Prerequisite course completion is the first step in preparing for a career in health care. Professional education and training can begin in the third year or fourth year of college, concurrent with the fourth year or following completion of a baccalaureate degree. It is important to check with each professional program to identify the various admission options that are available.
Athletic training, health and exercise science, nursing and health education are health career majors that are declared and completed at Gustavus. All other health careers will require admission to other academic institutions. If you need to complete your baccalaureate degree prior to applying to these institutions, you must select a major of your interest and complete major requirements as well as professional school prerequisites. It is important to check the Health Profession Advising Guide, Career Center and Advising Center to identify your specific academic path at Gustavus to insure graduation and consideration for admission into a professional program.
Most professional programs require specialty tests like the MCAT for medical school, a strong GPA especially in the sciences and math and related paid or unpaid volunteer experience.
The Career Center hosts an annual Pre-Health Professions Fair in the Fall and a Health Professions Fair in the Spring where students can learn about a host of health careers. On-line resources are available for each discipline and the Career Center has additional resources that can assist students in charting their course in health professions. Contact the Health Professions Coordinator for assistance.
