Pre-Health Areas of Study

Pre-medicine students typically pursue a biology or chemistry major, although students may major in any other discipline provided they take the courses necessary for admission into a medical school. To this end, it is strongly recommended that students consult a premedical advisor as they plan their undergraduate experience.

The prerequisite courses necessary for medical school vary by program, so students are encouraged to look at individual program requirements as they plan their schedules. However, most programs require the following:

• one year of general biology (Biology 151-152)
• one year of general chemistry (Chemistry 151-152)
• one year of organic chemistry (Chemistry 241-242)
• one semester of biochemistry (Chemistry 301)
• one year of general physics (Physics 151-152)
• one year of English composition (one additional writing-based course beyond Paideia 111 and 112)
• one semester of advanced college mathematics or statistics

Many programs require or recommend additional courses in the sciences, including genetics, human physiology, anatomy, and microbiology. Finally, most programs require students to take courses in the humanities and behavioral sciences, which are fulfilled at Luther College through the general education requirements.

Medical schools require pre-med students to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess a student’s ability to problem solve, critical thinking skills, and their knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. The MCAT is usually taken during the summer after the junior year of college.

The MCAT is comprised of four sections:

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Students receive a score for each of these sections (from a low of 118 to a high of 132 for each section), along with a composite total score (472 to 528) and an associated percentile based on national averages. While the medical school curriculum requirements listed above provide the much of the background material needed for the exam, students should complete introductory courses in psychology and sociology for the psycho/social section of the exam. Additionally, completion of genetics and human physiology are strongly recommended for the biological science components.

Most pre-medical students apply for admission to medical school during the summer between their junior and senior years. Application is done by computer to AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) for MD programs or to AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine) for DO programs. Pre-medical faculty advisors are available to assist students in the application process. Health Sciences Club also provides pertinent information for students planning a medical career.

Internship experience is an important part of preparing for medical school, and medical schools expect applicants to have some clinical experience such as shadowing clinicians, work in a health care setting, and/or a clinically-based internship. Luther grants academic credit for health-career internships (Biology 380), most of which are arranged during January Term.

Although not required, many medical students have had research experience. Luther offers students the opportunity to do research with faculty members. and students may receive credit for directed research (Biology 389). Current research opportunities at Luther include cardiovascular physiology, pulmonary physiology, biofilm bacteriology, genomics, evolution of genome size and developmental mutations. Directed research can be done during the semester for academic credit, or during the summer at Luther College or at other institutions.

First Year

Fall Semester

• Paideia 111 (English and History)
• Chemical Principles I (Chem 151)
• Mathematics
• Foreign language
• Personal Fitness and Wellness

Spring Semester

• Paideia 112
• Chemical Principles II (Chem 152)
• Principles of Biology: Molecules and Cells (Bio 152)
• Religion
• Language
• Physical education skills

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

• Principles of Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Diversity (Bio 151)
• Organic Chemistry I (Chem 241)
• General Psychology (Psyc 130)
• Elective or General Education course

Spring Semester

• Organic Chemistry II (Chem 242)
• Genetics (Bio 201)
• Introduction to Sociology (Soc 101)
• Elective or General Education course

Junior Year

Fall Semester

• General Physics I (Phys 151)
• Human Physiology (Bio 255)
• Religion
• Elective or General Education course

Spring Semester

• General Physics II (Phys 152)
• Biochemistry (Chem 301)
• Upper level biology
• Human expression course such as English composition
• Elective or General Education course

Senior Year

Fall Semester

• Upper level biology
• Upper level biology
• Paideia 450
• Senior project (Bio 490)

Spring Semester

• Upper level biology
• Elective or General Education course
• Elective or General Education course
• Elective or General Education course

Although students can choose any upper level biology courses to fulfill a biology major, courses that are often chosen by pre-medical students at Luther include microbiology, genetics, cell, developmental biology, molecular biology, physiology, biostatistics, histology, immunology, endocrinology, neuroscience, and human dissection and anatomy.

