Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Pre-Health Professions program prepares students for admission to a variety of professional healthcare programs. Through personalized advising, rigorous coursework, and professional development opportunities, students build the academic foundation, clinical exposure, and critical thinking skills needed to pursue careers in healthcare and improve the lives of others.
Why Choose This Program?
- Personalized advising tailored to your professional healthcare goals
- Complete prerequisite coursework while pursuing a major that aligns with your healthcare industry career goals
- Prepare for professional school applications, entrance exams, interviews, and healthcare career success
Options + Tracks
Allied Health
The Allied Health pathway prepares students for a variety of healthcare professions that support patient care, rehabilitation, diagnostics, and wellness. Students complete foundational science coursework while preparing for specialized professional programs.
Chiropractic Medicine
Students interested in chiropractic medicine develop a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology while preparing for admission to chiropractic professional programs.
Dentistry
The Dentistry track prepares students for dental school through rigorous coursework in the sciences while developing the analytical and communication skills needed for patient-centered care.
Medicine
The Medicine concentration provides students with the academic preparation needed for medical school and careers as physicians. Coursework emphasizes the biological and physical sciences while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Occupational Therapy
Students pursuing occupational therapy prepare for graduate-level professional programs through coursework that explores human health, movement, behavior, and rehabilitation.
Optometry
The Optometry concentration prepares students for professional study in eye care and vision sciences through a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and related disciplines.
Pharmacy
Students on the Pharmacy track complete the prerequisite coursework needed for pharmacy school while developing the scientific knowledge and patient-care perspective essential to the profession.
Physical Therapy
The Physical Therapy concentration prepares students for admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs through coursework focused on human anatomy, physiology, movement, and rehabilitation sciences.
Physician Assistant
The Physician Assistant concentration provides students with the academic preparation and healthcare exposure needed to pursue admission to highly competitive physician assistant programs.
Podiatry
Students interested in podiatric medicine build a strong scientific foundation while preparing for professional programs focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle.
Veterinary Medicine
The Veterinary Medicine pathway prepares students for veterinary school through coursework in the biological sciences while fostering an understanding of animal health, welfare, and care.
Curriculum & Coursework
Pre-Health Professions students complete a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for admission to professional healthcare programs. Coursework emphasizes the sciences, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in graduate and professional study.
Sample Courses:
- BI 241 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- CH 111 General Chemistry I
- BI 112 Principles of Biology II
- PH 251 General Physics I
Learning Outcomes:
[UNA: Need Info Above]
Career Paths & Outcomes
The Pre-Health Professions program at UNA provides a strong foundation for students pursuing advanced healthcare education. Graduates are prepared to continue their studies in professional programs and pursue careers dedicated to improving health, wellness, and patient care.
Common Career Paths:
- Physician
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapist
- Physician Assistant
- Veterinarian
- Occupational Therapist
- Optometrist
Admissions Requirements
Admission into [program name] requires:
- Requirement
- Requirement
- Requirement
[UNA: Need Info Above]
Student Experience
At UNA, Pre-Health Professions students receive individualized support throughout their academic journey. Through dedicated advising, professional development opportunities, and healthcare-focused experiences, students gain the preparation and confidence needed to pursue competitive professional programs and healthcare careers.
Opportunities include:
- Personalized Pre-Health advising and mentoring
- Professional school application and interview preparation
- Healthcare-related volunteer and shadowing experiences
- Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals
- Pre-Health workshops and professional development events
- Guidance for entrance exams and professional school admissions
Meet the Faculty
Ms. Erin Cantrell
Lecturer
ekcantrell@una.edu
Ms. Jabril Diamond
Lecturer
tdiamond@una.edu
Mr. Drew Henderson
Lecturer
wahenderson@una.edu
Dr. Alyssa Ritenour
Assistant Professor
aritenour@una.edu
Dr. Laura Smith
Assistant Professor
lsmith72@una.edu
[UNA: Need Info Above]
