- Pre-Med
- Pre-Allied Health
Students interested in a career in medicine or other health-related professions prepare in suggested majors with the help of pre-health advisors. LeTourneau University offers many features that assist our students to succeed, including clinically-related undergraduate research, international travel with global service learning, strong links to the local community of health professionals, and Clinical Issues and Clinical Observation courses that facilitate professional experience. Students from LeTourneau who have applied to health-related graduate schools have had an excellent record of success.
VARIETY OF DEGREE OPTIONS
As you likely already know, pre-med is not a major. If you hadn't heard this, the Association of American Medical College is a great resource for basic information. As you'll see, a student can enter medical school successfully from any major as long as he or she has done well in all the pre-requisites and competencies required or suggested.
However, there are three majors at LETU in which most pre-med students enroll:
- Biology
This is the major that most closely matches the prerequisites required by medical colleges. Flexibility in the schedule enables many students to pick up a Spanish or chemistry minor, which can open a multitude of doors.
- Chemistry
One of the chemistry major concentrations is biology, a popular choice for pre-med students. This major involves a solid background in chemistry with a minor in biology. A departmental Welch grant supports research opportunities in synthesizing medicinal drugs to forensic chemistry applications.
- Biomedical Sciences
The Biomedical Sciences degree prepares students for a medical or veterinary career with extensive hands-on training and instruction from an informed perspective grounded in Christian faith.
Online Resources
- JAMP (Joint Admission Medical Program) provides a unique opportunity for Texas residents with a FAFSA parental contribution of less than $8,000.
- Yγεία, an LETU club that supports students pursuing health professions, specifically in preparation for future tests to get into MD, dentistry, vet, physical therapy and other medical programs. The club hosts guest speakers on medical topics and takes preview trips to graduate and medical schools.
- Association of American Medical Colleges
- Learn more about medical / health-related professions at Medical Field Career Information, Explore Health Careers & Health Care Careers.
Application Services
The following application services provide extensive guidance and planning guidelines for interested applicants. These include excellent information about suggested preparatory agenda, including community service, undergraduate research, letters of evaluation, entry test preparation and various deadlines.
- Dental - TMDSAS, AADSAS
- Medical - TMDSAS, AMCAS, AACOMAS
- Optometry - OptomCAS
- Pharmacy - PharmCAS
- Physical Therapy - PTCAS
- Physician Assistant - CASPA
- Veterinary - TMDSAS, AAVMC
*Please note that pre-health streams are not majors. Rather, pre-health preparation is employed along with our suggested majors to prepare students for graduate school in their chosen field.
LeTourneau University has some great advantages for pre-PT students.
MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROFESSORS
Unlike large state schools, even our entry-level science courses are taught by professors. Undergraduates have opportunities to work directly with professor as lab and research assistants, often building close, mentoring relationships.
These relationships are invaluable for pre-PT students, as physical therapy schools are looking for great reference letters from professionals who can provide informed recommendations for students they know well.
INTERACTION WITH PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
A strong network of local physical therapists invest in the lives of LETU students. These physical therapists provide shadowing opportunities and regularly visit campus to interact with pre-PT students. They are committed to building into your life.
HANDS-ON RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
At LETU, undergraduate students can be actively involved in hands-on research projects, rather than merely assisting graduate students.
INVOLVEMENT WITH UPPERCLASSMEN & ALUMNI
LeTourneau University has a student led club, Hygeia, which includes current students as well as alumni. The Facebook page and the meetings on campus provide opportunities to learn from those a step ahead in the journey.
VARIETY OF DEGREE OPTIONS
As you likely already know, pre-physical therapy is not a major. If you hadn't heard this, the American Physical Therapy Association is a great resource for basic information. As you'll see, a student can enter physical therapy school successfully from any major as long as he or she has done well in all the prerequisites and competencies required or suggested.
Most Pre-PT students at LETU enroll in one of the following majors:
- Kinesiology
This is the major that most closely matches the prerequisites required by physical therapy schools. Courses in Kinesiology provide a good preparation for PT school. Flexibility in the schedule enables many students to pick up a Spanish minor, which can which can be a great benefit when pursuing a career in physical therapy.
- Biology
Biology is also a good fit for physical therapy students. The upper level science courses taken by Biology students are attractive to PT school.
Everyone is different in their approach to physical therapy school. It's not necessary to do everything, especially if you do it just to jump through hoops.
There are lots of options, so figure out what works best for you. However, we have compiled some general guidelines to help you get started on your journey as a pre-PT student
