Freshman
Course Selection
- Gateway courses: BIOL 1020/1021, BIOL 1030/1031, CHEM 1030/1031, CHEM 1040/1041, MATH 1610, SCMH 1890.
Ask for Assistance
- Meet with an academic advisor to choose courses for professional school preparation.
- Explore career options.
Gain Experience
- If interested in PA shadow physicians and physician assistants engaged in general and specialty practice. If PT, shadow physical therapists in private clinics and in-patient facilities such as hospitals.
- Volunteer at indigent-care clinics and nursing homes.
- Use Handshake to explore employers actively hiring in your field and search part-time jobs that can add experience to your resume.
Get Involved
- Become an associate member of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), join the listserv, attend meetings and participate in its community and service activities.
- If interested in PT, join the Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Club (PTOTC).
Sophomore
Course Selection
- Continue core requirements and foundational science courses.
- Gateway Courses: BIOL 3000, CHEM 2070/2071, PHYS 1500, PHYS 1510, PSYC 2010.
- CHEM 2080/2081 (if BMSC major).
Ask for Assistance
- Use academic support services to improve your grades and prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Meet with a career counselor if still exploring options and with the pre-health counselor if a health profession is your goal.
Gain Experience
- Investigate summer internships and Study Abroad programs.
- Take GRE practice tests and continue shadowing.
- Schedule a mock interview during fall semester.
Get Involved
- Continue participation in AED or PTOTCsponsored community service and leadership opportunities as well as attend meetings. If an active member of AED, apply for national membership.
Junior
Course Selection
- Gateway Courses: BIOL 2500, BIOL 2510, BIOL 3200, PSYC 3120, PSYC Elective, STAT 2510.
Ask for Assistance
- Schedule a credit check with your academic advisor to prepare for graduation.
- Meet with the pre-health counselor to learn about assistance with the application process.
Gain Experience
- Take an online GRE practice test in January and the actual GRE before applying, allowing time to retake it if necessary.
- Begin undergraduate research.
- Complete the application process about one year prior to projected enrollment.
Get Involved
- Continue involvement with AED or PTOTC by attending meetings and other Pre-PA and Pre-PT sponsored activities and by serving as an elected or appointed officer.
Senior
Course Selection
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to select courses that fulfill graduation requirements and prepare you for programs.
Ask for Assistance
- Schedule a final credit check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Meet with the pre-health director to discuss completing a post-baccalaureate program before applying to programs.
Gain Experience
- Continue to shadow, conduct research, participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer in the community.
- Begin/continue undergraduate research.
Get Involved
- Pursue leadership roles in student organizations in which you participate including AED or PTOTC.
General Information
Physicians Assistants (PAs) Occupational Therapists (OTs), and Physical Therapists (PTs) are vital providers in the allied healthcare system. Increasingly, hospitals and clinics are hiring PAs to better serve their populations. OTs work with helping recover or build fine motor skills for daily living. PTs and OTs provide necessary support and care in long-term physical recovery and are in demand. Due to the competitive nature of the medical field, it is recommended to develop a parallel plan not have a variety of options upon graduation.
Some Career Options
Compare to Assessment Results
Career assessments are a great way to learn more about who you are in order to find a career and/or major that will be a good fit.
To learn more about assessments or find out how to get started, start here.
Interests
Holland's Code: SIR
- Social
- Investigative
- Realistic
Personality
Most common* Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types found in this major, in no particular order:
- ESFJ
- ENFP
- ESFP
- INTP
*Every MBTI type is found in every major, these are the most highly concentrated
Values
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Recognition
Skills
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Coordination
- Speaking
- Writing
Job and Internship Opportunities
Meet Your Career Contacts
University Career Center Liaison

Last modified: July 24, 2020