Pre-Health Sciences

Course requirements for PT schools vary widely. For example, some schools require calculus and others do not. Most programs prefer students with broad, well-rounded backgrounds and value a liberal arts education. A science major is not necessarily required for professional programs; in fact, a major or minor in the arts, humanities, or social sciences may be attractive to some PT schools. However, you must balance the requirements of your major with those of PT school admissions and take a wide variety of science courses. Careful planning is essential to avoid scheduling conflicts. 

It is recommended that you investigate the particular requirements of PT schools to which you are interested in applying. These can be found at aota.org. Regardless of a school’s particular course requirements, students applying to PT school programs must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The content categories are: 

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning 
• Analytical Writing 

Information about the exam and complete content description can be found at ets.org. 

GENERAL COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION to most PT schools, and the courses at Hollins that satisfy them 

• Two semesters of General Chemistry – CHEM 101/102 or 105/214 
• Two semesters of General Biology – BIOL 220/236 
• Two semesters of Introductory Physics – PHYS 151/152 or 201/202 
• One semester of Human Anatomy – BIOL 260 
• Intro to Statistics or Research Statistics – STAT 140 or PSY 208 
• Intro to Psychology – PSY 141 
• 1-2 English or writing courses  (check the prospective program’s specific requirements)

In addition, many schools require the following. 

• Precalculus or Calculus – MATH 140 or 241/242
• Intro to Sociology – SOC 110/113
• Biological Psychology – BIOL/PSY 317
• Humanities elective
• Communications elective 

Please check with the particular program on what they require or recommend their applicants to complete.

Because the GRE does not depend on you completing a certain number of prerequisite courses prior to taking it, please plan to take it when your schedule permits. If you plan to apply Early Decision, you can take the GRE no later than July 31 before your senior year. Dates for the exam run year-round, but you must schedule your test weeks in advance at a special testing site. It takes 10-15 days to receive your score. Information about dates, locations, and fees can be found at ets.org.

Official PT school application deadlines vary but are typically between October and February. However, it is strongly advised that you apply early as some programs have rolling admission.

In addition to transcripts and test scores, you will need letters of recommendation from your professors. You must request these from professors who can honestly comment on your potential to successfully navigate a PT program. Each applicant can submit up to four references. Most PT schools use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) system for recommendation letter submission. Information about PTCAS, participating colleges, fees, and deadlines can be found at apta.org/cas/ptcas.

A crucial part of your application is your log of observation hours. Many programs have a minimum number of hours you must observe at PT clinics in order to apply. Minimums run anywhere from 20 hours to 100 hours, while recommended hours can be as high as 500. Start this process very early. More information on observation hours can be found at apta.org/cas/ptcas.

Course requirements for OT schools vary widely. For example, some schools require calculus and others do not. Most programs prefer students with broad, well-rounded backgrounds and value a liberal arts education. A science major is not necessarily required for professional programs; in fact, a major or minor in the arts, humanities, or social sciences may be attractive to some OT schools. However, you must balance the requirements of your major with those of OT school admissions and take a wide variety of science courses. Careful planning is essential to avoid scheduling conflicts.  

It is recommended that you investigate the particular requirements of OT schools to which you are interested in applying. These can be found at aota.org. Regardless of a school’s particular course requirements, students applying to OT school programs must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The content categories are: 

• Verbal Reasoning 
• Quantitative Reasoning 
• Analytical Writing 

Information about the exam and complete content description can be found at ets.org. 

GENERAL COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION to most OT schools, and the courses at Hollins that satisfy them 

• Two semesters of General Chemistry – CHEM 101/102 or 105/214
• Two semesters of General Biology – BIOL 220/236
• Two semesters of Introductory Physics – PHYS 151/152 or 201/202
• One semester of Human Anatomy – BIOL 260
• Intro to Statistics or Research Statistics – STAT 140 or PSY 208
• Intro to Psychology – PSY 141
• Cultural Anthropology – ANTH 145
• 1-2 English or Writing courses

In addition, many schools require the following. 

• Precalculus or Calculus – MATH 140 or 241/242
• Intro to Sociology – SOC 110/113
• Biological Psychology – BIOL/PSY 317
• Life-Span Human Development
• Humanities elective
• Communications elective 

Please check with the particular program on what they require or recommend their applicants to complete.

