Pre-health - College of Arts and Sciences - Advisement

SIUE Pre-Health Professions

If you’re interested in pursuing a health profession then you’ve come to the right place! A strong background in the sciences and an exemplary GPA are required of any pre-health student, but there’s more you need to consider. In order to apply for professional school you will need to fulfill prerequisite requirements, perform well on an admissions exam, and accrue any necessary shadowing or patient contact experience. You should also participate in extra-curricular activities, gain research experience outside of traditional classroom work, and write an engaging personal statement.

For the Pre-Health Professions Advisors to best assist you, please let us know by completing the SIUE Pre-Health Professional Interest Form.

Regardless of your major you can meet with a pre-health advisor to discuss the requirements for professional school and the application process. Please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with an advisor by calling 618-650-5525.

Advisors

Brandi Blackburn
brandbl@siue.edu
618-650-5525

Carol Garrison
cgarris@siue.edu
618-650-5525

Pre-Dental Medicine

The degree which can be earned:
D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are equivalent degrees awarded to dental students upon completion of the program.

Career Outlook/Nature of the Profession: Dentists are trained to treat all patients, adults and children, in many different regalement facilities and settings. A general dentist may use the latest techniques and equipment to examing the head and neck, and oral cavity to identify and diagnose oral conditions.

Useful Links

What exams are needed for a specific professional program: The Dental Admission Test
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is traditionally taken by students at least ONE YEAR before starting dental school.
The DAT has for different sections and each section is scored from 1-30, with the overall scored being an average of all the sections:

Survey of Natural Sciences
Perceptual Ability Test
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning

Learn more about the DAT Exam: The DAT Exam

GPA needed for specific professional programs: To be considered for admission to dental school, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is typically required. A seperate Science GPA is calculated based on Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math courses.

Regional Institutions

What courses do I need to take?

8 hours of Physics
8 hours of Biology
6-8 hours of English
8 hours of General Chemistry with a lab
8 hours of Organic Chemistry with a lab

Do I have to have a health related major? Not necessarily, however, it is highly recommended. Students should contact individual dental schools for specific prerequisite information.
Those prerequisites may vary depending on what school you are interested in attending. Prerequisite courses require a C grade of better. See your CAS Advisor for assistance in choosing elective courses.

Want to find students with similar interested?
Pre-Dental Association (PDA)
siuepredental@hotmail.com

Pre-Dental Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre-Dentistry students.	Begin researching dental programs you may be interested in applying to.	Complete prerequisite requirements by the end of the 2nd semester.	Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Begin completing pre-requirements for courses.	Start preparing for the DAT examination. https://www.asdanet.org/index/get-into-dental-school/before-you-apply/preparing-for-the-dat	Apply for the DAT and Take the DAT https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/dental-admission-test/apply-to-take-the-dat	Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experience.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Prepare to apply for admission at least a year in advance.	Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Start forming relationships with faculty and professionals for dentistry.	Consider joining a dental-related professional organization	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Gather letters of evaluation from faculty and others.	If admitted, complete forms for financial aid.
Consider alternative career plans.

Pre-Medical

Degree options to practice medicine: Doctor of Allopathic Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

What is the difference between a D.O. and a M.D.? Both MD's and DO's are licensed doctors in the United States, however, they receive different training. DO's have a more holistic approach to treating patients. They receive extensive training on hands-on healing methods that often help individuals who suffer from chronic migraines, asthma, and/or sinus disorders. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) estimates that 6 out of 10 osteopathic physicians practice family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics or obstetrics and gynecology. MD's tend to be less hands-on. Cardiologists, Oncologists, Dermatologists, Neurosurgeons are all examples of doctors that would receive a MD degree. The majority of MD's work in hospitals, while DO's may be more likely to work in clinics and offices.

What is the lifestyle and salary like? Salaries for physicians are amongst the highest for all occupations but the work hours can be long and unpredictable and have an extremely rigorous schedule. Most doctors work more than 60 hours a week and they may be required to respond to emergencies and be on call for their patients. Salaries vary depending on where the doctor lives and his or her speciality. In 2012, the median starting salaries ranged from approximately $140,000 to $280,000 a year.

If you are interested in science and how the body works, enjoy a challenge, and care deeply about people and their problems, then a career in medicine may be right for you. Check out some of these resources to help you determine if being a doctor is the career choice for you:

What is the MCAT and do I have to take it? The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test that is required for admission to most medical schools in the United States. Students should take the MCAT at least one year before they plan on beginning medical school.*

*In 2015, the MCAT will officially include a new section that emphasizes the social science.

