School of Health Professions
Health Professions
Be supported by a team of dedicated faculty who have strong connections at top programs across the country.
Preprofessional Program Options
Athletic Training
Students who intend to pursue a master's degree in athletic training most often major in exercise science and complete recommended biology, chemistry, and physics coursework.
Chiropractic
Students accepted by chiropractic schools come from a variety of majors. Required courses are in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. You’ll have opportunities to participate in faculty-student research, internships at healthcare facilities, and complete anatomy coursework with human cadavers.
Dentistry
Dentistry ranks second to medicine in the number of graduates entering professional schools each year. Dental schools generally do not mandate a specific academic major but most Concordia pre-dental students major in biology or chemistry. All schools require the Dental Admissions Test, which is generally taken in April of the junior year.
Medicine
Described as rigorous but supportive, our pre-med program prepares students to learn both inside and outside the classroom. Students are strongly advised to complete the Cooperative Education in Medicine program. Unique opportunities include an immersive summer program at Hennepin County Medical Center and the Mayo Innovation Scholars program.
Students who have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution may pursue an intensive, one-year postbaccalaureate pre-medical program.
Occupational Therapy
A variety of undergraduate majors are good preparation for OT programs; however, most Concordia students opt to major in psychology. Liberal arts courses and courses in art and music are also highly advised.
Maddie Sather '15 on Being Prepared for Med School
Concordia not only gave me a solid foundation of knowledge and a good work ethic, I had research opportunities and cadaver anatomy experience that put me ahead at medical school.
Optometry
Students intending to pursue a Doctor of Optometry often choose to major in biology or chemistry. Successful applicants commonly have volunteer and work experience in the field. Participation in Concordia’s optometry internship program increases the likelihood of acceptance by professional programs.
Pharmacy
This preparation program is for students intending to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Recent graduates have been accepted to the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Duluth), Pacific University, UNC, and The Ohio State University.
Physical Therapy
Most pre-PT students major in biology, psychology, or exercise science. Related experience is often an important prerequisite for PT schools and our students achieve this through a combination of volunteer and work experiences.
My internship at St. Cloud Orthopedics really solidified my dream of doing physical therapy because I was immersed in the clinical experience every day. – AJ Flemming '17
Physician Assistant
Each year, there is an increased demand for physician assistants. Most students interested in the field decide to major in biology or chemistry but will complete coursework in other areas. Observation and related work experience requirements exist for most programs.
Veterinary Medicine
Pre-veterinary students are required to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and a variety of non-science courses. Veterinary medical schools expect applicants to have experience working with animals. Our faculty oversee cooperative education experiences that provide exposure to both small animal and large animal veterinary medicine.
Professional Program Options
Clinical Laboratory Science
Our affiliation with the School of Clinical Laboratory Science at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, N.D., allows students to complete the internship requirement here during the senior year.
Dr. Julie C. Rutherford
Associate Professor, Biology; Director, Pre-Health Professions Program; Director, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program
Biology, Health Professions