Program Overview
Gannon University's pre-health qualification program prepares students with a bachelor's degree for careers in medicine and allied health professions. The program offers prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other foundational subjects. Students benefit from shadowing opportunities, workshops, and expert advising to enhance their competitiveness for health professional schools. Upon completion, graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including medicine, pharmacy, chiropractic, and veterinary medicine.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The pre-health qualification program at Gannon University is designed for adults who already hold a bachelor's degree in any field and are seeking a career change. Students in this program complete the prerequisite coursework needed to apply to health professional programs in the field of medicine, pharmacy, chiropractic, dental medicine, optometry, podiatric medicine or veterinary medicine.
Teaching:
Gannon University’s pre-health qualification students have the opportunity to become well-rounded leaders both in and out of the classroom, making them competitive for a career in medicine or other allied health professions. Pre-health qualification students are eligible to participate in:
- meetings with admissions officers from various health professional schools
- shadowing opportunities coordinated by the Career Exploration and Development Office
- workshops reviewing the application process, personal statements, interviewing, etc.
- Community Health Coaches, a course and internship led by a team of medical professionals from Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Careers:
There are many different specific career paths stemming from the pre-health qualification program. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- chiropractic medicine (diagnosis and internal disorders, nutrition, sports medicine)
- dental medicine (dental public health, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics )
- medicine (anesthesiology, family and general medicine ,psychiatry)
- optometry (low vison, sports vision, vision therapy)
- pharmacy (community pharmacy, industry-based pharmacy, oncology pharmacy)
- podiatric medicine (orthopedics, podiatric primary care, wound care and management)
- veterinary medicine (animal welfare, preventive medicine, veterinary research)
Other:
- Gannon University has a long history of helping qualified and motivated students successfully achieve acceptance into health professional schools.
- All pre-health qualification students receive expert advising so that they take a balanced and rigorous course load, which includes the fundamental science and mathematics courses that professional schools require as prerequisite coursework.
- Students receive hands-on laboratory experiences in most biology and chemistry courses, which are conducted in small interactive group settings of 20-30 students.
- Upon completion of prerequisite coursework, students may choose from a wide-ranging selection of health professions-related courses including:
- BIOL 124: Animal Form and Function
- CHEM 221: Organic Chemistry I
- PSYC 111: Introduction to Psychology
Gannon University
Overview:
Gannon University is a Catholic university with campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Ruskin, Florida, and online. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. Gannon is a welcoming and diverse community that values honor, courage, and achievement.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Gannon offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of student clubs and organizations, including over 159 options. Students can participate in athletics, global travel opportunities, and community service initiatives. The university also hosts events like the IgKnight Activities Fair and Homecoming weekend.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong academic programs:
Gannon offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.Small class sizes and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio:
This allows for personalized attention and close relationships with professors.Location:
Gannon's Erie campus is located in the heart of downtown, providing access to businesses and organizations for internships and project experiences. The Ruskin campus offers opportunities in the rapidly expanding healthcare sector.Financial assistance:
95% of Gannon students qualify for financial assistance.Welcoming community:
Gannon fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for students.Academic Programs:
Other:
Gannon University is currently in the process of merging with Ursuline College, which will create the largest Catholic university system in the region. The merger is contingent on the successful completion of due diligence.
