Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs) are skilled professionals who usually work in hospital settings under the medical direction of qualified anesthesiologists as part of an Anesthesia Care Team. Their functions include but are not limited to: preanesthetic examinations, assisting with advanced monitoring techniques such as pulmonary artery catheterization, inducing/maintaining/altering anesthesia levels, postanesthesia patient rounds, intensive care unit and pain clinic care, assisting in the use of advanced life support techniques, and clinical instruction/supervision others on the team. AA training involves completion of a master’s level program.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
MATH 150/Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
MATH 151/Calculus and Analytic Geometry II or MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All AA programs require either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) —check with each program. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed premedical coursework, including general and organic chemistry, advanced college math, general and advanced biology, and physics. Application materials must be sent directly to each individual program.

Chiropractors (DCs) focus on the relationship between the body’s main structures—the skeleton, muscles, and nerves—and the patient’s health. They try to improve the body’s overall function by making adjustments to these structures, particularly the spinal column. Chiropractic medicine is practiced through non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical means. Chiropractors diagnose and treat problems associated with the musculoskeletal system. Due to its emphasis on holistic health care, chiropractic medicine is associated with the field of complementary and alternative medicine.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
15 credits of social science and humanities courses

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Some chiropractic colleges participate in ChiroCAS—The Chiropractic Centralized Application Service. For schools that do not participate, application materials must be sent directly to each individual program. Consult the Association of Chiropractic Colleges to find out which schools participate. Applicants must have a minimum of 90 semester hours, although most schools prefer or require that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Prerequisite coursework includes: two semesters of biology with labs, two semesters of general chemistry with labs, two semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two semesters of physics with labs, two semesters of English/writing, one semester of psychology, 15 semester hours of social science and humanities electives. Some schools may also require or recommend certain upper-level science electives, so be sure to check with each program individually.

Dentists (DDS/DMD) specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions related to the mouth. After completing dental school, most graduates pursue a one-year general dentistry residency before practicing. While many dentists deliver direct patient care in private practices, but many others work in academic, research, military, and public and international health settings. With additional residency training, dental school graduates can specialize in any of nine recognized fields, such as endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry among others.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 360/Foundations in Biochemistry
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The ADEA’s Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) provides one central application available to all students. All dental programs require the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The perquisite coursework for dental school includes: two semesters of biology with labs, two semesters of general chemistry with labs, two semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two semesters of physics with labs, two semesters of English/writing, and one semester of statistics. Many dental schools may recommend or require upper-level courses such as anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and others. Applicants should contact the individual schools or consult the ADEA Official Guide to Dental School (available to view in the Center for Internships and Career Development).

MDs are involved with all aspects of healthcare, including examining, counseling, diagnosing, and treating patients and can be trained in any of 126 specialties or subspecialties. MDs can practice in a variety of clinical settings, teach, conduct research, or work for a public agency. Depending on the area in which they would like to specialize or the population with which they would like to work, students might also consider dual-degree programs, such as MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Programs), MD/MPH, MD/MBA, etc.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 360/Foundations in Biochemistry
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
SOC 101/Introduction to Sociology
REL 216/Bio–Medical Ethics

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides one central application service (AMCAS) for student applying to MD programs. Students should be aware that the state of Texas uses a separate central application service (TMDSAS), and that foreign and “offshore” medical schools do not participate in a central application service, so students must apply to them directly. Applicants are required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Applicants must complete the basic pre-medical curriculum: two semesters of biology with labs, two semesters of general chemistry with labs, two semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two semesters of physics with labs, one semester of biochemistry with lab, introduction to psychology, introduction to sociology, two semesters of English/writing, and one semester of college math/statistics.

