Health Professions Pathways
K-State's pre-health students get started on the right path toward a health career by choosing an academic major from more than 250 academic majors/options and then adding one of the health professions pathways below.
Advice for Pre-Chiropractic Students
- Gain experience through shadowing, internships or volunteering.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Degree Pathway to Become a Chiropractor
Current Doctor of Chiropractic program (DCP) entrance requirements include the following:
- Completion of at least three academic years of undergraduate study (90 semester hours) at an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign agency.
- A GPA of no less than a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for those 90 hours.
- Completion of at least 24 semester hours of life and physical sciences courses with at least half including a substantive laboratory component. These courses will provide an adequate background for success in the DCP; completion of courses leading to a well-rounded general education program in the humanities and social sciences, and other coursework deemed relevant by the DCP for students to successfully complete the DCP curriculum.
An increasing number of chiropractic schools require completion of a bachelor's degree because that is required for licensure in many states.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses and Recommended Courses
Note: Prerequisites may vary by school. Ask your pre-chiropractic advisor about Honors courses.
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100 |
Expository Writing I |
3 |
No |
|
ENGL 200 |
Expository Writing II |
3 |
No |
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 441* |
Human Body I |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 442* |
Human Body II |
4 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360* |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
No |
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
Yes |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
Yes |
|
PSYCH 110 |
General Psychology |
3 |
Yes |
|
Social Sciences and Humanities |
12 |
No |
*It is recommended students either take BIOL 441 and BIOL 441 OR KIN 360.
Recommended Courses
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ACCTG 231 |
Managerial Accounting |
3 |
NO |
|
BIOCH 521 |
General Biochemistry |
3 |
Yes |
|
BIOL 443 |
Cadaver Team |
2 |
No |
|
CHM 350* |
Gen. Organic Chemistry |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 351* |
Gen. Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
CHM 531* |
Organic Chemistry I |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 532* |
Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
No |
*It is recommended students either take CHM 350 and CHM 351 OR CHM 351 and CHM 532.
Common Chiropractic Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- Cleveland University (Kansas City)
- Logan University
- Palmer University
- Parker University
Additional Resources
Advice for Pre-Dentistry Students
- Take the highest-level courses available to you, particularly in math and science.
- Gain experience through shadowing, internships or volunteering.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Degree Pathway for Dentists
A bachelor's degree prior to dental school admission is highly recommended. Dental schools are four-year programs leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree. Some dentists begin practicing immediately after completing a DDS or DMD degree. Others choose to complete a dental residency, either to gain advanced training as a general dentist or to become a specialist.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biomedical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Chemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutritional sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
Note: Prerequisites may vary by school. Ask your pre-dentistry advisor about Honors courses. We recommend students complete all prerequisite courses prior to taking the Dental Admissions Test.
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100 |
Expository Writing I |
3 |
No |
|
ENGL 200 |
Expository Writing II |
3 |
No |
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 245 |
Principles of Histology^ |
2 |
No |
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
Yes |
|
BIOL 398 |
Principles of Genetics |
4 |
Yes |
|
BIOL 441* |
Human Body I |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 442* |
Human Body II |
4 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360* |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
No |
|
BIOL 541 |
Cell Biology |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
Yes |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
Yes |
|
CHM 531 |
Organic Chemistry I |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 532 |
Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
No |
|
CHM 550 |
Organic Chemistry II |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 551 |
Advanced Organic Lab |
2 |
No |
|
BIOCH 521 |
Biochemistry |
3 |
Yes |
|
PHYS 113 |
Physics I |
4 |
No |
|
PHYS 114 |
Physics II |
4 |
No |
|
STAT 225 |
Intro to Statistics |
3 |
Yes |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
STAT 240 |
Biometrics I |
3 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
STAT 240 |
Business/Econ Statistics |
3 |
No |
|
MATH 150 |
Plane Trigonometry |
3 |
No |
*It is recommended students either take BIOL 441 and 442 OR KIN 360; it is also recommended students take either STAT 225, 240 OR 250.