Because the GRE does not depend on you completing a certain number of prerequisite courses prior to taking it, please plan to take it when your schedule permits. If you plan to apply Early Decision, you can take the GRE no later than July 31 before your senior year. Dates for the exam run year-round, but you must schedule your test weeks in advance at a special testing site. It takes 10-15 days to receive your score. Information about dates, locations, and fees can be found at ets.org.

Official OT school application deadlines vary but are typically between October and February. However, it is strongly advised that you apply early as some programs have rolling admission.

In addition to transcripts and test scores, you will need letters of recommendation from your professors. You must request these from professors who can honestly comment on your potential to successfully navigate an OT program. Most OT schools use the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) system for recommendation letter submission. Information about OTCAS, participating colleges, fees, and deadlines can be found at otcas.cas.myliaison.com. 

Some programs have a minimum number of hours you must observe at OT clinics in order to apply. Required hours run anywhere from 20 hours to 100 hours. Start this process very early. More information can be found at aota.org or aotf.org.

Courses, Experiences, and GRE

Course requirements for PA schools vary widely. For example, some schools require calculus and others do not. Most programs prefer students with broad, well-rounded backgrounds and value a liberal arts education. A science major is not necessarily required for professional programs; in fact, a major or minor in the arts, humanities, or social sciences may be attractive to some PA schools. However, you must balance the requirements of your major with those of PA school admissions and take a wide variety of science courses. Careful planning is essential to avoid scheduling conflicts. 

It is recommended that you investigate the particular requirements of PA schools to which you are interested in applying. These can be found at paeaonline.org. Regardless of a school’s particular course requirements, students applying to PA school programs must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The content categories are: 

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning 
• Analytical Writing 

Information about the exam and complete content description can be found at ets.org. 

GENERAL COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION to most PA schools, and the courses at Hollins that satisfy them 

• Two semesters of General Chemistry – CHEM 101/102 or 105/214
• One semester of Biochemistry – BIOL/CHEM 351
• Two semesters of General Biology – BIOL 220/236
• One semester of Microbiology – BIOL 312
• 1-2 English or Writing courses (check the prospective program’s specific requirements)

In addition, many schools require the following. 

• Two semesters of Organic Chemistry – CHEM 221/222
• Precalculus or Calculus – MATH 140 or 241/242
• Intro to Psychology – PSY 141
• Intro to Sociology – SOC 110/113
• Intro to Statistics – STAT 140
• Advanced Biochemistry – BIOL/CHEM 352
• Genetics – BIOL 314
• Comparative Anatomy – BIOL 315
• Cultural Anthropology – ANTH 145
• Medical Terminology
• Foreign Language competency

Please check with the particular program on what they require or recommend their applicants to complete.

Because the GRE does not depend on you completing a certain number of prerequisite courses prior to taking it, please plan to take it when your schedule permits. If you plan to apply Early Decision, you can take the GRE no later than July 31 before your senior year. Dates for the exam run year-round, but you must schedule your test weeks in advance at a special testing site. It takes 10-15 days to receive your score. Information about dates, locations, and fees can be found at ets.org.

Application deadlines vary but are typically in the fall. However, it is strongly advised that you apply early. Most PA schools accept applications on a rolling basis and the earlier you apply the better your chances of being accepted. 

In addition to transcripts and test scores, you will need letters of recommendation from your professors. You must request these from professors who can honestly comment on your potential to successfully navigate a PA program. The pre-health advisor will coordinate the collection and collation of the letters and their submission. Most medical schools use the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) system for recommendation letter submission. Information about CASPA, participating colleges, fees, and deadlines can be found at paeaonline.org.

Many schools also have an “experience” component to the application in which the program wants you to demonstrate exposure to healthcare and patient care in some capacity. Some programs are satisfied with hours shadowing a PA. Others want you to have direct contact with patients, which can be difficult without certain credentials. You might consider taking additional vocational coursework to earn a certificate so you can work as a paraprofessional (i.e. paramedic, community health worker, medical assistant, or phlebotomist) to get exposure to working in a healthcare setting. If you don’t get accepted to a PA program prior to graduation from Hollins, this can certainly be a good area to focus on during a “gap year.” Information about the PA profession, the application process, and more can be found at paeaonline.org.

