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Week of Welcome (WOW) Event: Pre-Health Advising Orientation

A welcome and orientation for new pre-health students interested in attending graduate school for the clinical health professions after ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åampa graduation. Meet the Pre-Health Professions Committee, pre-health advisor, and ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åampa pre-health student leaders.

°Â³ó±ð²Ô:ÌýFriday, Jan. 17, 2025, at 10 a.m.
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýÌý.ÌýThis event will be recorded and can be provided upon request.Ìý

Pre-health 101: Rx to Success Workshops

This workshop is the first step in getting involved with ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å pre-health resources.

We discuss pre-requisite classes, majors, involvement on campus and in the medical field, admission tests, and the graduate school application timeline.

After attending a workshop, we can schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one and review your path to graduate school. You will also be invited to our second workshop, the Pre-Health E-Portfolio.

Please check back in early February for Spring 2025 dates.

Join us on Canvas

Current ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å students, self-enroll in the Pre-Health Professions Advising Canvas page.

Students in a science lab

Current ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å students, please indicate your pre-professional path by filling out ourÌýpre-professional interest form. While pre-health is not a major, declaring your interest will allow us to send you specific information on your intended field. Once you complete the form, you will be invited to any current workshops.

Health Professions Graduate School Fair
Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, 12–3 p.m.
Vaughn Center, 9th Floor
Ìý

Join us for our Health Professions Graduate School Fair. You can learn about the different health fields and the admissions requirements for these graduate programs. Business casual dress is recommended. TheÌýAcademic Success CenterÌýand theÌýDepartment of Health Sciences and Human PerformanceÌýhost the annual health fair.Ìý
Ìý

: Students, learn how to prepare for the fair.
Ìý

Around 60 health professional graduate schools are expected to attend:

Registered Schools as of Dec. 13, 2024:Participating programs include:
  • Agnes Scott College
  • American University of Antigua College of Medicine
  • Avalon University School of Medicine
  • Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine
  • Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
  • Des Moines University Medicine & Health Sciences
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Florida International University
  • Florida Southern College
  • Gannon University – Ruskin, FL
  • Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Kansas City University
  • LECOM
  • LIFE University
  • Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Orange Park
  • Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  • Midwestern University
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • New York College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Saba University
  • Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
  • Uniformed Services University School of Medicine
  • University of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • University of Pikeville
  • University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
  • University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
  • USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
  • USF School of Physical Therapy and Rehab Sciences
  • VCOM - Auburn, Carolinas, Louisiana, Virginia
  • Wayne State University School of Medicine
  • West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Western University of Health Sciences
  • More to come
  • Anesthesiology
  • Athletic Training
  • Biomedical Science
  • Chiropractic Medicine
  • Dental Medicine
  • Exercise and Nutrition Science
  • Gerontology & Geroscience
  • Health Service Administration/ Management
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Medicine (MD and DO)
  • Nursing (MSN, DNP, FNP)
  • Nutrition and dietetics
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Podiatric Medicine
  • Psychology (Industrial & Organizational and Clinical)
  • Public Health
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • VeterinaryÌý

Ìý

Competitive applicants to health-related professional schools usually possess the following record:

  • High overall and science-specific (biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics) GPA
  • High score on standardized entrance exam
  • Extensive record of relevant extracurricular activities: student organizations, volunteering, and/or community service
  • Working in clinical or research settings, direct patient care and/or shadowing
  • Demonstrated leadership activities

Majors:

Students who intend to pursue graduate professional degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, physician assistant, pharmacy or chiropractic medicine usually major inÌý,Ìý,ÌýÌýorÌý.

Students who wish to pursue graduate degrees in the allied health fields of physical therapy or occupational therapy can major in allied health with a concentration inÌýÌýorÌý.

These majors at ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å provide excellent preparation to succeed in these professional programs and help the student fulfill many prerequisites necessary to apply to graduate programs in the health professions.

