Preparing for a Future in the Health Sciences

Regis’ pre-health sciences offer an exceptional environment in which to develop the skills and complete the requirements for further schooling in medicine or other health sciences. There are no official pre-health majors, rather any major can be suitable, provided students satisfy the minimum course requirements for post-graduate work.
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Pre-Health Sciences

Regis offers an exceptional environment in which to develop the skills and complete the requirements for further schooling in medicine or other health sciences. There are no official pre-health majors such as pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-physical therapy majors; rather any major can be suitable, provided students satisfy the minimum course requirements for post-graduate work. Many applicants major in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or neuroscience. Standardized aptitude/achievement tests (MCAT, DAT, GRE) are given substantial weight by health-science graduate programs in the admissions process. A general background in the fundamentals of modern science is required for good performance on most of these tests. Therefore, any curriculum undertaken by a pre-health science student should include appropriate science courses. Because health science professions involve far more than basic science, students should demonstrate evidence of personal development, maturity and experience.

Small classes allow students to get to know their professors, assume responsibilities and acquire skills that will prepare them for a health-science career and admission to a graduate health program. Many students become involved in research with faculty, assist in preparation of science laboratories as teaching assistants or complete internships in health-science settings. The location of Regis in Denver, a major metropolitan area, provides students with access to multiple hospitals and other health care centers to volunteer, complete internships or conduct research. The emphasis on service at Regis, reflecting its Jesuit tradition, provides many additional opportunities for students to prepare themselves for medicine and other health sciences.

Health-science graduate programs such as medical, dental and physical therapy schools select students after considering evidence of intellectual ability, motivation, an understanding of the nature of health professions and past academic and personal achievement. Students should be prepared to answer the question “Why do you want to become a health care professional?” Toward that end, students are encouraged to gain experience in health-related service areas, including volunteer or internship opportunities. One aspect of achievement is the success of a student‘s curriculum, which should include a substantial amount of modern science.

Regis College offers pre-health science programs to prepare students for careers in the health professions. Regis College offers a pre-nursing and pre-pharmacy track which provides undergraduate students a guided curriculum to prepare them for their future nursing and pharmacy studies.

Regis College students pursuing physical therapy, public health, optometry, chiropractic or other graduate level degree’s choose an undergraduate area of study and receive guidance from an advisor on how to prepare for post-graduate education. Learn more about some additional pre-health science paths and careers below.

Pre-Nursing

Nursing at Regis

The Regis University Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions offers several options to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. For freshman who enter knowing they want to pursue a degree in Nursing, the Traditional BSN is a four year degree consisting of two years of pre-nursing course work, and two years of upper division nursing specific course work. Freshman that meet the Seamless Progress requirements are automatically accepted to the professional phase of the program without further application. Given the competitive admission to BSN programs this is a huge benefit!

Learn more about the Traditional BSN program.

The Accelerated BSN program is for individuals who have completed a prior bachelor degree in another field, but want to pursue a career in nursing. This is a one year, full time program.

Learn more about the Accelerated BSN program.

Pre-Pharmacy

Pharmacy at Regis

Our School of Pharmacy offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD), the entry level degree for pharmacists. The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Regis University is a 2+4 format meaning that applicants must complete a minimum of 2 years (68 semester hours) of prerequisite coursework prior to applying to the four year professional program. Applicants do not have to earn a Bachelors degree prior to applying to the entry level Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at Regis University. However, many applicants to PharmD programs across the country and at Regis hold Bachelor and/or Masters degrees prior to applying .

The presence of a School of Pharmacy in the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions provides our undergraduates with a special opportunity. While the School of Pharmacy does not offer an early assurance program for entrance into the Doctor of Pharmacy program, Regis University pre-pharmacy students are afforded a guaranteed opportunity to participate in interviews for admission provided they have completed at least three semesters of full-time study at Regis, meet minimum admission requirements and have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their prerequisite mathematics and life sciences courses.

Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy at Regis University

The presence of a School of Physical Therapy in the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions and the involvement of some of its faculty in Regis College courses provides our undergraduates intending a career in Physical Therapy (PT) with a special opportunity. This relationship allows Regis College students to get to know the PT faculty and take some courses that anticipate graduate PT coursework.

Students interested in pursuing the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate degree can major in any field of study. No academic major is given priority consideration during the selection process for our DPT program. The requirements for the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program are a baccalaureate degree and the program prerequisites.

Regis University’s School of Physical Therapy does not offer guaranteed admission to any students; however, all Regis College undergraduates who apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduate program are given special consideration as Jesuit University alum. Additional consideration is given to students completing the BS in Health and Exercise Science and/or the Exercise Science Minor. Other majors that may be of interest to pre-PT students include biology, neuroscience, or psychology, but any majors are considered. It’s important to do well in your major, so pick one that matches your interests and allows you to excel as a student in all coursework, including DPT prerequisite requirements.

Pre-Physician Assistant

What is a Physician Assistant?

Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in most states can write prescriptions.

PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (previously the American Medical Association's Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation.)

Because of the close working relationship PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure. (Answer taken from the American Academy of Physician Assistants)

What is a Physician Assistant Program Like?

Physician assistants are educated in intensive medical programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (previously the American Medical Association's Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation). The average PA program curriculum is 111 weeks, compared with 155 weeks for medical school. Because of the close working relationship PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in a medical model designed to complement physician training. PA students are taught, as are medical students, to diagnose and treat medical problems. (Text taken from the American Academy of Physician Assistants)

Entry into a Physician Assistant Program

PA programs look for students who have a desire to study, work hard, and to be of service to their community. Most physician assistant programs require applicants to have previous health care experienceand some college education. The typical applicant already has a bachelor's degree and over four years of health care experience. Commonly nurses, EMTs, and paramedics apply to PA programs. (Text taken from the American Academy of Physician Assistants)

Pre-Public Health

What is Public Health?

In today's rapidly changing health care environment, population-based initiatives are playing an increasingly important role in improving the nation's health. Going beyond the medical traditions of individual diagnosis, treatment and cure, health professionals are now focusing on societal approaches to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and injury among diverse populations and the communities in which they live. Wide-ranging initiatives are taking place in states and communities across the nation, emphasizing such issues as:
  • Control of diseases like cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke
  • Improvement and redesign of health services integration and delivery
  • Prevention programs in schools and at work sites
  • Cessation of risky behaviors such as cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse
  • Improving the health of mothers, children and families
  • Evaluating and redesigning public and private insurance and funding mechanisms
  • Outreach and intervention in populations at risk, such as the aged and the mentally ill
  • Reductions in domestic violence
  • Improving the quality of the environments, in which people live and work
Public health careers could include working in:
  • Consulting firms
  • Consumer advocacy organizations
  • Health clinics and voluntary agencies
  • Hospitals and integrated health care agencies
  • Long term and extended care and health insurance companies
  • Medical service organizations
  • Physician management organizations
  • Private businesses and industry
  • Public health agencies and ministries
  • Universities
(Answer taken from Saint Louis University, Public Health)

What is a Public Health Program Like?

Public Health programs vary significantly. The most common degree is a Master's of Public Health (MPH). However, some schools offer MS, MA, and Ph.D. programs in public health. Due to the great diversity that exists, it is best to explore the programs at various schools to determine how programs are structured.

Entry into a Public Health Program

Requirements for entering a public health program can vary significantly based upon the degree sought and the nature of the program. Pay close attention to any recommendations from schools to which you think you might apply. The prerequisites outlined below would apply to most prorgams with a natural science or social science emphasis. Programs with a business emphasis (i.e., Health Care Administration) may differ significantly and may require coursework or a major in Business Administration.

Pre-Optometry

What is Optometry?

As primary eye care providers, doctors of optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. They also determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, to judge depth and to see color accurately. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medications to treat eye diseases as well as perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists work in private practices, multidisciplinary medical practices, hospitals, teaching institutions, research positions, community health centers and the ophthalmic industry, while others choose careers in the military, public health or government service. There is a need for optometrists in all types of practice as well as in all parts of the country. (Taken from the American Optometric Association internet site.)

What is an Optometric Program Like?

Optometrists are required to complete a four-year post-graduate degree program to earn their doctor of optometry (O.D.) titles. The four-year program includes classroom and clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy, ocular disease, ocular myotology, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the vision system, color, form, space, movement and vision perception, design and modification of the visual environment, and vision performance and vision screening.

Unique to the educational requirements for optometrists is the advanced study of optics, the science of light and vision, and extensive training in lens design, construction, application and fitting.

Since optometrists are members of the primary health care team, optometric education also includes a thorough study of human anatomy, general pharmacology, general pathology, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics and epidemiology.

After graduation from an accredited school or college of optometry, optometrists must successfully complete a state board examination to become licensed to practice in that state. (Taken from the American Optometric Association internet site.)

Standardized tests, course work and extracurricular activities are important.

Preparing students for graduate school in the health sciences is an important part of our pre-health sciences. Specific suggestions will vary from discipline to discipline and school to school. However, there are a few general things that can apply to most programs. These are not necessarily ranked in order of importance.

