Pre-Health Programs

Students interested in medical school can have a wide variety of majors, but most major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry. Medical schools can be allopathic (MD degree) or osteopathic (DO degree), differing primarily on their philosophical approach to medicine. Each requires the MCAT test, rigorous coursework, and clinical and volunteer experiences to apply. Check out the Medical School Advising Guide to learn more.

Like medical school, students interested in veterinary medicine can have a wide variety of majors, but most major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry. Most have moved to competency-based admissions, which evaluates applicants on not only their academic ability but also their interpersonal abilities and attributes. For more information, check out the Veterinary School Advising Guide to learn more.

As with many healthcare fields, students can have a wide variety of majors, but most major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry. Graduates receive either a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine, and both allow one to practice general dentistry. Dental schools require the DCAT test, rigorous coursework and shadowing hours to apply. Check out the Dental School Advising Guide to learn more.

Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye, and, in some states, can perform some in-office surgeries. Students interested in optometry typically major in biology or biochemistry. Optometry schools require the OCAT test, rigorous coursework and shadowing hours to apply. Check out the Optometry School Advising Guide to learn more.

Students interested in pharmacy are normally biochemistry majors. You will also need to take several biology and many general education (math, physics, social sciences, etc.) courses to fulfill the admissions requirements. You may also be required to take the PCAT test. All pharmacy schools have slightly different requirements and prerequisite courses. Check out the Pharmacy Advising Guide to learn more.

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. Physical therapy is often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients. Students interested in physical therapy should pursue an undergraduate major of health and exercise science or biology. Articulation agreements exist with Shenandoah University and Mary Baldwin University that allow qualified students from Bridgewater College to be admitted into their physical therapy programs. Contact the chair of the Department of Health and Human Sciences for more information. Check out the Physical Therapy Advising Guide to learn more.

Occupational therapy is a branch of healthcare that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory or cognitive problems. Students interested in occupational therapy typically major in health and exercise science, although other routes are possible. Bridgewater College has an articulation agreement with Mary Baldwin University that allows qualified students from BC to be interviewed for their occupational therapy program. Check out the Occupational Therapy Advising Guide to learn more.

Physician assistant is a growing area in healthcare, with eight schools in Virginia offering PA programs. Students interested in pursuing graduate school to become a physician assistant should consult with faculty in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science and/or the Department of Health and Human Sciences. Additionally, an articulation agreement exists with Mary Baldwin University allowing qualified students from Bridgewater College to be admitted into their physician assistant program. Contact the chair of the Department of Health and Human Sciences for more information and check out the Physician Assistant Advising Guide to learn more.

Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. While typically found on the sidelines at athletic events, athletic trainers are also employed by the military, in the performing arts and in a variety of industrial and corporate settings. Bridgewater offers a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree program. Check out the Athletic Training Advising Guide to learn more.

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, analyzes biological specimens in a clinical setting. They perform scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians playing a vital role in patient diagnosis. Their work aids in the identification and treatment of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions. Bridgewater has an articulation agreement with Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg. Check out the Medical Lab Sciences Advising Guide to learn more.

Histotechnology is the microscopic detection of tissue abnormalities for disease diagnosis and treatment of diseases utilizing specific reagents, chemicals and dyes. Students interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate training in histotechnology typically major in biology or health and exercise science and should check out the Histotechnology Advising Guide to learn more.

Radiology encompasses a wide range of imaging techniques including X-ray, CT and PET scans, ultrasound, MRIs and more. Students interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate training in radiology typically major in biology or health and exercise science and should check out the Radiology Advising Guide to learn more.