The biology major is housed in theÌýDepartment of Biology, and the biochemistry and chemistry majors are housed in theÌýDepartment of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics. The allied health majors are housed in theÌýDepartment of Health Sciences and Human Performance.

Students interested in nursing should visit theÌýDepartment of Nursing.

Other degrees can also prepare students for health professions; thus, students are encouraged to major in the field where they excel and should consult the pre-health professions advisor about course work.

Required Courses:

The following courses are typical requirements of many professional schools in the health sciences.

It is important to note:

  • each health profession (e.g. medicine vs. pharmacy) and each school (e.g. University of Florida vs. University of Central Florida) differs in its academic requirements for admissions
  • not all classes listed below are required for every student
  • not all the classes listed below are a comprehensive list as other classes may be required
  • It is imperative for students to check admission requirements forÌýeachÌýschool of interest!

Ideally, students should complete these core courses before the start of their junior year by taking course loads of about 15-18 credit hours per semester. Summer school may be necessary. Students should realize that certain professional schools may not recognize credits earned from AP or IB exams or community colleges, especially if higher-level coursework in that discipline was not taken at a four-year college or university.

Biology w/ labs
BIO 198 Gen Bio I(1)
BIO 199 Gen Bio II(2)
Chemistry w/ labs
CHE 152 Gen. Chem. I(1)
CHE 154 Gen. Chem. II(2)
CHE 232 Organic Chem. I(1)
CHE 234 Organic Chem. II(2)
CHE 320 or CHE 317 BiochemistryÌýÌý
Physics w/labs
PHY 200/205 Gen. Phys. IÌýÌý(1)(with or without calc.)
PHY 201/206 Gen. Phys. IIÌýÌý(2)(with or without calc.)
Mathematics
MAT 260 Calc. I(1)
Anatomy and Physiology w/labs
(needed for most physician assistant,
physical therapy, occupational therapy
and pharmacy schools)
HSC 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I(1)
HSC 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology II(2)
Ìý

Most math and science classes have prerequisites. In addition, many courses are only offered during one term of the academic year. If students have a major outside of biology or chemistry, they may want to consult with a faculty member in one of those departments for advice in scheduling math and science courses.

ViewÌýÌýfor degree requirements.

Jackie Mikulski
Coordinator of Pre-Professional Programs
Academic Success Center
Office:ÌýTechnology Building
Email:Ìýjmikulski@ut.edu

Pre-professional advising has a dedicated program coordinator to help students prepare for professional school in the health sciences and who would like to see all pre-health students early on to ensure they are on the path to success. Current University of Tampa students, please complete theÌýpre-professional interest formÌýand emailÌýjmikulski@ut.eduÌýto inquire about your next steps within the pre-health advising program. Please include your ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å student ID number in the email.

For academic advising questions regarding your major, please speak with your faculty or academic advisor.

The University’s Pre-Health Professions Committee (PHPC) is composed of biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physics faculty, and offers advising and guidance for students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions.

Students attending ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å who intend to pursue professional doctoral studies in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry and podiatry are strongly encouraged to request a letter of recommendation from the PHPC referred to as a "committee letter."

  • Requests are due toÌýPadmanabhan MahadevanÌýby March 1 of the year you are applying.
  • Please note the PHPC does not typically write letters for students with BCPM GPAs below 3.2.
  • Students with a BCPM GPA below 3.2 are urged to contact the co-chairmen of the PHPC for advising.
  • Committee Letter Request Form*

*Please visit theÌýPre-Health Professions Committee websiteÌýfor comprehensive information on the PHPC.

75% have been accepted to one or more U.S. medical programs.

Since 2011, 75% of ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å graduates with a degree in the natural and health sciences who earned a 3.6 GPA in science and math classes and scored a 505 or higher on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)**As of 2018, the average score for matriculants to U.S. medical schools is a 509 as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges.Ìýhave been accepted to at least one U.S. medical program. These students also exhibited exceptional experience in the health field and had leadership experience on campus. The foundation for their success was gained through the hands-on educational experience and personalized attention afforded through ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å.