^strongly recommended courses
Common Chiropractic Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Creighton University
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- University of Michigan
- University of Iowa
Additional Resources
Advice for Pre-Medicine Students
- Learn about your desired medical career through shadowing, seeking out relevant job experience and researching the profession thoroughly online.
- Volunteer and serve your community to show your dedication to helping others.
- Get involved in activities beyond the classroom such as: Pre-Medicine Club, Pre-Health Ambassadors, Alpha Epsilon Delta
Degree Pathway for Medical Doctors
Students must earn a bachelor's degree prior to admission to medical school. In addition to a bachelor's degree, students must also complete the core courses required by the medical schools to which they apply and score competitively on the MCAT. Strong applicants also shadow physicians in a variety of settings and are involved in community service.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biochemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biological systems engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biomedical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Chemical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutritional sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
Students must earn a bachelor's degree prior to admission to medical school. In addition to a bachelor's degree, students must also complete the core courses required by the medical schools to which they apply and score competitively on the MCAT. Strong applicants also shadow physicians in a variety of settings and are involved in community service.
Note: Prerequisities may vary by school. Ask your pre-medicine advisor about Honors courses. We recommend students complete all prerequisite courses prior to taking the MCAT.
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
Yes |
|
BIOL 398 |
Principles of Genetics^ |
4 |
Yes |
|
BIOL 441* |
Human Body I |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 442* |
Human Body II |
4 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|
|
|
|
KIN 360* |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
No |
|
BIOL 541 |
Cell Biology^ |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
Yes |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
Yes |
|
CHM 531 |
Organic Chemistry I |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 532 |
Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
No |
|
CHM 550 |
Organic Chemistry II |
3 |
No |
|
BIOCH 521 |
Biochemistry |
3 |
Yes |
|
PHYS 113 |
Physics I |
4 |
No |
|
PHYS 114 |
Physics II |
4 |
No |
|
PSYCH 110 |
General Psychology |
3 |
Yes |
|
SOCIO 211 |
Sociology |
3 |
Yes |
*It is recommended students either take BIOL 441 and 442 OR KIN 360.
^strongly recommended courses
Support for MD and DO Degree Paths
Students pursuing a medical degree will decide which schools to apply to based on if they want to earn a MD (allopathic approach) or a DO (osteopathic approach) degree. Both types of physicians are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients based on physical examinations and the results of a wide array of tests and other assessments. Both MDs and DOs order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, perform surgery and practice in a variety of specialty areas.
Common Medical Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- University of Kansas (MD)
- Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- University of Missouri-Kansas (MD)
- Kansas City University (DO)
- University of Missouri (MD)
- A.T. Still University (DO)
- University of Nebraska (MD)
- Oklahoma State University (DO)
Additional Resources
Advice for Pre-Nursing Students
- Gain experience through shadowing, volunteering or part-time work.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Pathways for Pre-Nursing Students
Pre-Nursing students choose one of three pathways:
- Complete only the prerequisites (about 60 hours) and transfer to another college for their nursing degree.
- Complete a K-State degree and apply to a traditional or accelerated BSN program.
- Pursue the dual-degree Kansas State University-Wichita State University Pathway to Nursing program.
Kansas State University - Wichita State University Pathways to Nursing Program
This unique dual-degree program gives students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree from K-State and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Wichita State Universi. Students will begin the program working toward their K-State degree while fulfilling requirements needed for the nursing program. This program is only available to K-State students, but does not guarantee admission in the WSU BSN program. Both degree programs are based on the K-State Manhattan campus.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a K-State degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Human development and family science (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Integrated Human Sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
Note: Prerequisities may vary by school. Ask your pre-nursing advisor about Honors courses.