Recent Luther graduates have attended medical schools throughout the United States and can find their niche in medicine in any of the following areas:

• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Medical Genetics
• Neurology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Ophthalmology
• Osteopathology
• Pathology
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Radiation Oncology
• Radiology, Diagnostic
• Sleep Medicine
• Surgery
• Urology

For many years physical therapy was available as a bachelor’s degree, but in the late 1990’s the bachelor degree programs in physical therapy were replaced by 2-year master’s degree programs that required students to have completed their bachelor’s degree prior to entry. The majority of physical therapy programs have since transitioned to three-year doctorate programs (DPT). For a list of physical therapy programs in the United States, please visit Physical Therapy Programs.

To prepare students for admission to physical therapy school, Luther College (and most other institutions) offers a pre-physical therapy program. These programs are not an academic major, but rather are a set of interdisciplinary courses that teach students the basic sciences necessary for entry into a DPT school. Thus, students may pursue any academic major during their undergraduate experience, although most students major in biology, health/physical education, or psychology. Luther College graduates have had outstanding success in pursuing a DPT program after graduating, with an exceptional acceptance rate to programs around the country.

While entrance requirements for DPT programs vary by institution, the majority of programs require the following courses:

• One year of general biology (2 courses)
• One year of general chemistry (2 courses)
• One year of general physics (2 courses)
• Human physiology (1 course)
• Human anatomy (1 course)
• Psychology (usually 3 courses, including General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology and one other course)
• Statistics (1 course)
• College math (1 course)

Students may supplement their preparation by additional courses in physical education (such as Anatomy and Kinesiology, First Aid, or Adaptive Physical Education) and biology, as desired. In all cases, students should work closely with their advisors to plan an undergraduate curriculum that ensures completion of the entrance requirements for physical therapy schools.

In addition to completion of the necessary prerequisite courses, most DPT programs require that students take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), usually during or after their junior year in college. The second requirement for entrance to a physical therapy program is experience in a physical therapy setting. This may be done in several ways, such as a formal internship for academic credit, a volunteer or paid position in a physical therapy clinic, or through shadowing a physical therapist during the academic year or summer. The Decorah region has several physical therapy clinics in which students can gain firsthand experience, and the Career Center can assist in arranging an internship experience.

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Nursing homes
• Home care agencies
• Corporations
• Schools
• Rehabilitation centers

In these settings, therapists may practice as generalists or choose to specialize in one of several areas:

• Orthopedics
• Sports physical therapy
• Geriatrics
• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Cardiopulmonary

In addition, physical therapists can pursue avenues in administration, research and education.

Pre-veterinary studies in the Luther biology department is made up of a broad background in biology and an emphasis in physiology and cell biology. Supporting courses from other departments will include physics (one full year) and chemistry (two full years).

In addition to college coursework, most veterinary schools require experience with animals and experience shadowing veterinarians. Luther grants academic credit for health-career internships (Biology 380B). Most internship experiences are arranged during January Term. Internships are primarily observational, but they provide a very practical introduction to the veterinary medicine profession. Although a shadowing experience is not formalized and does not receive academic credit, it is an excellent way to become familiar with various aspects of veterinary medicine.

A veterinary school application will also require the GRE exam, usually taken in the fall of the senior year of college. The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges website contains the best information currently on the various veterinary schools and their specific requirements.

A veterinarian has many career options. About 40 percent of all veterinarians treat small animals or pets. A large number of veterinarians specialize in the health and breeding of cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, or horses. Many inspect meat, poultry and other foods as part of state-sponsored or federally funded public health programs. Others teach in veterinary colleges. Research is an area which continues to grow in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians are conducting research related to animal diseases, food and drug testing, and animal injuries. In addition, because of the many correlative findings linked to animals, medical research teams have been formed to seek knowledge about the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

Pre-pharmacy students often pursue a chemistry or biology major although a major in another discipline is possible after consultation with an academic advisor. It is possible to complete the course of study in six years of coursework, laboratory experience, and patient care. To complete the pharmacy program in six years, the minimum of two years of pre-pharmacy study (at the university of the pharmacy school or at a place like Luther) and four years in a college of pharmacy are required. Luther does not have a pharmacy school, but we work with pharmacy schools to assist Luther students in doing pre-pharmacy studies here. Sixty percent of students attending pharmacy school hold a bachelor’s degree before entering professional school, and of the other 40 percent, most have at least three years of undergraduate coursework.

