Pre-Health – CoAS

Are you interested in becoming a doctor? Athens State offers the courses and support you need in order to become a medical doctor through our pre-med / pre-health program.

How do you become a doctor?

Becoming a doctor requires a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Generally, obtaining this degree requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately four years of medical school.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to a medical school?

In addition to taking the MCAT the summer of your Junior Year, the following courses are often required. Double check the Admission Requirements at the school you are applying to. You should think about applying in the Fall of your Senior year. The AAMC has more information regarding this, including a general Application Service. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I & II
• Physics: General Physics I & II
• Mathematics: Calculus I and/or Statistics
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II
• English: 6 hours of English/Literature

The following courses are also highly recommended: biochemistry, psychology, and sociology.

Where can I get a Doctorate in Medicine?

Schools in Alabama that have medical programs include UAB, University of South Alabama, and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. To find the prerequisites required for the school that you’re interested in, simply google “medical school”, the school name, and “prerequisites”.

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-Med advisor, who can help guide you through taking your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-Med classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Simply register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor or register as a non-degree seeking student if you want to navigate the process on your own. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-Med majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your medical school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Hospitals and Clinics: Volunteer in local hospitals or clinics to gain exposure to the medical field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

Keywords:

• How to become a doctor
• Medical school prerequisites
• MCAT study tips
• Pre-med advising
• Medical school application process

How do I apply?

To apply to medical school, you will need to:

1. Take the MCAT exam, ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for MD programs or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) for DO programs.
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Are you interested in becoming a pharmacist? Athens State offers the courses and support you need in order to become a pharmacist through our pre-pharmacy / pre-health program.

How do you become a pharmacist?

Becoming a pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Generally, obtaining this degree requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately four years of pharmacy school.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to a pharmacy school?

You will want to consider taking the PCAT (if required) during your Junior Year and applying through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS: www.pharmcas.org) during the Fall of your Senior year at Athens State. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I
• Physics: General Physics I
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II
• Mathematics: Calculus I and/or Statistics
• Anatomy/Physiology: 6 hours of Anatomy/Physiology
• Microbiology

A well-rounded background of Literature, Arts, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and/or History

Where can I get a Doctorate in Pharmacy?

Schools in Alabama that have pharmacy programs include Auburn University and Samford University. To find the prerequisites required for the school that you’re interested in, try googling “pharmacy school”, the school name, and “prerequisites”.

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-Pharmacy advisor, who can help guide you through taking your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-Pharmacy classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Simply register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor or register as a non-degree seeking student if you want to navigate the process on your own. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-Pharmacy majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your pharmacy school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Pharmacies: Volunteer or work in local pharmacies to gain exposure to the field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

Keywords:

• How to become a pharmacist
• Pharmacy school prerequisites
• PCAT study tips
• Pre-pharmacy advising
• Pharmacy school application process

How do I apply?

To apply to pharmacy school, you will need to:

1. Take the PCAT exam (if required), ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS).
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Are you interested in becoming a veterinarian? Athens State offers the courses and support you need in order to become a doctor of veterinary medicine through our pre-vet / pre-health program.

How do you become a veterinarian?

Becoming a Veterinarian requires a Doctorate (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – DVM or VMD). Generally, obtaining this degree requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately four years of professional school at a school that provides a veterinary medicine program.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to a veterinary medicine program?

You will want to consider taking the GRE during your Junior Year and applying through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS: www.aavmc.org) during the Fall of your Senior year at Athens State. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I & II
• Physics: General Physics I & II
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II
• Mathematics: Calculus I or similar
• Animal Nutrition
• Highly Recommended: Biochemistry and/or Animal Science

A well-rounded background of Literature, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and/or History

It is also highly recommended that students have previous experience working with animals.

Where can I get a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine?

Schools in Alabama that have veterinary medicine programs include Auburn University and Tuskegee University. To find the prerequisites required for the school that you’re interested in, try googling “veterinary school”, the school name, and “prerequisites”.

