Pre-Health Studies
Careers in Medicine: What the School of Sciences can do for you
This is an excellent time to begin working toward your vocational 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 greater than average growth through the year 2016.
There is a team of individuals that work to treat medical conditions.
- Diagnosis of disease is the job of Medical Doctors (MDs), Doctors of Osteopathic medicine (DOs), Physician Assistants (PAs), and Nurse Practitioners (NPs).
- Treatment and rehabilitation is carried out by Pharmacists (PharmDs), Therapists (PTs and OTs), Nurses, and others.
- Supporting the efforts of all through the application of their technical expertise in laboratory sciences, hygiene, and radiation and imaging technologies are the individuals with technical degrees.
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
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Medical (including Osteopathic and Podiatric medicine), 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 diagnostic training. Other majors, such as Psychology, are acceptable to medical schools with appropriate pre-requisite courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics.
Pre-Pharmacy
Majors in Biology with a Pre-Pharm Emphasis and Chemistry for the Health Sciences with a Pre-Pharm Emphasis as well as the Pharmaceutical Studies major offer students solid foundations for entry into pharmacy school or pharmaceutical sales. Please follow the link for more information on Belmont's graduate School of Pharmacy.
Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy
Majors in Biology with a Pre-Allied Health Emphasis and Exercise Science are most often chosen by pre-PT students at Belmont, although Psychology is an appropriate pre-PT major as well. Biology with a Pre-Allied Health Emphasis and Psychology offer excellent majors for pre-OT students. The Pre-Physical Therapy/Pre-Occupational Therapy Fellows Program offers scholarship opportunities, as well, to qualified students. Please follow the links for more information on Belmont's graduate studies in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy.
Pre-Optometry
Majors in Chemistry for the Health Sciences and Biology with a Pre-Allied Health Emphasis offer solid foundations for entry into optometry school.
Post-Baccalaureate Study
Frequently students obtain a degree in a non-science major and decide later to apply for medical training. Belmont advisors work with these students to ensure that the appropriate coursework is completed as expeditiously as possible.
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.
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.
Student Organizations
Your participation in one of the several science or health-oriented student clubs, as well as faculty personal contacts, can facilitate your entry into the clinical world:
- 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
- SMACS - Student Members 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 nick.ragsdale@belmont.edu (615-460-6210)
clinical psychology, contact:
---Dr. Pete Giordano at pete.giordano@belmont.edu (615-460-6256)