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:

: Student club organizing workshops and guest speaker events
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

Preparing for the Profession

We provide comprehensive support for students applying to professional schools:

Guidance on prerequisite courses and academic planning
Advice on MCAT and other professional exam timing
Assistance with professional school applications and interviews
Committee letters of recommendation for applicants

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

Department News

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’

"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

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

Dickinson Launches Human Anatomy Course

Learn more about Dickinson's first Human Anatomy course.

The Dad Effect: Fatherhood as Inspiration for Improved Diabetes Care

New student-faculty research on how the obligations of fatherhood helped men manage diabetes could help medical providers nudge male patients toward better health.

A Global Health Mission

At the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and across the globe, Liam Alec Stenson Ortiz ’19 helps prepare for future pandemics, with a focus on the world's underserved communities.