ABOUT THE PRE-HEALTH ADVISEMENT SITE

This web site is an introduction to the pre-health component of pre-professional advising.  The intent of this site is to point students interested in health-related careers in the right direction while they study at NEIU and, it is not intended to function as a comprehensive repository of information.

The assortment of career options and what is involved in the process of successfully applying to professional programs often confuse students.  On the pages that follow, a detailed procedural description is avoided in the hope that a general perspective will better orient the prospective and current pre-health students.  Accordingly, the information on this web site attempts to summarize and give an overall glimpse of what is involved in the decision to become a pre-health student at NEIU.  Further information should be acquired from the advisement offices on campus and staff familiar with pre-health advising.  It is also highly recommended that students study the web sites of professional programs to fill in the gaps in their knowledge.  A partial list of such sites will be mentioned subsequently. 

The presentation of pre-health advisement at NEIU is organized around a series of questions designed to aid students as they enter into pre-health studies at NEIU.  This web site only serves as a starting point for students who intend to apply to professional programs of various types. 

WHAT IS PRE-HEALTH? 

Health care and health maintenance is a burgeoning industry with multiple career opportunities.  Pre-health studies at NEIU consist of advisement and coursework that directs and prepares the undergraduate student to further their education at professional programs related to specific career options in the health care field.  Although there are exceptions, many career options in the health-related fields require completion of a baccalaureate degree prior to admission into the applicable professional program.  Consequently, the majority of pre-health students at NEIU are pursuing a baccalaureate degree. 

Regardless of their major, NEIU students that declare an intention to pursue academic studies on a path toward a health-related career are designated as pre-health students.  Upon declaration, the pre-health students are then afforded the following benefits: 

1.       They will be assigned a pre-professional advisor familiar with the professional

programs.  The advisor will help map out a plan of studies for the student and will offer guidance as to the requirements and nature of the various professional programs.  Usually, this advisor is a faculty member in the department of the student’s chosen academic major (e.g. Biology). 

2.       The undergraduate coursework that the pre-health student takes will include the

completion of the pre-requisite courses required for admission into the various professional programs.  This objective will be met in consultation with the pre-professional advisor. 

3.       The undergraduate coursework will provide a strong academic background to prepare the pre-health student to meet the rigors of professional programs. 

4.       The pre-professional advisement and coursework will prepare the student to maximize their potential on standardized tests.  Most professional programs require some type of entry exam as part of the application process. 

Professional programs are selective and highly competitive.  Therefore, students that cannot maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 after 30 hours of academic study will be counseled to reconsider their career directions.  General advisement should then be sought in the department of their chosen academic major.

WHAT ARE THE CAREER OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ME? 

Many students with limited exposure to health-related careers equate health professions with the traditional image portrayed by a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Dental Medicine.  Although pre-medical and pre-dental students make up a significant portion of the pre-health students at NEIU, they by no means represent the totality of pre-professional students at the university.  There are numerous career options that are available to students.  What option is appropriate for a given student should be determined through their ongoing studies at NEIU and in consultation with their pre-professional advisor. 

The following list of career options is restricted to post-baccalaureate programs.  Again, it should be mentioned that all of these programs are highly competitive.  If you are interested in a health profession that offers the baccalaureate degree, it is recommended that you consult directly with the appropriate school to determine the proper course of action. 

ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE:  The individual who is trained as an allopathic physician is the standard bearer of what is generally thought of as a doctor in our society.  Completion of medical school results in a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.  Medical school is followed by an internship and then a residency of variable length depending on the chosen specialty of the individual.  Continuing education is integral to the successful practice of medicine. 

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE:  Completion of four years of study in an osteopathic college results in a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.  In many ways, osteopathic physicians function like an allopathic physician.  However, the dimension of manipulative therapy plays a significant role in the repertoire of treatments.  The training includes an internship and residency training of variable length.  Many D.O.s focus on general family practice.  

CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE:  The chiropractic professional programs lead to the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree.  D.C.s focus treatment on the integration of the nervous system with the skeletal-muscular system.  They employ a number of techniques including manipulation and spinal adjustments.  The practice of chiropractic medicine has become a significant component of the rehabilitative aspects of sports medicine.  

PODIATRY:  The practice of podiatric medicine is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the human foot, ankle, and other parts of the lower extremity below the knee.  A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) completes a four-year curriculum, which is often followed by a two to three year surgical residency.  There are a variety of specialized career areas that a D.P.M. can pursue, including podiatric sports medicine, orthopedics, and podiatric surgery.  

