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Students in podiatry shirts talking to each other in front of a textbook

About

The Pre-Health Programs Office helps students navigate the academic and extracurricular expectations for health professional school application, while also providing them with the resources to determine their best career path. 

We help our students understand how to be competitive applicants for health professional programs by guiding them through the academic and extracurricular expectations, the necessary application components, and the application timeline.

Our office will help students identify resources that will assist them in exploring various opportunities in the healthcare field. We recommend meeting regularly with the Pre-Health Academic Program Director or an advisor to help in developing an individualized path.

By using the College of Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Programs Office resources, you will be able to:

  • Understand the academic and extracurricular expectations required for admission to your preferred health professional program
  • Identify the appropriate science and other prerequisite coursework needed for admission to your preferred professional program
  • Navigate the professional school application process with confidence
  • Be aware of the unique pre-health opportunities available at Kent State University

The College of Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Programs Office also coordinates Kent State University's Early Assurance Program partnerships with the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), and the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

FAQ

WHAT IS PRE-HEALTH?

Many people think of traditional tracks in medicine, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy when considering a career in health care. There are a number of different fields in health care, however, that can lead to fulfilling careers. We encourage you to assess your goals and aptitudes before choosing a specific field.

Many careers in health care require professional school after completion of the baccalaureate degree. If you are interested in medicine (allopathic or osteopathic), dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, or veterinary medicine, you should expect to attend a doctoral or professional post-baccalaureate program. Physician assistants (PAs), genetic counselors, orthotists, and occupational therapists are also required to complete a master’s degree in their respective field. The College of Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Programs Office can assist you in preparing to apply to any of these programs.

If you are uncertain of what area you would like to work in, the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists many job titles along with the basic job requirements, required education, and median salary. ExploreHealthCareers.org is another resource you can use to explore different professions in the field.

IS HEALTH CARE RIGHT FOR YOU?

There are a number of ways to become involved in the growing field of healthcare. If you are uncertain of what area you would like to work in, The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists many job titles along with the basic job requirements, required education, and medial salary.

Honestly assess what you would like to accomplish in your professional life should you enter the health care field. Also, consider your strengths and interests. Do you want to:

  • Provide direct care to patients?
  • Work in a laboratory setting?
  • Provide health and wellness education?
  • Begin working with a bachelor’s degree? Or, are you willing to continue your education for a master’s or doctoral degree?

It is very important take the time to research the realities of health care career options in order to select the one that is the best fit for you. Considering the breadth of job titles, you are bound to find a job that complements your personal interests and abilities.

 

GETTING STARTED

Students interested in a pre-health field may contact the Pre-Health Academic Program Director, Erin Lawson, elawson1@kent.edu.  

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