Admissions requirements for pharmacy schools in the United States vary greatly; students should research what is required by the schools where they want to apply. There are some commonly required courses for most pharmacy schools, including:

• one year of general biology (Biology 151-152)
• one year of general chemistry (Chemistry 151-152)
• one year of organic chemistry (Chemistry 241-242)
• one semester (or year) of general physics (Physics 151, or 181 *)
• one semester of calculus (Math 141 or 151)
• one semester of statistics (Math 115 or 321 or Bio 256)
• one semester of microbiology (Bio 248)
• one semester of anatomy (Bio 115 or Bio 368)
• one semester of physiology (Bio 116 or Bio 255)
• two semesters of English/rhetoric (Paideia 112, and Coms 132)
• two semesters of social and behavioral sciences (Econ 248 (required for many), Psych 130 or other electives)

Other courses that may be required or recommended include biochemistry, advanced biology such as genetics, ethics, and/or philosophy.

* University of Minnesota now requires a calculus-based physics class (1 course)

The above are required for University of Iowa and University of Minnesota pharmacy programs; some private schools have a shorter list of ‘required’ pre-pharmacy courses.

Luther grants academic credit for health-career internships (Biology 380B) and for directed research (Chemistry 389 or Biology 389). Most internship experiences are arranged during January Term or summer sessions (independent). Internships are primarily observational, but they provide a very practical introduction to the pharmacy profession. Most pharmacy schools expect applicants to have some experience such as an internship would provide.

Although not required, many pharmacy students have had research experience (required for chemistry major, not for other Luther majors). Luther offers students the opportunity to do research with faculty members. Current research opportunities at Luther include organometallic synthesis, organic photochemistry, cardiovascular physiology, pulmonary physiology, biofilm bacteriology, genomics, evolution of genome size, and developmental mutations. Directed research can be done during the semester for academic credit or during the summer at Luther or at other institutions.

Pharmacy schools require pre-pharmacy students to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). This exam has five sections: verbal ability, biology, chemistry, reading comprehension, and quantitative ability. The PCAT can be taken during the summer between sophomore and junior year or the junior and senior years of college (depending on a student’s course sequence). It is administered at computer testing centers four times during the year. Most pre-pharmacy students apply for admission to pharmacy school during the summer between their junior and senior years. Science faculty advisors are available to assist students in the application process. Health Sciences Club also provides pertinent information for students planning a pharmacy career.

First Year

Fall semester

• Paideia I (English and history)
• Chemical Principles
• Mathematics
• Foreign language
• Personal Fitness and Wellness

Spring semester

• Paideia I
• Chemical Principles
• Additional math, foreign language or elective
• Elective
• Physical education skills

Sophomore Year

Fall semester

• Principles of Biology
• Organic Chemistry
• Human Behavior (Psych 130)
• Coms 132

Spring semester

• Principles of Biology
• Organic Chemistry
• Human Behavior (Econ 248)
• Religion

Junior Year

Fall semester

• General physics
• Microbiology (Bio 243)
• Physiology (Bio 255)
• Religion

Spring semester

• General physics (if needed)
• Statistics (if take biostats, this is an elective)
• Human expression course
• Upper level biology (Biostats)

Senior Year

Fall semester

• Anatomy
• Paideia II
• Elective or intercultural course
• Senior project

Spring semester

• Biochemistry
• Upper level biology class
• Elective or history course
• Elective

Luther graduates who have pursued pharmacology are working as clinical pharmacists and researchers at universities, production technologists in the pharmaceutical industry, and family pharmacists in neighborhood pharmacies, among other placements.

Students interested in exploring pharmacology and other health careers should consider an internship during the three-week January Term or during the regular semester. These internships are primarily observational, but provide a practical introduction to the many healthcare professions.

Internship placements are available in large medical complexes, county hospitals, medical laboratories, public health programs, and private practices. These programs vary to allow advisors the freedom to match specific internships with the career goals of the student.

Most pre-dentistry students pursue a biology or chemistry major although a major in another discipline is possible after consultation with a pre-dental advisor. Most dental schools prefer that applicants have a baccalaureate degree.