Regional Institutions (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, DO):

Regional Institutions (Doctor of Allopathic Medicine, MD):

What should I major in if I want to go to medical school? You can choose any major that interests you as long as you fulfill the prerequisites for your chosen program. A degree in the Sciences is highly recommended.

The following courses from SIUE are recommended as preparation for the MCAT and medical school:

BIOL 150: Introduction to Biological Sciences I
BIOL 151: Introduction to Biological Sciences II
BIOL 220: Genetics
BIOL 319: Cell & Molecular Biology
CHEM 121A: General Chemistry I
CHEM 121B: General Chemistry II
CHEM 241A: Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241B: Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 351: Basic Biochemistry I
MATH 150: Calculus I
PSYC 111: Foundations of Psychology
SOC 111: Introduction to Sociology

Students who matriculated in 2013 had a mean overall GPA of 3.69, mean science GPA of 3.63, and a mean non-science GPA of 3.76.

Campus Organizations to consider joining:

American Red Cross Club (ARC)
Be The Match On Campus (BTM)
Colleges Against Cancer (CAC)
Medical Technology Association (MTA)
Pre-Medical Association (PMA)

Check out more Students Organizations HERE!

Pre-Medical Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre-Med students.	Begin studying for the MCAT. https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/	Familiarize yourself with the application process.	Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Begin to take prerequisite courses and requirements.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Create a list of possible medical schools you would like to attend.	Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experiences.	Create methods for maintaining a high GPA (individual and/or peer work and studying).	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Start forming relationships with health care faculty and professionals.	Consider joining a pre-med or health care professional organization.	Take MCAT. https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/mcat-test-day-and-security/	Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Begin writing your personal statement letter. https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/article/advisor-corner-crafting-your-personal-statement/	If accepted, decide on where you want to attend medical school.
Consider alternative career plans.		Submit applications with letters of recommendation.	If admitted, complete forms for financial aid.

Pre-Pharmacy

The degree which can be earned: Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy)

What can I do with a pharmacy degree? Approximately 62% of pharmacists work in community pharmacies, however, pharmacists are found in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, managed care, public health, armed forces, pharmaceutical industry, government and more. Reasonability vary among types of pharmacists, however, pharmacists help patients get well again. Pharmacist responsibilities include a range of care for patients, from dispensing medications to monitoring patient health and progress to maximize their response to the medication. Pharmacists also educate consumers and patients on the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, and advise physicians, nurses and other health professionals on drug decisions.

What do I need to do to be a pharmacist? To practice pharmacy in the U.S., you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy institution and pass a state pharmacy licensure exam. U.S. pharmacy institutions are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). A degree in pharmaceutical science or related discipline will not prepare or permit ou to practice pharmacy in the U.S.

What is the typical salary for a pharmacist? The demand for pharmaceutical care services has resulted in a dramatic increase in salaries in all sectors of pharmacy. According to a 2011 survey by Drug Topics magazine, pharmacist yearly salaries range from $116,000 to $140,000.

Additional Resources:

Regional Institutions:

SIUE School of Pharmacy

What should a competitive applicant should be doing? Pharmacy college encourage or require applicants to have volunteer or paid experience working with patients in a pharmacy or health-related setting (hospital, nursing home, etc.). Ongoing work or volunteer experience in a pharmacy setting may be an important factor in the admission process. If you are unable to gain work or volunteer experience directly related to pharmacy, contact your selected pharmacy school admission offices to determine what other experiences they might accept that will adequately demonstrate you knowledge of the profession.

GPA needs for specific professional program: Pharmacy schools suggest having over a 3.0, but most pharmacy schools have averages for accepted students over a 3.4.

What exam do I need in order to be admitted into a Pharmacy program? The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is no longer required for admission into the SIUE School of Pharmacy.

For a list of recommended courses, check out the Pre-Pharmacy curriculum provided by the SIUE School of Pharmacy

Pre-Pharmacy Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre- Pharmacy students.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Create a list of possible Pharmacy schools you would like to attend.
Begin to take prerequisite courses and requirements.	Create methods for maintaining a high GPA (individual and/or peer work and studying).	Begin writing your personal statement letter.	Collect and submit all application materials which include: Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, Coursework entry, a Personal Statement Letter, and application fees.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experiences.	Consider joining a pharmacy-related professional organization.		Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Start forming relationships with pharmacy faculty and professionals.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.		Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.			Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Consider alternative career plans.			Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
			If admitted, complete forms for financial aid.

