Pre-Health Professional Program

The Pre-Health Professional Program is for students wishing to further their education in professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Physical and Occupational Therapy and Physician's Assistant.

The program is designed to prepare students for acceptance into such professional schools, and provide them with a good foundation for successful careers. Students work closely with their advisor during their years at Heidelberg to help ensure they keep on track and are well prepared when applying to programs. While receiving a Bachelor's Degree, students' course work is tailored to the particular profession they are interested in. Students are also advised in extra-curricular activities that are important for acceptance into the various programs. These may include: clinical experience, shadowing opportunities, internships, research, interviewing skills, writing personal statements, etc. These pages are designed to be a convenient resource for students in the Pre-Health Professional Program.

Click on the links to the left for more detailed information on each area of study including: suggested course work, special considerations for particular programs, admissions tests required (w/ links), and links to various schools.

 Timetable and Checklist for Pre-Health Professions Students

Freshman Year

  • Make clear your professional interests to your advisor so that they can offer you as much help as possible.
  • Create a four year schedule centered around your professional goals.
  • Establish good study habits and a strong GPA.
  • Study to learn the concepts in your science courses, not just to pass the exam.
  • Start volunteer work, shadowing, etc.
  • Get to know and be known by the faculty pre-professional advisors.
  • Start to keep a journal or record of significant accomplishments, volunteer efforts etc.

Sophomore Year

  • Maintain good study habits and a strong GPA.
  • Study to learn the concepts in your science courses, not just to pass the exam.
  • Start to get involved in undergraduate/campus activities; serve on a committee; seek leadership positions.
  • Volunteer in a medically related setting with patient contact.
  • Build academic credentials, leadership and communications skills
  • Continue to keep a journal or record of significant accomplishments, volunteer efforts, etc.
  • Keep advisor informed of interests and accomplishments.

Junior Year

  • Maintain good study habits and a strong GPA.
  • Study to learn the concepts in your science courses, not just to pass the exam.
  • Start an intensive review of material covered on MCAT, DAT, GRE, VCAT, etc.
  • Begin considering professional school of interest (medical schools, PA school, etc.).
  • Put together a personal essay and resume and have these reviewed by your advisor.
  • Apply/sign-up for admissions tests.
  • Apply to selected professional schools either individually or through application service.
  • Request letters of recommendation from appropriate faculty.
  • Take the appropriate standardized admissions test.
  •  Set-up a mock interview with pre-professional advisors.

Senior Year

  • Meet with your advisor to discuss your admissions test scores.
  • Complete secondary applications for professional schools.
  • Keep written summaries of interviews that you are granted (questions asked, etc.).
  • Keep your advisor informed of your progress, acceptance, etc.