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-Vet advisor, who can help guide you through taking your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-Vet classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Simply register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor or register as a non-degree seeking student if you want to navigate the process on your own. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-Vet majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your veterinary school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Animal Shelters and Clinics: Volunteer in local animal shelters or clinics to gain exposure to the veterinary field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping animals.

Keywords:

• How to become a veterinarian
• Veterinary school prerequisites
• GRE study tips for vet school
• Pre-vet advising
• Veterinary school application process

How do I apply?

To apply to veterinary school, you will need to:

1. Take the GRE exam, ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Are you interested in becoming a dentist? Athens State offers the courses and support you need in order to become a dentist through our pre-dental / pre-health program.

How do you become a dentist?

Becoming a dentist requires a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Generally, obtaining this degree requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately four years of dental school.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to a dental school?

You will want to consider taking the DAT during your Junior Year and applying through the American Dental Education Association’s Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS: www.adea.org) during the Fall of your Senior year at Athens State. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I & II
• Physics: General Physics I & II
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II
• Mathematics: Calculus I & II or similar
• Clinical experience and job shadowing

A well-rounded background of Literature, Arts, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and/or History

Where can I get a Doctorate in Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine?

Schools in Alabama that have dental programs include the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). To find the prerequisites required for the school that you’re interested in, try googling “dental school”, the school name, and “prerequisites”.

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-Dental advisor, who can help guide you through taking your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-Dental classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Simply register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor or register as a non-degree seeking student if you want to navigate the process on your own. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-Dental majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your dental school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Dental Clinics: Volunteer or work in local dental clinics to gain exposure to the field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

How do I apply?

To apply to dental school, you will need to:

1. Take the DAT exam, ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the American Dental Education Association’s Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS).
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Keywords:

• How to become a dentist
• Dental school prerequisites
• DAT study tips
• Pre-dental advising
• Dental school application process

Are you interested in becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)?Athens State offers the courses and support you need to pursue a career as a PA through our pre-health program.

How do you become a Physician Assistant?

Becoming a PA requires a Master’s degree from an accredited PA program. Generally, obtaining this degree requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately two to three years of PA school.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to a PA program?

You will want to consider taking the GRE during your Junior Year and applying through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA: www.caspaonline.org) during the Fall of your Senior year at Athens State. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I & II, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology
• Chemistry: General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry
• Mathematics: Statistics or similar
• Psychology: General Psychology, Developmental Psychology
• Clinical experience and job shadowing

A well-rounded background of Literature, Arts, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and/or History

Where can I get a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies?

Schools in Alabama that have PA programs include the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Samford University. To find the prerequisites required for the school that you’re interested in, try googling “PA program”, the school name, and “prerequisites”.

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-PA advisor, who can help guide you through taking your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-PA classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Simply register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor or register as a non-degree seeking student if you want to navigate the process on your own. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-PA majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your PA school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Healthcare Facilities: Volunteer or work in local hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings to gain exposure to the field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

How do I apply?

To apply to PA school, you will need to:

1. Take the GRE exam, ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Keywords:

• How to become a Physician Assistant
• PA school prerequisites
• GRE study tips
• Pre-PA advising
• PA school application process

Are you interested in becoming a Physical Therapist (PT)? Athens State offers the courses and support you need to pursue a career as a PT through our pre-health program.

How do you become a Physical Therapist?

Becoming a PT requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Generally, obtaining this degree requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately three years of physical therapy school.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to a PT program?

You will want to consider taking the GRE during your Junior Year and applying through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS: www.ptcas.org) during the Fall of your Senior year at Athens State. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I & II, Anatomy & Physiology
• Chemistry: General Chemistry I & II
• Physics: General Physics I & II
• Mathematics: Statistics
• Psychology: General Psychology, Developmental Psychology
• Clinical experience and job shadowing

A well-rounded background of Literature, Arts, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and/or History

Where can I get a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree?

Schools in Alabama that have PT programs include the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Alabama State University. To find the prerequisites required for the school that you’re interested in, try googling “PT program”, the school name, and “prerequisites”.