Pre-Physician Assistant

Degree options for becoming a physician assistant: Master's Degree*

*All Physician Assistant programs in Illinois and Missouri offer a Master's degree.

What does a physician assistant do? PAs are medical providers, most with graduate-level educations. They are licensed to diagnose and treat illness and disease, and to prescribe medication to patients. PAs work in physician offices, hospitals, and clinics in collaboration with a licensed physician.

What is the lifestyle and salary like? The growth of the profession has been substantial since its origin in 1965. Currently, there are more than 86,000 practicing PAs. The job outlook for PAs is bright. In CNN's annual "Best Jobs in America" repots, PAs were ranked as the 16th best job, with a projected 30% growth rate over the next 10 years. The average pay for a PA is $86,410.

What should I major in if I want to go to PA school? You can choose any major that interests you as long as you fulfill the prerequisites for your chosen program. A science related major is recommended.

Do I need healthcare experience before I can apply to PA school? Some programs require previous health care experience while others either strongly recommend it or do not require it. Those that require experience are specific in the length of time and the types of experience they expect of their applicants. It is best to know the kind of previous health care experience a program will consider before you apply. You can obtain this information by contacting the admissions office at each program.

Additional Resources:

Regional Institutions:

What is the GRE and do I have to take it? The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to most graduate programs, but it is not required by al PA programs. Contact the program you plan to attend for its specific admission requirements.

Find out more about the GRE: GRE Revised General Test (GRE)

Prerequisites recommended from SIUE:

KIN 211: Medical Terminology
BIOL 150: Introduction to Biological Sciences I
BIOL 151: Introduction to Biological Sciences II
BIOL 220: Genetics
BIOL 240 A/B: Human Anatomy & Physiology
BIOL 350: Microbiology
CHEM 121A: General Chemistry I
CHEM 121B: General Chemistry II
CHEM 241A: Organic Chemistry I
PSYC 111: Foundations of Psychology
STAT 244: Statistics

Most programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. The GPAs of accepted students are generally in the 3.5 range.

Student Organizations to consider joining:
Pre-Physician Assistant Association

Find more student organizations HERE!

Pre-Physician Assistant Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre-Physician Assistant students.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Register for and take the GRE. https://www.takethegre.com/gre-test https://www.takethegre.com/test-day	Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Begin to take prerequisite courses and requirements.	Create methods for maintaining a high GPA (individual and/or peer work and studying).	Begin writing your personal statement letter.	Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Consider joining a physician assistant- related professional organization.	Request letters of recommendation from professors.	Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experiences.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Begin applying to schools of interest.	Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
Start forming relationships with health care faculty and professionals.	Learn more about the GRE and research GRE preparation materials. https://www.takethegre.com/preparing-for-gre-exam	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	If admitted, complete forms for financial aid.
Consider alternative career plans.	Create a list of possible Physician Assistant schools you would like to attend.

Pre-Optometry

Degree which can be earned: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

What does an Optometrist do?
An optometrist is an independent primary healthcare provider for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.

What is the lifestyle and salary like?
Most optometrists are self-employed, receive relatively few emergency calls, and can establish a flexible working schedule, which allows them the luxury of combining a prestigious professional career with a very satisfying personal life. The average net income for optometrists was $129,385, according to a recent A)A survey of member optometrists.

Are there any major exams required?
Yes, the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized test that is required for admission to all optometry schools in the United States. Students should take the OAT at least one year before they plan to begin optometry school.

Additional Resources:

What should I major in if I want to go to optometry school?
You can choose any major that interests you as long as you fulfill the prerequisites for your chosen program. A major in the Sciences is recommended, but not required.

CAS Advising recommends the following courses to take:

BIOL 150: Introduction to Biological Sciences I
BIOL 151: Introduction to Biological Sciences II
BIOL 220: Genetics
BIOL 240 A/B:Human Anatomy & Physiology
BIOL 350: Microbiology
CHEM 121A: General Chemistry I
CHEM 121B: General Chemistry II
CHEM 241A: Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241B: Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 351: Basic Biochemistry I
PSYC 111: Foundations of Psychology

The average cumulative GPA for students matriculating in Fall 2013 ranged from 3.14 to 3.76, depending on the institution.

Consider joining these student organizations:
Optical Society, SIUE Student Chapter (SIUE OSA Student Chapter)
Pre-Optometry Association

Find more student organizations HERE!

