Pre-Professional Studies: Health Science
Western Oregon University prepares students for entry into professional programs in the Health Sciences. Students will develop skills and gain knowledge for admission into the professional program and in most cases graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from WOU.
WOU currently offers pre-professional studies in the following areas:
Pre-Medicine (Allopathic and Osteopathic)
Pre-Medical Technology (Clinical Lab Science)
Students interested in any of the above pre-professional programs should use the recommended courses listed below as a guide and should consult with the proper faculty advisor to construct their class schedule. Each faculty advisor will work with the student for their particular program for proper scheduling of coursework to ensure that the student completes the pre-requisites required for the program and remains on track for a Bachelor’s degree.
Dental Hygiene admission depends on grade point average, writing/personal statement, work and leadership experience, and specific coursework. Pre-dental hygiene students typically spend 2 years completing pre-requisite coursework before competing for admission to a Dental Hygiene Program. These 2 years of courses do not count for a WOU degree and are most suitable for building Health or Education degrees. Recommended coursework is listed below. Many Dental Hygiene programs have other unique requirements, including on-line courses only they offer, proficiency exams in math or science that are taken at the time of admission, or other advanced electives (e.g. Statistics). Students should consult with advisor about specific program requirements.
First/Freshman Year*
Biology 102, 234, 235, 236 – General Biology (5)
Biology 234, 235, 236 – Human Anatomy & Physiology (12)
Chemistry 104, 105, 106 – Introductory Chemistry (12)
Math 111 – College Algebra (4)
Writing 135 – English Composition (4)
Communication Studies 111 – Fundamentals of Speech (3)
Second/Sophomore Year*
Biology 318 – Microbiology for Health Sciences (4)
Health 325 – Nutrition (4)
Psychology 201 – General Psychology (4)
Writing 321 or 323 – Technical Writing (4)
Sociology 223 – Introduction to Sociology (4)
*Students should also complete 1-2 credits of dental hygiene practicum, arranged with their advisor.
Dental School admission depends on grade point average, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, writing/personal statement, work and leadership experience, and specific coursework. Although there is no single degree that pre-dental students are required to earn, most pursue biology degrees with chemistry or physical science minors because these best match DAT topics, which include three years of advanced biology and chemistry. In general, students should take all DAT-relevant courses during their first 3 years, and complete other courses for the degree during their fourth year – when they are also engaged in the application process. Recommended coursework is listed below; students should consult with advisor about specific program requirements.
First/Freshman Year*
Biology 211, 212, 213 – Principles of Biology (12)
Chemistry 221, 222, 223 – General Chemistry (12)
Math 111, 112 – College Algebra and Elementary Functions (8)
Writing 135 – English Composition (4)
Communication Studies 111 – Fundamentals of Speech (3)
Second/Sophomore Year*
Biology 311, 312, 313 – Genetics, Evolution, Cell Biology Core (12)
Chemistry 334, 335, 336 – Organic Chemistry (12)
Physics 201, 202, 203 – General Physics (12)
Math 243 or 252 – Statistics or Calculus (4-5)
Additional Liberal Arts Core Coursework (3-7)
Third/Junior Year*
Biology 324, 331 – Vertebrate Anatomy, General Microbiology (8)
Any Two Biology Electives – 326/Embryology, 434/Vertebrate Physiology, 432/Immunology (8)
Chemistry 451, 451 – Biochemistry (6)
Additional Liberal Arts Core Coursework (7-10)
Fourth/Senior Year
Remaining degree, minor, and Liberal Arts Core Coursework
*Some programs (including OHSU) require a 1-year Human Anatomy & Physiology series (e.g. Biology 234, 235, 236). At WOU, this can be completed during the academic year or over summer. Students should also complete 1-2 credits of dental hygiene practicum, arranged with their advisor.
Pre-Medical Technology-Clinical Lab Science (OHSU/OIT)
WOU offers the courses required for application for admission into the Oregon Health Sciences University’s Clinical Lab Science/Medical Technology Program. Theo OHSU program requires successful completion of at least 103 quarter hours (~3 years) before entrance into the 15 month program, 40 hour per week program.
A student interested in this program can submit an application after October 1st . Interviews begin in December and decisions are generally made by the end of February.
Students are required to complete at least 24 quarter hours of Biology and Chemistry before entry into the program. Students should complete 1-3 hours of Bi 409 practicum which requires 33 hours/credit of observation of a professional. Interested students should contact the pre-clinical lab science advisor for information and to construct their schedules to work towards completion of a Bachelor’s degree and arrangement of their practicum.