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100 |
Expository Writing I |
3 |
No |
|
ENGL 200 |
Expository Writing II |
3 |
No |
|
COMM 106 |
Public Speaking |
3 |
Yes |
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
Yes |
|
BIOL 441* |
Human Body I |
4 |
No |
|
BIOL 442* |
Human Body II |
4 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360* |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
No |
|
CHM 110 |
General Chemistry |
3 |
No |
|
CHM 111 |
General Chemistry Lab |
1 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
Yes |
|
FNDH 132 |
Basic Nutrition |
3 |
No |
|
PSYCH 110 |
General Psychology |
3 |
Yes |
|
PSYCH 520 |
Lifespan Personal Development |
3 |
No |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
HDFS 110 |
Intro to Human Development |
3 |
No |
|
SOCIO 211 |
Sociology |
3 |
Yes |
|
MATH 100 |
College Algebra |
3 |
No |
|
STAT 225 |
Intro to Statistics |
3 |
Yes |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
STAT 240 |
Biometrics I |
3 |
No |
|
PHILO 130 |
Moral Philosophy |
3 |
No |
|
Humanities |
3-6 |
*It is recommended students either take BIOL 441 and 442 OR KIN 360. It is also recommended students take either CHM 110 and 111 OR CHM 210, and STAT 225 OR STAT 240.
Common Nursing Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- University of Kansas
- Baker University
- Washburn University
- Wichita State University
- Rockhurst University
Additional Resources
This unique dual degree program will give students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from K-State and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) from the College of Health Professions at Wichita State University.
Upon completion of the program, graduates earn two bachelor’s degrees; one from each institution. Students will spend the first three years in their K-State program and earn a BS degree from K-State. Students will then submit an application for WSU’s Traditional BSN program. Accepted students will spend the next two years in the Traditional BSN program, and earn a BSN degree from WSU. Both degree programs will be based in Manhattan, Kansas.
Advice for Pre-Occupational Therapy Students
- Gain experience through shadowing, internships or volunteering.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Degree Pathway for Occupational Therapists
A bachelor's degree is required prior to entering a professional OT education program. Students may choose any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Entry into the OT profession requires at least a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, and some practitioners have earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) degree.
Common Academic Majors
- Human development and family science (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Psychology (College of Arts and Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
Note: Prerequisites may vary by school. Ask your pre-occupational therapy advisor about Honors courses
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100
|
Expository Writing I |
3 |
|
|
ENGL 200
|
Expository Writing II |
3 |
|
|
CLSCS 105
|
Medical Terminology |
2 |
|
|
BIOL 198
|
Principles of Human Biology |
|
|
|
BIOL 441
|
Human Body I |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 442
|
Human Body II |
4 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360
|
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
|
|
PSYCH 110
|
General Psychology |
3 |
H |
|
PSYCH 505
|
Psychopathology |
3 |
|
|
PSYCH 520 |
Lifespan Personality Development |
3 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
HDFS 110
|
Intro to Human Development |
3 |
|
|
PHILO 130
|
Moral Philosophy |
3 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
PHILO 365
|
Medical Ethics |
3 |
|
|
SOCIO 211
|
Intro to Sociology |
3 |
H |
|
STAT 225
|
Intro to Statistics |
3 |
H |
|
Research Methods Course |
3 |
|
|
*It is recommended students either take BIOL 441 and 442 OR KIN 360.
*It is recommended students either take PSYCH 520 or HDFS 110.
*It is recommended students either take PHILO 130 or PHILO 365.
Common Occupational Therapy Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- University of Kansas
- Rockhurst University
- Creighton University
- University of Saint Mary
- University of Missouri
- University of Nebraska
Additional Resources
Advice for Pre-Optometry Majors
- Gain experience through shadowing, internships or volunteering.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Degree Pathway for Optometrists
A bachelor's degree is not required for admission into optometry school. However, nearly all accepted applicants have earned an undergraduate degree prior to entering optometry school. As such, earning a bachelor's degree is highly encouraged.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health/Nutritional sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100 |
Expository Writing I |
3 |
|
|
ENGL 200 |
Expository Writing II |
3 |
|
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 398 |
Principles of Genetics |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 441 |
Human Body I |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 442 |
Human Body II |
4 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
|
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 350 |
General Organic Chemistry |
3 |
|
|
CHM 351 |
General Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
CHM 531 |
Organic Chemistry I |
3 |
|
|
CHM 532 |
Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
|
|
BIOCH 521 |
Biochemistry |
3 |
H |
|
MATH 220 |
Calculus I |
4 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
MATH 205 |
General Calculus |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 113 |
Physics I |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 114 |
Physics II |
4 |
|
|
PSYCH 110 |
General Psychology |
3 |
H |
|
STAT 225 |
Statistics |
3 |
H |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
STAT 240 |
Biometrics I |
3 |
|
*It is recommended that students either take BIOL 441 and BIOL 442 or KIN 360.
