Pre-Med and Health Specializations
Do you want to be a medical doctor or a veterinarian? Or, are in interested in being an optometrist, a dentist, or a physician’s assistant? Or, do you want to be a chiropractor or a pharmacist? Or, is your goal to be an athletic trainer, an occupational therapist, or a physical therapist?
Program Overview
Capital University offers the following pre-health specializations that can be combined with a major of your choice. The specialization path will help you prepare for graduate school application. Specializations include athletic training, chiropractic, dental, medical doctor, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, or veterinary.
- Step 1: Select a major that interests you – a major that you will enjoy and do well in.
- Step 2: Declare your pre-health specialization in Capital’s Registrar’s Office – this will let your academic advisor know that you are a pre-health student and will help you keep track of the courses that you need to take for your major and for your pre-health specialization.
- Step 3: Complete the courses needed for your pre-health specialization – these courses are required or encouraged by most graduate programs for the specialization that you choose.
- Step 4: Look at the requirements for the specific graduate programs or medical schools that you are interested in to see whether they have additional course requirements, GPA requirements, and entrance exam requirements.
Student to Faculty Ratio
More than 80% of Pre-Medicine Capital students who Apply to Medical School are Accepted
Majors to Choose From
Pre-Health Specializations
Athletic Training
Athletic trainers (ATs) are multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician. As a part of the health care team, athletic trainers can provide primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 231 & 231L Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 232 & 232L Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 240 Medical Terminology
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- HSPTS 135 Introduction to Public Health
- HSPTS 334 Epidemiology
- MATH 215 Elementary Statistics OR SOSCI 210 Statistics
- SOSCI 220 Social Science Research Methods
- PSYCH 120 or 121 Introductory Psychology
Encouraged Courses:
- HSPTS 230 Nutrition
- HSPTS 289 Applied Human Anatomy
- HSPTS 340 Principles of Weight Training & Conditioning
- HSPTS 362 Biomechanics
- HSPTS 364 and 364L Physiology of Exercise and Lab
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 215 or SOSCI 210: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractors focus mainly on the vertebral column, and alleviation of pain caused by spinal difficulties, but they have also built a wider health care model which includes nutrition, exercise, posture, stress management, weight management, and a wide range of lifestyle counseling. The philosophy of chiropractic practitioners is the promotion of general health without the use of drugs or surgery.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- ENGL 111 Academic Composition
- Second Writing Course (e.g., ENGL 204 or 310)
- PHYS 220 & 220L General Physics 1 with lab
- PHYS 221 & 221L General Physics 2 with lab
- PSYCH 120 or 121 Introductory Psychology
Encouraged Courses:
- BIOL 324 & 324L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- BIOL 334 & 334L Vertebrate Physiology
- HSPTS 289 Applied Human Anatomy
- HSPTS 362 Biomechanics
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Five semesters of psychology or humanities
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for PHYS 220: MATH 120 College Algebra and MATH 230 Calculus
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Life University
- Logan University
- National University of Health Sciences
- Palmer College of Chiropractic
- Parker University
Dentistry
Dentistry is the field of medicine that specialize in the teeth and associated tissues. Dentists earn a doctor of dental science degree and practice either solo or in a group setting. They also may be employed by the public health service or the military. Dental school is four years, followed by optional specialty training or practice.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- CHEM 231 & 233 Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab
- CHEM 232 & 234 Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab
- ENGL 111 Academic Composition
- PHYS 220 & 220L General Physics 1 with Lab
- PHYS 221 & 221L General Physics 2 with Lab
Encouraged Courses:
- BIOL 324 & 324L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- BIOL 334 & 334L Vertebrate Physiology
- CHEM 451 Biochemistry 1
- HSPTS 289 Applied Human Anatomy
- HSPTS 362 Biomechanics
- Second Writing Course (e.g., ENGL 204 or 310)
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Ceramics Course
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for PHYS 220: MATH 120 College Algebra and MATH 230 Calculus
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Meharry Medical College
- The Ohio State University
- University of Louisville
Medical Doctor
