Are you interested in pursuing a medical career? Now is the time to start planning ahead for college. For specific information related to your grade level, click on the corresponding link below. For general college information, keep reading this page.

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What are you interested in studying?

The University of Arizona offers programs in Health Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medicine. Students do not enter the College of Medicine's MD program until after they have completed a four-year baccalaureate degree. Most students enter their freshman year in what is called a pre-professional major such as Pre-Health Education, Pre-Nursing or Pre-Pharmacy.

Click on health care area to see the path for your future

Medicine: Freshmen interested in a medical degree typically complete a four-year bachelor's degree. While a specific undergraduate major is not required for entry into medical school, a core of courses in the sciences is required. Several undergraduate major programs (such as biochemistry, general biology, molecular and cellular biology, and physiological sciences) include the core of science courses required for admission to medical school. Alternatively, many other undergraduate major programs can be supplemented by the Pre-Health Thematic Minor that contains the science courses required for medical school admission. For current pre-medical requirements, contact the Pre-Health Professions Advising Center at http://www.prehealth.arizona.edu or call (520) 626-7241

Nursing: Freshmen enter the University School as Pre-Nursing majors. After successful completion prerequisite course work, students may apply for admission to the College of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program. For more information visit http://www.nursing.arizona.edu or call (520) 626-6154

Pharmacy: Freshmen enter the University School as Pre-Pharmacy majors. Upon successful completion of prerequisite course work, students may apply for admission to the College of Pharmacy's Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree program. The prerequisite course work can be completed in two years, although many students complete a four-year bachelor's degree before applying for admission to the Pharm.D degree program. For more information visit http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/index.php or call (520) 626-1427

Preparing for Other Health Professions: Students seeking other health professions, such as dentistry, optometry, physician's assistant, podiatry, physical therapy and occupational therapy may complete UA undergraduate degree programs or prerequisite courses needed to enter institutions specializing in these other health professions. Selection of an undergraduate major should be based on student interest. Majors often chosen by students interested in one of these heatlh professions, or in medicine include: general biology, molecular and cellular biology, physiological sciences, psychology, and microbiology.

Seeking Academic Advising: The UA Pre-Health Professions Advising Center will assist you with information on careers in many health professions and the prerequisite requirements for admission to the professional schools. For more information visit http://www.prehealth.arizona.edu/.