Nondegree Pre-Professional Programs
College of Health Sciences | Department of Community and Environmental Health
Advisor: Glenda C. Hill
Phone: (208) 426-3832
Health Science Riverside, Room 124
E-mail: ghill@boisestate.edu
Advisor: Erin S. Colburn
Phone: (208) 426-2454
Health Science Riverside, Room 122A
E-mail: erincolburn@boisestate.edu
Pre-professional Studies is designed for students who need to have undergraduate studies prior to applying to a professional school, including students who have declared either a) a major a degree program: pre-dental, pre-medicine, or pre-veterinary medicine, or b) in a nondegree program:
pre-chiropractic, pre-clinical laboratory science/medical technology, pre-dental hygiene,
pre-dietetics,
pre-occupational therapy, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, or pre-speech language pathology.
In view of the specialized nature of each program, the student should seek regular counsel with the advisor who has been designated for his or her major field of interest.
Students need to be aware of deadlines established by professional schools and testing organizations. Admissions examinations (such as the Medical College Admission Test, Dental Admission Test, Pharmacy College Admission Test, Allied Health Professions Admission Test, the Graduate Record Exam, etc.) must be taken at specific times. Deadlines for applying to professional schools vary yearly from school to school. Students are responsible for determining the specific deadlines and fees that pertain to their field of interest.
Pre-Chiropractic Program
The 3-year pre-chiropractic program satisfies the minimum requirements of most chiropractic institutions in the country. Students must earn a minimum of 90 credits and maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA for consideration by most chiropractic schools. For more information www.chirocolleges.com.
Pre-Chiropractic
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| PSYC 101 General Psychology | 3 |
| Area II core course in social science | 3 |
| Humanities or social science electives | 12 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs | 8 |
| CHEM 307, 308-309, 310 Organic Chemistry I & II with Labs | 10 |
| MATH 143-144 College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry OR MATH 147 Precalculus |
5 |
| PHYS 111 General Physics AND | 4 |
| PHYS 112 General Physics or an alternate (see advisor) | 4 |
| Additional course work (see advisor) | 27 |
Total |
90 |
| Suggested electives: BIOL 205, COMM 101, GENBUS 101, HLTHST 101, HLTHST 202, HLTHST 207, HLTHST 493, ZOOL 301. | |
Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Program
Clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologists perform many routine and specialized tests in the clinical laboratory to develop data for use in determining the presence and extent of disease, as well as implications as to the cause of disease. Clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologists work in areas of hematology, serology and immunology, chemistry, blood banking, microbiology and parasitology, urinalysis, histology, and cytology.
Most students plan to either complete an undergraduate degree at Boise State (frequently Biology) that includes the CLS Program prerequisites listed below or transfer to the Idaho State University CLS program after the prerequisites are completed. If transferring to ISU prior to earning a bachelor’s degree, general core requirements must meet core requirements at ISU. Refer to additional CLS information on the http://www.isu.edu/cls/.
Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science (ISU transfer)
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| Area I (See an advisor to help select appropriate courses) | 6 |
| COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| Area II (See an advisor to help select appropriate courses) | 9 |
| BIOL 191-192 General Biology I and II | 8 |
| BIOL 205 Introductory Microbiology OR BIOL 303 General Microbiology |
4 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology OR ZOOL 301 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy AND ZOOL 401 Human Physiology |
8 |
| BIOL 301 Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 343 Genetics Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 420 Immunology | 3 |
| *CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs | 8 |
| *CHEM 307, 308-309, 310 Organic Chemistry I & II with Labs OR *CHEM 301, 302 Survey of Organic Chemistry and Lab |
5-10 |
| *CHEM 431/432 Biochemistry I with or without Lab | 3-5 |
| HLTHST 300 Pathophysiology | 4 |
| MATH 143 College Algebra OR MATH 147 Precalculus |
3-5 |
| MATH 160 Survey of Calculus OR MATH 170 Calculus I OR MATH 254 Applied Statistics with Computers |
4 |
| At least two courses from the following areas: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, computer science, developmental biology, epidemiology, histology, mycology, parasitology, physics, or statistics |
6-8 |
| Elective (consult with your advisor) | 0-6 |
Total |
88-105 |
| *Chemistry credits must total 16 |
Pre-Dental Hygiene Program
A career in dental hygiene requires either an associate degree or a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. Students may take the first two years of general education courses and prerequisites at Boise State and then apply for admission to professional school. The program suggested here is based upon the prerequisites at Idaho State University. Students should consult an advisor and pattern their program at Boise State on the requirements of the specific professional school to which they expect to apply. For more information www.adha.org.
