Program Information

Specific Pre-Health Areas

• Pre-Chiropractic
• Pre-Clinical Lab Sciences (formerly Medical Technology) (UNMC)
• Pre-Clinical Perfusion Science
• Pre-Cytotechnology
• Pre-Dentistry
• Pre-Dental Hygiene (UNMC)
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Mortuary Science
• Pre-Occupational Therapy
• Pre-Optometry
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Pre-Physical Therapy
• Pre-Physician Assistant
• Pre-Radiation Science Technology

Many students enter the College of Arts and Sciences intending to pursue studies in an area of the health professions even when they have not yet decided in which major or degree they are interested.

If you are one of these students, following a pre-professional course of study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will prepare you for one of the many professional schools and programs in health fields. Some of these professional schools may require only one or two years of undergraduate study before you can enter their program. Others require an undergraduate degree. In either case, the Arts and Sciences Advising Center employs advisers trained to work with students interested in the health professions. They will assist you in preparing for your future by helping you choose a major, select appropriate courses and apply for professional programs.

Careers
Most students plan to enter medical, dental, pharmacy, or other professional schools or health programs and then become health practitioners. Some students enter these programs and then pursue a career in research or academics.

The Program
Each professional school has its own course requirements that must be completed prior to acceptance. Students pursuing a pre-professional course of study who also intend to graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences must declare one of the majors offered in the College of Arts and Sciences and complete all of the requirements for that major and degree in addition to their pre-professional course of study. Students can pursue any major as part of their undergraduate degree requirements. Advisers in the Arts and Sciences Advising Center can work with students individually to determine a course of study that best suits their interests and long-term goals.

For pre-medical students who are also interested in the humanities, the College of Arts and Sciences offers the Humanities in Medicine Program. This program is designed to encourage students to pursue a humanities degree and a pre-medical program simultaneously. Study in the humanities might include courses taught in the Classics, English, Modern Languages or Philosophy departments, or in other fields concerned with humanity and its cultures.

Founded through the support of Linda and Charles S. Wilson, M.D., of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Humanities in Medicine Program supports students by means of scholarships, special courses, special advising help, and special speakers and events.

Resources
Acceptance into health and professional schools or programs requires thoughtful academic preparation as well as a complete understanding of the testing, application and selection process. Students who wish to be admitted to competitive schools must excel academically and plan carefully. A host of resources is available to help pre-health students at UNL with such planning. The Arts and Sciences Advising Center has advisers who are specially trained to work with students pursuing acceptance into a health professional field. The Advising Center also brings representatives from various medical, dental, pharmacy and allied health programs to campus to speak to students. The Arts and Sciences Advising Center Web site is available to give students the most up-to-date information available. Additionally, the Advising Center has a resource library for students to explore programs throughout the country as well as various career paths.

Activities
Many of the pre-health areas have their own student organizations, such as:

• Lambda Tau (honorary for premedical technology)
• NU Meds
• Pre-Dent Club
• Pre-Occupational Therapy Club
• Pre-Physican Assistant Club
• Humanities in Medicine Club
• Pre-Physical Therapy Club

Additionally, University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have access to hundreds of activities and groups related to specific academic, social, cultural or political interests. Involvement in any of these organizations builds leadership, communication and organizational skills and helps you to make new friends with those who have similar interests. Many students are able to take part in research with faculty members as a part of their pre-health studies. In addition, most students participate in volunteer or internship programs to give them experience in their field of study.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
High School seniors who are applying for admission should contact the Office of Admissions regarding application for freshman scholarships and all deadlines. For federal aid, student and parent(s) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from your high school guidance counselor.

Current UNL students should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to make sure they have applied for all appropriate scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences administers scholarships. Information about these College scholarships, deadlines, and the College's Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form is available in the Arts and Sciences Advising Center, 107 Oldfather.

Among its many scholarship offerings, UNL offers several scholarships established particularly for students enrolled in the pre-medicine programs. They are the Charles and Linda Wilson Humanities in Medicine Scholarship, the Max John and Pauline H. Stuermer Scholarship, and the Herbert Thomas and Lilah David Folsom Memorial Scholarship. Other scholarships for pre-health students are available through academic departments.