PRE-PROFESSIONAL OPTIONS
Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Veterinary Programs
Due to most professional schools now requiring four years of pre-professional work, the University strongly recommends that a student contemplating the study of medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine choose a major and work toward a baccalaureate degree.
A student may do major work in any department of the University as long as the student completes the basic science courses required by all of the professional schools: a year of biology or zoology, a year of organic chemistry and a year of physics. Most students interested in this program, however, pursue a Bachelor of Science degree by majoring in either biology or chemistry.
Because professional schools vary somewhat in admissions requirements, a student should become acquainted with the specific requirements of the school of his/her choice and must complete any special courses required in addition to the basic admission requirements. Students will work with their advisor for the Pre-Professional department to work toward meeting any specific requirments for their higher education.
Prior to making application to any medical school, a student is required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This test should be taken during the student’s junior year. Information about the MCAT is available through the American Association of Medical Colleges website at www.aamc.org.
Most dental schools require that students take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). Information about the DAT is available through the American Dental Association website at www.ada.org.
Applicants to schools of Veterinary medicine should check each individual institution’s admissions requirements to determine which exam is required (VCAT, MCAT or GRE).
The pre-medical and pre-dental programs are under the direction of a Faculty Pre-Health Professions Committee, composed of one faculty member each from biology, chemistry, and physics. The committee makes recommendations for admission to dental and medical schools. Any student interested in a heath professions career should register with the Faculty Pre-Health Professions Committee sometime within the first semester of his or her freshman year. Students deciding on such careers after their freshman year should register with the committee as soon as possible.
Pre-Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is a fast-growing and competitive field that requires a solid foundation in biological, chemical, physical and social sciences. Waynesburg University provides all of that and more.
The Pre-Physical Therapy Program at Waynesburg University is designed to serve the pre-professional needs of students planning to specialize in physical therapy. It is also excellent preparation for graduate study. The University’s strength as a liberal arts institution, combined with 200 hours of practical experience through internships in a variety of clinical settings, will help you prepare thoroughly for a career in physical therapy. The curriculum includes lecture and laboratory courses in evaluation and rehabilitation.
