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The following is a brief list of courses that typically are required
for admission into various health professions programs. It is meant only as a beginning guide to be used while planning an undergraduate
curriculum; it is not meant to provide a list of all required courses
for all programs. In fact, specific admission requirements for health
professions programs vary considerably. It is, therefore, important that
the applicant obtain a catalog for the specific program and school
where he or she plans to apply.
Careful planning of the student's academic
program is important and students should select Biology 121 or Chemistry
111 in their first semester. Consultation with the Health Professions
Advisory Committee should begin during the first-year orientation.
Chiropractic Medicine
A doctor of chiropractic is a primary health-care provider who gives
particular attention to the relationship of the structural and neurological
aspects of the body. A chiropractor is trained in physical examination,
orthopedic and neurological testing, radiographic interpretation
and direct palpitation of joint movement. Although most chiropractic
colleges specify two years of pre-professional education as a minimum
requirement for admission, the majority of entering students have
a bachelor's degree. No specific undergraduate major is required.
Most chiropractic colleges require a minimum grade point average,
typically around 2.5, with no science course below a "C."
The specific admission requirements for chiropractic colleges differ
from one school to another, however, the following guidelines should
be kept in mind while planning an undergraduate curriculum: biology,
eight-12 credit hours, vertebrate or human anatomy & physiology
preferred or required (Biology 121 and Biology 211, 216, 312, 314
or 332); general chemistry, eight credit hours (Chemistry 112 and
211); organic chemistry, eight credit hours (Chemistry 111 and 214);
physics, eight credit hours (Physics 151-152); English/communication,
6 credit hours (English 110 and Speech 115); psychology, three credit
hours (Psychology 110); humanities and social sciences, 15
credit hours (most transferable courses are acceptable, however,
courses in public speaking, critical thinking, ethics, writing and
sociology are preferred); and additional electives to total the minimum
requirements of the particular school.
Dentistry
Although many dental schools specify three years of pre-professional
education as a minimum requirement for admission, most entering students
have a bachelor's degree. No specific undergraduate major is required.
Most dental schools require a certain level of performance on the Dental
Admission Test; students should take this test the spring of their
junior year. Dental schools also assess the undergraduate transcript,
grade point average, letters of recommendation and an interview.
The specific admission requirements for dental schools differ from
one school to another and it is important that the applicant obtain
a catalog from the specific school of dentistry where he or she plans
to apply. The following guidelines should be kept in mind while planning
an undergraduate curriculum: general chemistry, eight-10 credit hours
(Chemistry 112 and 211); organic chemistry, eight-10 credit hours (Chemistry
111 and 214); biology, eight-10 credit hours; physics, eight-10 credit
hours (starting with Physics 151-152); mathematics, at least college algebra;
English, six-12 credit hours (at least English 110 and an additional
course); psychology, three-six credit hours (at least Psychology 110 and one course at the 200-300 level); and additional electives to total the minimum requirements
of the particular dental school.
Medical Technology
The baccalaureate degree is one prerequisite to taking the registry
examination for licensing as a medical technologist. A student's
undergraduate major may be in any field, though most students interested
in medical technology choose either biology or chemistry. A minimum
of 16 credit hours of biology is required, including Biology 121
and a course in microbiology (Biology 314). Students also must take
a minimum of 16 credit hours of chemistry, including a course in
organic chemistry (Chemistry 111 and 214) and a course in quantitative
analysis (Chemistry 211), and one course in mathematical statistics
(Mathematics 120). Additional recommended courses in the sciences
include physics, genetics, and human anatomy and physiology.
A student may apply to medical technology programs at any institution,
however Ripon College has affiliations with two. Students may enter
the program at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after receiving
the A.B. degree from Ripon or, with special permission, after three
and one-half years at Ripon. A second alternative is to spend two years
at Ripon and two at Rush University in Chicago. Upon successful completion
of the two years at Rush, the student receives a B.S. in Medical Technology
from Rush and is ready to take the licensing examination.
Medicine, Allopathic and Osteopathic
Medical schools seek candidates with a high level of scholastic achievement
and intellectual potential, as well as the motivation and humanistic
concern necessary for success as a physician. These qualities are measured
by college grades, particularly science grades, letters of recommendation
from undergraduate faculty and premedical advisers, Medical College
Admission Test (MCAT) scores, interview assessment, an applicant's
personal statement and application, and volunteer work and community
service. Acceptance into medical school is extremely competitive, and
the mean grade point average for accepted students is about 3.6. Although
most medical schools require a minimum of three years of undergraduate
work before admission, the majority of entering medical students have
a baccalaureate degree.
