The Health Professions Pathway is for students who are interested in careers like medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health fields. It helps you explore your interests, choose the right courses, and prepare for what comes next after your bachelor’s degree.
Preparing for Professional School
To become a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, physical therapist, or other health care professional, you must earn a professional graduate degree after college. These degrees provide the training and hands-on experience needed to care for patients and qualify for licensure. Your undergraduate years are the first step—helping you build the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to apply to these programs.
Recommended preparatory Programs at UWG
There is no single “right” major for students interested in the health professions. What matters most is choosing a major you enjoy and can do well in while completing the required courses for graduate school.
B.S. Biology — Biomedical Sciences
Whether you’re aiming for medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, or physician assistant programs, this program is aligned with entrance exam expectations and performance standards in today’s top health‑related pathways and demands in the health sciences.
Whether you’re aiming for medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, or physician assistant programs, this program is aligned with entrance exam expectations and performance standards in today’s top health‑related pathways and demands in the health sciences.
This non-thesis concentration is ideal for students bridging the gap between undergraduate and professional school, providing additional preparation for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, physical therapy, and biomedical research.
Admission to professional graduate programs is very competitive! Professional schools evaluate applicants holistically. Strong candidates start building a portfolio early and intentionally throughout their undergraduate education. Health professional schools focus on:
Completion of required prerequisite courses (such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math)
Strong academic performance (grade point average, also referred to as GPA)
Standardized professional school admissions test scores (see examples below)
Hands-on experiences (clinical, research, service, or shadowing)
Community service and volunteering
Leadership activities
Letters of recommendation
Personal qualities like motivation, communication and interpersonal skills, and commitment to helping others
Explore Career Opportunities in Health Professions
Below we have summarized some general information about common health professions including typical admission test requirements and links to relevant professional organizations.
Additionally, the University of Georgia (UGA) Pre-Professional Advising Office has developed a helpful and concise matrix comparing various professional health occupations and requirements for professional school admission.
Physicians support and manage the health care of people of all ages. They take medical histories, perform physical examinations, conduct diagnostic tests, recommend and provide treatment, conduct research, and advise patients on their overall health and well-being.
Dentists evaluate the overall health of their patients while advising them about oral health and disease prevention. They perform clinical procedures such as exams, fillings, crowns, implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries. Dentists may practice general dentistry or one of many specialties.
Veterinarians provide medical care for domestic animals, livestock, wildlife, exotic, zoo, and aquatic animals. They also work to control the spread of diseases, ensure food safety, and conduct research that benefits both animals and humans.
Pharmacists are medication experts who prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, helping them improve mobility, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, sports facilities, and home health settings.
Physician assistants are medical providers licensed to diagnose and treat illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication. They work in hospitals and clinics in collaboration with licensed physicians across a wide range of specialties.
Degree
M.P.A.S. (Master of Physician Assistant Studies)
Professional School Admissions Test
GRE (Graduate Record Examination), or
PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test)
Occupational therapists help people of all ages live life to the fullest by promoting health and helping them prevent or live better with injury, illness, or disability. They focus on adapting the environment and tasks to fit the person.
Optometrists are the primary care doctors of the eye and frontline protectors of vision. They are often the first to detect critical health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke through eye examinations.
