Exploring a healthcare career begins with a strong foundation - both academically and personally. The Winthrop University Pre-Health Advising and Guidance page is designed to support undergraduate students at every stage of their journey toward a health profession. Whether you're interested in medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, or another health-related field, you'll find tailored resources, expert advising, and step-by-step guidance to help you make informed decisions, build a competitive application, and stay on track for success. This tool provides information, services, and opportunities to assist students with their preparation for, application to, and transition into graduate/professional programs, scheduled seminars, informational sessions, and other programming to assist students in their pursuit of a healthcare career. Let us help you turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career in healthcare. Health Care Occupations
Audiology
Audiologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders, helping individuals of all ages improve communication and quality of life through personalized care and technology.
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Biomedical Equipment Technician
Biomedical equipment technicians install, maintain, and repair medical devices, ensuring the safety and functionality of the technology that supports patient care.
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Cardiovascular Perfusion
Cardiovascular perfusionists operate the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery, managing a patient’s circulatory and respiratory functions to support life-saving procedures.
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Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists promote oral health by providing preventive care, patient education, and clinical services such as cleanings and screenings to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
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Dentistry
Dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases, restoring function and aesthetics to promote overall health and improve patients’ quality of life. Click on LEARN MORE for a comprehensive overview of the profession.
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Genetic Counseling
To prepare for genetic counseling, undergraduates should pursue a strong science foundation, social science coursework, shadowing, research, and clinical experiences.
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Lactation Consultant
Undergraduates should build a strong science and social science foundation, accumulate 95 lactation education hours, complete 300–1,000 supervised clinical hours (depending on pathway), and develop strong counseling and communication skills.
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Medical Laboratory Sciences
Medical laboratory scientists perform critical diagnostic tests on blood, tissues, and other samples to help detect, diagnose, and monitor diseases, playing a vital role in patient care.
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Medicine Allopathic
Allopathic physicians (MDs) diagnose, treat, and prevent disease using evidence-based medicine, medications, and surgical interventions to improve patients' health and quality of life.
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Medicine Osteopathic
Osteopathic physicians (DOs) provide holistic, patient-centered care with a focus on the body’s self-healing ability, combining modern medicine with hands-on techniques like Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
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Nursing
Nurses are often the first and last point of contact for patients. They blend science, ethics, and empathy to improve outcomes and make a real difference in people’s lives, sometimes in the most critical moments.
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Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists help people of all ages participate in daily activities through therapeutic interventions that promote independence, function, and well-being.
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Optometry
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and manage vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect eye diseases to support lifelong visual health.
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Pharmacy
Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals with deep knowledge of medication therapy and patient education. Click on LEARN MORE to prepare for the PharmCAS application, meet science prerequisites, and explore emerging pharmacy roles.
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Physical Therapy
Physical therapists help individuals restore movement, reduce pain, and improve function through personalized exercise, hands-on care, and rehabilitation strategies.
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Physician Assistant
A PA is a highly trained medical provider who works in collaboration with physicians to deliver high-quality healthcare. With broad clinical training, job flexibility, and increasing demand, PA is a fast-growing and rewarding healthcare career.
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Podiatry
Podiatrists are medical specialists who diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs to improve mobility and overall health.
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Prosthetics and Orthotics
Prosthetists and orthotists design, fit, and provide custom devices that restore mobility, function, and independence for individuals with limb loss or musculoskeletal conditions.
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Public Health
Public health professionals address health issues at the community and global levels. Whether focused on epidemiology, health policy, health education or exploration of interdisciplinary experiences.
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Registered Dietitian
An undergraduate preparing for RDN needs a strong foundation in nutrition, biology, and health sciences, plus hands-on foodservice and clinical experience.
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Veterinary
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses in animals, promoting the health and welfare of pets, livestock, and wildlife while also protecting public health.
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Explore how thoughtful academic planning and a clear understanding of course requirements can guide your educational journey, keep you on track for graduation, and prepare you for your future career goals.
Academic Planning and Course Requirements
Your interaction with faculty is an integral part of the learning process in your academic path. Your advising sessions provide opportunities for you to learn more about the philosophy behind the required degree program as well as career opportunities for specific options.
Personalized Advising
Learn how to craft a strong and competitive application through strategic planning, academic excellence, meaningful experiences, and compelling personal statements that showcase your unique strengths and readiness for your chosen field.
Building a Competitive Application
Discover the value of mentorship and academic communities in supporting your growth, building connections, and enhancing your success through shared knowledge, guidance, and collaboration.
Mentorship and Student Communities
Stay informed about the latest news, upcoming events, and important announcements that connect you to opportunities, achievements, and the pulse of our academic community.
News & Events
Find quick answers and helpful tools to guide your academic and career journey. Explore our curated resources and frequently asked questions for the support you need, when you need it.
Resources & FAQs
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