First Year
BI 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (12)
CH 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry (12)
WR 135 English Composition (4)
Writing Elective (4)
Humanities and/or Social Science electives (7)
Second Year
BI 311 Genetics (4)
BI 313 Cell Biology (4)
CH 334, 335, 336 Organic Chemistry (12)
MTH 111 College Algebra (4)
MTH 112 Elementary Functions (4)
MTH 251 Calculus I (5)
Humanities and/or Social Science electives (6)
Third Year
BI 334, 335, 336 Human Anatomy and Physiology (recommended) (12)
BI 331 General Microbiology (4)
CH 451, 452 Biochemistry (recommended) (6)
MTH 243 Statistics (recommended) (4)
Humanities and/or Social Science electives (9)
The pre-med program at Western Oregon University is designed to prepare students for entry in allopathic (traditional, such as Oregon Health Sciences University) and osteopathic medical schools across the country. Student who enter the program are assigned to the pre-med advisor to design their program of study to ensure they take the proper courses for the MCAT exam. Students can have most any major for entry into medical school. The most popular major is Biology with a Chemistry minor. Students have also majored in Psychology, Anthropology, and Health. Students will need to obtain their Bachelor’s degree before entry into medical school.
Students should fill out a American Medical Colleges Application (AAMCAS) or American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medical Application (AACOMAS) which are available in June online. The application deadline for Medical schools varies and students should be aware of the different deadlines. The Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) is required for admission and. Students should plan on taking the MCAT prior to applying to medical school usually in spring of their junior year.
The following is a list of courses required for admission to most medical schools. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
Program of Study:
All students are required to take (for entry into OHSU):
1 yr Biology sequence (Bi 211,212,213) majors biology
2 yrs Chemistry: General and Organic (Ch 221,222,223 & Ch 334,335,336)
1 yr General Physics (Ph 201,202,203)
1 quarter of Calculus (Mth 251)
Writing course (Upper division)
1 qtr of Biochemistry (Ch 450)
1 qtr of Genetics (Bi 311)
Elective courses of study are:
1 qtr of Biochemistry (Ch 451)
1 yr Human Anatomy & Physiology designed for pre-professional students
The following is a list of courses required for application to most occupational therapy schools. These schools also require a completion of a BA/BS degree before application to their program. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular occupational therapy programs.
Bio 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (12)
Chemistry 221 (4)
Physics 201 (4)
Bio 409 Practium (100 hours) (3)
Psy 201,202 General Psychology (8)
Psy 311 Developmental Psychology (4)
Psy 450 Abnormal Psychology (4)
Soc 223 Theoretical Foundations of Sociology (4)
Coursework in anatomy and physiology determined
in consultation with a faculty adviser (12)
Choose one:
Mth 234 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Or
Psy 467 Quantitative Methods(4)
Additional course work (can be used to fulfill LACC graduation requirements):
English
Writing
Humanities
Social Science
Communication
Applied Arts
The following is information based on the admission criteria for Pacific University (the only optometry school in Oregon). Other optometry schools may have additional coursework. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from WOU, however, students accepted with 120 quarter hours may complete their Bachelor’s degree through Pacific University College of Optometry.
The application deadline is in March but the preferred application deadline is in January. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is required for admission and must be taken by March of the application year. Applicants are also required to have 30 hours of unpaid observation with an optometrist prior to application.
The following is a list of courses required for application for Optometry school. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular physical therapy programs.
Academic Requirements (123 credits)
BI 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (12)
BI 331 General Microbiology (4)
Bi 334,335,336 Human Anatomy & Physiology (12)
CH 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry (12)
CH 334, 335, 336 Organic Chemistry (12)
CH 450 Biochemistry I (recommended) (3)
PH 201, 202, 203 General Physics (12)
MTH 251 Calculus I (5)
MTH 243 Statistics (4)
PSY 201, 202 General Psychology (8 )
WR 135 English Composition (4)
Writing Electives (8)
Electives in Social Science and Humanities (15)
The following is information based on the admission criteria for Oregon State University into their Pharm.D. program. Pacific University and other Pharmacy schools will have different admission criteria and/or additional coursework. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from WOU.
Students should fill out a Pharmacy Colleges Application (PharmCAS) available online at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for Oregon State University and for over half the pharmacy schools in the country which are available in the summer. Pacific University has its own application. The standard application deadline for Pharmacy schools is around the beginning of December and students should be aware of the different deadlines. The Pharmacy College Aptitude Test (PCAT) is not required for admission to Oregon State or Pacific University. Other programs may require the PCAT. Students should plan on taking the PCAT prior to applying to Pharmacy school usually in the summer of between their junior and senior year.
The following is a list of courses required for entry into Pharmacy school. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
Academic Coursework
First Year
CH 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry (12)
COM 111 Principles of Public Speaking (3)
EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics (4)
MTH 111 College Algebra (4)
MTH 112 Elementary Functions (4)
MTH 251 Calculus I (5)
PSY 201 General Psychology (4)
WR 135 English Composition (4)
WR 321 Business and Technical Communications
(4)
Social Science Elective (3)
Second Year
BI 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (12)
CH 334, 335, 336 Organic Chemistry (12)
HE 252 First Aid, CPR and Safety (3)
Social Science Electives (6)
LACC Electives (12)
Third Year
Bi 311 Genetics
BI 313 Cell Biology (4)
BI 331 General Microbiology (4)
Bi 334,335,336 Human Anatomy & Physiology (12)
PH 201, 202, 203 General Physics (12)
LACC Electives (16)
Fourth Year
Ch 450, 451 Biochemistry
The following is a list of courses required for application to most Physical Therapy schools. These schools also require a completion of a BA/BS degree before application to their program. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular physical therapy programs.
