» Pre-Med and Pre-Health Program

The Pre-Health Advising Program was created to help guide Chapman students in the coursework required or recommended by professional health schools including: medical, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, veterinary, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing (to name a few).

What is pre-health?

This is a designation for those who seek admission to health professional programs, usually upon completion of a baccalaureate (BA, BS, etc.) degree. While the "well-known" fields including medicine and dentistry continue to draw interest, we encourage students to explore other options-- all of which lead to satisfying careers in which one can make a difference.

Two excellent starting points to explore health career possibilities are the online Occupational Outlook Handbook and the explorehealthcareeers.org web page. In the Occupational Outlook Handbook, see the occupations listed under health diagnosing and treating occupations, and health technologists and technicians.

Why choose a career in the health professions?

Students are drawn to the health professions for many reasons. Some have relatives or parents who are actively involved as physicians, nurses, researchers, optometrists, dentists, etc. Other students have an "inner call" or sense of responsibility to become caregivers and healers to those who need health assistance and direction. Still other students have their first interaction with the health professions through interaction with other students in their science majors, research experience, and the support groups/clubs associated with their majors. Many are seeking a career where they can serve their community and country as responsible citizens, and enjoy their chosen field as a day-to-day activity.

* Chapman University would like to acknowledge and thank the Ohio State University for granting permission to use some of their material for portions of this website.


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