Explore Health Careers

Current High School Students

If you are deciding where to go to college and are considering The University of Arizona, we want you to know more about the resources we have to offer you as someone considering a career in the health professions.  This site has an abundance of information regarding preparation for graduate professional school, links to resources that will help you explore further to be sure you've made the right choice for you.

Pre-Health, Pre-Med or Pre-Dental are NOT majors at The University of Arizona, and a science major is NOT a requirement for admission into medical, dental, PA, PT nor other health professional programs.  Successful applicants come from all departments and colleges at UA, and health professional programs suggest you major in a discipline you will truly enjoy studying.  The biological sciences require the same introductory courses, and because choosing a major is not required until the end of the sophomore year, students may wait until completing Introductory Biology and/or General Chemistry before choosing a major.  However, non-science majors are encouraged to minor in biology, chemistry, or to choose a health related minor.

At The University of Arizona, you will have a major advisor who will guide you in completing your major and degree and ALSO a pre-health advisor.  Your pre-health advisor will help you with the process of preparing to take on a medical education.  This, of course, includes academics and you will need to complete an undergraduate degree.  But there are also equally important co-curricular activities that you will pursue to become a successful applicant, including: clinical experience, volunteering, research, leadership opportunities and possibly other activities depending on your individual strengths.  This is why it is critical to take advantage of the resources available to you through the Pre-Health Professions Advising Center.

The Pre-Health Professions Advising Center provides advising services to University of Arizona students in all majors planning to pursue a health profession.  The center’s advisors help students explore interests, skills, and goals and examine academic requirements for entrance to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and all health related professions.  Individual advising, workshops, and informational resources are available to students and alumni as they prepare for the health professional school admission process.

Your first year curriculum is a fairly structured one, whether or not a major has been selected.  The schedule of classes will be some variation of the following:

Because the adjustment to a university curriculum and environment is not always an easy one, students are strongly advised to take fewer credits in the first semester and increase that number as you progress in your degree.  Please discuss this with your major advisor.

Transfer Students

The information above applies, in large part, to transfer students as well, so please read through it.  In addition, there are concerns unique to transfer students.  Your time at The U of A will be short, so it's even more important for you to seek advice from a Pre-Health Advisor: schedule an appointment.

TRANSFERRING FROM COMMUNITY (2 YEAR) COLLEGE?

• While most health professional schools do accept community college (2 year college) credit, some do not.  There are ways to work around this issue if you have completed most of your prerequisite course work.  See a Pre-Health Advisor for more information on your situation.
• Sequencing of your courses can be tricky so be sure to consult with a Pre-Health Advisor in addition to your major advisor.
• It is particularly important for transfer students to select a major before starting at The U of A.  If you have questions, ask us.

TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHER 4 YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

• Your major advisor will help you determine which of your courses can apply to your major and discuss strategies for completing your major efficiently.
• See your Pre-Health Advisor to plan the co-curricular activities vital to a strong application for health-related graduate programs.
• Sometimes obtaining letters of recommendation can be more complicated for transfer students.  This is another excellent topic to discuss with us.