Pre-Professional Studies are designed for students planning to pursue further study at a professional school. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor as soon as possible to discuss course selection, to gather information regarding admission requirements for professional schools, and to select an appropriate undergraduate major. Please note that Pre-Professional Studies are NOT majors, an EMU degree will not be awarded.
Students pursuing a career in the medical field can complete course requirements at EMU for admission to professional programs leading to a variety of Master’s-level and Doctoral-level careers. Examples of these careers are listed below.
- Anesthesiologist Assistant
- Cardiac Perfusionist
- Chiropractor
- Genetic Counselor
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometrist
- Pathologist Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Physician (Allopathic and Osteopathic Medicine)
- Physician Assistant/Physician Associate
- Podiatrist
- Prosthetist/Orthotist
- Veterinarian
EMU offers Master’s programs and combined Bachelor/Master’s programs for several of the careers listed above. These programs include:
Master’s programs (see Graduate Catalog):
- Master of Occupational Therapy
- Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Combined Bachelor/Master programs:
All new students interested in these careers should attend the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Orientation at the beginning of the Fall and Winter semesters. This orientation will discuss recommended courses at EMU and requirements for admission to professional programs.
Selecting undergraduate courses to prepare for professional programs in the medical field can be daunting. Programs typically expect a thorough understanding of biology, chemistry, and human behavior. Some programs additionally expect an understanding of statistics, mathematics, and physics. Exact course requirements vary from one career to the next and from program to program. Students are encouraged to regularly consult with their Pre-Med /Pre-Health Advisor regarding course selection.
Professional programs in the medical field do not require students to select a particular major. However, most students choose a science major to maximize the overlap between courses necessary for the major and courses that are necessary for admission to professional programs. Students should select a major that prepares them for their intended career while also fitting their personality and passions. Note: Students interested in Nursing are directed to EMU’s Nursing programs.
Many professional programs require a standardized admission test. Examples include the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), the Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT), and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Most students take these tests in the spring or summer after their junior or senior years.
Students should investigate the requirements of programs in which they are interested. All programs value passion, personal integrity, perseverance, curiosity, and knowledge of the profession. Before applying to professional programs, students should complete volunteer work, participate in student leadership, and gain experience working with patients or in a setting related to their intended career.