*It is recommended that students either take CHM 350 and CHM 351 or CHM 531 and CHM 532.
*It is recommended that students either take MATH 220 or MATH 205; it is also recommended that students either take either STAT 225 or STAT 240.
Common Optometry Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- Missouri College of Optometry
- Southern College of Optometry
- School of Optometry at Northeastern State University
Limited seats are available for Kansas residents to receive reduced tuition. Ask the pre-optometry advisor for more information.
Additional Resources
Advice for Pre-Pharmacy Students
- Gain experience through shadowing, internships, and volunteering.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Degree Pathway for Pharmacists
Entry into the Pharmacy profession requires completion of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Admission requirements vary among Pharm.D. programs; some require completion of a bachelor's degree and some do not. Completing a bachelor's degree is recommended for pre-pharmacy students because they are better prepared for the academic rigor of pharmacy school, and some Pharm.D. programs give preference to applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biochemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Chemical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Chemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Microbiology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health/Nutritional Sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100 |
Expository Writing I |
3 |
|
|
ENGL 200 |
Expository Writing II |
3 |
|
|
COMM 106 |
Public Speaking |
3 |
H |
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 398 |
Principles of Genetics |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 441 |
Human Body I |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 442 |
Human Body II |
4 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
|
|
BIOL 541 |
Cell Biology |
3 |
|
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 531 |
Organic Chemistry I |
3 |
|
|
CHM 532 |
Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
|
|
CHM 550 |
Organic Chemistry II |
3 |
|
|
CHM 551 |
Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
|
|
BIOCH |
Biochemistry |
3 |
H |
|
MATH 220 |
Calculus I |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 113 |
Physics I |
4 |
|
|
STAT 225 |
Statistics |
3 |
H |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
STAT 240 |
Biometrics I |
3 |
|
|
Social Science/Humanities |
3 |
|
|
|
Electives |
3 |
|
|
*It is recommended that students either take BIOL 441 and BIOL 442 or KIN 360; it is also recommended that students either take either STAT 225 or STAT 240.
Common Pharmacy Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- Creighton University
- University of Kansas
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- University of Missouri – Kansas City
- University of Texas-Austin
Additional Resources
Advise for Pre-Physical Therapy Students
- Gain experience through shadowing, internships, and volunteering.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Degree Pathway for Physical Therapists
Entry into the PT profession requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. A bachelor's degree is required for admission to DPT programs.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Athletic training and rehabilitation sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100 |
Expository Writing I |
3 |
|
|
ENGL 200 |
Expository Writing II |
3 |
|
|
COMM 106 |
Public Speaking |
3 |
H |
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 441 |
Human Body I |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 442 |
Human Body II |
4 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
|
|
MATH 150 |
Plane Trigonometry |
3 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
MATH 220 |
Calculus I |
4 |
|
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
H |
|
PHYS 113 |
Physics I |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 114 |
Physics II |
4 |
|
|
KIN 330 |
Biomechanics |
3 |
|
|
KIN 335 |
Exercise Physiology |
4 |
|
|
PHILO 130 |
Moral Philosophy |
3 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
PHILO 365 |
Medical Ethics |
3 |
|
|
PSYCH 110 |
General Psychology |
3 |
H |
|
PSYCH 505 |
Psychopathology |
3 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
PSYCH 520 |
Lifespan Personality Development |
3 |
|
|
STAT 225 |
Intro to Statistics |
3 |
H |
*It is recommended that students either take BIOL 441 and BIOL 442 or KIN 360.
*It is recommended that students either take MATH 150 or MATH 220.
*It is recommended that students either take PHILO 130 or PHILO 365.
*It is recommended that students either take PSYCH 505 or PSYCH 520.
