Prepare for a career in a variety of health or medical services
Are you pursuing a career in a health-related field? Do you want to build a strong pre-vet, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy or all-around pre-med foundation to go on to medical school or another professional graduate-level program?
SBU's pre-health program will equip you for success as you pursue your personal and professional goals. The Pre-Health Careers Committee, consisting of biology and chemistry faculty, is dedicated to preparing and sending out SBU graduates who are ready for the next steps in becoming healthcare professionals. These faculty provide a number of services to pre-health students including academic advisement, writing reference letters and more.
As a pre-health student, you may earn an undergraduate degree in any major with the most common choices being either in biology or chemistry. Faculty advisors will help you tailor your degree program to fit the specific medical profession career path you are pursuing, including:
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Optometry
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Physician's Assistant
- Pre-Veterinary
The Pre-Health programs are offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.
Pre-Physical Therapy Program
The SBU division of natural sciences has a pre-physical therapy program to prepare you for entrance into SBU's own Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. You will graduate with a bachelor of science in biology while completing all required pre-physical therapy courses. While this does not guarantee your admittance into SBU's DPT program, you will receive guidance in completing all needed requirements.
Historically, SBU biology graduates have had the best success in SBU's DPT program compared to students from other universities and/or other majors. 100% of SBU biology graduates who complete the SBU DPT program pass the physical therapy board exam!
High school students with a 24+ ACT score are eligible to apply for the SBU DPT High School Early Acceptance program. If selected, they would have a guaranteed spot in the SBU DPT program provided they complete their undergraduate degree at SBU.
Clubs and Organizations
Pre-Health Society
Pre-Health Society is an open club for students who are interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field. The club meets once a month for group meetings, planning service events and hearing from guest speakers from various health fields. The club is a mix of under and upperclassmen, giving younger students the chance to meet peers and mentors who can encourage them in their chosen fields and through the challenges of pursuing a health-related career.
Pre-Physical Therapy Student Organization
Undergraduate students from any major who are interested in pursuing the physical therapy profession are invited to join this student organization. Monthly meetings are held for informational and fellowship purposes. The organization also participates in service opportunities.