Pre-Health Pathways

Start Your Career in Health Care Here

Edgewood College is proud to offer students a variety of pathways to health-related careers through both the School of Arts and Science and the Henry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences. Aligned with our mission to educate students for meaningful personal and professional lives, these pathways guide students in selecting a degree program that provides the necessary prerequisites and hands-on experiences to prepare for a professional career in health care. The pre-health pathway is not a bachelor’s degree or academic major, but rather, it parallels the major while infusing career-focused programing that helps students gain the skills and experiences needed for advanced study or direct entry into health professions.

Navigating Your Pathway

Choosing a pre-health pathway at Edgewood College involves several key steps to ensure students are well-prepared for a career in health care.

Step 1: Meet Your Advisor

All students interested in health-related careers will meet with a dedicated pre-health advisor. The advisor will help you explore your interests, guide you through the various pre-health pathways, and suggest the degree programs and courses that best align with your career goals.

Step 2: Choose Your Major(s)

Students can choose any major, but the prerequisite coursework must be included. Most students choose a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, or Health Science because these programs often align with required prerequisites for various health professions. This decision is typically made early, usually within the first year, as it guides the trajectory of the academic path. However, changing majors later is still possible.

Step 3: Plan Your Prerequisite Coursework

As students pursue their degree, they will simultaneously complete the required pre-health coursework necessary for their future health care profession. Depending on the desired pathway, these may include courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, and psychology.

Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

Edgewood College emphasizes experiential learning. Students will participate in internships, research, clinical experiences, and volunteer opportunities to gain real-world experience in health care settings, helping them build competitive resumes for graduate programs or professional careers.

Step 5: Prepare for Graduate Study

For students pursuing advanced degrees (such as medical, dental, or pharmacy school), your pre-health pathways advisor will assist with application processes, preparation for entrance exams like the MCAT or GRE, and letters of recommendation. Alternatively, for those entering the workforce immediately, Edgewood provides career services and professional development resources.

The Edgewood College Difference

Choosing a pre-health pathway at Edgewood College means you won’t be navigating this journey alone. Each student is paired with a dedicated Faculty Advisor who offers personalized 1:1 support every step of the way within your major. From helping you select the right courses to sharing insider tips on how to succeed in your field, the Faculty Advisor will partner with you in achieving your goals. And the support doesn’t stop at graduation – whether you need a letter of recommendation or career guidance, Career Services will continue to be there as you take the next steps in your healthcare career.