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Alternative pathways

A page within Pre-Health Student Resource Center

Have a parallel plan!

It is always a good idea to consider alternate options, even if you're sure of what you want to do. The list below is not meant to be exhaustive, but it will give you some examples to spur your exploration. 

If you are looking for ideas and in-depth guidance, consider taking HP 106: Introduction to Health-Related Careers, taught by Pre-Health Center staff. 

See undergraduate and graduate programs at UWL

Whether you are exploring majors, or considering new graduate paths, UWL has plenty of options - many of which might be new to you. See our Healthcare pathways page. 

Explore post-baccalaureate pathways in healthcare

What is a post-baccalaureate program?

Postbaccalaureate programs (post-bacc) begin after an undergraduate degree and are designed to support the transition to professional school (AAMC, 2023). A post-bacc might lead to a master’s degree or a certificate; or the courses might be taken a la carte.

What are the benefits of a post-baccalaureate program?

Post-bacc programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking:

  • Career change into healthcare (non-science majors)
  • Academic enhancement to become more competitive for graduate/professional school (e.g., GPA boost, MCAT prep)
  • Prerequisite coursework needed for med, PA, dental, or other programs

These can be formal, structured programs or informal plans where students take courses independently.

Do you need a post-bacc?

Use this checklist to assess your needs:

Previous Academic Performance

  • Based on school admission standards, I need to improve my overall GPA to be competitive for graduate or professional school.
  • My science GPA is lower than the typical minimum for my target programs (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, math).
  • If either of these apply to you, consider an “academic record enhancer” program.

Missing Coursework

  • I haven’t completed all of the required prerequisite courses for my intended program (e.g., anatomy, physiology, organic chemistry).
  • I completed science courses several years ago and may need to retake or update them.
  • If either of these apply to you, a “career changer” program might be a fit.

Healthcare Exposure

  • I lack clinical, patient care, or shadowing experience, and I need hands-on exposure to healthcare settings.
  • I don’t have enough research or volunteer experience to demonstrate a commitment to the field.
  • If this is you, think twice about post-baccs – some do not include exposure to your profession of choice, and if your academic record is strong, your time might be better spent working. Some post-bacc programs are designed specifically for pre-meds, and try to cover all areas - academic improvement, preparation for MCAT, and exposure to the profession. These are more expensive but are a fit for the right graduate.

Time Since Graduation

  • I’ve been out of school for several years and need to show academic readiness or re-engage in a learning environment.
  • If you previously did well academically, a “do it yourself” post-bacc might be right for you! If you’ve struggled in the past, a more formal “special master’s program” might be a better fit.
Types of post-baccs and a few examples

Special Non-Degrees

Certificates and Associate Degrees (WI Technical Colleges)

Many students pursue associate degrees after completing a bachelor’s for hands-on training and quick career entry.

  • Western Technical College
    • Biomedical Electronics, Medical Coding Specialist, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Madison Area Technical College
    • Medical Billing Specialist, Medical Lab Technician, Radiography
  • Milwaukee Area Technical College
    • Cardiovascular Technology, Surgical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Mortuary Science

Note: Some of these programs may have waitlists due to high demand.

Explore all WI technical college options here: WTCS Colleges

Master’s Programs

Designed to enhance academic credentials and often include research or clinical components.

Profession-specific examples:

Websites for exploring post-bacc programs
Learn about gap-year options

Gap years have become increasingly common in recent years - for example, according to the AAMC, 44 percent of students enrolling in medical school in 2019 took at least one gap year.

Still, it's important to ask yourself: why am I considering a gap year?

If your GPA is a concern, use a GPA calculator to see how your GPA changes by retaking a class, or by adding new classes:

There are many options for "academic record enhancement", from taking a few courses to enrolling in a graduate program. Many students find that a formal post-baccalaureate program, with its built-in supports and professional focus, help them achieve their goals. These programs can be expensive though, so it's important to weigh out the costs and benefits. 

If your academic profile is strong, gaining experience is a great way to improve your chances of a successful application. See below for some ideas to get you started:

Service opportunities (note: these are competitive applications!):

    Temporary jobs:

Keep letters of evaluation in mind as you move forward. Don't lose touch with potentially strong letter writers, and think about how your next steps might lead to new people that will be "in your corner". 

