Pre-Health Programs

Preparing students—with close advising and mentorship—for a diversity of health-related careers.

Program Information

Viterbo’s pre-health program prepares students for careers in a variety of health-related fields. Students get hands-on experience with modern equipment and techniques, and benefit from research and internship opportunities. Viterbo has collaborated with several professional and graduate schools, allowing students to gain acceptance to these select programs while completing their undergraduate degree. Our current Early Acceptance Programs (EAPs), detailed on the Pre-Health Articulation Agreements page, include pathways to pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, and chiropractic programs. Professional program entrance support is provided by the faculty-led pre-health committee, which works closely with individual students to assist them in reaching their goals. Our graduates have a 95%+ acceptance rate into health-related professional schools and graduate programs (compared to a national student acceptance rate of 40–60%).

Pre-Health Advising Handbook

Research and Internship opportunities

95%+

Acceptance rate into health care professional programs

Faculty-led pre-health committee

Pre-Health

Here are some of the most common health-related careers for Viterbo graduates. See the Pre-Health Advising Handbook for more information and additional careers that the Viterbo pre-health program prepares students for.

Medicine (Allopathic/Osteopathic)

A physician trained in allopathic or osteopathic medicine is what most people think of when they imagine a “doctor.” Generally, a physician's responsibilities include diagnosing disease, supervising the health care of patients, and prescribing treatment.

Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA)

Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) are highly educated allied health professionals who work under the direction of an anesthesiologist to help implement the anesthetic plan as prescribed by the anesthesiologist. AAs are trained through master’s degree professional programs in the delivery and maintenance of quality anesthesia care as well as advanced patient monitoring techniques. AAs can be thought of as similar to physician assistants, except that they work exclusively with anesthesiologists and practicing independently or in a primary care setting is NOT included in the AAs scope of practice. AAs usually practice in a hospital setting that uses an Anesthesia Care Team approach and are always supervised by anesthesiologists.

Audiologist

Audiologists examine individuals of all ages and identify those with the symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory, balance, and related sensory and neural disorders. They then assess the nature and extent of the dysfunction and assist patients in the treatment and management of their disorder. Audiologists earn the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, as this is the entry level degree for clinical practice.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) (also known as medical laboratory scientists) work with state-of-the-art equipment to analyze a variety of biological specimens. CLS personnel are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting the results to physicians. Clinical Laboratory Scientists collaborate very closely with physicians in diagnosing and monitoring disease processes, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.

Dentistry

Dentistry is devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Most dentists engage in general practice, bringing skills in oral diagnosis, prevention, and rehabilitation directly to the patient.

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors are professionals who have specialized education in genetics and counseling to provide personalized help patients may need as they make decisions about their genetic health and how genetic conditions may affect their families. Genetic counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to interpret genetic test results to guide and support patients. Genetic counselors typically receive a bachelor's degree in biology, social science or a related field, and then go on to receive specialized training via a Master's degree in genetic counseling.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling conditions and usually have a strong educational background in the social and behavioral health sciences. This provides the skills and knowledge for them to help patients physically, emotionally, and psychologically deal with injury and recovery.

Optometry

Optometrists are primary health care providers who diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system.

Pathologist Assistant

A pathologist assistant (PA) provides various services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. PAs are trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens, including the majority of pathological specimens.

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are an integral part of the primary health care system. They educate patients about different medications and serve to ensure safe administration of drugs. Pharmacists also serve to advise other health care providers about drug treatment plans, monitor drug therapy, and they may do research and clinical studies.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists (PTs) diagnose and treat individuals who have limitations in their ability to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. They work with patients to regain or maximize movement in major extremities or regions of the body relating to the major extremities. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a health treatment plan to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) are part of the health care team that provides basic medical care under the supervision of a physician. They take medical histories, perform examinations, treat patients, see to minor injuries, prescribe medication, order lab work, and interpret results.

Podiatry

Podiatry is a medical specialty focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of diseases, defects, and injuries to the foot, ankle, and lower limb.

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians are trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent disease and disabilities in animals. Veterinarians serve the needs of the public by practicing preventive medicine in relation to both human and animal health, the solution of agricultural and wildlife problems, and humane care of companion animals.

Pre-Health Advising Handbook

Pre-Health Articulation Agreements

School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering

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