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Pre-Health

Prepare for a Career in Healthcare at Dickinson

Dickinson offers a comprehensive pre-health program that prepares students for a wide range of healthcare careers, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine and nursing.

Program Highlights

  • Personalized advising from the Committee for the Health Professions
  • Flexible major selection with guided course recommendations
  • Extensive experiential opportunities and alumni connections

Program Overview

The pre-health program at Dickinson is a collaborative effort between the Committee for the Health Professions and the Center for Career Development. We provide comprehensive support to students interested in pursuing health-related careers.

Key Features

  • Early engagement with first-year students
  • Group advising sessions on various Pre-Health topics
  • Individual Faculty Pre-Health Advisors assigned to each student
  • Guidance on course selection and professional school applications
  • Support for MCAT and other professional exam preparation

Curriculum

Our pre-health curriculum includes recommended courses that provide a strong foundation for various healthcare professions, beginning with the core recommended courses:

  • Chemistry: 5 semesters (including inorganic, organic, and biochemistry)
  • Biology: 2 semesters
  • Physics: 2 semesters
  • Mathematics: 2 semesters
  • English/Writing: 2 semesters
  • Psychology/Sociology: Various options available

Why Choose Dickinson's Pre-Health Program?

  • Flexibility: Major in any field while preparing for healthcare careers
  • Personalized Guidance: Individual advising from faculty and career professionals
  • Comprehensive Preparation: Strong science foundation with liberal arts perspective
  • Experiential Learning: Numerous opportunities for hands-on experience and networking
Experiential Opportunities

Dickinson offers numerous ways to gain hands-on experience and explore healthcare careers:

  • Pre-Health Society (PHS): Student club organizing workshops and guest speaker events
  • Summer opportunities
  • MAPS: Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students providing support and resources
  • Career Interest Groups: Focused on dentistry, veterinary medicine and allied health professions
  • Local Partnerships: Opportunities with six hospitals and healthcare-related organizations
  • Internships and Research: Available locally, regionally and nationally
  • Local volunteer organizations
  • Local EMS Academy
Preparing for the Profession

We provide comprehensive support for students applying to professional schools:


Take the Next Step

Ready to start your journey in healthcare? Contact the pre-health administrative coordinator to:

  • Learn more about the pre-health program
  • Attend an informational meeting
  • Join our active pre-health student list

Pre-Health News

Anatomy of Learning: Students Merge Art and Science in Innovative Course

Anatomy of Learning: Students Merge Art and Science in Innovative Course

Humanities and science students recently visited Dickinson's "cadaver room" together. Their aim: To learn a memorable lesson about connections between science and art.

Pursuing Discoveries

Pursuing Discoveries

Meet Kayla Slomeana '25, a Student Senate member, cheerleader and Quantitative Reasoning Center tutor with plans for medical school.

Pursuing a Healthier World

Pursuing a Healthier World

"I love studying environmental science in a community that truly cares about it." Lila Brown ’26 is a standout athlete and aspiring doctor who's passionate about medicine and environmental health.

Running Strong Together: Run for Steph Continues to Inspire

Running Strong Together: Run for Steph Continues to Inspire

“While Stephanie’s intended career in nursing was not realized, her story has undoubtedly saved lives.” Learn the origins of Dickinson's Run for Steph tradition and the alumna who inspired it all.

‘Make Yourself Proud’

‘Make Yourself Proud’

"I'm so lucky to have these opportunities ... I'm living the dream." Liv Turtoro '26 is a biology major, sports medicine assistant and dancer who's currently studying abroad in New Zealand.

Transforming Pre-Med: Program Gives Future Doctors a Leg Up

Transforming Pre-Med: Program Gives Future Doctors a Leg Up

Dickinson’s UPMC Central PA Rotational Program provides a valuable mini-residency experience for students interested in medical careers.