*As of 2022, the average score for matriculants to U.S. medical schools is a 509 as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Below is a list of schools attended by University of Tampa alumni in recent years:Ìý

  • American University of the Caribbean
  • A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Charles University
  • Drexel University
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Florida International University
  • Florida State University
  • Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
  • Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Lock Haven University
  • Marshall University
  • New York University
  • Nova Southeastern University (Optometry)
  • Ross University (Veterinary Medicine)
  • San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
  • Tufts University
  • Tufts University (Veterinary Medicine)
  • University of Alabama
  • University of Albany
  • University of Central Florida COM
  • University of Chicago-Pritzker
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Florida
  • University of Florida (Pharmacy)
  • University of Florida (Veterinary Medicine)
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Miami
  • University of Pennsylvania (Dentistry)
  • University of South Florida (Physical Therapy)
  • University of Toledo College of Medicine
  • University of Vermont
  • University of Texas-Galveston
  • USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
  • Wake Forest University
  • Washington State University (Veterinary Medicine)

Career Services

The Office of Career Services can also assist inÌýinternshipÌýpreparation and has many helpful resources available with advice on how to get an internship, a student internship guide, and internship frequently asked questions, along with many other useful tools.

Tampa General Hospital

ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å has partnered with nephrologists and hepatologists at Tampa General Hospital to provide a unique experience for some of our top pre-medical students. ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å undergraduates have participated in this summer internship program where the students participate in retrospective research studies with the physicians, shadow the physicians and participate in a series of lectures on medically important topics. The program occurs during the summer, but many interns continue to work with these physicians on their projects during subsequent school years. In addition, students have completed internships with local physicians, dentists, and veterinarians in the Tampa Bay area.

Read more:ÌýSummer Surgeries, Research Boost Confidence of ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å’s Pre-Med Students

Allied Health majors

Allied Health majors intern with public and private corporate and health organizations. More information on allied health internships can be found through theÌýDepartment of Health Sciences and Human Performance.

LECOM, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å have established an Early Acceptance Program (EAP) that grants qualified students a provisional early acceptance to LECOM’s School of Pharmacy, School of Dental Medicine, School of Podiatric Medicine, or College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Bradenton, FL or Erie, PA. High school seniors and current ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å students in their freshman or sophomore year can apply to the EAP; most importantly, students must be enrolled at ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å as full-time students for at least two consecutive years immediately preceding enrollment at LECOM.ÌýAn SAT or ACT score taken before high school graduation is required.

Applications to EAP are done through LECOM and are separate from ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å's Admissions application.

EAP information and admission requirements can be found on theÌý. You canÌýÌýto LECOM on their website, the first step of the process through the LECOM Portal.

ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å and LECOM have the following EAP tracks:

  • 4+4 track for College of Osteopathic Medicine (Erie, PA; Greensburg, PA; or in Bradenton, FL)
    • Students may be exempt from taking the MCAT if they meet the SAT/ACT and GPA requirements)
  • 4+4 track for Pharmacy School (Bradenton, FL)
  • 4+3 accelerated track for Pharmacy School (Erie, PA)
  • 4+4 track for Dental School (Bradenton, FL)
  • 4+4 track for Podiatric Medicine (Erie, PA)

Please contact Jackie Mikulski with any questions atÌýjmikulski@ut.edu.

Byron Ward

"ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å recognized my potential and dedication to research by awarding me the Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Grant. This grant enabled me to delve into impactful research projects, further enhancing my scientific and analytical skills. The experiences and support I received at ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å have undoubtedly shaped my path to medical school and instilled in me the confidence and knowledge to succeed in the medical profession."

Byron Ward ’20, B.S. in Biology, Morehouse School of Medicine