biochemistry, Exercise Science, or Health Science, with a biology, health, or chemistry minor, is a few programs of study to consider.

At Norwich, the Pre-Chiropractic Preparation track requires selected courses in English, Chemistry, Math, Biology, Physics, and Health & Human Performance. Students interested in pursuing any of our pre-health tracks should work directly with our Director of Pre-Health Advising to map out their curriculum path. 

Dentistry is a highly competitive four-year graduate program. Students should maintain a grade point average near 3.50/4.00, acquire leadership skills and exposure to the world of dentistry, and score an 18 or higher on the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Three letters of recommendation are required, generally two from the sciences and one letter of the student’s choice. Typically, the DAT is taken during the Spring semester of the junior year and applied through a centralized application service. Associated American Dental Schools Application Services (AADSAS) is submitted in June between the junior and senior years. 

Dental schools are seeking individuals who are well rounded in their educational backgrounds. In selecting a major, identify one that will prepare you best for dental practice or a backup plan. Biology, Biochemistry, and Health Science are a few programs of study to consider. Coursework in humanities and social sciences, especially psychology and sociology, is also required.

Admission into medical school is very competitive. Students should maintain a grade point average near or above 3.50/4.00, acquire leadership skills, gain exposure to healthcare, and score at least 504 on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). View preparation materials from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). 

Typically, the MCAT is taken during the spring semester of the junior year, and an application through a centralized application service American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is submitted in June between the junior and senior years. At least three letters of recommendation are required, typically two from the sciences and one letter of the student’s choosing. Also, many schools require additional tests, such as CASPer®, to help assess applicants' non-academic attributes or people skills. Be prepared that your focal school may require such tests. 

While ROTC is a pathway to military-allied health opportunities, one should have conversations with the prospective branches before deciding, as some would advise joining after being accepted into medical school.

Medical schools do not favor a particular major. A major should be chosen completely on the student’s interests and goals. Biology, Biochemistry, and Health Science are a few programs of study to consider. Most importantly, medical schools are seeking individuals with well-rounded educational backgrounds. Development of a strong vocabulary and communication skills are just as important as having taken a particular elective. Additional information from the national associations of allopathic and osteopathic medicine can be found at aamc.org or aacom.org.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program is designed to lead to professional licensure in Occupational Therapy. While there is a national professional exam, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination, associated with occupational therapy licensure, specific licensure requirements still vary from state to state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an estimated 21% increase in projected employment growth for occupational therapists through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Our curriculum prepares students in many content areas that are necessary for successful admission into an Occupational Therapy Masters or Doctoral program. Always consult the admission requirements for your focal schools. Students should maintain a grade point average near or above 3.40/4.00, with a high Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Most programs also require 45+ experience hours in the field of healthcare (preferably occupational therapy, either actual or through observation). 

Occupational Therapy schools do not favor a particular major. A major should be chosen completely on the student’s interests and goals. The Neuroscience major or Health Science major, with a biology or chemistry minor, are a few programs of study to consider. Coursework in humanities and social sciences, especially additional psychology and sociology, is often required. Norwich University offers an array of social science courses that fulfill these requirements.

Pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals who dispense medications and provide patients with information about their medications. They advise other healthcare professionals on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications.

To prepare for a career in pharmacy, a student must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree at a professional college of pharmacy. Most pharmacy programs utilize the PharmCAS application service (pharmcas.org). Applicants can apply as early as the summer one year prior to their planned program entry. Some programs may require the PCAT exam: pcatweb.info. The PCAT is a specialized test that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges. It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education.

If the requirements are met for Pharmacy School admission, identifying an undergraduate major is based entirely on the student’s interests and goals – Biology, Biochemistry, or Health Science are some programs to consider. Pharmacy schools do not favor a particular major. Coursework in humanities and social sciences (especially psychology and sociology).

Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians and are qualified to perform approximately 80% of the duties commonly performed by primary care physicians. PAs practice in almost all healthcare settings and in many medical and surgical specialties. They must pass a national certifying examination that is open only to graduates of accredited PA programs. 

The PA degree is at the master's Level, based on a curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Therefore, most students entering a PA program have already completed a baccalaureate degree, usually in the sciences. The average entrant has approximately four years of healthcare experience, competitive GRE scores, and a grade point average of >3.40/4.00. Some schools now require the PA-CAT exam: pa-cat.com. Also, many schools require additional tests, such as CASPer (takecasper.com/about-casper). 

You can get healthcare experience by being a (not an exhaustive list):

• Medical assistant
• Emergency medical technician (EMT)
• Medic or medical corpsman
• Lab assistant/phlebotomist
• Registered nurse
• Emergency room technician
• Surgical tech
• Certified nursing assistant (CNA) 

If the requirements for PA school admission are met, identifying an undergraduate major is based completely on the student’s interests and goals – Biology, Biochemistry, or Health Science are some programs to consider. PA schools do not favor a particular major.

Physical Therapists work with patients to regain mobility and strength after accidents or injuries. They work with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Students should maintain a grade point average near or above 3.40/4.00, with a high Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Most programs also require 45+ hours of field experience in healthcare (preferably in physical therapy, either hands-on or through observation).

Physical Therapy schools do not favor any particular major. A major should be chosen completely based on the student’s interests and goals. Exercise Science and Health Science majors with a psychology or biology minor, are a few programs of study to consider. Most importantly, these schools are seeking individuals who are well-rounded in their educational background and applied experiences. More information about the profession can be found through the American Physical Therapy Association at apta.org.

Admission into veterinary school is very competitive. Although many veterinary medical colleges do not require a bachelor’s degree for admission, most students admitted will have completed one. Students should maintain a grade point average near or above 3.50/4.00, acquire leadership skills, gain extensive/diverse experience in veterinary medicine, and achieve 63% on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be competitive. Students apply through the centralized Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) in June, between the junior and senior years. At least three letters of recommendation are required, typically one from a college instructor and one from a veterinarian. The last letter can be chosen by the student.

Veterinary schools do not favor a particular major. A major should be chosen completely based on the student’s interests and goals. Biology, Biochemistry, and Health Science are a few programs of study to consider. Most importantly, veterinary schools are seeking individuals with well-rounded educational backgrounds. The development of a strong vocabulary and communication skills is just as important as having taken a particular elective. Additional information from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges can be found at aavmc.org. 

Each veterinary program has different requirements; it is very important to identify early which programs you plan to apply to and plot out their requirements accordingly. Coursework in humanities and social sciences, as well as knowledge of medical terminology, is often required.

Athletic Training is one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields. In addition to working in high schools, colleges, and professional athletics, athletic trainers are now being hired by industry, public safety, performing arts, and the military to treat physically active individuals. Now is a great time to enter the profession.

There are multiple admission pathways into the Master of Athletic Training program at Norwich University. Students can apply after completing a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, although students in the health sciences and life sciences will find it easier to meet the prerequisite course requirements. Students should maintain a grade point average near or above 2.75-4.00, acquire leadership skills, and complete multiple clinical observation experiences in athletic training to be competitive. Students apply through the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) at atcas.liaisoncas.org, starting June 1 prior to their senior year. A letter of recommendation from an athletic trainer or medical physician is required. Many students find it helpful to have an additional letter written by a college instructor or an individual of the student’s choosing.

The Master of Athletic Training program can be completed on an accelerated pathway when students pursue a degree in Health Sciences or Exercise Science. Doing so allows the student to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years instead of six. Students choosing this pathway prioritize their education and preparation for the field of athletic training.

The development of a strong vocabulary and communication skills is just as important as the required coursework. Additional information about the profession from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association can be found at NATA.org. Information about athletic training education programs and program accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training can be found at caate.net.