Pre-Optometry Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre- Optometry students.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Begin studying and apply for the OAT. https://oat.ada.org https://www.ada.org/en/oat/apply-to-take-the-oat	Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Begin to take prerequisite courses and requirements.	Create methods for maintaining a high GPA (individual and/or peer work and studying).	Identify faculty you would like to have for recommendation letters/letters of evaluation.	Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Consider joining an optometry- related professional organization.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experiences.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Take the OAT. https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search?search=oat	Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
Start forming relationships with health care faculty and professionals.	Create a list of possible Optometry schools you would like to attend.	Consider visiting optometry schools.	If admitted, complete forms for financial aid.
Consider alternative career plans.		Work on your personal statement letter.

Pre-Podiatry

The degree which can be earned: Doctor of Podiactic Medicine, DPM

Career outlook/Nature of the Profession: Podiatric medicine is a branch of the medical sciences devoted to the study of human movement, with the medical care of the foot and ankle as its primary focus. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) undergoes lengthy, thorough study to become uniquely well-qualified to treat a specific part of the body. Many practitioners focus on a particular area of podiatric medicine, including surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatric care, pediatrics, orthopedics and primary care. Additionally, care of diabetic patients is a rapidly growing podiatric medicine specialization as lower extremity problems often develop. The skills of podiatric physicians are in increasing demand because disorders of the foot and ankle are among the most widespread and neglected health problems.

Additional Resources:

Regional Institutions:

Do I need to have the MCAT taken to apply for programs? In most cases, yes you will. Students should consider taking the MCAT exam in their Junior year of college. More information about the MCAT can be found HERE!

Statement regarding ability to choose any major: You can choose any major you would like as long as you satisfy the prerequisites for podiatric school.

Prerequisites, electives and contacting your advisor: Students should contact individual podiatric schools for specific prerequisite information. Prerequisite courses may vary based on the school of choice. Prerequisite courses require a C grade or better. Majoring in science is not mandatory, but completion of prerequisite requirements is necessary. See your advisor in CAS Advising for assistance in choosing elective courses.

Course recommendations:

8 credit hours of Biology (BIOL 150, 151)
8 credit hours of Chemistry (CHEM 121a, 125a, 121b, 125b)
8 credit hours of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 241a, 241b, 245)
8 credit hours of Physics (PHYS 131, 131L, 132, 132L)
6 to 8 credit hours of English (ENG 101, 102)

GPA needed for specific professional program: In 2009, the overall GPA was 3.3 and the average science GPA was 3.1 (taken from aacpm.org)

Student Organizations to consider joining:
Pre-Medical Club

Check out all of our student organizations HERE!

Pre-Podiatry Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre- Podiatry students.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Create a list of possible Podiatry schools you would like to attend.	Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Begin to take prerequisite courses and requirements	Create methods for maintaining a high GPA (individual and/or peer work and studying).	Identify faculty you would like to have for recommendation letters.	Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Consider joining a podiatry- related professional organization.	Work on your personal statement letter.	Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experiences.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Register and take the MCAT https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam/ https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/	Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
Start forming relationships with health care faculty and professionals.	Learn more about the MCAT and begin preparing for the test. https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/prepare-mcat-exam/	Begin application process on AACPMAS	If admitted, complete forms for financial aid and pay seat deposit.
Consider alternative career plans.	Familiarize yourself with the AACPMAS https://www.aacpm.org/	Submit Transcripts

Pre-Veterinary

The degree which can be earned: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

Career outlook/Nature of Profession: The profession of veterinary medicine is dedicated to the development of healthcare for animals. Veterinarians focus on the care of pets, livestock and zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Some veterinarians use their skill to conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems. Long work hours are often required, with well over one-third of full-time workers spending 50 or more hours on the job.

Find additional information about being a Veterinarian here:

Will I need the GRE or the MCAT to be accepted into the program? The majority of students take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). However, check with your individual program of interest to see if they require the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).

Regional Institutions:

What should I major in if I want to be a Veterinarian? You can choose any major you would like as long as you satisfy the prerequisites for veterinary school. A major in the Sciences is recommended.

What prerequisites and electives should I take? Students should contact individual veterinarian schools for specific prerequisite information. Prerequisite courses may vary based on the school of choice. Prerequisite courses require a C grade or better. Majoring in science is not mandatory, but completion of prerequisite requirements is necessary. See your advisor in CAS Advising for assistance in choosing elective courses.

