Health Care Degrees Online

The pre-professional major provides the fundamental knowledge, experience and analytical ability to enable students to successfully pursue further education toward a profession in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or related fields. Since entry into these career fields is very selective and the graduate education very challenging emphasis is placed on preparing the student for those rigors through a very difficult academic program that is balanced within the traditional liberal arts degree.

To enter professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, pharmacy, physician’s assistant and physical therapy, students normally complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in related fields, or at least work in that direction. Pre-medical education should be considered a field of interest rather than a major The Biology Major allows students to select a track appropriate to their chosen professional program (health sciences, general biology, biotechnology and environmental science).

Pre-medical study is popular at Drew, where “pre-med” is not a major but a goal. Students interested in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and related careers can choose any major in the college. Each student receives exceptional, individualized support and guidance with medical school preparation and applications from faculty members of the Health Professions Committee. An outstanding mentorship program is offered by Drew and nearby Morristown Memorial Hospital. Cutting-edge research experiences in the biomedical sciences are available for all interested students, working with science professors and eminent retired scientists in residence at Drew through the RISE program. Nearly all Drew University students with sufficiently strong grades and MCAT scores have been accepted into medical school.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science Studies provides a curriculum for students who wish to gain an education in health science studies as a foundation for additional professional or graduate work in several health science professions, including medicine, dentistry, hospital administration, occupational therapy, and physical therapy (see Pre-Professional Studies for additional information). Employment with public health agencies or institutions is also an option. All students are encouraged to work closely with an advisor in the Department of Community and Environmental Health to ensure that the courses they take will meet degree requirements and career goals. The Health Science Studies Program also incorporates the Addictions Studies minor and course work to become a Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselors (CADC) through the Idaho Board for Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification (IBADCC).

Students may compete for admission to the Diploma in Primary Health Care program by completion of the BZU admission application and providing all supporting documents based upon fulfillment of the BZU criteria and the following:

A bachelor’s degree in general medicine, dentistry, nursing, medical professions, or other specialties related to public health (such as biostatistics, social work, environmental health, education and counseling) with a “good” standing at a minimum.
Relevant work experience.
The student must sit for an English proficiency exam.