Pre-med programs and health profession pathways at Oregon State

Majors for pre-med and pre-health professions 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

The College of Health at Oregon State University is where you can find your passion and build the skills you need for a rewarding career in health care, whether you’re interested in pre-med programs or other health professions.

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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 diverse majors provide a well-rounded health care education that goes beyond traditional pre-med coursework.

Health science majors:

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Three people, two women and one man, smiling and interacting while practicing putting an air cast on someone's arm.

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.

Learn more

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Two people, a woman and college student, interacting in a nutrition classroom setting.

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.

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Two women walking together in a hallway.

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.

Learn more

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A woman wearing a hijab sitting at a table with a young girl, working on a craft or activity together in a classroom setting.

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.

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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

1.8 million

Job openings each year

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$80k

Median salary for health care practitioners

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

65%

of OSU pre-med students are admitted to medical school, compared to 40% nationally

6 reasons to choose Oregon State’s College of Health for pre-med and pre-health

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. Our high acceptance rates to medical and professional schools reflect our commitment to excellence in health care education.

3. You’ll stand out from other applicants thanks to pre-med majors and practical experience that uniquely prepares you for 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. Our students have been admitted to competitive medical and professional programs at OHSU, Vanderbilt, Western University, University of San Diego and more.

Medical and professional health careers pursued by our students

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 trainer
  • Nurse
  • Occupational therapist
  • Physician - allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO)
  • Physician assistant
  • Physical therapist

All require graduate/professional education or additional certifications/credentials to qualify for employment.

Wide range of nursing prerequisites

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Kyle Miller

Kyle Miller, ’19
Attended Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
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.”