An MD (Doctor of Medicine) graduates from a traditional medical school. A DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) graduates from an osteopathic medical school. A major difference between MDs and DOs is that some doctors of osteopathic medicine use manual medicine as part of treatment. Manual medicine can include hands on work on joints and tissues and massage. After medical school, both kinds of doctors must complete training as residents in the specialty they choose. They also must pass the same licensing exam before they can treat people and prescribe medicines.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- CHEM 231 & 233 Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab
- CHEM 232 & 234 Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab
- ENGL 111 Academic Composition
- ENGL 204 Creative Writing or ENGL 310 Writing in the Professions
- MATH 230 Calculus I
- PHYS 220 & 220L General Physics I and Lab
- PHYS 221 & 221L General Physics II and Lab
Encouraged Courses:
- BIOL 324 & 324L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- BIOL 334 & 334L Vertebrate Physiology
- CHEM 451 Biochemistry I
- CHEM 454 Biochemistry II
- HSPTS 289 Applied Human Anatomy
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 230: MATH 120 College Algebra
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Indiana University
- Purdue University Indianapolis
- Marshall University
- Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Ohio University
- Ross University School of Medicine
- The Ohio State University
- University of Alabama Birmingham
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Illinois-Chicago
- University of Kentucky
- University of Toledo
- West Virginia University
- Wright State University
Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist (OT) works with individuals whose participation in life has been interrupted by physical injury/ illness, developmental/learning disabilities, psychological/emotional problems or the aging process. The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes occupational therapy as among the fastest growing and most needed health care professions. There is a shortage of therapists nationwide. The number of patients requiring occupational therapy is increasing faster than the number of OTs.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 231 & 231L Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 232 & 232L Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 and Lab
- ENGL 111 Academic Composition
- MATH 215 Elementary Statistics OR SOSCI 210 Statistics
- PSYCH 120 or 121 Introductory Psychology
- PSYCH 310 Developmental Psychology
- SOC 120 or 115 Introductory Sociology
Encouraged Courses:
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 215 or SOSCI 210: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Belmont University
- Boston University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Pacific University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Indianapolis
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Toledo
- Rush University
- Walsh University
- Washington University
Optometry
An optometrist earns a doctor of optometry degree and studies the human eye and its function. Optometry school requires four years of study. Optometrists are employed by private industry, as well as hospitals and clinics. They may also be self-employed and open their own practice.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 231 & 231L Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 232 & 232L Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 290 & 290L Principles of Microbiology
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- CHEM 231 & 233 Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab
- CHEM 232 & 234 Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab
- CHEM 451 Biochemistry
- PHYS 220 General Physics I and Lab
- PHYS 221 General Physics II and Lab
- PSYCH 120 or 121 Introductory Psychology
- MATH 215 Elementary Statistics or SOSCI 210 Statistics
Encouraged Courses:
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 215 or SOSCI 210: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Illinois College of Optometry
- Nova Southeastern University
- Salus University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Alabama Birmingham
Pharmacy
Pharmacists study drugs and drug interactions in the human body and help to educate the public about drug interactions and effectiveness. Many pharmacists work for pharmaceutical companies, as well as hospitals and pharmacies. A doctor of pharmacy degree requires four years of study after an undergraduate degree.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 231 & 231L Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 232 & 232L Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 290 & 290L Principles of Microbiology
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- CHEM 231 & 233 Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab
- CHEM 232 & 234 Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab
- MATH 215 Elementary Statistics OR SOSCI 210 Statistics
- MATH 230 Calculus I
- PSYCH 120 or 121 Introductory Psychology
Encouraged Courses:
