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Prospective students

A page within Pre-Health Student Resource Center

Pre-health

Start your career in healthcare at UWL
Explore pre-health tracks that prepare you for graduate school.

Are you passionate about helping others? Whether you're interested in becoming a doctor, physical therapist, pharmacist or another healthcare professional, many of these paths require graduate or professional school. At UW–La Crosse, our pre-health tracks are designed to help you build a strong foundation and guide you toward your future in healthcare.

Alternate pathways   Pre-options

Alternate pathways

Pre-options

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Consider the many other majors at UWL that might satisfy your interests, skills, and values

Students are expected to apply to programs at multiple universities, especially for PA, PT, and OT tracks.

What is a pre-health track?

A pre-health track is not a major. Instead, it signals your intent to pursue graduate or professional studies in a specific healthcare field. You’ll still choose a major to complete your undergraduate degree at UWL. 

You can make your interest official by selecting an intended pre-professional track—which helps connect you with the right advisors, resources and opportunities.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I major in pre-health/pre-med/etc.?

Your "pre-" label simply tells faculty and staff that you intend to apply to a health professions graduate program or medical school. It will help to make sure you're taking courses that are required to apply to most programs within your professional path. Keep in mind, you still need to check individual school's/program's websites, as specific pre-requisites do vary. 

Last modified: 06/03/2025

What major should I choose?

Admissions committee members need to see that you can excel in difficult science coursework; however, you need to choose a major that you enjoy and will be successful in. While a biology major might align well with pre-med course requirements, for example, it's not the right major for everyone. Choosing a major that fits your interests and strengths will make you a more competitive candidate. Health professions programs tend to prefer a variety of backgrounds represented within an incoming class. 

Last modified: 06/03/2025

How do I declare pre-health?

Each college now has a form you can fill out to switch to one of their majors, or add a pre-health designation. Change your program here. 

Last modified: 06/03/2025

Who will my advisor be?

Your assigned advisor may end up being a professor, a staff member, or someone in the Pre-Health Center - it depends on your major and year in school. You will be able to see your assigned advisor in your WINGS account. The Pre-Health Center will be here to support you with additional questions you have that your assigned advisor cannot answer. See additional info on pre-health advising here. 

Last modified: 06/03/2025

What is your acceptance rate to med schools/health professions programs?

The answer to this is complicated, unfortunately. Purdue University has done a nice job of explaining the situation here. Regardless, UWL has a reputation for providing a strong framework for students' future success, both academically and professionally.

Our students end up at medical schools and graduate programs across the region (including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Medical College of Wisconsin, AT Still, Concordia) and nation (Utah, Washington, Wake Forest, Kansas State, Alabama, LSU, Nova, and many others).

Last modified: 06/03/2025

What GPA do I need to get into med school/health professions programs?

It varies within different professions and among different schools. Some schools in a certain profession might accept a 3.1 GPA, if the person has a lot of impressive experience and high test scores (MCAT, GRE, DAT, etc.). Others might not look at applications with a GPA below 3.7. It is important to look at average GPAs, which are often listed on a program's website; but you can also reach out to programs to ask for advanced statistics, such as the range of GPAs for a recently admitted class. Often, graduate programs will publish their class profiles (see UWL's PA program for example).

If you are worried about your GPA come application time, apply to a variety of schools where your GPA is a fit; meet with a pre-health advisor to help you get a sense of where you might realistically apply. 

Remember that GPA isn't everything - you will need a well-rounded profile - but your "numbers" are often one of the first factors a school will take into account when reviewing your application. Shoot for straight A's, but know that they aren't always necessary to get in. 

Last modified: 06/03/2025

Pre-health tracks

Pre-Athletic Training ?
Work with physicians to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries. Athletic trainers serve not only athletes, but also public servants and military personnel.

Pre-Chiropractic ?
Focus on the body’s neuromuscular systems through hands-on therapies and alternative medical approaches.

Pre-Dentistry ?
Promote lifelong oral health through preventative care, surgical procedures and cosmetic dentistry.

Pre-Genetic Counseling ?
Combine genetics and counseling to help patients understand inherited health risks through DNA testing and analysis.

Pre-Occupational Therapy ?
Help individuals regain independence in daily activities through therapeutic techniques and personalized interventions.

Pre-Optometry ?
Protect and improve vision health by diagnosing eye conditions and prescribing corrective lenses or treatment.

Pre-Medicine (MD or DO) ?
Diagnose, treat and prevent illness in a wide variety of settings. Choose between allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medicine.

Pre-Physical Therapy ?
Restore movement and manage pain after injury or illness. PTs guide patients through recovery, rehabilitation and home care routines.

Pre-Physician Assistant Studies ?
Work as a licensed medical provider in collaboration with physicians. PAs diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication.

Pre-Pharmacy ?
Become a medication expert through the study of chemical sciences and health sciences.

Pre-Veterinary ?
Care for animals in clinical, agricultural or wildlife settings. This path requires strong science skills and a love for animals. 

Why choose UWL for pre-health?

Pre-Health Student Resource Center: personalized advising and support

Our Pre-Health Center offers expert one-on-one and group advising to help you navigate course planning, career exploration, graduate school applications and more. We host regular workshops and events to prepare you for what’s ahead.

Hands-on experience with healthcare partners

UWL partners with leading local healthcare organizations—like Emplify Health and Mayo Clinic Health System — to provide opportunities for hands-on clinical experiences, observations and mentoring. You’ll gain real-world experience that strengthens your grad school applications and job readiness.

Strong academic foundation

Each pre-health track includes science-rich coursework, including chemistry, biology and other relevant subjects tailored to your career goals. Your advisor will help you map out the best academic plan for your path.

Join student organizations

Connect with peers and mentors through UWL’s 200+ student organizations, including:

  • Pre-Med Club
  • Pre-PA Club
  • Student Physical Therapy Club

...and many more. These groups offer support, volunteer opportunities and networking connections.

Explore through job shadowing

UWL supports students in finding job shadowing and community-based opportunities to explore healthcare careers firsthand. Our staff will help you make those professional connections through coursework and events.

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