Explore aternative pathways

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.

Special Non-Degrees

• A special non-degree program is a DIY post-bacc option to boost GPA or complete prerequisites for graduate school.
• Special Non-Degree - Admissions | UW-La Crosse

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.

• Special Master’s Programs (SMPs)
• MS in Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, or Public Health
• Ex. Marquette University- MS in Biomedical Sciences

Profession-specific examples:

• PA - Keck Graduate Institute - Postbaccalaureate Pre-PA Certificate
• Med - Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) Post-baccalaureate program - MS in Biomedical Sciences
• Med - Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) Post-baccalaureate program - MS in Anatomy
• Med - Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM)

• Explore the post-bacc program database via the AAMC
• Additional info on post-bacc programs via the AAMC
• Centralized service for applying to post-bacc programs across the country

Prerequisites vary from school to school. Below is a list to get started, but it’s important to research the schools to which you plan to apply. 

Biology 

• General Biology (BIO 105) 
• A second biology course such as Organismal Biology (BIO 203), Genetics (BIO 306), Cellular Biology (BIO 315), or Fundamentals of Microbiology (MIC 230) 
• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (BIO 312 & BIO 313) 

Chemistry/Biochemistry 

• General Chemistry I & II (CHM 103 & CHM 104) 
• Fundamental Organic Chemistry (CHM 300) and lab (CHM 302); two semesters sometimes required: Organic Chemistry Theory I & II (CHM 303 & CHM 304) and lab (CHM 305) 
• Fundamental Biochemistry (CHM 325)  
• While Biochemistry is not a requirement for all schools, most require 6 credits of advanced chemistry at a minimum, which could be satisfied with a combination of Fundamental Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry  

Mathematics & Statistics 

• At least one advanced math course (highly program-dependent) 
  • Precalculus (MTH 151) sometimes acceptable; Calculus I (MTH 207) required by many schools 
  • Statistics (STAT 145) on its own may be acceptable at some schools; some schools require a Statistics course that has Calculus as a prerequisite (such as Mathematical Models in Biology MTH 265) 
  • Some schools require both a “Calculus” course and a “Statistics” course 

Physics 

• Fundamental Physics I & II (PHY 103 & PHY 104) acceptable; or  General Physics I & II (PHY 203 & PHY 204) (calculus-based) also acceptable 

Additional considerations

• Medical Terminology (such as HP 250, CHE 220, or RTH 355) 
• General Psychology (PSY 100) and Introductory Sociology Course (SOC 110, SOC 120, SOC 225) often recommended 
• Most schools recommend students complete additional biology and chemistry coursework beyond their requirements 
• Some schools may require an additional ENG course beyond ENG 110 

Most programs will expect you to have shadowed in an anesthesia department. Ex. Medical College of Wisconsin requires at least 8 hours. Most successfully admitted applicants have healthcare experience – CNA, EMT, PCA, etc.  

Visit the Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant Club on MyOrgs to learn more about the advantages of being involved and when they meet. 

Where to apply: There are a small handful of schools across the country, which can be found in the CAAHEP database (filter by “Profession”). Students will apply to schools through the CASAA system. 

Timeline: Students will generally apply during the spring/summer after their third year, with the application cycle opening in March of each year. Regular deadlines are several month later (in the winter), but many schools will have “early decision” or “priority” deadlines in the late summer, or early fall. Classes begin as early as the winter after your application, and as late as fall, depending on the program.  

Testing: Most (if not all) programs will require the GRE or the MCAT. Many programs, such as Medical College of Wisconsin, will accept either.  

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. 

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) 

• 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. 

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, though some programs participate in a centralized application (NursingCAS). 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: 

• UW-Madison – accelerated BSN 12 month; also, see equivalency sheet  
• UW-Oshkosh – accelerated BSN 12 month 
• UW-Milwaukee – direct entry MN  
• Viterbo - direct entry MSN
• MSOE - accelerated BSN 
• Edgewood - accelerated BSN 12 month 
• Alverno - MSN 
• Marquette – Direct entry MSN 

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 

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 

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:

• LinkedIn
• Professional associations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• UWL alumni or guest speakers in your classes
• Local healthcare and wellness events

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

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. (ASHA.org) 

Speech Language Pathology (SLP) at UWL is not a major or a track! UWL does not offer the communication sciences coursework necessary to prepare students for a Master’s in SLP. The info below is provided as a helpful guide, not necessarily as a recommended pathway. 

If you are early in your UWL career: transfer to a college or university that offers “communication sciences and disorders” coursework. Graduation from one of these programs sets you up to apply to Master’s in Speech Pathology programs. A few undergraduate programs students might transfer to: 

• UW – Stevens Point 
• UW - River Falls  
• UW – Eau Claire  
• Viterbo   

Important: Transferring is a big life change, and sometimes results in extra time and money spent on your degree. Make sure to talk with the important folks in your life, as well as pre-health advisors at both UWL and the institution you plan to transfer to. 

If you are mid-way (or later) in your UWL career: finish any degree at UWL and then: 

• Complete a post-baccalaureate program. These type of program include all of the necessary coursework to prepare you to apply to Master’s in Speech Language Pathology programs. Generally, these are 9-12 month programs, and some offer some form of conditional admission to their master’s program.  
  • UW - Eau Claire (post-bacc online) 
  • UW - Whitewater (post-bacc online) 
  • Marquette (post-bacc bridge) 
• Apply to a Master’s Program with a “leveling” program - this route builds prerequisite coursework into your Master’s Degree. 
  • Midwestern University (leveling program online)