Find a full-time job in healthcare

Full-time professional roles in health care settings, through employers such as LHI, Mayo, Gundersen, MCW, and others. Often, these employers post their positions in Handshake, but you can also go to indeed.com and search for these positions to learn more!

  • Laboratory Technician/Laboratory Support Technician
  • Patient Liaison
  • Health Unit Coordinator
  • Provider Network Contracting Specialist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator 
  • Tumor Registrar/Cancer Registrar
  • Counseling/Mental Health/Social Work professions 
  • Research Associate
  • Medical Scribe
  • Check out Biopharmguy - a directory of entry-level biotechnology, pharmaceutical, & medical device companies and jobs
Pursue a nursing career

Nursing info

Nursing overview

Overview of the Profession 

Nurses work hands-on to provide and coordinate critical care for patients in a variety of settings. Education can start with short-term certificates (Certified Nursing Assistant), and continue all the way up to the doctoral level (Nurse Practitioner). While one can become a registered nurse with an associate’s degree, there is a growing movement for nurses to have a bachelor’s degree at minimum.  

Nursing at UWL is a “pivot” not a major or a track! UWL students sometimes graduate with a bachelor’s degree in a science discipline, to then begin a post-baccalaureate or accelerated nursing program. 

Learn about the nursing profession at nursing.org. 

Coursework

Prerequisite coursework can vary by program, but may include the following: 

Biology 

  • General Biology (BIO 105)  
  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II (BIO 312 & BIO 313) 
  • Fundamentals of Microbiology (MIC 230)

Chemistry/Biochemistry   

  • General Chemistry I & II (CHM 103 & CHM 104) 

Statistics 

  • Elementary Statistics (STAT 145) or Mathematical Models in Biology (MTH 265) 

Social Sciences 

  • General Psychology (PSY 100)  
  • Introduction to Sociology (SOC 110) or similar 
  • Lifespan Development (PSY 212) or similar upper level PSY/SOC course 

Additional recommendations 

  • Human Nutrition (NUT 200) 
  • At least one advanced Biology course, e.g. Genetics (BIO 306) 

Wisconsin programs where UWL students often apply: 

Experiences
  • Gain patient care experience: Get "hands-on" care in any health-related setting. CNA, phlebotomist, EMT, resident assistant, and camp nurse are common roles - many positions can be found on Handshake. Most students will get a CNA certification, which helps open up some additional work opportunities. Western Technical College in La Crosse has a program with flexible class times.  
  • Shadow or observe the profession: once you are interested in nursing shadowing is a good next step. It can be a challenge to find shadowing opportunities in healthcare settings, but you can find tips here. Keep in mind, nurses work in a variety of settings and specialty areas - one shadowing experience probably doesn't tell you whether the profession is right for you. 
Applications

Selecting programs: The AACN American Association of Colleges of Nursing website has a program directory. You can use the Pre-Health Center’s Organizer tool to keep track of the requirements of the programs you are considering.  

Testing: varies, and is sometimes not required; TEAS is common when an entrance exam is required. 

How to apply: Each program has its own application process. See some example programs in the “Coursework” tab. Nurse.org has an excellent guide to accelerated nursing programs. 

Timeline: deadlines for programs vary, so always communicate with the programs for which you plan to apply. In general, plan well ahead of time; for example, UW-Madison’s application period runs from July to September, for a start date of the following May. Keep in mind, it is ok to take a year to work and gain experience prior to applying.  

See Apply with confidence for more information on personal statements, letters of recommendation, interviewing, and more. 

Wisconsin programs where UWL students often apply: 

An alumni story

Sarah Baar

Bachelor of Science in Biology, May 2015
Now working as an RN (Registered Nurse)

Picture of Sarah Baar, UWL 2015

What advice do you have for students that are reconsidering their options in healthcare?

Shadow, shadow, shadow. Even if you think you are 100% positive about the career path you are on, shadow someone in that career and make sure that you can picture yourself doing and enjoying that career for many years to come. 

What were your original career goals, and what did you end up doing?