  • Study for and do well on any required standardized examination (e.g., MCAT, DAT, GRE, PCAT). Graduate programs put a lot of emphasis on these test scores in initial consideration and elimination of applicants. DO NOT take a standardized examination for practice because all scores are sent to any school to which you apply. Minimally use a commercial reparation guide with practice tests. Although expensive, many students find commercial preparation course to be very helpful.
  • Get good grades in your courses, especially in science and math courses. Most programs require students to report a separately calculated math/science grade point average.
  • Consider taking additional, relevant science, social science or mathematics courses and do well in them.
  • Write a strong, error-free personal statement or essay for the application. Revise it at least two or three times and have others read it. Students with good grades and test scores can be denied admission because of a poor personal statement.
  • Show that you are mature, dependable and truly interested in a profession in the discipline to which you're applying in any way possible (especially in your personal statement/essay and non-academic activities).
  • Many students take a year or two "off" after completing their bachelor's degree to work and/or travel. This shows an admissions committee that you have given entry into their program serious, mature consideration.
  • Show that you understand the research basis of health science. Become involved in undergraduate research. It does not need to be research in health science. It simply needs to be scientific research.
  • Show that you understand that a health care profession is a service profession by being involved in service activities.
  • Consider becoming involved with the Regis chapter of the pre-health honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta.
  • Show that you understand what ahealth care profession entails by having health care experience. Volunteer or work in an appropriate health care setting. (This is required for some programs.) Students can contact the Regis College Service Learning Office or use the links below to relevant Denver volunteer services.

Denver Childrens' Hospital Volunteer Services
Swedish Medical Center Volunteer Services
University of Colorado Hospital Volunteer Services
Denver Metro Volunteers

Take prerequisite courses early in your academic career.

Know which courses are prerequisite for entry into your program in of interest. Start taking the prerequisite courses as early in your academic career as is reasonable. This will allow you to complete them before you take any standardized entry exams such as the MCAT. If you are unsure about which non-nursing health career to pursue you can plan your curriculum to maintain multiple careers as options. (Because nursing is an undergraduate program, the coursework differs from other health-science fields.) The following courses are required for most non-nursing health-science careers.

1 year Introductory Biology (BL 262/263 & BL 260/261)
1-2 years Chemistry (CH 210/211, CH 250/251, CH 350/351, & CH 460/461)
1 year Introductory Physics (PH 204A/205A & PH 204B/205B)
1 year Mathematics - usually Statistics for Sciences (MT 272) & Calculus (MT 360A)
1 year English Literature (EN 210 & EN literature elective requirement)

To identify the prerequiste requirements for a specific career please contact the Office of Records & Registration.

Pre-Medicine/Health students should major in an area of interest.

The best major for most pre-health science students is the major in which the student is most interested. Most health-science graduate programs require prerequisite courses that can be taken while completing any major. Many pre-medical students major in the sciences, and most of the prerequisites are in the sciences. However, for most programs any major is acceptable and it is important for students to pursue their interests.

There are a few pre-health-science areas where specific majors are required. For medical research a student must major in one of the most directly relevant sciences (biochemistry, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology). For public health a student must major in a directly relevant discipline (biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, or sociology with a quantitative emphasis). Nursing is a major at the bachelor's level (BSN).

Consider these options at Regis University:

Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Health and Exercise Science, Neuroscience, Nursing, Psychology

Pre-Medicine/Health students take courses in science, math & english.

Educate yourself about the prerequisite requirements for entry into specific pre-health science programs by contacting a Regis College Pre-Health Science Advisor to plan your curriculum. If you are unsure about which career to pursue, the following courses are required for most health-science careers and are good courses to focus on while deciding on a career.

1 year Introductory Biology (BL 262/263 & BL 260/261)
1-2 years Chemistry (CH 210/211, CH 230/231, CH 250/251, & CH 420/421)
1 year Introductory Physics (PH 202A/205A & PH 202B/205B OR PH 304A/305A & PH 304B/305B)
1 year Mathematics - usually Statistics for Sciences (MT 272) & Calculus (MT 360A or 360B)
1 year English Literature (EN 210 & EN literature elective requirement)

Regis does not offer Pre-Medicine/Health Majors

Explicitly pre-health science undergraduate majors, for example a pre-medical major, are not attractive to medical schools and other post-graduate schools and are rarely offered as majors by undergraduate institutions. Medical and other post-graduate schools are looking for broadly educated individuals who understand a major discipline (biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, psychology, philosophy, etc.). Graduate schools do not want undergraduate schools to teach graduate health-science material. Often graduate health-science programs are taught with a particular philosophical or thematic emphasis that might conflict with the emphasis of health care courses taught in an undergraduate setting. To put it simply, most medical and other graduate health schools want to teach you their field THEIR WAY.

An additional concern colleges have about offering pre-health science majors is the possibility that a student will not gain entry into her/his chosen graduate program. For example, a student who obtained a "pre-medical" major and did not go to medical school would have a college degree in no-specific discipline and a degree that implied "failure." It is much better to have a degree in "something" as opposed to a degree in a "pre-something."

Health science careers include medicine as well as a wide variety of other careers.

Medicine is the most commonly pursued health science career by college undergraduates. However, many other careers exist such as chiropractic, dentistry, medical research, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, and veterinary science. All of these careers have different educational requirements and distinct roles in providing health care.

 

 

Undergraduate students interested in pursuing undegraduate or graduate health sciences, must apply through Regis College and transition to the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions after completing the necessary prerequisites. Connect with a Regis enrollment counselor for information and assistance.

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