The student interested in a career in human or veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, nursing, occupational therapy or another health profession needs to plan the sequence of courses in order to complete the prerequisite courses for the various health profession schools and prepare for the national admission tests. Prerequisite courses for the health professional schools typically include one year of biology, two years of chemistry, one year of physics, one year of mathematics, and one year of English. In addition to these requirements, schools may have other courses that they require from the humanities or social sciences. While most Wittenberg Pre-Health students major in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry/molecular biology, a major in the sciences is not required by most health profession schools. Students may choose any major as long as they take the professional school prerequisite courses.

Admission is predicated on academic achievement (GPA and national test scores), volunteer experience, exposure to research, as well as general character and personality (altruism, leadership and empathy). It is important for students to accumulate a significant number of volunteer (or internship) hours in a variety of situations (private practice, hospital) in their field of interest. There are also opportunities available for our students to participate in research projects with Wittenberg faculty and alumni who have volunteered to involve students in summer research. Students with specific questions should seek guidance from the Pre-Health Professions Adviser.

Nursing

Wittenberg has 3-4 cooperative programs with the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University and with The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.  The pre-nursing student spends three years at Wittenberg obtaining a background in science and liberal arts, prior to entering nursing school in the fourth year.

If accepted, after satisfactory completion of the first year of nursing school, the student receives the Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg.

At Case Western Reserve University, the student spends four years in the nursing program.  The goal of the program is to prepare the student for advanced practical and clinical research in nursing.  Satisfactory completion of this program leads to the awarding of the Doctor of Nursing (N.D.) degree by Case Western Reserve University.  At The Johns Hopkins University, the student spends two years in the nursing program.  Students may earn a B.S.N. or Master's Degree in Nursing. 

Additional information about these nursing programs may be obtained from the Pre-Health Professions Adviser or the Office of Admission.

Occupational Therapy

Wittenberg has a cooperative program with Washington University (St. Louis) School of Medicine through its program in occupational therapy.  The pre-occupational therapy student spends three years at Wittenberg obtaining a background in basic science and liberal arts, while completing the major portion of the biology major requirements.  If accepted by Washington University, the student begins the occupational therapy program in the fourth year.  The Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg is conferred at the end of the first year at Washington University, and the Master of Science degree in occupational therapy is awarded at the end of the second year there. 

Additional information about this program may be obtained from the Pre-Health Adviser or the Office of Admission.