Prospective Students
Your Calling, Our Commitment
The path to a career in healthcare is more than just a course of study. It requires persistence, growth, and a clear vision for the impact you hope to make on the lives of others. Your journey to this career is unique, and it deserves to be supported by a commitment that values your individual aspirations as much as you do.
Why Choose SIU for your Pre-Health Journey?
Choosing where to begin your path toward a career in healthcare is one of the most significant decisions you will make as an undergraduate. At SIU, we provide an environment designed to foster academic excellence, provide personalized guidance, and ensure you have the tools necessary to succeed in a competitive professional school application process.
Dedicated Pre-Health Support
Personalized Guidance
Navigating the prerequisites, entrance exams, and application cycles for professional school can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. At SIU, our Pre-Health Professions Office serves as a vital partner, working alongside you to bridge the gap between your undergraduate degree and your future healthcare career. From helping decide on a major and facilitating your committee letter to conducting comprehensive reviews of your application materials, we provide the mentorship you need to craft a competitive application. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or are ready to submit your final application, we are here to help you turn your aspirations into a professional reality.
R1 Research Institution
Research Excellence
As an R1 research institution, SIU offers an academic environment where innovation is the standard. We provide our undergraduates with robust opportunities to engage in high-level research. While you pursue your degree, you have the unique ability to go beyond the classroom and work hands-on with our faculty on projects at the forefront of their fields. Engaging in research is a major competitive advantage for professional school applications, demonstrating your ability to think critically and analyze complex data. At SIU, we provide the pathway for you to gain the academic rigor and intellectual curiosity that admissions committees specifically look for in future healthcare leaders.
Robust Student Services
Foundational Support
Your success depends on your ability to master challenging course material while balancing a busy schedule. SIU is committed to your holistic development by offering a wide array of campus resources, including Student Health Services for your physical and mental well-being and the Career Development Center to assist with your professional growth. Most importantly, we provide a robust Tutoring Center designed to help you build the strong academic foundation required for professional school. Whether you utilize group tutoring sessions, one-on-one support, or personalized academic coaching, our resources ensure you have the tools necessary to maintain your academic potential throughout your time at SIU.
Ready to Begin?
Take Your First Steps
You do not have to wait until you arrive on campus to begin preparing for a career in healthcare. The most competitive applicants start building their foundation early.
Here are a few ways to position yourself for success:
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Prioritize Coursework: Be prepared to take upper-level science and math courses on your pre-health journey. You may also consider taking any honors, AP, or dual-credit courses whenever they are available. Take this time to build strong study habits and discover which learning strategies work best for you personally.
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Get Involved and Lead: Take an active role in your community. Whether you are volunteering or stepping up to lead a group, professional schools look for students who are ready to make a difference.
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Gain Early Experience: Start exploring opportunities to gain clinical exposure, whether through shadowing or earning certifications like a CNA. Many health professional schools require significant clinical experience, and these early steps are a great way to solidify your career goals.
Eager to officially become a Saluki?
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in SIU, how can I see the campus?
The best way to experience our campus and learn about our academic community is to plan an official visit. We offer several ways to explore our facilities, meet our community, and see what life is like as a Saluki!
Plan Your Visit:
Prospective students interested in Pre-Health are also welcome to reach out to our office in advance. Depending on the daily schedule, we may be able to coordinate a time to connect or provide additional resources to help maximize your visit to campus.Will my AP or transfer credits count toward my Pre-Health requirements?
SIU frequently accepts transfer and AP test credits toward your degree requirements. Your Major Academic Advisor can help you determine exactly how these credits apply toward your specific degree and graduation requirements.
You can review your credits using the tools below:
Please Note: While most professional programs accept transfer credits from different institutions, their policies regarding AP credits for core requirements vary significantly. We strongly recommend checking the specific admission requirements of the programs you plan to apply to. While these credits may count toward your SIU graduation, some professional programs prefer prerequisites be completed at a four-year institution.
We are happy to help you evaluate these requirements during a Pre-Health appointment to ensure your academic plan remains competitive for your future career.
What should I major in if I want to go into a health profession?
The short answer is: Anything you want!
Health professional programs (such as medical, dental, or physical therapy schools) do not require a specific "Pre-Health" major. Admissions committees value well-rounded applicants and are more interested in your academic performance and passion for the field than the title on your diploma. There are a few considerations to keep in mind such as GPA and prerequiste requirements.
There are unique benefits to both science and non-science majors. We highlight these benefits on our Choosing a Major page below to help you weigh the considerations and see which route fits your interests and goals best.
I want to be a Pre-Health student, what are the requirements and when do I declare?
There is no separate application or additional GPA requirement to be a Pre-Health student at SIU. If you are admitted to the university, you are welcome to pursue any of our Pre-Health Tracks!
Ready to start your journey as a Saluki? Apply to SIU here.
You should declare your interest as early as possible to ensure you are receiving the right guidance from the start. To make it official, simply notify your Major Academic Advisor during your first advisement appointment. They can add the designation to your student record, which ensures you receive relevant Pre-Health updates. Of course, you are welcome to reach out to the Pre-Health Professions Office at any time even before you officially declare, to begin planning your journey.
What does advising support look like for Pre-Health students?
At SIU, you have a dual-support system to ensure you are successful both as a student and as a future professional. Think of your Major Academic Advisor as your guide for your undergraduate degree requirements and the Pre-Health Professions Office as your specialist for your professional school aspirations. While your Major Advisor helps you stay on track for graduation, our office works with you to navigate clinical experiences, entrance exams, and the application process. We work together to ensure your academic plan aligns with your professional aspirations.
I am just starting my journey; what tracks and levels of students do you support?
The Pre-Health Professions Office supports undergraduate students of all majors as they pursue careers in one of our tracks: Chiropractic, Dentistry, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatry, or Veterinary.
We are here to guide you at every stage, from your first semester through the application process. To get started, we host track-specific informational sessions each semester geared toward first and second year students. These sessions cover the essential basics of your chosen path and health professions admission processes. No matter which path you choose, our office is committed to helping you every step of the way!
Still Have Questions? Let’s Connect!
If you did not find what you were looking for in our FAQs, or you are still wondering if SIU is the right fit for your pre-health goals, we are here to provide the clarity you need.
Every pre-health journey is unique, and our office is dedicated to supporting your individual path. Whether you have a quick question or are ready to schedule a virtual appointment to dive deeper, we are just an email away. Reach out today to get the answers you need or to set up a time to chat virtually.
Pre-Health Professions Office
Kaitlyn Kern, MBA
Pre-Health Professions Coordinator
- Email:
- health-professions@siu.edu