Bio 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (12)
Bio 331 General Microbiology (4)
Chemistry 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry (12)
Physics 201, 202, 203 (12)
Psy 201 General Psychology (4)
Psy 311 Developmental Psychology (4)
Bio 409 Practium (100 hours) (3)
Coursework in anatomy and physiology determined
in consultation with a faculty adviser (12)
Choose one:
Mth 234 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Or
Psy 467 Quantitative Methods(4)
Additional course work (can be used to fulfill LACC graduation requirements):
English
Writing
Humanities
Social Science
The following is information based on the admission criteria for Oregon Health Sciences University into their Physicians Assistant program. Pacific University and other PA schools will have different admission criteria and/or additional coursework. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from WOU. A minimum of one year health care experience (2000 hours) is expected of all applicants. Preference is given to those candidates who have had direct hands-on patient care. In addition, CPR training is required.
The application deadline is October 1st for Pacific University and November 1st for OHSU. Students should fill out a Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) which are available online. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to OHSU and must be received by application deadline.
The following is a list of courses required for admission to PA school. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
First Year (54 credits)
English composition (4)
Humanities electives (9)
Social Science electives (9)
MTH 111 College Algebra (4)
BI 211, 212, 213 General Biology (12)
CH 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry (12)
Electives depending on major (4)
Second Year (52 credits)
MTH 243 Statistics (4)
English Composition (4)
BI 334, 335, 336 Human Anatomy and Physiology (12)
BI 331 General Microbiology (4)
General or Developmental Psychology (4)
Electives depending on major (24)
Third and Fourth Years
300 or 400 level courses in Organic Chemistry,
Biochemistry and Genetics are recommended by
OHSU and required by Pacific University
Complete requirements for a B.S. at WOU
The pre-podiatry program at Western Oregon University is designed to prepare students for entry into Podiatry medical schools across the country. The following is information based on the admission criteria for Des Moines University into their Podiatric Medicine program. Other schools will have different admission criteria and/or additional coursework, such as Medical Terminology. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from WOU.
They having a rolling admissions policy but students should begin the application process by September. Students should fill out an application through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPMAS) which are available online. The Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) is required for admission. Students should plan on taking the MCAT prior to applying to medical school usually in spring of their junior year.
The following is a list of courses required for admission to Podiatric medical schools. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs.
First Year
WR 135 English Composition (4)
BI 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (12)
CH 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry (12)
COM 111 Principles of Public Speaking (3)
MTH 111 College Algebra (4)
MTH 112 Elementary Functions (4)
MTH 251 Calculus I (5)
Physical Education activity courses (3)
Electives (4)
Second Year
Writing Elective (4)
Sequence in Psychology (9)
Sequence in Literature (8)
CH 312, 313 Quantitative Analysis (8)
MTH 252 Calculus II (5)
PH 211, 212, 213 General Physics (12)
PE 131 Individual Health and Fitness (2)
Electives (6)
Third Year
Choose one: (4)
WR 323 Intermediate Exposition
WR 414 Advanced Composition
Sequence in Social Science (9)
BI 311 Genetics (4)
BI 324 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
BI 331 General Microbiology (4)
BI 434 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology (4)
CH 334, 335, 336 Organic Chemistry (12)
Electives (9)
The following is information based on the admission criteria for Oregon State University (the only veterinary school in Oregon). Other veterinary schools may have additional coursework. Students should plan on completing a Bachelor’s degree from WOU. Students may be accepted with a minimum of 97 quarter hours, students who have completed junior standing may apply credits earned in their first year of veterinary school toward their Bachelor’s degree.
The application deadline is October 1st for OSU. Students should fill out a Veterinary Medical Colleges Application (VMCAS) which are available June. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission and must be received by application deadline.
The following is a list of courses required for admission to Veterinary school. Please consult with pre-professional advisor, who can provide more information with regards to pre-requisites for particular programs. The science courses required for admission fit readily into a Biology degree.
First Year
WR 135 English Composition (4)
BI 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (12)
CH 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry (12)
COM 111 Principles of Public Speaking (3)
MTH 112 Elementary Functions (4)
Sequence in Literature or Social Science (9)
Philosophy or Religion Course (3)
PE 131 Individual Health and Fitness (2)
Second Year through Fourth Year
BI 311 Introductory Genetics (4)
CH 334, 335, 336 Organic Chemistry (12)
CH 450,451 Biochemistry I and II (6)
PH 201, 202, 203 General Physics (12)
Upper-division biology courses that include
laboratory (6)
Students seeking to enter the College of Veterinary
Medicine at Oregon State University should
plan to complete their bachelor’s degree at WOU.
The science courses required for admission, which
are incorporated into the above listing, fit readily
into the biology major.