Director: Alice Sima, MSN, MBA, RN
Birck Hall of Sciences  ~  Room 322
(630) 829-6585

Please contact Ms. Sima for information regarding the following programs: Pre-Chiropractic Program, Pre-Dental Program, Pre-Medical Program, Pre-Occupational Therapy Program, Pre-Optometry Program, Pre-Pharmacy Program, Pre-Physical Therapy Program, Pre-Podiatry Program and the Pre-Veterinary Program.

Pre-Chiropractic Program

To enter chiropractic school it is strongly recommended that students complete four years at Benedictine University. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science 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 recommendation letters 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 biochemistry, biology or health science 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 recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester 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 the 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 departments, 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 recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester of the junior or senior year respectively.

Pre-Occupational Therapy Program

A student seeking a career in occupational therapy should plan on completing the first two years at the university as a health science major with emphasis in behavioral sciences. The curriculum has been designed to meet the admission requirements for the last tow years at the University of Illinois Medical Center program in occupational therapy. A student could also plan on completing a degree in health science or psychology and continue his or her educaiton in an entry level master's degree program in occupational therapy. Graduates from these programs are qualified to sit for the American Occupational Therapy Association Certification Examination.

Pre-Optometry Program

A student seeking a career in optometry should plan on completing four years at the 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 biochemistry, biology or health science 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 recommendation letters 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 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 at the university.

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 programs in physical therapy in order to be eiligible to apply for and complete the licensing examination in Illinois and other states.

Pre-Podiatry Program

Although it is possible to enter podiatry school after three years at the university, it is strongly recommended that students complete four years. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science major should be followed as most podiatry schools require 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 recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester 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 at Benedictine University, but the majority of students accepted have earned their bachelor's degree. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science major should be followed as the minimum requirements for admissions are 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 at the university.

Interviews by, and recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester of the junior or senior year respectively.