Program Overview
Pre-Health Sciences Program
The pre-health sciences program at Pacific Lutheran University is not a major, but rather a course of study that prepares students for admission into a professional school or training program in health professions, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and other related fields.
Program Description
The strong liberal arts education provided by PLU will prepare students well for these programs by providing a strong background in the sciences, as well as allowing them to understand connections between science and society more broadly. While many pre-health students do choose to major in biology and chemistry, there have been students who have majored in psychology, sociology, Hispanic studies, religion, and others.
Health Professional Programs
The following health professional programs are available:
- Medical School, University of Washington
- Medical School, Washington State University
- Medical School, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
- Medical School, Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
- Medical School, Boston University
- Medical School, Saint Louis University
- Dental School, University of Washington
- Dental School, Midwestern University
- Dental School, Indiana University
- Pharmacy School, Washington State University
- Pharmacy School, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Physician Assistant School, University of Washington
- Physician Assistant School, University of Bridgeport
Pre-Health Sciences Advising Team
As a pre-health sciences student, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the Pre-Health Sciences Advising Team, made up of professors from the Colleges of Natural Sciences and Health Professions who have years of experience helping students meet their goals of becoming health care professionals.
Program Benefits
The program offers several benefits, including:
- A holistic education that prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the health sciences
- Opportunities for research and service
- A reputation for academic excellence
- Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members
- A strong support system for students, including mentoring and advising
Related Programs
Related programs available at PLU include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Kinesiology
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Sociology
Student Testimonials
Students who have participated in the pre-health sciences program have reported positive experiences, including:
- Access to challenging classes, such as Comparative Anatomy, Mammalian Physiology, and Cadaver Prosection
- Opportunities for research and hands-on experience
- Supportive faculty members who are willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed
Program Statistics
Statistics on the program's success include:
- 80% of students who apply to medical school are accepted
- 75% of students who apply to dental school are accepted
- A partnership with Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences to guarantee 6 spots for PLU students in their Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program
- Over 90% of PNWU MAMS graduates go on to health professional school programs
Student Organizations
Students can get involved in several organizations related to the pre-health sciences program, including:
- PLU's Health Sciences Club
- Global Medical Brigades
- PLU Active Minds
History of Success
For over 50 years, nearly every entering class at UW Medical School has had at least one PLU graduate.