Pre-Health Worksheets
Prerequisites
- Dental
- Medical
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Physical Therapy (PT)
- Optometry
- Veterinary
Pre-Dental
Pre-Dental is designed to meet the requirements for applying to dental programs. Students should select a major that offers satisfying academic challenges and provides an alternative career path if they are not admitted to dental school.
Students should work toward a bachelor’s degree while completing prerequisite coursework for dental school.
Recommended Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1113 English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1213 English Composition II | 3 |
| BIOL 1013/1011 Introductory Biology I (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 1023/1021 Introductory Biology II (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 2154 Human Anatomy (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3314 Human Physiology (L) | 4 |
| MATH 1513 College Algebra | 3 |
| CHEM 1123/1131 General Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1223/1231 General Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3123/3131 Organic Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3223/3231 Organic Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 4214 Biochemistry | 4 |
| PHYS 1114 General Physics I (L) | 4 |
| PHYS 1214 General Physics II (L) | 4 |
| PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Additional Information
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All dental school applicants must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
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Students are strongly encouraged to shadow dentists or volunteer in dental settings.
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OU College of Dentistry recommends approximately 100 hours of shadowing/observation experience.
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Volunteer experience is also encouraged to strengthen applications.
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Requirements may vary for schools outside Oklahoma.
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Students should verify admission requirements and deadlines for each school.
Advising Information
Dr. Hector Gonzalez
Phone: 918-444-3819
Email: gonzaleh@nsuok.edu
Tahlequah Science Building, Room 156
Broken Arrow Science Building, Room 218
Helpful Links
Pre-Medical
“Pre-Medical” is not a major. It refers to students completing coursework required for admission to medical school.
Students should choose a major that provides both academic challenge and an alternative career path if they are not admitted to medical school.
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with the Pre-Health Advisor when selecting courses. All prerequisite courses should be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Recommended Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1113 English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1213 English Composition II | 3 |
| BIOL 1013/1011 Introductory Biology I (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3114 or BIOL 3124 Genetics (L) or Cell Biology (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1123/1131 General Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1223/1231 General Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3123/3131 Organic Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3223/3231 Organic Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 4214 Biochemistry | 4 |
| PHYS 1114 General Physics I (L) | 4 |
| PHYS 1214 General Physics II (L) | 4 |
| PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC, ANTH, PHIL, or ENGL Elective | 3 |
| PSYC, ANTH, PHIL, or ENGL Elective | 3 |
Additional Information
- All medical school applicants are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
- Students are strongly encouraged to gain experience through shadowing physicians, volunteering in hospitals, or working in healthcare settings.
- While programs may not require a minimum number of volunteer or shadowing hours, significant exposure to the profession strengthens applications.
- Application services and deadlines vary by institution.
- Students applying outside Oklahoma may need additional coursework.
- Students should verify admission deadlines and requirements for each school.
Advising Information
Dr. Hector Gonzalez
Phone: 918-444-3819
Email: gonzaleh@nsuok.edu
Tahlequah Science Building, Room 156
Broken Arrow Science Building, Room 218
Helpful Links
Pre-Occupational Therapy
“Pre-Occupational Therapy” is not a major. It indicates that a student is completing coursework required for transfer into an Occupational Therapy program.
Admission requirements vary by institution. Students should work closely with the Pre-Health Advisor when planning coursework and transfer requirements.
Recommended Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| BIOL 1013/1011 Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| CHEM 1123/1131 General Chemistry I | 4 |
| PHYS 1114 General Physics I (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 2154 Human Anatomy (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3314 Human Physiology (L) | 4 |
| PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 2023 Life Span Development | 3 |
| PSYC 4153 Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Sociology or Anthropology Elective | 3 |
| MATH 3513 or PSYC 3553 Statistics | 3 |
| SCI 3113 Science and Medical Terminology | 3 |
Additional Information
- NSU Occupational Therapy has a spring start date.
- OU Occupational Therapy has a summer start date.
- Students applying outside Oklahoma may need additional coursework.
- Students should verify application deadlines and program start dates.
- Students must earn a bachelor’s degree before beginning an OT program.
- A minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.75 is generally required.
- All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of “C” or better.
- Applicants should complete approximately 40 hours of observation experience in occupational therapy settings.
- GRE scores may be required.
Advising Information
Dr. Hector Gonzalez
Phone: 918-444-3819
Email: gonzaleh@nsuok.edu
Tahlequah Science Building, Room 156
Broken Arrow Science Building, Room 218
Helpful Links
Pre-Physician Assistant / Associate
The Pre-Physician Assistant/Associate curriculum is designed to meet the requirements for the five PA programs in Oklahoma.
Applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Students planning to apply outside Oklahoma should review individual school requirements carefully. All prerequisite courses should be completed with grades of “C” or better.
Recommended Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1113 English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1213 English Composition II | 3 |
| PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 2023 or PSYC 4153 Life-Span Development or Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 1013/1011 Introductory Biology I (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 2154 Human Anatomy (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3314 Human Physiology (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3224 Microbiology (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3114 Genetics (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3124 Cell Biology (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1123/1131 General Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1223/1231 General Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3123/3131 Organic Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 4214 Biochemistry | 4 |
| MATH 1513 or higher College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 3513 Statistical Methods | 3 |
Additional Information
- Students should review application timelines and course expiration policies for each institution.