MDs and DOs share many similarities and often work side-by-side, but osteopathic medicine is a distinct form of medical practice in the United States. Osteopathic medicine provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. DOs can practice in any specialty, but because of its holistic approach to patient care, many osteopathic students choose to go into primary care areas.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 360/Foundations in Biochemistry
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
SOC 101/Introduction to Sociology
REL 216/Bio–Medical Ethics

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) provides one central application service (AACOMAS) for students applying to osteopathic schools. Applicants are required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Applicants must complete the basic pre-medical curriculum: two semesters of biology with labs, two semesters of general chemistry with labs, two semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two semesters of physics with labs, one semester of biochemistry with lab, introduction to psychology, introduction to sociology, two semesters of English/writing, and one semester of college math/statistics.

Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice nurses with additional training around delivering babies and providing prenatal and postpartum care to women. Most nurse-midwives deliver babies in hospitals and in homes. In addition, the nurse midwife provides family planning, birth control counseling, and normal gynecological services such as, physical and breast exams, pap smears, and preventive health screening. In most states, a nurse-midwife can prescribe medications.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
SOC 101/Introduction to Sociology
WGST 101/Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants must have a thorough grounding in basic sciences, such as chemistry, biology, and microbiology. In addition, courses in sociology and women’s studies will be very helpful. All programs accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) require a bachelor’s degree for entry. Application materials must be sent directly to each individual program.

Accelerated baccalaureate programs are designed for aspiring nurses who already hold baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines. They allow these students to transition into nursing by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). Programs generally run 12-18 months. Upon graduating from a state accredited nursing school, graduates of accelerated baccalaureate programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses (RN).

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

In order to be accepted into an accelerated BSN program, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Admission standards for accelerated programs are high with programs typically requiring a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a thorough pre-screening process.

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
ECON 230/The Economics of Health and Health Care
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 231/Infancy and Childhood or PSYC 232/Adolescence and Adulthood
SOC 101/Introduction to Sociology
REL 216/Bio–Medical Ethics

APPLICATION PROCESS:

In order to be accepted into an accelerated BSN program, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Admission standards for accelerated programs typically require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a thorough pre-screening process. In preparation for an accelerated program, we recommend taking the following pre-health track courses: Two semesters of biology with labs; two semesters of chemistry with labs; two semesters of organic chemistry with labs; one semester of microbiology with lab; two semesters of anatomy and physiology; developmental psychology; introduction to sociology; medical ethics; health care economics; and, one semester of college math/statistics. Nursing school requirements for admission can be different for each school and can differ according to the degree program you are applying to study. Application materials must be sent directly to each individual program.

Nutritionists and dieticians (RDs) are experts in medical nutrition therapy. They plan and supervise nutrition plans for an array patient populations and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, HMO’s, group practice, community and public health, academia, research, the food and nutrition industry, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs, and media. Many institutions offer dual degree programs, such as M.P.H./R.D., M.S./R.D., M.A./R.D., M.H.S./R.D.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

ANTH 103/Human Evolution: Biological Anthropology and Archaeology or
ANTH 104/Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics
BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
SOC 101/Introduction to Sociology

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Graduate school requirements in nutrition and dietetics vary widely. Students should have some coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, computer science, and sociology. Most require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Occupational Therapists (OTs) help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition. Occupational therapists use treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of their patients. The therapist helps clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
CHEM 150/Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 231/Infancy and Childhood or PSYC 232/Adolescence and Adulthood
PSYC 348/Abnormal Psychology
SOC 101/Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) provides a full-service web-based application and admissions process for prospective occupational therapy program applicants. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and the course prerequisites vary but often include courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, statistics, psychology, sociology and anthropology. Some programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. They can choose to work in general practice or work in a more specialized area of eye care. Optometrists work in a variety of settings, including group or solo practices, hospitals, community health centers, the military, industry, teaching institutions, and research.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 360/Foundations in Biochemistry
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
MATH 150/Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All schools of optometry participate in OptomCAS—Optometry’s Centralized Application Service. Applicants are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). All schools of optometry have their own undergraduate prerequisites, so students should check with each program to which they are applying. This is a general guide and may contain courses not required by some schools and may not contain courses required by other schools: two semesters of biology with labs, two semesters of general chemistry with labs, two semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two semesters of physics with labs, two semesters of English/writing, one semester of calculus, one semester of statistics, one semester of psychology, one semester of biochemistry, one semester of microbiology, one semester of anatomy and physiology, and additional social science and humanities coursework.

