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.
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.
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.