Medical schools do not require a specific major, however, most applicants
major in biology, chemistry or such combinations as the chemistry-biology
major. Although an understanding of the principles of the sciences
basic to medicine is required of entering medical students, breadth
of education also is expected. A successful medical student must effectively
acquire, synthesize, apply and communicate information. Thus, studies
in the humanities and in the social and behavioral sciences and opportunities
for the development of effective writing skills are strongly suggested.
Independent study and research also are encouraged.
The specific admissions requirements vary from school to school, and
you should plan carefully to ensure your education and work experiences
enhance your chances for admission. The following guidelines should
be kept in mind when planning an undergraduate curriculum: general
biology or zoology (with lab), four credit hours (Biology 121); advanced
biology or zoology (with lab), four credit hours; general chemistry
(with lab), eight credit hours (Chemistry 112 and 211); organic chemistry
(with lab), eight credit hours (Chemistry 111 and 214); physics (with
lab), eight credit hours (Physics 151-152); English, six
credit hours (English 110 and an additional course); mathematics, at
least college algebra for most schools, however, some schools require
calculus; additional electives to total the minimum requirements of
the particular medical school; and an internship with a physician (Biology
551 or 552).
Courses such as human anatomy and physiology (Biology 211 and
312), vertebrate zoology (Biology 216), genetics (Biology 219), microbiology
(Biology 314), cell physiology (Biology 327), comparative animal
physiology (Biology 332) and biochemistry (Chemistry 422) are useful
when preparing for the natural science component of the MCAT.
Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
Ripon College and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offer
a cooperative program in nursing and allied health services. Students
enrolled in this program spend their first two years at Ripon and then
transfer to Rush for their final two years (2/2 program). After completing
the four-year program of study, students receive a B.S. in Nursing
or Allied Health Services from Rush University. Alternatively, students
may attend Ripon for three years and then Rush for two years (3/2 program)
to obtain a bachelor's degree from Ripon and nursing degree from Rush.
In order to enroll at Rush University after two years at Ripon, a
student must have completed a minimum 60-62 credit hours, have a minimum
cumulative grade point of 2.5, and show evidence of better than average
ability and motivation in science courses. During the first two years
at Ripon, students are expected to elect the following courses of study:
biology, 12 credit hours (Biology 121, 211 and 314); chemistry, 10-15
credit hours (Chemistry 111, 112, and 211 or 214); social sciences,
14-16 credit hours (psychology 110, 235, 242 or 243 and one course
in anthropology or sociology); English, six-eight credit hours (English
110 and another English course or writing intensive course); statistics,
four credit hours (Mathematics 120 or Psychology 211-212); and electives,
a minimum of six credit hours each in two of the following areas: fine
arts, foreign languages, and humanities.
Graduate entry level nursing programs are available for those students
who have earned a baccalaureate degree. Graduate programs in nursing
include a master's of science (M.S.), doctor of nursing (N.D.), and
doctor of nursing science (D.N.Sc.). For these programs, an applicant
must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and the graduate
record exam (GRE) and an interview are required. Prerequisite coursework
includes human anatomy & physiology (Biology 211 and 312), microbiology
(Biology 314), inorganic chemistry (Chemistry 112) and organic chemistry
(Chemistry 111).
Optometry
The American Optometric Association (AOA) published definition of
an optometrist is as follows: "Doctors of Optometry are independent
primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage
diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated
structures, as well as diagnose related systemic conditions." Most
students entering optometry school have a bachelor's degree from
a four-year college or university. Optometry programs assess undergraduate
grade point average, scores on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT),
undergraduate degrees, biographical information, knowledge of the
profession, letters of reference and an interview.
The specific admission requirements for Optometry schools differ
markedly from one school to another, and it is important that the
applicant obtain a catalog from the specific school or college of
optometry where he or she plans to apply. The following guidelines
should be kept in mind while planning an undergraduate curriculum:
biology, including general biology (Biology 121), microbiology (Biology
314), human anatomy and physiology
(Biology 211 and 312), cell physiology (Biology 327), and genetics (Biology
219); chemistry, including inorganic (Chemistry 112), organic (Chemistry
111), and biochemistry (Chemistry 422); general physics (Physics
151-152); English composition (English 110); psychology
(Psychology 110); mathematics, often including calculus (Mathematics
141) and/or statistics (Mathematics 120); and computer science (Computer
Science 110). Additional courses may include sociology, public speaking,
business and economics.