Pharmacists (Pharm.D.) play an important role in patient care. They dispense medications prescribed by physicians, advise patients and consumers about the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, provide expertise to doctors and patients about the composition of drugs, their manufacture and use, ensure drug purity and strength, and make sure that drugs do not interact in a harmful way.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
CHEM 150/ Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 360/Foundations in Biochemistry
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Most colleges of pharmacy participate in PharmCAS—Pharmacy College Application Service. Applicants are required to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). The required undergraduate courses vary from one program to the next, so applicants should check with each program to which they are applying. Most pharmacy schools will require two semesters of biology with labs, two semesters of general chemistry with labs, two semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two semesters of physics with labs, two semesters of English, and other humanities and social science electives.

Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
CHEM 150/Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II
PSYC 101/Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 231/Infancy and Childhood or PSYC 232/Adolescence and Adulthood

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Most PT programs participate in PTCAS—Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). More than 50% of physical therapy programs specifically require Anatomy and Physiology (one or two courses); chemistry (two courses); physics (two courses); statistics (one course); psychology; general biology (minimum one course), and an undergraduate degree. In addition, more that 75% of programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. Other courses that may be required less than 50% of the time by selected academic programs include English composition; social science; humanities; computers; medical terminology; exercise physiology; human development; kinesiology; organic chemistry; research methods; cell biology, and pathology.

Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants play an important role in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Most PA programs participate in CASPA—Central Application Service for Physician Assistants. Applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Most master’s level PA programs require two semesters of general biology, two semesters of general chemistry, one semester of organic chemistry, one semester of math, one semester of English, coursework in the social/behavioral sciences, and some upper-level sciences, such as microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy & physiology, genetics, or others. The required undergraduate courses vary from one program to the next, so students should check with each program to which they are applying.

Doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures. Podiatrists often have a general practice but many choose to specialize in fields such as pediatrics, surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, and public health.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II

APPLICATION PROCESS:

There are currently 9 colleges of podiatric medicine, all of which participate in AACPMAS—The American Association of College of Podiatric Medicine’s Application Service. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Some programs will accept other test scores, such as the GRE or DAT. Required courses include: two semesters of biology with labs, two semesters of general chemistry with labs, two semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two semesters of physics with labs, two semesters of English/writing.

Veterinarians (DVMs) specialize in animal welfare and provide healthcare for pets, livestock, zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Most perform clinical work in private practices, while other work in basic or applied research settings.

SUGGESTED DREW CURRICULUM:

BIOL 150/Ecology and Evolution or NEUR 101/Introduction to Neuroscience
BIOL 160/Diversity of Life
BIOL 250/Molecular and Cellular Biology
BIOL 256/Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 258/Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 252/Microbiology
CHEM 150/Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 160/Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 250/Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 350/Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 360/Foundations in Biochemistry
MATH 117/Introductory Statistics
PHYS 111/Intro to Physics I or PHYS 150/University Physics I
PHYS 112/Intro to Physics II or PHYS 160/University Physics II

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges manages VMCAS–a central application service for all U.S. veterinary programs. Applicants are required to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)—check with each program for the specifics of the exam they desire. Pre-veterinary requirements vary slightly from school to school, so students should check with each program to which they are applying. Generally, pre-vet students must take two semester of general biology with lab, two semesters of general chemistry with lab, two semesters of organic chemistry with lab, two semester of physics with lab, one semester of biochemistry, two semesters of English, coursework in math/statistics, and some upper-level biology courses (such as microbiology), and coursework in the humanities/social sciences.