Originally I wanted to be a physician, either in OB or pediatrics. I now work as a nurse on a pediatric inpatient neuroscience and trauma unit.

What/who helped you decide on your eventual goal?

Through my time at UWL, I took a plethora of science classes while working towards my biology degree. In addition to taking theses courses, I also volunteered in the Emergency Department at Gundersen. Through this experience, I was encouraged to shadow different doctors and providers to determine what route I truly wanted to take in the huge world that is healthcare. After countless shadow experiences, in many different areas of medicine, I found my favorite to be nursing. I enjoyed being at the bedside and carrying out the plan put in place by the healthcare team, nurses included.

What’s one great thing about your job?

I find the greatest amount of joy in helping others. Today, I have the honor of working with some the strongest kids I know. Having a front row seat to the resilience my patients show, accompanied with their true love for life and the curiosity they have for the world around them provides me with a sense of fulfillment I never thought I’d feel in any job.

And one tough thing about your job?

Losing a patient who is only a child and seemingly had their whole life ahead of them, is still, and will always be a very challenging part of this profession.

Pursue a career in nutrition
Overview

Help people improve their health through food and nutrition. 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who translate the science of eating into practical guidance for individuals, families, and communities. They assess nutritional needs, develop personalized meal plans, support disease prevention and management, and work alongside healthcare teams in hospitals, clinics, community programs, athletics, research, and food service settings. 

If you enjoy science, wellness, counseling, problem-solving, and working closely with people, this may be a great fit for you. 

Did You Know? 

Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist — but to be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) (formerly RD), you must earn professional credentials through an ACEND-accredited program (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics). 
👉 ACEND Program Directory 

Registered Dietitians complete: 

  • A master’s degree 
  • A supervised practice experience (dietetic internship) 
  • The national registration exam 
Coursework

Academic Preparation at UWL 

At UW–La Crosse, students commonly prepare through: 

  • Food & Nutrition Science major 
  • Nutrition minor 

Other majors that can prepare you for graduate programs include: 

  • Exercise & Sport Science 
  • Biology 
  • Psychology 
  • Public Health & Community Health Education 

Common Coursework 

Graduate and dietetic internship programs have slightly different prerequisites, but typically include: 

Biology 

  • BIO 105 – General Biology 
  • BIO 312 & 313 – Anatomy & Physiology I & II 

Chemistry 

  • CHM 103 & 104 – General Chemistry I & II 
  • CHM 300 – Fundamental Organic Chemistry 
    or CHM 303 & 304 + lab (CHM 302 or CHM 305) – Organic Chemistry I & II 
  • CHM 325 – Fundamental Biochemistry 
    or CHM 417 & 418 – Biochemistry I & II 

Statistics 

  • STAT 145 – Elementary Statistics 
    or MTH 265 – Mathematical Models in Biology 

Nutrition 

  • FNS/NUT 200 – Human Nutrition 
  • At least one advanced course: FNS/NUT 300, 310, 350 or BIO 428 

Wisconsin Programs UWL Students Commonly Apply To 

Most are offered in hybrid or online formats: 

  • UW–Madison – MS in Clinical Nutrition / Dietetic Internship 
  • UW–Stout – MS in Nutrition & Dietetics
  • Viterbo University (La Crosse) – Coordinated Program in Dietetics 
  • Explore additional programs through the ACEND Accredited Program Directory 
Gaining Experience

Patient Care or Food Service Experience

Hands-on experience helps you build foundational skills in health and nutrition care.

  • CNA, phlebotomist, EMT, resident assistant, or camp nurse
  • Food service workers and dietary aides in hospitals, long-term care, or senior facilities
  • Find opportunities on Handshake

Community Engagement

Get involved with:

  • Food pantries, food banks, or community kitchens
  • Diabetes prevention or health promotion programs
  • Cooking demos, grocery store tours, or nutrition workshops

Shadowing & Observation

Dietitians work in a variety of settings:

  • Hospitals & clinics
  • Schools
  • Sports organizations
  • Private practice
  • Food service management
  • Public health agencies

Networking

Connect with professionals through:

Networking can lead to shadowing opportunities, internships, and job offers.

Pathways decorative