Pharmacy
Historically, the functions of a pharmacist centered on the preparation
and provision of a drug product to a patient. However, over the past
30 years, pharmacists have begun to complement their practice with
a more proactive approach, emphasizing pharmaceutical care. Today pharmacists
are responsible for selecting an appropriate dosage and dosage schedule,
preparing medication for administration, providing information about
medication and advising and monitoring patients to prevent or detect
harmful side effects. Reflective of this change, a majority of the
nation's schools and colleges of pharmacy recently have voted to move
toward awarding the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree as the only
professional degree in pharmacy.
A Pharm. D. degree requires at least two years of preprofessional
study followed by at least four years of professional study. Consequently,
a number of students obtain their bachelor's degree before matriculating
into a Pharm D. program. Entry-level Pharm. D. admission is based upon
completion of pre-pharmacy courses, quality of academic record, Pharmacy
College Admission Test (PCAT) scores, letters of recommendation, resume
and a personal interview. The specific admission requirements for Pharm.
D. programs differ markedly from one school to another and are generally
more extensive and detailed than those of medical schools. It is important
that the applicant obtain a catalog from the specific school of pharmacy
where he or she plans to apply.
The following guidelines should be kept in mind while planning an
undergraduate curriculum of pre-professional preparation: inorganic
chemistry, eight-10 credit hours (Chemistry 112 and 211); organic chemistry,
eight-10 credit hours (Chemistry 111 and 214); biology, at least 12
credit hours including general biology (Biology 121), vertebrate zoology
(Biology 216), and genetics (Biology 219) or biology of plants (Biology
227); general physics, eight-10 credit hours (Physics 151-152);
calculus, four-five credit hours (Mathematics 141); communication,
three-six credit hours (English 110 and possibly Speech 115); microeconomics,
three-four credit hours (Economics 211-212); social science, three credit
hours, sociology (Sociology 110) or anthropology (Anthropology 110);
behavioral science, three credit hours, (Psychology 110); history,
two-three credit hours; humanities, six credit hours; ethnic studies,
three credit hours; and additional electives to total the minimum requirements
of the particular pharmacy school.
Physical Therapy and Corrective Therapy
There are several academic paths to certification as a physical therapist,
however, the most common has become a master of science degree in physical
therapy. In this case, the student's undergraduate degree is not in
physical therapy, and a complete bachelor's degree will be required
of all students applying for admission to the physical therapy professional
program. Although there is no specific major required for entrance
into a physical therapy program, the undergraduate major often is biology,
physical education or self-designed.
The specific admission requirements vary considerably from school
to school and generally are more extensive and detailed than those
of medical schools. It is important that the applicant obtain a catalog
from the specific school of physical therapy where he or she plans
to apply. Many admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from
an accredited college or university; GRE; a minimum cumulative grade
point average, usually a 3.0; a minimum science grade point average;
successful completion of all prerequisite courses no later than the
spring semester prior to summer admission; evidence of professional
behavior required to participate effectively in a health care environment;
and satisfactory completion of volunteer or paid patient care experience
in two physical therapy settings under the supervision of a physical
therapist, usually at least a minimum of 20 hours in each setting.
The following guidelines should be kept in mind while planning an
undergraduate curriculum: biology, including introductory biology (Biology
121), animal biology, with lab (any zoology course); a year of human
anatomy and physiology, with lab (Biology 211 and 312); a year sequence
of chemistry, with lab (Chemistry 111 and 112); biochemistry (Chemistry
422); a year sequence of general physics, with lab (Physics 151-152); psychology, including general psychology (Psychology 110) and human development (Psychology 235, 242, or 243); and statistics
(Mathematics 120). In addition, the following courses are recommended
by many schools and required by others: kinesiology, exercise physiology,
neurosciences, physiological psychology, calculus, ethics, medical
sociology, cultural diversity, counseling, public speaking, public
health, English and technical writing, English composition, computer
science and additional courses in the humanities and social sciences.
Internships with physical therapists also are required (Biology 551
or 552).