- Some students may require fewer courses depending on which PA programs they intend to apply to.
- Students applying outside Oklahoma may need additional coursework.
- Application deadlines and start dates vary by program.
- Students are encouraged to meet regularly with the Pre-Health Advisor during the application process.
PA Programs in Oklahoma
- NSU Physician Assistant Studies
- OSU Physician Assistant Program
- OU Tulsa PA Program
- OU Oklahoma City PA Program
- Oklahoma City University PA Program
Advising Information
Dr. Hector Gonzalez
Phone: 918-444-3819
Email: gonzaleh@nsuok.edu
Tahlequah Science Building, Room 156
Broken Arrow Science Building, Room 218
Helpful Links
Pre-Physical Therapy
“Pre-Physical Therapy” is not a major. It indicates that a student is completing coursework required for admission into a Physical Therapy program.
Admission requirements vary by institution. Students should work closely with the Pre-Health Advisor when planning coursework and transfer requirements.
Recommended Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| BIOL 1013/1011 Introductory Biology I (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 1023/1021 Introductory Biology II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1123/1131 General Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1223/1231 General Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| PHYS 1114 General Physics I (L) | 4 |
| PHYS 1214 General Physics II (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 2154 Human Anatomy (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3314 Human Physiology (L) | 4 |
| PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 2023 Life Span Development | 3 |
| Sociology or Anthropology Elective | 3 |
| MATH 3513 Statistical Methods | 3 |
| SCI 3113 Science and Medical Terminology | 3 |
Additional Information
- Students applying outside Oklahoma may need additional coursework.
- Application deadlines and start dates vary by institution.
- Students should earn a bachelor’s degree before beginning a PT program.
- A recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 is suggested for both cumulative and prerequisite coursework.
- All prerequisite courses should be completed with grades of “C” or better.
- Students should complete approximately 50 observation hours in physical therapy settings.
- GRE scores may be required.
Physical Therapy Programs
- Langston University Physical Therapy Program
- OU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
- Oklahoma City University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Advising Information
Dr. Hector Gonzalez
Phone: 918-444-3819
Email: gonzaleh@nsuok.edu
Tahlequah Science Building, Room 156
Broken Arrow Science Building, Room 218
Helpful Links
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Optometry is not a specific major. Instead, it describes a student’s plan to complete the prerequisite coursework needed for admission to optometry school.
There is no required undergraduate major for pre-optometry students. Students are encouraged to choose a field of study that is academically challenging, personally interesting, and provides strong career options if plans change.
The courses below are designed to help students meet admission requirements for the Doctor of Optometry program at the Northeastern State University College of Optometry.
Recommended Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1113 English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1213 English Composition II | 3 |
| BIOL 1013/1011 Introductory Biology I (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 2154 or H_ED 2254 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 3224 Microbiology (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1123/1131 General Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1223/1231 General Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3123/3131 Organic Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 4214 Biochemistry | 4 |
| College Algebra, Trigonometry, or Precalculus | 3–4 |
| Statistics or Psychological Statistics | 3 |
| PHYS 1114 or PHYS 2115 Physics I | 4–5 |
| PHYS 1214 or PHYS 2215 Physics II | 4–5 |
| PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Additional Information
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All applicants to optometry school are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
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Students are encouraged to complete most prerequisite coursework before taking the OAT.
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Competitive applicants to NSU College of Optometry typically score above 300 on the OAT.
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Students are encouraged to shadow optometrists and gain healthcare experience through work or volunteer opportunities.
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NSU College of Optometry recommends at least 30 hours of shadowing or working with an optometrist.
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Students applying outside Oklahoma may need additional prerequisite coursework.
Advising Information
Dr. Hector Gonzalez
Phone: 918-444-3819
Email: prehealth@nsuok.edu
Tahlequah Science Building, Room 156
Broken Arrow Science Building, Room 218
Helpful Links
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
The following courses are designed to meet the requirements for the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Students planning to apply outside Oklahoma should review the admission requirements for individual schools, as requirements may vary.
Recommended Courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1113 English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1213 English Composition II | 3 |
| BIOL 1013/1011 Introductory Biology I (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 1023/1021 Introductory Biology II (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3114 Genetics (L) | 4 |
| BIOL 3224 Microbiology (L) | 4 |
| Animal Nutrition* | Varies |
| CHEM 1123/1131 General Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 1223/1231 General Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3123/3131 Organic Chemistry I (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 3223/3231 Organic Chemistry II (L) | 4 |
| CHEM 4214 Biochemistry | 4 |
| PHYS 1114 General Physics I (L) | 4 |
| PHYS 1214 General Physics II (L) | 4 |
| MATH 3513 Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Courses | 6 |
Additional Information
- Animal Nutrition must currently be completed through another institution.
- Distance education Animal Nutrition courses are available through:
- Oklahoma State University
- Rutgers University
- Purdue University
- Kansas State University
- Oregon State University
- North Carolina State University
- Students should verify admission requirements and deadlines for each veterinary program they intend to apply to.
Helpful Links