Pre-Health Studies
Careers in Medicine: What the School of Sciences can do for you
This is an excellent time to begin your life within a clinical setting. The latest reports from the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that the majority of health diagnosis, treatment, and technical positions will have increased demand for years to come.
There is a team of individuals that work to treat medical conditions. MDs, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners are some of the people that diagnosis a patient's condition. Nurses, Therapists, and others guide the patient through their treatment. Technicians support the efforts of all through the application of their technical expertise.
The School of Sciences has many majors, minors, and opportunities that will help you achieve your health career goals. You will be able to explore your chosen field so that you get 'first hand' experience. Academic advisors are assigned according to your career interests.
Health-Related Majors and Programs Offered in the School of Sciences
Majors
Medical Technology is a 3 + 1 program in which the final year is completed at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. This major is offered through the Department of Biology.
Medical Imaging Technology is a 3 + 1 program in which the final year is completed at Vanderbilt University. This major is offered through the Department of Chemistry/Physics.
Dental Hygiene , Cytotechnology , and Health Information Management majors are also available through 3 + 1 arrangements with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN.
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary
Majors in Biology with a Pre-Medical Emphasis, Chemistry for the Health Sciences, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology all include curricula with appropriate coursework for preparation for admissions exams and medical schools. Other majors are acceptable to medical schools with appropriate pre-requisite courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics.
Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy
Majors in Biology with a Pre-Allied Health Emphasis and Exercise Science and Health Promotion are most often chosen by pre-PT students at Belmont. Biology with a Pre-Allied Health Emphasis, and Psychology all offer excellent majors for pre-OT students. The Pre-Physical Therapy/Pre-Occupational Therapy Fellows Program offers scholarship opportunities, as well, to qualified students.
Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Optometry
Majors in Chemistry for the Health Sciences and Biology with a Pre-Allied Health Emphasis offer solid foundations for entry into pharmacy or optometry school. In addition, the Pharmaceutical Studies major provides excellent preparation for pharmacy school or pharmaceutical sales.
Post-Baccalaureate Study
Frequently students obtain a degree in a non-science major and decide later to apply to medical school. Belmont advisors work with these students to ensure that the appropriate coursework is completed as expeditiously as possible.
Student Organizations
Your participation in one of the several science or health-oriented student clubs as well as faculty personal contacts can facilitate these experiences:
- Theta Epsilon Tau Pre-Health Student Association
- Psi Chi - The National Honor Society in Psychology
- Psychology Club
- Beta Beta Beta - The Biological Honorary Society
- Beta Chi
- SAACS - Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society
Student Advising
Do you need to talk to an advisor so that you can make the best health career choice for you? Advisors are available for you to insure that you are on the correct path as well as making the correct decisions.
medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, medical technology or occupational therapy, contact:
-- Dr. Nick Ragsdale at ragsdalen@mail.belmont.edu (615-460-6210)
clinical psychology, contact:
---Dr. Pete Giordano at giordanop@mail.belmont.edu (615-460-6256)
medical imaging technology, contact:
-- Dr. Robert Magruder at magruderr@mail.belmont.edu (615-460-6226)
