Pre-Health Pathways
College of Health
There is more than one path to become a doctor or health care professional
Your future in health care starts here
If you're interested in becoming a doctor, nurse, physical therapist or other type of health care professional, the College of Health is a great place to start.
There is more than one path to become a doctor or health care professional and our majors and dedicated pre-med/health advisor will help you achieve your health care professional goals.
What is the best major for pre-med or health professions?
For most health professions, your specific major isn't as important as pre-requisite courses and hands-on experience. This gives you freedom to major in something you enjoy and find inspiring.
College of Health majors that are a great fit for medical school and health professions:
Kinesiology – Pre-Therapy and Allied Health
Study exercise science and movement's impact on health. The pre-therapy and allied health degree option prepares you for medical school and health care degree programs such as athletic training, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Nutrition – Nutrition and Health Sciences
Understand the vital role nutrition plays in preventive care and treatment. The nutrition and health sciences degree option is a great stepping stone on your way to a physician assistant program, medical school or pharmacy school.
Public Health
Develop a proactive mindset in medicine. Become a physician who prioritizes preventing health issues and caring for an individual’s well-being instead of just treating symptoms.
The public health major is also available online.
Human Development and Family Sciences
Understanding human behavior and development is crucial for health care professionals. With a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, you'll be prepared to work with diverse patient populations.
The HDFS major is also available online.
65%
of OSU pre-med students are admitted to medical school, compared to 40% nationally
Explore pre-health profession pathways
Pathways are guides that show you how to pursue health careers with College of Health majors. They are not official degree programs.
Pre-medicine pathway
Medicine is about caring for the health and well-being of individuals, and our majors connect the sciences to the people you’ll eventually serve as a doctor.
Chiropractic FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming a chiropractor
Nursing FAQ
What it takes to become a registered nurse and how to get your BSN or A-BSN.
Occupational Therapy FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming an occupational therapist.
Occupational Therapy Assistant FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming an occupational therapy assistant
Optometry FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming an optometrists
Physical Therapy FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming a physical therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming a physical therapist assistant
Physician Assistant FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming a physician assistant
Podiatry FAQ
Information and FAQs for Oregon State University students interested in becoming a podiatrist
Pre-Nursing FAQ
Information and FAQ for Oregon State University students interested in becoming a nurse.
Why choose Oregon State for your pre-med or pre-health path?
Oregon State’s College of Health offers a proven, student-focused pathway to medical, dental, nursing and other health professional programs.
Here’s why our students succeed:
Higher med school acceptance rates
65% of OSU pre-med majors are accepted to medical schools nationwide — compared to about 40% nationally.
Strong outcomes across health professions
Students pursuing nursing, athletic training, PT, OT and other clinical careers are accepted to graduate programs at or above national averages.
Multiple majors with built-in prerequisites
Choose from accredited on-campus or online programs — including public health, nutrition, kinesiology, and HDFS — with courses designed to meet common med school and clinical program requirements.
Dedicated pre-health advising
Work one-on-one with an experienced advisor who helps you map your academic plan, build your résumé and navigate the application process.
Hands-on learning and research
Get experience that sets you apart through internships, clinical hours, and faculty-mentored research projects.
A holistic, human-centered approach to health
OSU’s programs focus on improving health and well-being across populations — helping you stand out in interviews and future careers.
Admissions to top graduate programs
Our students have gone on to OHSU, Vanderbilt, University of San Diego, Western University and
more.
Support for students aspiring to work in health care
“My interest in studying applied science and human health drove me to pursue a degree in the College of Health. I particularly appreciate how the college provides a smaller academic community within a large state school, its various research opportunities and support for students aspiring to work in health care.”
Diane Koopmann
Nutrition-Nutrition and Health Sciences
Diane aims to be a physician who works with underserved populations
Veronica Ramierz
Public Health – Health Promotion and Health Behavior
Veronica plans to become a physician assistant specializing in emergency medicine
Goal of working in the medical field
“My degree in public health with a concentration in health promotion and health behavior and my minor in microbiology will be very helpful in achieving my goal of working in the medical field.
Pursuing this field of study equips me with the information and ability to promote healthy habits and prevent illness, ultimately making a positive impact on people's health and well-being.”
Strong kinesiology program
“I am consistently inspired by the human body, and how it moves, breaks, heals and is impacted by the environment around us.
I chose Oregon State's College of Health because of the strong kinesiology program and opportunities to do experiential learning work as an undergrad.”
Riley LeCocq
Kinesiology student
Riley is planning on pursuing a doctor in physical therapy
Molly Wheeldon
Human development and family sciences student
Molly’s ultimate goal is to become a physician
Positive impact on people's health and well-being
“In the College of Health at OSU, there is an abundance of opportunities sitting in the palm of my hand.
Pursuing this field of study equips me with the information and ability to promote healthy habits and prevent illness, ultimately making a positive impact on people's health and well-being."
Wide range of nursing prerequisites
“I chose to major in kinesiology because it has a wide range of nursing prerequisites and I was also interested in exercise and movement. It was the best of both worlds.”
Kyle Miller, ’19
Attended Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Currently a cardiology nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Oregon State College of Health graduates have been accepted to the following medical schools
Albany Medical College
Columbia University
Drexel University
Oregon Health and Sciences University
St. Louis University
Temple University
Tulane University
University of Arizona
University of Colorado
University of San Diego
Vanderbilt University
Western University of Health Sciences
and more
Medical and professional health careers pursued by our students
Biology, chemistry and BioHealth sciences aren’t the only majors for a career in medicine.
Our graduates excel in various health professions schools, pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, nursing, physical therapy and more.
You could be an athletic trainer or physical therapist helping an athlete return to the movement they love. Or you could promote healthy habits and prevent illness as a physician assistant.
Past OSU College of Health students are now:
- Athletic trainers
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Physicians - allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO)
- Physician assistants
- Physical therapists
All require graduate/professional education or additional certifications/credentials to qualify for employment.
Contact us
Have questions about classes, clubs or campus life? Our peer ambassadors are happy to help. Call or email them.
For program or admissions info, email the College of Health recruitment team.