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT:  The physician assistant provides basic medical care that includes performing examinations, treating patients, prescribing medication and many other duties under the supervision of a physician.  Physician assistants are often part of the healthcare team that works in hospitals or group practices with physicians; however, in medically underserved areas, they can serve as the primary healthcare provider in the community.  A Physician Assistant (P.A.) generally completes an 18 to 24-month program, usually earning a master’s degree in a medical related science. 

DENTISTRY:  Dental programs offer two equivalent degrees:  Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.).  Most dentists enter general practice and are involved in maintaining the health of the teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity.  The dentist completes a four-year dental program and can then begin practicing dentistry.  Many in the field of dentistry also pursue post-graduate study.    

OPTOMETRY:  The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) provides primary vision care.  Optometrists examine people’s eyes to diagnose and treat eye diseases and vision problems.  They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.  The Doctor of Optometry degree requires completing a four-year program at an accredited optometry school. 

PHARMACY:  Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare system.  They educate patients about medications and dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners.  They advise practitioners on the dosages, interactions and side effects of medications.  A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) completes a four-year program.  Many pharmacists work in community settings such as drugstores, or in healthcare facilities such as hospitals. 

PHYSICAL THERAPY:  Physical therapists (PTs) provide services to help restore function, relieve pain and limit physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.  Many physical therapists work in hospitals, health practitioner offices and home healthcare services.  Physical therapist programs offer degrees at the master’s degree (M.P.T.) or doctoral (D.P.T.) level and usually require two or three years to complete the respective programs. 

VETERINARY MEDICINE:  Veterinarians diagnose, treat and help prevent disease and disabilities in animals.  Veterinarians predominantly work in private practice.  Many practices exclusively treat small animals, while other practices are limited to large animals, farm and ranch animals, or care for zoo, aquarium and laboratory animals.  A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) completes a four-year medical education. 

The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics is a useful source for further information concerning these and other career options.  The associated website provides extensive information on many health-related careers.  It includes current information about the educational requirements, job outlook, salary ranges and working conditions of most career positions. Web site:  www.bls.gov/oco  

HOW DO I GET STARTED? 

As soon as a student decides to enter into pre-health studies at NEIU, they should declare such intent to the proper academic staff so they can be assigned a pre-professional advisor.  It is strongly recommended that students seek advisement early in their studies at NEIU.  This will facilitate the development of a timely and well-crafted academic strategy. 

Who is the academic staff that students should speak to?  It depends on the student’s status.  If the student has a declared major in the sciences, particularly biology or chemistry, they will be assigned a pre-professional advisor in the department.  If a student is in a department without pre-professional advisors, they can be assigned a pre-professional advisor from another department to advise them on the pre-requisites necessary for admission to professional schools.  They can inquire at the College of Arts & Sciences or at an appropriate departmental office.  If a student is undeclared but wants to investigate pre-health studies, they can simply make an appointment with one of the pre-professional advisors on campus to discuss the nature of pre-health studies. 

There are no majors labeled “pre-med”, “pre-dent”, etc. at NEIU.  Pre-health students of various majors are taking a group of courses that will fulfill the requirements for admission to specific professional programs.  Professional programs are receptive to any major in the liberal arts and sciences areas as long as the admission requirements have been met.  The decision of what major to declare is contingent on the student’s interests.  Since health professions are closely aligned with the undergraduate science curriculum, students usually choose an academic major in one of the scientific disciplines.  This tends to be a natural fit with the student’s interests and career objectives.  Most of the pre-health students at NEIU are biology majors.  However, it should be emphasized that professional schools are interested in a broad background. 

As students begin to think seriously about their future in a health profession, they should examine why they have chosen to embark on this path.  How strong is the interest in the career that the student thinks they want?   Are there other factors that are driving the decision?   Do they realize the degree of dedication and lifelong learning that is entailed in most health professions?  These are only a few of the questions that a student should routinely ask himself or herself as they travel through their undergraduate studies.  Students should not hesitate to discuss any reservations they have with their advisor.  Advisors are a valuable resource that can point students in a direction that may not be readily apparent to them. 

WHAT ARE THE PRE-REQUISITES FOR PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS?

The requirements for admission to professional schools are variable.  It is always recommended that students investigate each school by studying the catalogue and respective web site of the school of interest.  Pre-professional advisors should also be consulted, as they will be instrumental in charting out a course of action during the student’s undergraduate studies.  For those students interested in pre-medical studies, the association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) publishes the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) booklet.  This booklet lists the specific requirements for admission to medical schools. 

