Pre-health tracks
What are the most selected majors for those pursuing a career in healthcare?
Science-related majors. Most UToledo pre-health professional students choose majors such as chemistry or biology. This allows them to fulfill both their major's course requirements and the requirements of a pre-health concentration without taking extra classes.
But any major — even non-science ones — can work. Working closely with your academic advisor will ensure that you map out a plan that is suitable for you.
UTOLEDO UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES WITH PRE-HEALTH CONCENTRATIONS
Biology, Department of Biological Sciences
Degree: Bachelor of Science
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- The traditional major for students interested in medical, veterinary, dental and PA school
- MCAT preparation (the medical school entrance exam)
Bioengineering (5-Year Program)
Degree: Bachelor of Science
College of Engineering
- Offers a pre-med concentration
- The technical education and research skills that medical schools desire
- Courses that prepare you for the MCAT exam (required for entrance to medical school) and medical school
- An accelerated pre-med program. Highly qualified pre-med students who enter the program directly from high school can complete a BS in four years instead of five. Pre-med students must have at least a 3.9 GPA during their first semester and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.8 through the end of their second year to qualify.
- Bioengineering graduates are accepted into medical school at higher rates than students who major in the physical sciences.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Degree: Bachelor of Science
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Two of UToledo's five bachelor's degree programs in pharmaceutical sciences — medicinal and biological chemistry and pharmacology/toxicology — are rigorous majors that provide excellent preparation for professional schools.
- An edge on the competition. Classes like pharmacology — how drugs act in the body — aren't part of a typical pre-medicine program. They can help your application to med school or professional school stand out.
- Classes on the latest topics in medical care, including personalized medicine (tailoring drug therapies to each patient)
- Research opportunities with world-renowned faculty members, who may write you letters of recommendation that enhance your application to medical school
- The chance to learn and practice medical school interview skills in our yearlong professional development institute
Health Sciences
Degree: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts
College of Health and Human Services
The HS-B.S. program offers three health-related concentrations. The pre-professional course requirements are built into the program's curriculum — no extra classes required.
Gain foundational knowledge and skills related to the function of human systems and disease, as well as exposure to and knowledge of contemporary approaches including the non-clinical factors (social determinants of health) that impact the health of individuals and communities.
- Pre-medical professions – for students interested in medicine, dentistry or veterinary graduate programs
- Pre-physician assistant
- Pre-rehabilitation sciences — for students interested in athletic training or physical therapy graduate programs
The HS-B.A. program offers a Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration. The pre-professional course requirements are built into the program's curriculum — no extra classes required.
Public Health
Degree: Bachelor of Science
College of Health and Human Services
- Offers a pre-medical track
- Rigorous, basic science courses and a solid foundation in public health
- A background in global and community health that helps you learn to prevent disease as well as treat it
- A side of medicine that many pre-med students don't see. Work with and learn from professionals in areas such as healthcare policy and substance abuse. This broader understanding of health will help you as a physician.