Pre-Dental Hygiene
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| Area I core courses (Select with advisor) | 6 |
| COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| PSYC 101 General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Area II core (history, economics, or cultural anthropology) | 3 |
| BIOL 191 General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 205 Introductory Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| CHEM 101, 101L-102, 102L Essentials of Chemistry I & II with Labs | 8 |
| HLTHST 207 Nutrition | 3 |
| MATH 108 Intermediate Algebra OR MATH 143-144 College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry OR MATH 147 Precalculus |
4-5 |
| MATH 254 Applied Statistics with Computers | 4 |
Total |
51-52 |
NOTE: Students should take Dent 201 Principles of Dental Hygiene (a 2 credit on-line course from ISU) in their freshman or sophomore year. |
|
| HLTHST 100 Introduction to the Health Professions (1 credit) is highly recommended. | |
Pre-Dietetics Program
The following is a suggested list of courses that may be taken prior to transferring to a four-year baccalaureate program. Refer to additional dietetics information on the www.eatright.org website.
Pre-Dietetics
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| Area I courses (consult with advisor) | 6-9 |
| COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics OR ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics |
3 |
| PSYC 101 General Psychology | 3 |
| ACCT 205 Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BIOL 205 Introductory Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| CHEM 101, 101L-102, 102L Essentials of Chemistry I & II w/labs OR CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs (consult with advisor) |
4-8 |
| HLTHST 207 Nutrition | 3 |
| MATH 143 College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 254 Applied Statistics with Computers | 4 |
| Electives (consult with advisor) | Varies |
Pre-Occupational Therapy Program
Occupational therapy schools differ considerably in their pre-professional requirements. Completion of an undergraduate degree is required to enter OT programs. A student interested in this career is advised to consult the advisor, determine which of the several schools would be the student’s choice, and pattern the pre-professional curriculum in line with the requirements of the desired schools. For more information visit www.aota.org.
Pre-Occupational Therapy
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| Area I core courses (determined by professional school or degree choice) | 6-12 |
| COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| PSYC 101 General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Area II core course (determined by professional school or degree choice) | 3-6 |
| BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology OR | 4 |
| BIOL 191-192 General Biology I and II | 8 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| HLTHST 101 Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MATH 108 Intermediate Algebra OR MATH 143-144 College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry OR MATH 147 Precalculus Depends on math requirements at professional school |
4-5 |
| PSYC 295 Statistical Methods or other statistics course | 3 |
| PSYC 301 Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 309 Child Development | 3 |
| PSYC 310 Adolescent and Adult Development | 3 |
| Other recommended courses depend on the selected professional occupational therapy school. Frequently required prerequisites: CHEM 111, PHYS 111, or applied art courses. | Varies |
Total |
Varies |
Pre-Optometry Program
Students interested in preparing for optometry training should take science courses and laboratories designed for science majors. Brief survey courses in the sciences will not prepare a student for the schools and colleges of optometry.
Typically a minimum of three years of pre-optometry study is required, most students accepted by a school or college of optometry have completed a baccalaureate degree.
The requirements for admission to the schools and colleges of optometry vary. Students should check the optometry schools of their choice for a list of specific courses pre-requisites. For more information visit www.opted.org.
