School:
College of Science
Department:
Pre-Professional Health
Student Type:
Undergraduate
Program:
Pre-Professional Health Programs
Faculty:
Alice Sima, M.S.N., M.B.A. R.N. - Director
Objectives:
The Office of Pre-Professional Health Programs is responsible for the supervision of the baccalaureate degree program in related health professions. This office also coordinates all health science practica and is responsible for clinical affiliations, external funding and accreditation of the University's health care education programs. The office is the primary advising center within the University for the health professions and provides career information to students interested in medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, veterinary science, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Requirements - Major:
Pre-Chiropractic Program:
To enter chiropractic school it is strongly recommended that students complete four years at Benedictine University. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, health science or biology major should be followed as most chiropractic schools require eight hours of physics (all with labs), and a minimum of 30 hours of humanities and social sciences.
Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring semester of the junior year or fall semester of the senior year.
Pre-Dental Program:
Although it is possible to enter dental school after three years of college, it is strongly recommended that students complete four years at Benedictine University. Suggested programs for the biology, health science or biochemistry major should be followed. Most dental schools require one year of organic chemistry; one year of physics; and biology courses including genetics, anatomy, embryology and physiology. It is also recommended that the student take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) during the spring semester of the junior year.
Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior year respectively.
Pre-Medical Program:
A student seeking a career in allopathic or osteopathic medicine should plan on completing four years at Benedictine University. The well-qualified candidate should have a strong foundation in basic science and mathematics and advanced science courses should emphasize biology or biochemistry. A good selection of appropriate advanced courses is offered by both the biology department and the chemistry and biochemistry department, namely histology, endocrinology, cell biology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry and intermediary metabolism. It is also recommended that the student take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) during the spring semester of the junior year.
Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior year respectively.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Program:
Students seeking a career in occupational therapy should plan on completing a degree in health science or psychology. They would continue their education in a master's degree program in occupational therapy. Graduates from these programs are qualified to sit for the American Occupational Therapy Association Certification Examination. Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Service Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior year.
Pre-Optometry Program:
A student seeking a career in optometry should plan on completing four years at Benedictine University. The well-qualified candidate should have a strong foundation in basic science and mathematics and advanced science courses should emphasize biology or biochemistry. Suggested programs for the biology, health science or biochemistry major should be followed. It is also recommended that the student take the Optometry College Admissions Test (OCAT) during the spring semester of the junior year.
Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior years respectively.
Pre-Pharmacy Program:
Students interested in entering pharmacy school should complete the first two years of the pre-pharmacy program. See the Director of the Pre-Professional Health Programs for further information. It is also recommended that the student take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) during the fall semester of the sophomore year.
Benedictine University offers a Dual Acceptance Program with Midwestern University-Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) for selected students who successfully complete the specified course work; such students will be granted an early acceptance to CCP. Eligible students must rank in the top 25% of their high school graduating class; must score in the top quartile on a college entrance exam (ACT of 24 or higher; SAT of 1175 or higher); be accepted by Benedictine University; and be selected for an interview by the CCP Admissions Committee.
Successful applicants will be ensured a seat at CCP upon successful completion of the pre-pharmacy requirements at Benedictine University within two years; achievement of a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20; and earning a grade of C or higher in all required courses. Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a higher grade. The PCAT is waived for students who successfully complete the pre-pharmacy program at Benedictine University and who are admitted to CCP via the Dual Acceptance Program. Any student who fails to complete the program can apply to CCP via the traditional route.
Pre-Physical Therapy Program:
Students seeking a career in physical therapy should plan on completing a degree in health science or psychology. They would continue their education in master’s degree or doctoral programs in physical therapy in order to be eligible to apply for and complete the licensing examination in Illinois and other states.
Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior year.
Pre-Podiatry Program:
Although it is possible to enter podiatry school after three years of college, it is strongly recommended that students complete four years at Benedictine University. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, health science or biology major should be followed as most podiatry schools require eight hours of biology, 16 hours of chemistry, eight hours of physics and a minimum of 30 hours of humanities and social sciences. It is also recommended that the student take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) during the spring semester of the junior year.
Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior year respectively.
Pre-Veterinary Program:
Students may apply to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after completing three years of college, but the majority of students accepted have earned their bachelor’s degree. Suggested programs for the biology, health science or the biochemistry major should be followed as the minimum requirements for admission are eight hours of biology, 16 hours of chemistry, eight hours of physics, three hours in animal science and at least 30 hours of humanities and social sciences. It is also strongly recommended that the student take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) during the spring semester of the junior year.
Interviews by, and a recommendation letter from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior year respectively.
Other Information:
The Health Science Recommendations Committee:
The purpose of this committee is to send out letters of recommendation for students seeking admission to professional programs in the health care areas such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, veterinary medicine. To carry out this work the committee meets two times each year, in October and February, to interview applicants. Announcements as to the procedures to be followed in making application to the committee for interviews will be posted on-line. All students seeking admission to professional schools should plan to interview with the members of this committee during the junior year or at the beginning of the senior year.
Major Sheet:
http://www.ben.edu/major_sheets/prepro.pdf (will open in a new window)
The information contained on this page is from the 2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog and is valid until August 1, 2007.
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