Pathways to a Medical Profession

It’s not a major…it’s a path of preparation!

DENTAL SCHOOL PATH

MEDICAL SCHOOL PATH

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PATH

OPTOMETRY PATH

PHARMACY PATH

PHYSICAL THERAPY PATH

“WHEREVER THE ART OF MEDICINE IS LOVED, THERE IS ALSO A LOVE OF HUMANITY.” -HIPPOCRATES

Preparing for a Medical or Health Professions Program

Students often ask whether Simpson University offers “pre-med,” “pre-dental,” “pre-pharmacy,” “pre-optometry,” or “pre-physical therapy” majors. At Simpson, these are not majors, they are paths of preparation.

Graduate and professional schools in the health sciences set their own unique admission requirements, including specific prerequisite coursework, recommended electives, and standardized entrance exams such as the MCAT (medical), DAT (dental), PCAT (pharmacy), OAT (optometry), or GRE (physical therapy). Admission is competitive, so maintaining a strong GPA, especially in science courses, is essential.

At Simpson University, our faculty will work with you to customize your academic path—whether you major in Biology, Kinesiology, or another related discipline. Our small class sizes and close-knit campus allow you to build strong relationships with professors who can later serve as mentors and write impactful letters of recommendation for your applications.

BIOLOGY MAJOR

KINESIOLOGY MAJOR

Did you know?

While many students choose Biology as their pre-health major, Kinesiology—especially the Applied Health track—is a powerful alternative for those pursuing careers in physical therapy, athletic training, or rehabilitation science. This major includes courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor learning, plus hands-on clinical experiences designed to prepare you for DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) programs.

Your Next Step: Plan Ahead

We challenge you to think ahead and select one or two graduate programs you might be interested in. Then:

Research their admissions requirements, including required and recommended courses.
Compare those to our degree offerings, especially in Biology and Kinesiology.
Meet with an admissions counselor early to create a plan that integrates both your major and any additional prerequisites.

We believe you’ll find that Simpson University offers a flexible, rigorous, and highly personalized foundation to prepare you for graduate study in the medical and health sciences.