Required courses for veterinary school typically include (for SIUE):

BIOL 150: Introduction to Biological Sciences I
BIOL 151: Introduction to Biological Sciences II
BIOL 220: Genetics
CHEM 121A: General Chemistry I
CHEM 121B: General Chemistry II
CHEM 241A: Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241B: Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 351: Basic Biochemistry
MATH 150: Calculus
MATH 152: Calculus II
PHYS 131: College Physics I
PHYS 132: College Physics II
ENG 101: English Composition I
ENG 102: English Composition II

What does my GPA need to be in order to be accepted into veterinary school? To gain entrance to veterinary school, usually a minimum cumulative GPA above 3.0 is required. The national average for admission in 2012 was 3.26-3.66. Vet schools may consider your science GPA, last 3 semester GOA, etc. You should check with individual colleges to determine a competitive GPA.

Student Organizations to consider joining:

Pre-Veterinary Association (PVA)

Check out more Students Organizations HERE!

Pre-Veterinary Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre- Veterinarian students.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Register for the GRE. https://www.takethegre.com/gre-test	Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Begin to take prerequisite courses and requirements.	Create methods for maintaining a high GPA (individual and/or peer work and studying).	Prepare for the GRE. https://www.takethegre.com/preparing-for-gre-exam	Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Consider joining a veterinary- related professional organization.	Take the GRE. https://www.takethegre.com/test-day	Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experiences.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Identify faculty you would like to have for recommendation letters	Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
Start forming relationships with health care faculty and professionals.	Create a list of possible Veterinary schools you would like to attend.	Work on your personal statement letter.	If admitted, complete forms for financial aid.
Consider alternative career plans.

Pre-Chiropractic

The degree which can be earned: Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)

Career outlook/Nature of profession: Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effect of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is most often used to treat back pain, neck pain and joint problems. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures. Most chiropractors are employed in private practice and can set their own work schedules if they own their own practice.

Additional resources:

The American Chiropractic Association
The Association of Chiropractic Colleges

Regional Institutions:
Logan University (St. Louis, MO)
National University of Health Sciences (Lombard, IL)
Palmer College of Chiropractic (Davenport, IA)

What courses do I need to take? (Check with your program of interest for individual requirements)*

CHEM 121A: General Chemistry I (with lab)
CHEM 121B: General Chemistry II (with lab)
CHEM 241A: Organic Chemistry I (with lab)
CHEM 241B: Organic Chemistry II (with lab)
BIOL 150: Introduction to Biological Sciences I (with lab)
BIOL 151: Introduction to Biological Sciences II (with lab)
CHEM 351: Basic Biochemistry I
PHYS 131: College Physics I (with lab)
PHYS 132: College Physics II (with lab)
PSYC 111: Introduction to Psychology

*The typical applicant for chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four year of pre-medical undergraduate college State education, including course work in Biology, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and related lab work.

What should I major in? You can choose any major you would like as long as you satisfy the prerequisites for chiropractic school. A Science related major is recommended.

What exams are needed for specific professional programs? No entrance exam is required. However, some students take the GRE Exam. You should check with your individual program to make sure you are completing all requirements for admittance.

What should my GPA be if I am interested in Chiropractic school? To be considered for admission to a chiropractic program, usually a minimum GPA above 3.0 is required. Students should check with individual chiropractic colleges to determine a competitive GPA.

Student organizations to consider joining:
There are no Pre-Chiropractic Associations on campus. Start one today!

Check out all of our student organizations HERE!

Chiropractic Planning Calendar
Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to plan courses and experiences that will help prepare you for your future.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration and course selection.	Work with your pre-professional academic advisor to figure out registration, course selection, and any preparing that is needed for graduation.
Check out the Career Development Center and any resources they have for Pre- Chiropractic students.	Continue completing pre-requirements for courses and major curriculum.	Register for the GRE. https://www.takethegre.com/gre-test	Take advantage of mock interviewing with Career Development Center staff before you interview for admission.
Begin to take prerequisite courses and requirements.	Create methods for maintaining a high GPA (individual and/or peer work and studying).	Prepare for the GRE. https://www.takethegre.com/preparing-for-gre-exam	Familiarize yourself with what may be expected in the interview process for admission.
Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty	Consider joining a chiropractic- related professional organization.	Take the GRE. https://www.takethegre.com/test-day	Directly after interviewing, send thank you notes to evaluators, faculty, and/or mentors.
Connect with other students in your program to talk about their experiences.	Consider job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and/or research with faculty.	Identify faculty you would like to have for recommendation letters	Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted and begin school, or the steps you will need to take should you need to reapply.
Start forming relationships with health care faculty and professionals.	Create a list of possible Chiropractic schools you would like to attend.	Work on your personal essay.	If admitted, complete forms for financial aid.
Consider alternative career plans.