Choosing a Major

Pre-health students can major in any subject and go on to their professional program of choice. There is no one major that professional schools prefer, and students are encouraged to choose a major based upon genuine and sincere interest in studying the materials (four years is a long time to study a major you don't like).

Some students choose a major based upon its relevance to medicine, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Services, Health Administration and Policy, and Medical Anthropology.

Students are also encouraged to choose a major that would lead to employment if professional school did not happen or did not happen right away. This is called parallel planning-the idea of keeping doors and options open as you work toward several possibilities. Again, this is where the idea of personal interest in a major comes into play. Some examples include Social Work, EMS, Exercise Science, Business, Health Administration and Policy, Healthy Lifestyle Management, and Nursing.

Your Dean's Office can assist you with Magis Core requirements and officially declaring a major.

Minors

The ability to pursue a particular major and minor while also pursuing pre-health pre-requisites depends on the major and minor requirements. Visit with advisors from departments of interest to determine what it would look like to pursue a particular combination. Here are some things to consider:

- - - - How much overlap exists between classes for your major/minor and pre-health area?
      - How much overlap exists between classes for your major/minor and the Magis Core? Minors are all 18 hours and some will have classes that count in the Magis Core.
      - Did you bring in dual credit or AP credit? Does that allow you more room in your schedule for major/minor classes? Will your professional program accept AP Credit or Dual Enrollment credit to satisfy pre-requisites?
      - Are you willing to take summer classes to help fulfill all the requirements?
      - What is your timeline for a professional health program? Will a gap year provide you with more time for major/minor classes in your schedule?
      - Do you also wish to study abroad? Will that limit the amount of room in your schedule for major/minor courses?

Pre-Health Timeline

All pre-health students should create a timeline for their application to a professional health program. Once a timeline has been created, it should be reviewed and adjusted each semester to account for readiness to apply. Every person has a unique timeline to fit their needs and can change over time as circumstances evolve. Your pre-health timeline is a helpful guide you can use as you plan out your curricular and co-curricular experiences at Creighton.

The application process for most professional health programs begins 12-15 months before the student intends to matriculate. For example, students intending to start Physician Assistant school in August 2025 begin their application process in May 2024.

Create a Timeline

1. 1. 1. Determine when you wish to start a professional program.
      - Do I wish to start a professional program immediately following my undergraduate program?
        
        Keep in mind this decision should be personal to you! Planning for a gap year will allow you additional time to build a competitive application and can give you time to say "yes," to opportunities you may not have time to pursue without a gap year.
      - Will my credentials be competitive for admission by the time I want to apply, or will I need additional coursework to strengthen my academic record?
    2. Research the entrance exam required for your program.
      - Which entrance exam do I need to take (MCAT, DAT, GRE, OAT, PCAT)? Are there certain classes I need to finish before taking this exam?
        
        Most students take the entrance exam 15-18 months before they intend to matriculate to a professional program.
    3. Review pre-requisites for programs of interest.

- - - - Requirements can vary from school to school. In addition some schools may specify that certain pre-requisite courses need to be completed prior to application. Take note of these requirements.

Four-Year Plan

Students should create a four-year plan during their first year at Creighton. Academic Advisors can assist with creating a plan for Magis Core, major and minor requirements. Pre-Heatlh students should also be sure to map out when they plan to take their pre-health pre-requisites in their four-year plans. students can meet with a Pre-Health Advisor to review pre-health pre-requisites in their plan.

Create a Four-Year Plan

Here are some things to keep in mind as you map at your pre-requisites:

- - - - Are there courses I need before my entrance exam?
      - Are there pre-requisites for my pre-health courses?
        
        EX: BIO 449 (Animal Physiology) requires that students first complete BIO 362 (Cell Structure & Function)
      - How often is the course offered? Is it offered both semesters, or just once a year? You can find this information in the course catalog next to each course's listing.
        
        EX: BIO 202 (General Biology 2) is offered every semester, but BIO 206 (General Biology 2 Lab) is only offered in the Spring; BIO 351 (Microbiology for non-bio majors) is only offered in the Fall; PHA 310 (Anatomy for Health Professionals) is only offered in the Spring
      - Does the course often fill with juniors? If so, it may be best to plan for it in junior year, as opposed to sophomore year.
      - Am I considering studying abroad? If so, how does this shift my pre-requisites?
      - Do I have a good balance in my schedule?
        
        EX: Taking 2-3 science classes each semester, instead of 5.

Some departments have created sample four-year plans for their majors, and some have also mapped out plans that include pre-health pre-requisites. Be sure to check department websites to see if they have these advising resources available.

Exercise Science

- - - - 4-Year Plans for Various Pre-Health Areas

Physics

- - - - B.S. Major in Physics (Pre-Med)
        
        Applied Physical Analysis Major (Pre-Med)

EMS

- - - - EMS & Pre-PA
        
        EMS & Pre-Accelerated Nursing
        
        EMS & Pre-Med

Biology

- - - - 4-Year Plan

Plans should be reviewed each semester with your Academic Advisor and adapted as plans and circumstances change.