Courses and DAT

Course requirements for dental schools vary widely. For example, some schools require calculus and others do not. Most programs prefer students with broad, well-rounded backgrounds and value a liberal arts education. A science major is not necessarily required for professional programs; in fact, a major or minor in the arts, humanities, or social sciences may be attractive to some dental schools. However, you must balance the requirements of your major with those of dental school admissions and take a wide variety of science courses. Careful planning is essential to avoid scheduling conflicts. 

It is recommended that you investigate the particular requirements of dental schools to which you are interested in applying. A complete list of programs and potential specialty tracks can be found at ada.org. Regardless of a school’s particular course requirements, students applying to dental school programs must take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The DAT requires specific knowledge content that you need to obtain from your courses here at Hollins. The content categories are: 

• Survey of the Natural Sciences (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry) 
• Perceptual Ability (two- and three-dimensional problem solving)
• Reading Comprehension (dental and basic sciences) 
• Quantitative Reasoning (mathematical problems in algebra, calculations, conversions, etc.) 

Information about the exam and complete content description can be found at ada.org. 

GENERAL COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION to most dental schools, and the courses at Hollins that satisfy them 

• Two semesters of General Chemistry – CHEM 101/102 or 105/214
• Two semesters of Organic Chemistry – CHEM 221/222
• 1-2 English or Writing courses (check the prospective program’s specific requirements)
• Two semesters of General Biology – BIOL 220/236
• Two semesters of Introductory Physics – PHYS 151/152 or 201/202
• One semester of Biochemistry – BIOL/CHEM 351

In addition, many schools require the following. 

• Precalculus or Calculus – MATH 140 or 241/242
• Genetics – BIOL 314
• Immunology – BIOL 332
• Microbiology – BIOL 312
• Comparative Anatomy – BIOL 315

It is imperative that you take the DAT as soon as you have finished the biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry sequences. Please plan on taking it no later than the summer after your third year if you are planning to enter dental school following graduation from Hollins. It is administered at specific testing sites most days of the year and you are required to have an appointment weeks in advance, so the earlier you plan, the better. It takes three to four weeks to receive your score. If your test scores are not what you would like, you must wait 90 days to retake the test. The DAT can only be taken up to three times, so plan to score well the first time you take the test. Information about the exam, locations, and fees can be found at adea.org.

Official dental school application deadlines vary, but the application cycle opens June 1 and final deadlines are typically in October or November. However, it is strongly advised that you apply in early June after your third year. Again, this requires that you take the DAT by May 1. Dental schools accept applications on a rolling basis and begin sending out notification of acceptances on December 1. 

In addition to transcripts and test scores, you will need letters of recommendation from your professors. You must request these from professors who can honestly comment on your potential to successfully navigate a dental program. The pre-health advisor will coordinate the collection and collation of the letters and their submission. Most dental schools use the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Applications Service (AADSAS) system for recommendation letter submission. Information about AADSAS, participating colleges, fees, and deadlines can be found at adea.org.

Courses and PCAT

 ourse requirements for pharmacy schools vary widely. For example, some schools require calculus and others do not. Most programs prefer students with broad, well-rounded backgrounds and value a liberal arts education. A science major is not necessarily required for professional programs; in fact, a major or minor in the arts, humanities, or social sciences may be attractive to some pharmacy schools. However, you must balance the requirements of your major with those of pharmacy school admissions and take a wide variety of science courses. Careful planning is essential to avoid scheduling conflicts. 

It is recommended that you investigate the particular requirements of pharmacy schools to which you are interested in applying. These can be found at aacp.org. Most pharmacy schools do not require any standardized tests for admission, but many do recommend or will consider certain tests. The PCAT is no longer required by any pharmacy program. It is important to check the specific requirements for each program in which you’re interested. 

