Pre-Professional Programs

If you want to become a doctor, lawyer, dentist, pharmacist, art therapist, or veterinarian, consider one of the pre-professional programs at Holy Family University. We offer 10 areas of study to meet a variety of academic and career interests. Each of these programs provides a solid undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, which is required for admission into medical or law school.

You will work closely with a faculty advisor for guidance in choosing a major or concentration, selecting appropriate courses, and preparing for professional school admissions tests.

What The Schools Require
In general, professional schools do not specify a particular program of courses for admittance, but they do require a baccalaureate degree, a high cumulative grade average, and superior scores on the professional entrance examinations, such as the MCAT.

At Holy Family University, students who want to enter professional schools after graduation consult with the pre-health professions adviser for guidance in choosing a major or concentration, in selecting the specific courses required by the professional school the student prefers, and in preparing to take the professional admissions test successfully.

Choosing A Major
Students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry or physical therapy usually choose a major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry, but they may major in one of the humanities or social sciences, as long as they take prescribed biology, physics, mathematics, and chemistry courses. A strong science background with laboratory experience is important in developing the investigative and cognitive skills necessary for the health professional. Strong communication skills are also necessary.

A Strong Foundation
Pre-pharmacy students usually transfer to their professional schools after completing two full-time years of education at Holy Family. In consultation with the pre-health professions adviser, these students take the courses required by the school they desire to enter. These requirements, primarily in the natural sciences and mathematics, humanities, and social sciences, vary among the professional schools. Therefore, it is important for pre-pharmacy students to work closely with their adviser, whose knowledge of the professional schools' requirements will assure selection of the appropriate courses.

Students planning careers as occupational therapists, physicians' assistants, or cytotechnologists may also begin their first year or two at Holy Family. Foundational courses for these allied-health fields, primarily in the liberal arts and sciences, are available at Holy Family, and the credits are then transferred when the student is admitted to one of the allied-health programs at a professional school or university. Students need to be in close contact with the pre-health professions adviser to choose their courses wisely to match the requirements of the professional program they plan to enter.

Major/Course Preferences
Students choose a specific major which is compatible with the requirements of their professional school. The student then fulfills the requirements of that concentration.

Pre-Art Therapy
Pre-art therapy is a concentration that gives the art student the opportunity to explore a career option that includes working in schools, psychiatric and medical hospitals, clinics, community centers, nursing homes and drug and alcohol treatment centers. The program broadens the opportunities available to the visual arts major, building on existing art and psychology programs at the University. Graduate schools normally expect a strong foundation in visual arts with a general psychology background. This program provides that foundation for a student willing to take the next step: a graduate program that offers certification in art therapy.

Course Highlights

  • Two Dimensional Design
  • Three Dimensional Design
  • Introduction to Art Therapy
  • Art History
  • Drawing and Composition
  • Drawing from the Model
  • Child and Adolescent Development
  • Abnormal Psychology

Pre-Allied Health
Usually take foundational courses for allied-health fields according to admitting professional program requirements. Usually transfer to allied-health program in the second or third year.

Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physical Therapy
Usually choose a biology, biochemistry, or chemistry major, but may choose other majors in social science or humanities. Must include basic laboratory science and mathematics courses.