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Why Study Pre-Health at Allegheny College

There are many paths that you can take on your journey to a health professional school. At Allegheny you can achieve your core of science and English courses while pursuing any academic major. You don’t need to apply right away, and students can choose to spend a semester or year abroad. In addition to academic work in the sciences, it is important to develop strong verbal skills and a greater appreciation of ideas and cultures. Allegheny can make this all available to you while preparing you for every step.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Pre-Health Professions with:

Program Type

  • Pre-professional

Careers in Pre-Health

Pursuing pre-health at Allegheny prepares you for jobs in:

  • Human medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Podiatry
  • Optometry
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Physician Assistant
  • Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacy

Your Four-Year Journey

Your Pre-Health Advisor

There is no one “right way,” but rather there are many ways that a student can schedule the pre-health core curriculum with any desired major or experience. Allegheny provides pre-health students with many, varied resources to support their career preparation. All students are encouraged to register their interest with their advisor and with Kirsten Peterson, Pre-Professional Advisor. She is available to help with: designing a schedule that allows for an unusual major/minor combination; creating a schedule to allow for study abroad; evaluating strategies for students no matter their goals or anticipated path.

Your Major/Minor

There are many paths that you can take on your journey to a health professional school. Although a core of science and English courses are required, any academic major can prepare you with the right core skills. In addition to academic work in the sciences, it is important to develop strong verbal skills and a greater appreciation of ideas and cultures. Hence, your work in the humanities and social sciences is also very important.

Program Distinctions
  • A reputation among professional schools for a challenging academic program that produces well-prepared, articulate and successful graduate students.
  • The Senior Project, a significant independent research project or creative project undertaken by all students in the major field.
  • Access to research experiences each year, with hands-on learning including summer experiences and independent study.
  • Pre-health advising from First-year Orientation through Commencement, embracing the entire range of health-related careers and providing personal attention to each student.
  • Accessible faculty who help to fit the academic experience to each student’s particular needs and interests.
  • A curriculum that emphasizes analytical reading, writing and thinking skills throughout all four years.
  • Test preparation and library with prep guides and supplemental materials.

Research and Internships

Cooperative Programs

Allegheny students have opportunities to participate in the following cooperative programs. In all cases, students complete at least their first three years at Allegheny.

  • Nursing (3+3, 3+4) with the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing of Case Western Reserve University
  • Occupational Therapy (3+2) with Chatham University
  • Physical Therapy (4+2) with Chatham University
  • Physician Assistant Studies (3+2) with Chatham University
  • Medicine (3+4, 4+4) with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
  • Pharmacy (3+3, 3+4) with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
  • Dentistry (4+4) with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

The programs with Chatham University and LECOM have specific criteria for guaranteed admission and guaranteed interview.

Careful planning is necessary for these programs, and the pre-health advisor is available from your first day on campus to discuss potential and options throughout your years.

Medical Ethics Lecture

Every year Allegheny hosts a noted specialist in medical ethics. Attend the lecture. Consider taking the medical ethics course (Philosophy). Many other lectures offered at the college have relevance to medical practice.

Domestic or Global Relief Programs

Alternative Spring Break trips and Global Learning Trips provide this type of experience. There are a number of international programs available such as Unite for Sight and International Service Learning.

Undergraduate Research

Although every Allegheny student does scholarly research in their senior year, many participate in this endeavor earlier in their experience. Many students work with faculty members over the summer, or during the school year in an independent study. Students who want research as part of their career will want to have experience off campus as well.Such opportunities as SURP, PTEI, and many others are available for this purpose.

Health Coaching Program

After one semester of learning about chronic disease conditions, our health care system, and the psychology of change, students are assigned to a patient with chronic disease to work with them to improve their health. The course is co-taught by an Allegheny professor and professionals from the Meadville Medical Center.

Test and Recommendations

One of the most important ways to prepare for a standardized test is to take as many practice tests as possible. Understanding the structure of the test, knowing how questions will be asked, and having a sense of timing will help you do your best.

Our policy is to assist any student who is interested in any type of medicine. We will write a supportive letter of recommendation for any student in good standing with the College. We do not screen anyone out at any point in the process.

Internships and Job Shadowing

Allegheny students have a variety of opportunities for experiential learning, from shadowing physicians in their offices or on hospital rounds, clinical internships, training, working with animals, and more.

Pre-Health Club

This is an inclusive club aimed to support students during their pre-health journey. We help to educate students who are interested in medical and other health care career paths. Our goal is to lend advice, provide resources, and help build connections for our members. The pre-health advisor also serves as the club advisor.

Program Contact

Kirsten Peterson

Associate Director, Pre-Professional Advising

Email814-332-2845