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-PT advisor, who can help guide you through taking your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-PT classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Simply register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor or register as a non-degree seeking student if you want to navigate the process on your own. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-PT majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your PT school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Healthcare Facilities: Volunteer or work in local hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings to gain exposure to the field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

How do I apply?

To apply to PT school, you will need to:

1. Take the GRE exam, ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Keywords:

• How to become a Physical Therapist
• PT school prerequisites
• GRE study tips
• Pre-PT advising
• PT school application process

Are you interested in becoming an Optometrist? Athens State offers the courses and support you need to pursue a career in optometry through our pre-health program.

How do you become an Optometrist?

Becoming an optometrist requires a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Generally, obtaining this degree requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately four years of optometry school.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to an optometry program?

You should consider taking the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) during your Junior Year and applying through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS: www.optomcas.org) during the Fall of your Senior year at Athens State. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I & II, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology
• Chemistry: General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry
• Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics
• Physics: General Physics I & II
• Clinical experience and job shadowing

A well-rounded background in Literature, Arts, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and/or History

Where can I get a Doctor of Optometry degree?

Schools in Alabama that have optometry programs include the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). To find the prerequisites required for the school you’re interested in, try googling “optometry program,” the school name, and “prerequisites.”

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-Optometry advisor who can help guide you through your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-Optometry classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor, or register as a non-degree-seeking student if you want to navigate the process on your own. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-Optometry majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your optometry school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Optometry Clinics: Volunteer or work in local optometry clinics to gain exposure to the field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

How do I apply?

To apply to optometry school, you will need to:

1. Take the OAT exam, ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS).
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Keywords:

• How to become an Optometrist
• Optometry school prerequisites
• OAT study tips
• Pre-Optometry advising

Optometry school application process

Are you interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist (OT)? Athens State offers the courses and support you need to pursue a career as an OT through our pre-health program.

How do you become an Occupational Therapist?

Becoming an OT requires a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD). Generally, obtaining this degree requires completing a Bachelor’s degree followed by approximately two to three years of occupational therapy school.

What do I need to prepare prior to applying to an OT program?

You should consider taking the GRE during your Junior Year and applying through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS: www.otcas.org) during the Fall of your Senior year at Athens State. Common prerequisites include, but are not limited to:

• Biology: General Biology I & II, Anatomy & Physiology
• Chemistry: General Chemistry I & II
• Physics: General Physics I & II
• Mathematics: Statistics
• Psychology: General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology
• Clinical experience and job shadowing

A well-rounded background in Literature, Arts, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and/or History

Where can I get a Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy?

Schools in Alabama with OT programs include the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Alabama State University. To find the prerequisites required for the school you’re interested in, try googling “OT program,” the school name, and “prerequisites.”

Can someone at Athens State help me with this?

Yes! Contact Dr. Sara Cline at sara.cline@athens.edu or sign up for our Pre-Health Certificate. Signing up for our Pre-Health Certificate assigns you a Pre-OT advisor who can help guide you through your prerequisite courses. Our Pre-Health Certificate will pair with any degree at Athens State.

If I already have my bachelor’s degree, can I still take Pre-OT classes at Athens State?

Absolutely! Register for our Pre-Health Certificate to be assigned an advisor, or register as a non-degree-seeking student if you want to navigate the process independently. Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and Biology courses are common electives taken at Athens State by Pre-OT majors.

Volunteer and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is essential for your OT school application. Consider the following opportunities:

• Healthcare Facilities: Volunteer or work in local hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings to gain exposure to the field.
• Research: Participate in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Community Service: Engage in community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

How do I apply?

To apply to OT school, you will need to:

1. Take the GRE exam, ideally in the summer of your Junior year.
2. Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
3. Apply through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).
4. Complete secondary applications for individual schools.
5. Prepare for and attend interviews.

Keywords:

• How to become an Occupational Therapist
• OT school prerequisites
• GRE study tips
• Pre-OT advising

OT school application process