Pre-med and pre-health pathways at Oregon State
There is more than one path to become a doctor or health care professional
Your pre-med and health professions journey starts here
At Oregon State, there’s more than one path to medical or health professional school — and you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.
Whether you're interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or another health field, you’ll choose a major that fits your interests and gain a competitive advantage through research, internships and one-on-one advising.
The best majors for pre-med and pre-health professions
If you plan to attend nursing or medical school, or are interested in other health professions, such as physical therapy, occupational health or becoming a physician assistant, you’re in the right place!
Our majors provide a well-rounded health care education that goes beyond traditional pre-med coursework.
Popular pre-health majors in the College of Health:
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 - Pre-Med/Pre-Clinical Track
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.
More complementary than biology or chemistry
“The nutrition and health sciences degree option gave me an extra set of tools I can use in my medical practice. It is more complementary than biology or chemistry.”
Melanie Jackson, '10
Attended Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine
Endocrinologist at Samaritan Health Services
65%
of OSU pre-med students are admitted to medical school, compared to 40% nationally
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.
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.
OSU College of Health grads 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.
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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
Major: Kinesiology
Next step: Attended Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Currently: Cardiology nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Start your health care path today
Get the advising, coursework and experience you need to thrive in competitive health graduate programs — and start your future in medicine, clinical practice or public health.