Commmon Physical Therapy Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- University of Kansas
- Wichita State University
- University of Saint Mary
- Rockhurst University
- University of Missouri
- University of Nebraska
Additional Resources
Advice for Pre-Physician Assistant Students
- Gain patient care experience by getting a healthcare certification (CNA, EMT, etc.).
- Volunteer and serve your community to show your dedication to helping others.
Degree Pathway for Physician Assistants
The minimum education required to enter the PA profession is the master's degree and, with a few exceptions, a bachelor's degree is required before entering a PA program.
Common Academic Majors
Students may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Athletic training and rehabilitation sciences (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Food science (College of Agriculture)
- Integrative physiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Kinesiology (College of Health and Human Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Nutrition and health (College of Health and Human Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 398 |
Principles of Genetics |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 441 |
Human Body I |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 442 |
Human Body II |
4 |
|
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
KIN 360 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
8 |
|
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 350 |
General Organic Chemistry |
3 |
|
|
CHM 351 |
General Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
|
|
BIOCH 521 |
Biochemistry |
3 |
H |
|
CLSCS 105 |
Medical Terminology |
2 |
|
|
PSYCH 110 |
General Psychology |
3 |
|
|
STAT 225 |
Intro to Statistics |
3 |
H |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
STAT 240 |
Biometrics I |
3 |
H |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
STAT 250 |
Business/Econ Statistics |
3 |
|
*It is recommended that students either take BIOL 441 and BIOL 442 or KIN 360; it is also recommended that students either take STAT 225, STAT 240, or STAT 250.
Common Physician Assistant/Associate Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- Kansas State University
- Wichita State University
- University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Ottawa University
- College of Saint Mary
- University of Nebraska
- Creighton University
Additional Resources
Kansas State University physician assistant program leads to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree. The program follows the traditional medical model of training, providing in-depth analysis of disease processes, diagnosis and treatment, and prepares students to serve as primary health care providers who practice medicine with physician supervision.
The 27-month physician assistant program will admit 44 students once a year and is designed to prepare graduates to provide medical care as part of an interprofessional health care team. The curriculum consists of three semesters of classroom training (didactic), followed by four semesters of clinical rotations (clinical). All students enter as a single cohort in early January, complete seven continuous full-time semesters, and graduate in May with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree.
Advice for Pre-Veterinary Medicine Students
- Gain veterinary and animal experience through shadowing, volunteering or part-time work.
- Ask questions of field professionals to help narrow down your interests and future career goals.
Degree Pathway for Veterinarians
Completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) is required to become a veterinarian. K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine offers the DVM degree, which is a four-year program. An early admission program is available to exceptional high school students. Although a bachelor's degree is not required for admission to veterinary school, the majority of applicants who are accepted have completed one.
Common Academic Majors
Students who choose to complete a bachelor's degree may select any academic major of interest to them; no major is preferred. Typical majors include:
- Animal sciences and industry (College of Agriculture)
- Biochemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Biomedical engineering (Carl R. Ice College of Engineering)
- Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Chemistry (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Life science (College of Arts and Sciences)
How to Prepare: Common Prerequisite Courses
|
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Honors Eligible |
|
ENGL 100 |
Expository Writing I |
3 |
|
|
ENGL 200 |
Expository Writing II |
3 |
|
|
BIOL 198 |
Principles of Biology |
4 |
|
|
BIOL 255 |
Microbiology |
4 |
H |
|
BIOL 398 |
Principles of Genetics |
4 |
H |
|
--OR-- |
|||
|
ASI 500 |
Genetics |
3 |
|
|
CHM 210 |
Chemistry I |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 230 |
Chemistry II |
4 |
H |
|
CHM 350 |
General Organic Chemistry |
3 |
|
|
CHM 351 |
General Organic Chemistry Lab |
2 |
|
|
BIOCH 521 |
Biochemistry |
3 |
H |
|
PHYS 113 |
Physics I |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 114 |
Physics II |
4 |
|
|
Social Sciences/Humanities |
12 |
|
|
*It is recommended that students either take BIOL 398 or ASI 500.
Common Veterinary Schools K-State Students Apply to:
- Kansas State University
- University of Missouri
- Iowa State University
- Oklahoma State University
Additional Resources