Pre-Professional Health Care Programs
Are you passionate about serving others? Are you determined to find the right solution to complex problems? If improving someone's quality of life is an idea that excites you, pursue a health care profession! The health care industry is broad and will always need compassionate, determined individuals like you to make a positive impact.
Where are you on your journey?
- Beginning your college career.
- Changing your career after completing a degree.
- Enhancing your application for health care programs.
With Saint Xavier University's Pre-Professional Health Care program, you can become a physician, dentist, optometrist, podiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician's assistant, chiropractor, pharmacist or veterinarian. You could also become a researcher or public health and policy maker if you have a passion for health care but do not wish to work directly with patients.
With so many career choices, Saint Xavier can help you choose the right major for you and keep you on path toward graduate studies.
Pursuing a career in health care requires at least a bachelor's degree followed by a graduate-level degree. The most common majors students chose when pursuing health care careers are in STEM, which include biology, chemistry, natural science and psychology. Yet, you have the flexibility to choose whichever major you are interested in.
Most undergraduate majors at SXU are completed in four years, with courses taught in a classroom or lab, online or on campus. You may also be eligible to gain course credit by participating in field research, taking courses at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium or Morton Arboretum, or doing an internship with SXU's partner, Mini Medical School at Midwestern University.
To help you prepare for graduate school, this program is uniquely designed for you to complete all required pre-requisite courses alongside the required courses for your major. By taking courses across various sciences, you will be thoroughly prepared to take your graduate program entrance exam like the MCAT or DAT.
An essential element for entrance into professional and graduate schools is a portfolio of experience. In addition to a field research course, you also have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor and showcase your collaborative work at the SXU Research Expo and at regional and national conferences. Many students interested in health care careers also gain work experience as a certified nurse assistant or emergency medical technician to get a first-hand view of work in healthcare. These work experiences are highly regarded by admissions committees at professional schools.
Those with a heart for serving others participate in Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society and service-orientated student organizations like Pals for Change and the Service Club, that provide relief and compassion to underprivileged groups on a regular basis.
Continue Your Journey
This program act as a stepping stone to bring you closer to graduate studies in your desired health care profession. With the experiences that you gain here, you will be right on track to pursue the next step in your education.
SXU students can benefit from early acceptance and/or guaranteed interview agreements with:
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Pharmacy at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine or Keck Graduate Institute
- Doctor of Dental Medicine Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Medicine at American University of the Caribbean
- Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic
Explore more graduate options with designated scholarship awards! SXU has established two articulation agreements that secure you a scholarship with Keck Graduate Institute and Adler School of Psychology.
Whichever career path you chose, let SXU help you get there. Apply now!
Suggested Academic Plan
View a suggested four-year academic plan to complete your degree in four years!
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Meet the Faculty
Christopher Appelt
Associate Professor
Phone: 773-298-3521
Email: appelt@sxu.edu
Jason Crean
Adjunct Faculty
Phone:
Email: jcrean@sxu.edu
Randolph Krohmer
Adjunct Faculty
Phone: 773-298-3527
Email: krohmer@sxu.edu
Ricardo Monzon
Interim Divisional Director
Phone: 773-298-5241
Email: monzon@sxu.edu
Stacie Raymond
Associate Professor
Phone: 773-298-3520
Email: raymond@sxu.edu
Tatiana Tatum
Professor
Phone: 773-298-3408
Email: tatum@sxu.edu