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- CHEM 451 Biochemistry I
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 215 or SOSCI 210: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 230: MATH 120 College Algebra
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Ohio Northern University
- The Ohio State University
Physical Therapy
Capital’s pre-physical therapy program prepares students to enter graduate school in physical therapy at the doctoral (DPT) level. Our approach produces professionals eager to increase our understanding of human health and the natural world. Physical therapists practice in hospital settings or through home health agencies, nursing homes, public schools, and a variety of other non-traditional settings.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 231 & 231L Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 232 & 232L Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 and Lab
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- MATH 215 Elementary Statistics OR SOSCI 210 Statistics
- PHYS 220 & 220L General Physics 1 with lab
- PHYS 221 & 221L General Physics 2 with lab
- PSYCH 120 or 121 Introductory Psychology
Encouraged Courses:
- HSPTS 289 Applied Human Anatomy
- HSPTS 385 Therapeutic Rehabilitation
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 215 or SOSCI 210: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for PHYS 220: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra, MATH 120 College Algebra, and MATH 230 Calculus
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Andrews University
- Chapman University
- Cleveland State University
- Marshall University
- Mount St. Joseph University
- Ohio University
- Saint Francis University (PA)
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Dayton
- University of Findlay
- University of Lynchburg
- University of Maryland Baltimore
- University of Toledo
- Walsh University
- Wheeling University
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They may treat injuries, prescribe most medications, and perform routine patient care. A master’s degree is required and takes 2.5 years to complete.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 150 or 270/270L Genetics
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 231 & 231L Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 232 & 232L Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 240 Medical Terminology
- BIOL 290 & 290L Principles of Microbiology
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- CHEM 231 & 233 Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab
- CHEM 232 & 234 Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab
- CHEM 451 Biochemistry
- ENGL 111 Academic Composition
- MATH 215 Elementary Statistics OR SOSCI 210 Statistics
- PSYCH 120 or 121 Introductory Psychology
Encouraged Courses:
- HSPTS 289 Applied Human Anatomy
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 215 or SOSCI 210: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- Albany Medical College
- Baldwin-Wallace University
- Butler University
- Jefferson College of Health Sciences
- Kettering College
- Lake Erie College
- Marietta College
- Ohio Dominican University
- Ohio University
- Shenandoah University
- University of Dayton
- University of Findlay
- University of Mount Union
- University of Toledo
- University of Nebraska
- University of Toledo
Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary physicians treat non-human patients, from cats and dogs to exotic animals in zoos. Four years of study after the undergraduate degree are required to earn the doctor of veterinary medicine degree. Opportunities for specialty training are available in addition to private practice. Veterinarians often work for the government and industry as food and public health inspectors, as well as in zoos, aquaria, and animal parks.
Required Courses*:
- BIOL 150 Human and Applied Genetics OR BIOL 270/270L Genetics
- BIOL 151 & 151L Foundations of Modern Biology 1 and Lab
- BIOL 152 & 152L Foundations of Modern Biology 2 and Lab
- BIOL 290 & 290L Principles of Microbiology
- CHEM 171 & 173 Chemical Principles 1 and Lab
- CHEM 172 & 174 Chemical Principles 2 and Lab
- CHEM 231 & 233 Organic Chemistry 1
- CHEM 232 & 234 Organic Chemistry 2
- ENGL 111 Academic Composition
- Second Writing Course (e.g., ENGL 204 or 310)
- MATH 215 Elementary Statistics OR SOSCI 210 Statistics
- PHYS 220 & 220L General Physics 1 with lab
- PHYS 221 & 221L General Physics 2 with lab
Encouraged Courses:
- BIOL 324 & 324L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- BIOL 334 & 334L Vertebrate Physiology
- HSPTS 289 Applied Human Anatomy
- HSPTS 362 Biomechanics
- UC 100 Section: 21st Cent. Health Professions
- Five semesters of psychology or humanities
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for MATH 215 or SOSCI 210: MATH 110 Intermediate Algebra
- Prerequisite Courses Needed for PHYS 220: MATH 120 College Algebra and MATH 230 Calculus
*Students should check specific course and application requirements to determine if additional courses are needed to apply.
- The Ohio State University
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