Belmont University Pre-Health Brochure

Pre-Health Studies COLLEGE OF SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS

For more information, contact: UNIVERSITY PRE-HEALTH ADVISOR Dr. Nick Ragsdale 615.460.6210 nick.ragsdale@belmont.edu BELMONT.EDU/ISS/PRE-HEALTH-STUDIES/

Pre-Health Studies at BELMONT UNIVERSITY

Pre-Health studies is centered on the science courses that a student needs to complete to be accepted to a graduate health care program. We work with students on strategies for success on aptitude tests (MCAT, OAT, PCAT, etc.). We encourage clinical experiences. We “get to know our students� in our small classroom lecture/lab model which helps professors write the best possible letter of recommendation. We showcase problem solving and critical thinking skills by having students present their research at regional and national meetings.

College of Sciences & Mathematics 1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212 615.460.3210 BELMONT.EDU Belmont University is a Christian community. The university faculty, administration and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service or sexual orientation. Inquiries or complaints concerning the application of these policies to students should be directed to the Dean of Students, Beaman Student Life Center Suite 200, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212, deanofstudents@belmont.edu or 615.460.6407.

CSM-15416

“From committee recommendation letters to mentoring programs, Belmont’s pre-health resources were so helpful in my process of getting into medical school. The faculty really do care about students’ succeeding. The curriculum is also designed for students to gain not only knowledge but personal experience through research.”

ALICIA HSU Biology (2015)

“As a Biology major, I knew all of the faculty and staff by name, and was known by them as well. The small Belmont community is one that goes above and beyond to provide each student with not only personalized advising but also individual attention, to ensure the most positive educational experience. Through my research course I was able to safely ask questions and make mistakes knowing that my advisor was willing to sacrifice efficiency in order to encourage critical thinking and curiosity.”

MOLLY SHANKLES Biology (2014)

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?

PRE-HEALTH AT BELMONT

Belmont and the College of Sciences & Mathematics have many majors, minors and opportunities to help students achieve their health career goals. Internships in local health care facilities include hospitals, dental clinics, veterinarian offices, pharmacies and physical therapy centers.

Academic advisors are assigned to students according to career interests and Dr. Nick Ragsdale, pre-health advisor, serves as a resource for all students interested in health-related careers.

This is an excellent time to begin working toward your vocational life within a clinical setting. The latest reports from the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that the majority of health diagnosis, treatment and technical positions will have greater than average growth through the year 2022.

A variety of health-related student organizations provide opportunities for community service, learning about health care needs and careers, and networking in the health care field.

These organizations offer insight into pre-health studies and processes for applying to health-related graduate programs.

Always choose a major that inspires you to do well and try harder. Typical majors for students interested in the following areas of health care are: • Medical (Allopathic & Osteopathic), Dental, or Veterinary: Biology/Pre-Medical Emphasis, Chemistry/Pre-Health Emphasis, Psychological Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mathematics • Pharmacy: Biology/Pre-Pharm Emphasis, Chemistry/Pre-Health Emphasis, Pharmaceutical Studies • Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy: Biology/Pre-Allied Health Emphasis, Exercise Science, Psychological Science • Optometry: Biology/Pre-Medical Emphasis, Biology/Pre-Allied Health Emphasis, Chemistry/ Pre-Health Emphasis • Masters of Science in Nursing, Public Health, Health Administration: Biology/Pre-Allied Health Emphasis, Psychological Science

Through your academic life and extracurricular activities at Belmont University, within the College of Sciences and Mathematics, you will be able to achieve your health career goals. You will be able to explore your chosen field so that you get “first hand” experience. Academic and specialty advisors are assigned according to your career interests.

Together, you will work with your advisors not only to achieve your career goals but to insure that you have explored all the clinically related career possibilities so that you are best matched with your career potential.

Additionally, Belmont offers the following resources: 1. Walk-in and scheduled appointments with a pre-health advisor.

2. Free tutoring for multiple levels of math, chemistry and biology.

3. Student-led organizations in which one hones his or her leadership skills.

4. Connections with area clinical facilities for volunteer and internship experience.

5. Peer-mentoring in which 1st and 2nd year students learn the “ins and outs” of achieving one’s goal of becoming a clinician from 3rd and 4th year students.

6. Research opportunities that are curricular and extra-curricular which allow you to practice your problem solving and critical thinking skills.