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.
6 reasons to choose Oregon State’s College of Health for pre-health professions
1. 65% of our pre-med majors are admitted to medical schools all across the United States, compared to about 40% nationally.
2. Acceptance rates into health professional programs — such as nursing, athletic training, physical or occupational therapy and more — are at or above average.
3. You’ll stand out from other applicants thanks to majors and practical experience that provides you with unique pathways to medical school or health professional programs.
4. A dedicated advisor will help you achieve your pre-med and pre-health professional goals.
5. You’ll gain a holistic approach that considers the overall health and well-being of individuals, reflecting your passion for helping people and helping you stand out in entrance interviews.
6. Pre-health students have been admitted to competitive medical and professional programs at OHSU, Vanderbilt, Western University, University of San Diego and more.
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
“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.”
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.”
Veronica Ramierz
Public Health – Health Promotion and Health Behavior
Veronica plans to become a physician assistant specializing in emergency medicine
Strong kinesiology program
Riley LeCocq
Kinesiology student
Riley is planning on pursuing a doctor in physical therapy
“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.”
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.”
Molly Wheeldon
Human development and family sciences student
Molly’s ultimate goal is to become a physician
Wide range of nursing prerequisites
Kyle Miller, ’19
Attended Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Currently a cardiology nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
“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.”
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
Peer ambassadors
If you have questions regarding classes, student clubs or campus, our peer advisors would love to chat. Call or email them for advice.
Mikaela Swaim
Student Outreach and Support Coordinator
For questions about the program, application process or requirements, contact our COH recruitment team.