GENERAL COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION to most pharmacy schools, and the courses at Hollins that satisfy them 

• Two semesters of General Chemistry – CHEM 101/102 or 105/214
• Two semesters of Organic Chemistry – CHEM 221/222
• Two semesters of General Biology – BIOL 220/236
• Calculus – MATH 241/242
• Intro to Statistics – STAT 140
• Human Anatomy – BIOL 260
• 1-2 English or Writing courses (check the prospective program’s specific requirements)

In addition, many schools require the following. 

• Biochemistry – BIOL/CHEM 351
• One semester of Introductory Physics – PHYS 151 or 201
• Genetics – BIOL 314
• Immunology – BIOL 332
• Microbiology – BIOL 312
• Public Speaking – COMM 125
• One semester of Micro or Macroeconomics – ECON 157/158

Most pharmacy schools do not require any standardized tests for admission, but many do recommend or will consider certain tests. The PCAT is no longer required by any pharmacy program. It is important to check the specific requirements for each program in which you’re interested. 

The PharmCAS application becomes available in June. In addition to transcripts and test scores, you will need letters of recommendation from your professors. You must request these from professors who can honestly comment on your potential to successfully navigate a pharmacy program. The pre-health advisor will coordinate the collection and collation of the letters and their submission.

The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) system releases your application to the schools you choose, and then those schools send you supplemental applications. Many pharmacy schools require an interview sometime in the fall. An “Academic Update Window” opens from December to February, where you can submit additional information to PharmCAS after your initial submission. Information about PharmCAS, participating colleges, fees, and deadlines can be found at pharmcas.org.

Courses and MCAT

Course requirements for optometry schools vary widely. For example, some schools require calculus and others do not. Most programs prefer students with broad, well-rounded backgrounds and value a liberal arts education. A science major is not necessarily required for professional programs; in fact, a major or minor in the arts, humanities, or social sciences may be attractive to some optometry schools. However, you must balance the requirements of your major with those of optometry school admissions and take a wide variety of science courses. Careful planning is essential to avoid scheduling conflicts. 

It is recommended that you investigate the particular requirements of optometry schools to which you are interested in applying. These can be found at optomcas.org. Regardless of a school’s particular course requirements, students applying to optometry school programs must take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). The OAT requires specific knowledge content that you need to obtain from your courses here at Hollins. The content categories are: 

• Survey of the Natural Sciences (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry) 
• Reading Comprehension 
• Physics 
• Quantitative Reasoning (mathematical problems in algebra, calculations, conversions, etc.) 

Information about the exam and complete content description can be found at optomcas.org. 

GENERAL COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION to most optometry schools, and the courses at Hollins that satisfy them

• Two semesters of General Chemistry – CHEM 101/102 or 105/214
• Two semesters of Organic Chemistry – CHEM 221/222
• One semester of English (check the prospective program’s specific requirements)
• Two semesters of General Biology – BIOL 220/236
• Two semesters of Introductory Physics – PHYS 151/152 or 201/202
• One semester of Biochemistry – BIOL/CHEM 351

In addition, many schools require the following. 

• Precalculus or Calculus – MATH 140 or 241/242
• Microbiology – BIOL 312
• Comparative Anatomy – BIOL 315
• Intro to Statistics – STAT 140
• Intro to Psychology – PSY 141

It is imperative that you take the OAT as soon as you have finished the biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics sequences. Please plan on taking it no later than the summer after your third year if you are planning to enter optometry school following graduation from Hollins. It is administered at specific testing sites most days of the year and you are required to have an appointment weeks in advance, so the earlier you plan, the better. It takes three to four weeks to receive your score. If your test scores are not what you would like, you must wait 90 days to retake the test. The OAT can only be taken up to three times, so plan to score well the first time you take the test. Information about the exam, locations, and fees can be found at ada.org. 

Official optometry school application deadlines vary, but the application cycle opens between late June and early August, with deadlines spanning from December through June. It is strongly advised that you apply early as most schools have rolling admission. This requires that you take the OAT by the summer after your third year. 

In addition to transcripts and test scores, you will need letters of recommendation from your professors. You must request these from professors who can honestly comment on your potential to successfully navigate an optometry program. You may submit up to four names. The pre-health advisor will coordinate the collection and collation of the letters and their submission. Most optometry schools use the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) system for recommendation letter submission. Information about OptomCAS, participating colleges, fees, and deadlines can be found at optomcas.org.