Is there a core curriculum that the student can begin to orient around?  Yes, there is a sequence of course work that is relatively uniform for many of the professional programs.  However, what is designated as the core curriculum on this web site is a minimal approach to pre-health studies.  Most programs will have additions to the core courses, and it is recommended that students do not limit themselves to the core courses.  The basic requirements listed below contend with the biological and physical science requirements for admission to many professional programs.  Generally speaking, completion of the general education requirements for the baccalaureate degree at NEIU will cover the English and behavioral and social science requirements.  The core curriculum consists of the following course work: 

            Basic Requirement:                                          NEIU Equivalent:

            One year of General Biology                                  BIOL 102 and 103

            One year of Inorganic Chemistry                           CHEM 211 and 212

            One year of Organic Chemistry                             CHEM 231 and 232

  One year of Physics                                               PHYS 201 and 203;  PHYS 202 and 204

Since most pre-health students major in one of the sciences, particularly biology, these requirements are usually exceeded.  Regardless of the student’s major, it is important that students perform well in the science component of their undergraduate curriculum.  Success in pursuing a career in the health professions is contingent on a strong science background.  Therefore, it is beneficial for students to exceed the core curriculum in order to maximize their potential for success in professional programs. 

Again, it is important to recognize that the basic requirements mentioned above only serve to frame the discussion of what the student should take during their undergraduate studies at NEIU.  The course work will need to be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of certain professional schools.  This is done in collaboration with the student’s pre-professional advisor.  Examples of adjustments that NEIU students frequently encounter are: 

1.       Pharmacy schools will often require 3 semester hours of calculus, 3 or 4 semester hours of human or vertebrate anatomy, 3 semester hours of economics, and 2 or 3 hours of speech in addition to the aforementioned required courses. 

2.       Optometry schools will often require 3 semester hours of calculus, 3 semester hours of statistics, and 3 semester hours of microbiology with laboratory.  However, they only require 3 semester hours of organic chemistry (without laboratory). 

3.       Dental schools do not necessarily require more than 4 semester hours of organic chemistry, although the total chemistry requirement may be such that the second semester of organic chemistry will be needed.  They tend to give strongest consideration to applicants that take at least 3 upper division courses from the following list:  

Human Anatomy

Human Physiology

Histology

Microbiology

Biochemistry

Cell Biology 

4.       The same often applies to medical schools.  Applicants are expected to take upper division biology courses to fill out their requirements for admission.  Examine the web sites of the individual medical schools and the aforementioned booklet to get specific requirements. 

5.       Veterinary medicine programs may require only 8 semester hours of biology, but it is strongly encouraged that students take additional course work in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, advanced biology, and genetics.  The chemistry requirement will include biochemistry.  

How heavy should the student’s course load be?  If a student is just beginning their undergraduate experience, it might be prudent to start with a relatively light load of science and math courses.  However, as they progress in their studies they should eventually be able to take 2 to 3 courses per semester in the sciences and math and be able to attain good grades.  The curriculum in professional schools is rigorous and this will demonstrate a level of academic competence that is necessary for success in these programs.    

In addition to course work requirements, most professional schools require applicants to take some type of standardized examination.  There are specific tests for medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, and optometry school.  Colleges of veterinary medicine usually accept the Graduate Record Exam.  Generally speaking, it is recommended that students take these exams in the spring of their junior year.  This will allow early completion of the student’s application portfolio and will give some breathing space if the student finds it necessary to repeat the exam.  Specific times that exams are offered and further information about the exams can be accessed at the following web sites: 

            Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

            www.aamc.org/mcat

            Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

            www.ada.org 

            Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

            www.pcatweb.info 

            Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

            www.opted.org 

            Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

            www.gre.org 

WHAT MAKES UP A COMPLETE APPLICATON TO PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL? 

Although details may vary, there are several key components of most application portfolios.  The following checklist enumerates some of these features.  

1.       Academic course work will be complete at the time of matriculation.  This includes the successful completion of all pre-requisites.  Usually, this includes the completion of the baccalaureate degree at NEIU. 

2.       The appropriate admissions test should be taken prior to the transmittal of application material. 

3.       Application materials should be completed before the deadline, preferably early.  Applications are usually available in early May.  Many professional schools participate in centralized application services.  There are application services for medical (AMCAS), dental (AADSAS), osteopathic (AACOMAS), podiatric (AACPMAS), physician assistant (CASPA), pharmacy (PharmCAS) and veterinary (VMCAS) schools.  

4.       A personal statement usually accompanies the application.  The personal statement is an opportunity for the student to express the thinking behind their motivations to pursue a career in the health professions.  The personal statement functions as an outlet to elaborate on experiences that helped form personal characteristics that would be of interest to the admissions committee.  For example, experiences that highlight critical thinking and problem-solving skills would be appropriate for discussion in the personal statement. 

5.       Letters of recommendation.  Common practice is to require 3 letters of recommendation or a committee letter.  In the future, NEIU will structure a committee that will provide a committee letter for those students who plan to apply to medical school.