The 59 dental schools in the United States require a basic lab science curriculum including:

• one year of general biology (Biology 151-152)
• one year of general chemistry (Chemistry 151-152)
• one year of organic chemistry (Chemistry 241-242)
• one year of general physics (Physics 151-152)

Other courses that may be required include biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and English composition.

Luther grants academic credit for health-career internships (Biology 380B). Most internship experiences are arranged during January Term. Internships are primarily observational, but they provide a very practical introduction to the dentistry profession. Many students also shadow group or individual dental practices in Decorah during the semester. Although shadowing experience is not formalized and does not receive academic credit, it is an excellent way to become familiar with various aspects of dentistry. Most dental schools expect applicants to have considerable observation experience with dentists.

Dental schools require pre-dental students to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). This exam has four components: natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. The DAT is usually taken during the summer between the junior and senior years of college. It is administered at computer testing centers most days of the year.

Most pre-dental students apply for admission to dental school during the summer between their junior and senior years. Application is done on computer to AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service). Pre-dental faculty advisors are available to assist students in the application process.

First Year

Fall semester

• Paideia I (English and history)
• General Chemistry or Principles of Biology
• Mathematics
• Foreign language
• Personal Fitness and Wellness

Spring semester

• Paideia I
• General Chemistry or Principles of Biology
• Religion
• Additional mathematics, foreign language or elective
• Physical education skills

Sophomore Year

Fall semester

• Principles of Biology or General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry or Microbiology
• Human Behavior course such as psychology
• Human expression course

Spring semester

• Principles of Biology or General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry or upper level biology
• Human behavior course
• Elective or intercultural course

Junior Year

Fall semester

• General Physics
• Microbiology or Organic Chemistry
• Religion
• Elective or history course

Spring semester

• General Physics
• Upper level biology or Organic Chemistry
• Human expression course such as English composition
• Elective

Senior Year

Fall semester

• Human dissection and anatomy
• Paideia II
• Physiology
• Senior project

Spring semester

• Upper level biology
• Biochemistry
• Elective
• Elective

Luther pre-dentistry students enroll in dental schools across the country and work in a variety of settings, ranging from solo practices to major medical complexes in the following areas:

• General dentistry
• Dental public health
• Endodontics
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics

Luther Students

Luther offers pre-professional training for the study of optometry. Typically, pre-optometry students are biology majors and follow a course plan similar to that of the pre-medical student. Emphasis is placed on courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Students spend four years of professional study at an accredited optometry school or college. Students are prepared to enter any of the professional schools in North America.

All Students

Admission requirements to optometry school vary with the institution. All schools and colleges of optometry require you to complete one year of undergraduate biology, chemistry, physics, English, and mathematics before applying.

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of grade point average, performance on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), extra-curricular and community activities, and a personal interview. You need to obtain a catalog from the optometry school which interests you to learn specific requirements.

All optometry school applicants take the Optometry Admission Test before applying. The OAT measures general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. It includes tests on quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, physics, biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. The OAT is a computerized exam, and is generally taken after completion of biology courses, organic chemistry and physics.

Only at Luther

Students may apply to optometry school after their junior year. If you fulfill graduation requirements and are accepted after your junior year, Luther will accept the first year of optometry school in place of your senior year and will grant you a biology major. Most pre-optometry students complete four years of undergraduate work with a major in biology before entering a college of optometry.

(Courses are to be completed in addition to the classes for a major during three or four years at Luther.)

• Principles of Biology
• General Chemistry
• General Physics
• Calculus
• Developmental Biology
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Organic Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Biostatistics
• General Psychology
• One additional advanced psychology course
• Biochemistry

Internships are primarily observational, and they provide a very practical introduction to the many health-care professions. Students may arrange internship experiences during the three-week January Term as well as during the regular semester. Placements are available in large medical complexes, county hospitals, medical laboratories, public health programs, and private practices. These programs vary to allow advisors the freedom to match specific internships with the career goals of the student. Luther grants academic credit for health-career internships (Biology 380B).

Luther graduates who pursue optometry work in private practice and in large medical facilities across the country. For more information about graduate experiences, please consult a pre-optometry advisor in the biology department.