Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Pre-Medicine/Pre-Health Professions/Pre-Veterinary


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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.

Advisor Information


Hannah Seidel, PhD, Biology Department, 441 Science Complex, 734.487.4242 

Andrew Cornett, PhD, School of Health Promotion & Human Performance, 319V Porter Building, 734.487.2810

Basic Recommendations


The recommendations below represent basic guidelines. Some professional programs have specific course requirements, including courses not listed below. Likewise, not every course listed below is required for every career or program. Students should meet with the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advisor to plan their courses.

  • Earning a minimum of a full ‘C’ (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in all courses is highly recommended.
  • Some professional programs require a ‘B’ or above (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in certain courses.

First Semester Courses


Students should typically begin their first year at EMU by taking introductory biology and general chemistry. The course sequence below is designed to maximize a student’s career options. Before registering for the second semester, the student should see the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advisor, an advisor in their intended major, or both.

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