A baccalaureate degree with a major in physical education is a prerequisite
for admission to a training program in corrective therapy. Following
graduation, the interested student enters a one-year training program
at an approved institution where corrective therapy is available. There
is a subsequent certification examination. For more information, consult
any member of the Health Professions Advisory Committee.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are health professionals licensed to practice
medicine with physician supervision. Within the physician/PA relationship,
physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and
provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. For example,
PAs are qualified to take medical histories, order laboratory tests,
diagnose and treat illnesses, give medical advice, counsel patients,
perform physical exams, assist in surgery and set fractures.
The specific admission requirements for PA programs differ from one
school to another, and it is important that the applicant obtain a catalog
from the specific PA program where he or she plans to apply. Although
no specific major is required, you should plan carefully to ensure
that your education and employment experiences enhance your chances
for admission. Most PA programs require applicants have a minimum of
two years of college credit and more than half of those who apply already
have a college degree. Further, some health care experience is required
prior to admission. Thus, it is a good idea to volunteer in a hospital
and to obtain EMT or CNA certification. Some schools also require the
Allied Health Professional Admissions Test (AHPAT).
The following guidelines should be kept in mind while planning an
undergraduate curriculum: inorganic chemistry (Chemistry 112), organic
chemistry (Chemistry 111), biochemistry (Chemistry 422), general biology
(Biology 121), zoology (Biology 215, 216, or 332), microbiology (Biology
314), human anatomy and physiology, one year (Biology 211 and 312),
general psychology (Psychology 110), and additional electives
to total the minimum requirements of the particular physician assistant
program.
Podiatry
Podiatric medicine is a branch of the medical sciences devoted to
the study of human movement with the medical care of the foot and ankle
as its primary focus. A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) specializes
in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders, diseases
and injuries. Although schools of podiatric medicine specify three
years of pre-professional education as a minimum requirement for admission,
a baccalaureate degree is strongly recommended (more than 90 percent of entering
students have a bachelor's degree). No specific undergraduate major
is required. Most colleges of podiatric medicine require a certain
level of performance on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Podiatric colleges also assess the undergraduate transcript, grade
point average, letters of recommendation (one from the Health Professions
Advisory Committee, two from science faculty, and one from a podiatric
physician), and an interview.
The minimum semester credit hour requirements for all of the colleges
of podiatric medicine include the following: biology, eight credit
hours (Biology 121 and an additional course); chemistry (general/inorganic),
eight credit hours (Chemistry 112 and 211); organic chemistry, eight
credit hours (Chemistry 111 and 214); physics, eight credit hours (Physics
151-152); English, six credit hours (English 110 and an
additional course). It is strongly recommended that the college curriculum
also include three or more of the following courses: anatomy (Biology
211 and 312), biochemistry (Chemistry 422), genetics (Biology 219),
microbiology (Biology 314), and physiology (Biology 211, 312, or 332).
The latest a student may take the MCAT is in the spring of the year
prior to fall admission.
Veterinary Medicine
Schools of veterinary medicine are one of the most selective of professional
schools. They assess the undergraduate transcript and grade point average,
standardized examination (usually the GRE, but occasionally the VCAT,
taken in the spring of the junior year), animal contact and work experience,
veterinary medical experience, other preparatory experience, college
degree earned, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation
and a personal interview.
The specific admission requirements vary considerably from school
to school and generally are more extensive and detailed than those
of medical schools. It is important that the applicant obtain a catalog
from the specific school of veterinary medicine where he or she plans
to apply. Although no specific major is required, you should plan carefully
to ensure that your education and animal work experiences enhance your
chances for admission.
Typical course requirements include: general and qualitative chemistry,
eight-10 credit hours (Chemistry 112 and 211); organic chemistry, eight-10
credit hours (Chemistry 111 and 214); biochemistry, three-four credit
hours (Chemistry 422); general biology or zoology, five-six credit
hours (Biology 121 and an additional course in animal biology); genetics
or animal breeding, three credit hours (Biology 219); microbiology,
three-four credit hours (Biology 314); general physics, six-ten credit
hours (Physics 151-152); statistics (Mathematics 120); English
composition, three-six credit hours (English 110); social science or
humanities, six-ten credit hours; and additional electives to total
the minimum requirements of the particular veterinary school. In addition,
calculus (Mathematics 141) and courses in animal behavior (Psychology
233) and husbandry may be required.
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