Pre-Health Programs
Prepare for the Next Step in Your Healthcare Career
Whether your goal is medical school, dental school, veterinary school, or another health profession, Buena Vista University's Pre-Health Pathways provide the academic foundation, hands-on experiences, and personalized advising to help you get there.
Customize your degree with the coursework and experiences needed for your professional program while building the skills healthcare schools and employers value.
Why study Pre-Health Programs at BVU
Build a strong foundation for your future in healthcare through personalized advising, hands-on experiences, and rigorous science coursework designed to prepare you for professional school.
Personalized Advising
Work one-on-one with faculty advisors to select the courses, experiences, and extracurricular opportunities that align with your career goals.
Hands-On Learning
Build practical experience through research, internships, laboratory work, and community engagement that strengthen your professional school application.
Strong Scientific Foundation
Develop a deep understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, and other foundational sciences while strengthening critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Prepare for What's Next
Graduate ready to apply confidently to professional schools with the academic preparation and real-world experience needed to stand out.
Choose Your Pre-Health Pathway
Prepare for a wide range of healthcare professions by combining your major with one of the following pre-professional pathways:
- Health Sciences
- Chiropractic
- Dentistry
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Osteopathy
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Podiatry
Learn by doing, from day one
Build your knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for professional school one year at a time. Each step of the journey helps you grow your skills, explore your interests, and move confidently toward your healthcare career.
Complete foundational science coursework while exploring healthcare careers.
Strengthen your scientific knowledge through laboratory experiences and begin building professional relationships.
Gain hands-on experience through research, internships, shadowing, or volunteer opportunities while preparing for professional school admissions.
Complete advanced coursework, finalize your professional school application, and graduate ready for the next step.
Where this degree can take you
Dr. Michael J. Dirkx
"At Buena Vista University, I found the scientific curiosity and mentorship to fuel my journey into orthopedic medicine. My education here didn't just teach me biochemistry and anatomy; it gave me the confidence to provide innovative patient care to restore movement and quality of life to those in need."
Orthopedic Surgeon at St. Anthony Orthopedics
Curriculum Highlights
A flexible program that lets you explore your interests while building a strong foundation in pre-health. Your coursework is designed to build the knowledge and skills needed for success in your field. Click here for complete program requirements and course descriptions in the Academic Catalog.
Start Building Your Future
Your path to a healthcare career begins with a strong academic foundation, meaningful experiences, and faculty who are invested in your success.