Health care is an exciting and varied field. The more courses you take and the more co-curricular experiences you acquire, the more information you will have to inform your decision about a path that is right for you.

It's important to understand that professional program requirements can be completed alongside any major. First-year students are advised to start slowly and move into a more demanding schedule after a year, once you know exactly how much you can manage. Two science courses (including math) each semester during your first year is probably enough.

Take stock of whether you are enjoying the ideas in your science coursework. Almost half of the health care fields do NOT require advanced coursework in chemistry or biology. A graduate program based on prerequisite courses you truly enjoy may be a better choice. The following information is specific to preparing to be a physician. See Health Field Options and contact a specialty advisor for other health care roles.

Are you specifically interested in medical school?

Medical schools will evaluate applicants on these PreMed Competencies. Medical schools also want to see evidence that applicants understand the challenges as well as the rewards of being a physician. Shadowing along with Clinical Engagement, that allows a prospective student direct observation of the physician role is essential. Click here to download data from the AAMC on undergraduate experiences of accepted medical students. Note that the few students who did not engage in a clinical setting were probably MD, PhD applicants who appropriately focused their time on research.