Pre-Health

Dentistry is the field of medicine that specializes in the teeth and associated tissues. Dentists earn a Doctor of Dental Science degree and practice either solo or in a group setting. They also may be employed by the public health service or the military. Dental school is four years, followed by optional specialty training or practice. Students who choose to pursue the Pre-Dentistry path at Capital take extensive science courses within the context of a well-rounded education.

Pre-Medicine is a university-wide program supported by several departments. Students begin with a common core of science and mathematics courses and then complete a major of their choice. Students receive a comprehensive Handbook for Pre-Health Students outlining the steps needed to be a successful medical school applicant, as well as the resources available to help achieve this goal. Seminars, field trips to medical schools, student clubs, help with applications, internship placement and mock medical school interviews are some of the services provided.

Students who have taken the required courses, who have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average, and who have positive recommendations from faculty members are good candidates for medical school admission. In addition to a solid science background, students must score well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Students planning to attend Occupational Therapy School after Capital can choose to follow the Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Professional path. Occupational therapists help patients who have pain, injury, illness, or disability that limits their everyday life. In order to practice, Occupational Therapists must be licensed and pass a national exam to be certified. Students who choose to pursue the Pre-Occupational Therapy path at Capital take extensive science courses within the context of a well-rounded education.

An optometrist earns a Doctor of Optometry degree and studies the human eye and its function. Optometry school is four years. Optometrists are employed by private industry, as well as by hospitals and clinics. They also may be self-employed. Capital students interested in a Pre-Optometry path take a science heavy curriculum, including courses such as Microbiology and Optics.

Pharmacists study drugs and drug interactions in the human body and help to educate the public about drug interactions and effectiveness. Many pharmacists work for pharmaceutical companies, as well as hospitals and pharmacies. A Doctor of Pharmacy degree requires four years after an undergraduate degree and extensive training with working professionals. Students who choose to pursue the Pre-Pharmacy path at Capital take extensive science courses within the context of a well-rounded education.

Physician Assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They may treat injuries, prescribe most medications, and perform routine patient care. A master’s degree is required and takes two-and-a-half years to complete. Students who choose the Pre-Physician Assistant path are dedicated to expanding access to care through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Students in the Pre-Physician Assistant path at Capital take extensive science courses within the context of a well-rounded education.

Podiatrists are medical specialists who help patients with problems affecting their feet or lower legs. They can do surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, and order lab tests or X-rays. Podiatrists go to Podiatry school for four years followed by a three-year residency. Students who choose to pursue the Pre-Podiatry path at Capital take extensive science courses within the context of a well-rounded education.

A growing interdisciplinary field, Public Health provides training to professionals who keep people safe from diseases that threaten our communities. Specialty areas include epidemiology, biostatistics, health education, environmental health and health services administration. A master’s degree, which takes two to two-and-a-half years to complete, is required. Students who choose to pursue the Pre-Public Health path at Capital take extensive science courses within the context of a well-rounded education.

Veterinary Physicians treat non-human patients, from cats and dogs to exotic animals in zoos. Four years of study after the undergraduate degree are required to earn the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Opportunities for specialty training are available. In addition to private practice, veterinarians work for the government and industry as food and public health inspectors, as well as in zoos, aquaria and animal parks. Capital students interested in a Pre- Veterinary path take a science heavy curriculum, including courses such as animal behavior and embryology.