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Health Sciences

Pre-Professional Track

Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Veterinary

Whether you know what health profession you want to pursue or just know that you are interested in pre-med, Austin College is a supportive community where you can explore your options and develop the knowledge and skills that are necessary and valued in the health professions.  

90%

of applicants are accepted into health science programs.

100%

of courses including lab sciences are taught by faculty

86%

acceptance rate into Medical School, when offered an interview.

 

Why Health Science Students Excel at (and Beyond) Austin College

Opportunities to Engage in Research

Austin College is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education and offers diverse opportunities and challenges for students interested in a wide variety of scientific fields.

There are opportunities to participate in research both during the academic year or over the summer. 

Austin College Student Medical Internship

Clinical Placements, Rotations, & Shadowing Healthcare Professionals

Through our Career Study Off Campus course you can shadow a healthcare professional or do rotations through various hospital departments. The Pre-Health program assists students with clinical placements, and January Term is a great time to gain healthcare experience or study abroad. 

Rigorous Yet Supportive Academic Environment

All courses, including science labs, are taught by disciplinary-trained faculty, who will challenge you and provide a supportive environment.

Service-Oriented Community

Most students are drawn to the health professions because of the opportunities to help others. At Austin College, you would be part of a community that values service.

Multiple Layers of Advising

You will have a faculty mentor from day one and access to additional advising through the Pre-Health program and the Center for Career & Professional Development.


Preparing Now for Postgraduate Success

What Should My Major Be?

You will declare a major and minor at the end of the sophomore year, and we are here to provide support as you navigate your studies. See course recommendations for each field below.

  • Medicine: No specific major, you can pursue any of our 55+ options
  • Dentistry: No specific major, you can pursue any of our 55+ options
  • Pharmacy: Biology or Chemistry (with a Biology minor)
  • Physical Therapy: Common undergraduate majors include biology, kinesiology, and psychology
  • Physician Assistant: Science or a health-related field; common undergraduate majors include biology, neuroscience, and kinesiology
  • Veterinary: Common undergraduate majors include biology, chemistry, and biochemistry

When Should I Schedule Advising? 

If you are interested in attending a medical school or graduate program in dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, or veterinary, you should meet with the Pre-Health Science Advisors at the following times: 

  • First Year: Make an appointment with the Pre-Health Science advisor to discuss your four-year plan. 
  • Course Registration Every Semester: We want to make sure that you are on track. 
  • Whenever you need: We’re here to help. 

What Courses are Required?

We recommend that, in addition to taking prerequisite courses in the sciences, you explore other disciplines as well. Expand for details.

Special Programs

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Have More Questions?

Dr. Kelly Reed

Dr. Kelly Reed

Professor of Biology, Director of Pre-Health Science