Pre-Optometry
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| BIOL 191-192 General Biology I and II (may be required) | 8 |
| BIOL 205 Introductory Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs | 8 |
| *CHEM 307, 308-309, 310 Organic Chemistry I & II with Labs | 10 |
| MATH 143-144 College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry OR MATH 147 Precalculus |
5 |
| *MATH 170 Calculus I | 4 |
| PHYS 111-112 General Physics | 8 |
Total |
61 |
| *Requirement varies with school | |
| Additional courses that may be needed for the pre-optometric program: Analytic Geometry, Art History, Biochemistry, Business courses, Comparative Anatomy, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Internship, Introduction to Theatre, Literature, Microbiology, Philosophy, Physiology, Psychology, Social Science, Statistics |
|
Pre-Pharmacy Program
Boise State students who wish to receive a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree usually plan to take their pre-professional courses at Boise State and then apply for admission to the College of Pharmacy at Idaho State University (ISU). The pharmacy program typically consists of a minimum of three years of preparatory studies followed by four years in the College of Pharmacy at ISU. The curriculum outlined below is based on the minimum requirements of ISU. Students who intend to apply to pharmacy schools other than ISU are advised to consult the pre-pharmacy advisor and pattern their curriculum after that of the schools to which they expect to transfer. The suggested English, Area I, and Area II credits apply toward the 30 semester credits required by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education in oral and written communication, humanities, and social sciences. The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is required at some pharmacy schools. For more information visit http://www.aacp.org/Pages/Default.aspx.
Pre-Pharmacy
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| Area I core courses | 6-12 |
| COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics OR ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics |
3 |
| Area II core course (determined by professional school or degree choice) | 3 |
| *BIOL 191 General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| BIOL 205 Introductory Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs | 8 |
| CHEM 307, 308-309, 310 Organic Chemistry I & II with Labs | 10 |
| CHEM 431 Biochemistry I | 3 |
| MATH 143-144 College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry OR MATH 147 Precalculus |
5 |
| MATH 160 Survey of Calculus OR MATH 170 Calculus I |
4 |
| *PHYS 111 General Physics | 4 |
Total |
71-77 |
| *varies depending on school | |
| Other suggested courses: BIOL 192, HLTHST 101, CHEM 433, PHYS 112 | |
Pre-Physical Therapy Program
The curriculum listed below is designed for students interested in a professional career in physical therapy. Physical therapy schools can differ significantly in their pre-professional requirements. Therefore, students interested in transferring to a physical therapy program should consult the advisor, determine physical therapy programs of interest, and pattern their specific pre-professional curriculum in line with these schools.
Students should anticipate earning a baccalaureate degree before matriculation into a professional program. As with medicine, physical therapy programs provide substantial latitude in the academic major selected at the bachelor’s level. For more information visit www.apta.org or www.ptcas.org.
The curriculum listed below indicates commonly required physical therapy prerequisites. Degree requirements, along with prerequisites specific to individual physical therapy programs of interest, will need to be added.
Pre-Physical Therapy
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| Area I (Refer to requirements of major and professional school requirements.) | 12 |
| COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| PSYC 101 General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Other Area II (Refer to additional requirements of major and professional school requirements.) |
3 |
| BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology OR BIOL 191-192 General Biology I and II |
4-8 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs | 8 |
| HLTHST 101 Medical Terminology | 3 |
| KINES 330, 331 Exercise Physiology and Lab | 3 |
| MATH 143-144 College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry OR MATH 147 Precalculus |
5 |
| PHYS 111-112 General Physics | 8 |
| PSYC 295 Statistical Methods or other statistics course | 3 |
| PSYC 301 Abnormal Psychology AND/OR | 3 |
| PSYC 309 Child Development | 3 |
Total |
78-82 |
| Other suggested courses: BIOL 205, KINES 270, 271, KINES 330, 331, KINES 370, 371, upper-division biology, core electives and other selected courses should be chosen with respect to meeting the requirements of the student’s major and the school(s) to which the student expects to transfer. | |
Pre-Physician Assistant Program
Physician assistants are taught at educational programs located primarily in university schools of medicine and allied health. Most physician assistant programs require 24 to 30 months to complete, although programs vary in length. Most programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation and to have had previous health care experience.
Prerequisite course requirements vary from school to school. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor, determine which physician assistant programs are of interest, and pattern their course work to fulfill these specific program requirements. For more information visit www.aapa.org or www.caspaonline.org.
In order to be fully licensed in Idaho, physician assistants must have a baccalaureate degree. The Health Science Studies degree is very compatible with the requirements of most physician assistant professional schools.
Pre-Physician Assistant
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
Area I (depends on requirements of professional school or degree choice) |
6-12 |
| Area II (depends on requirements of professional school or degree choice) Suggested courses: COMM 101, PSYC 101, SOC 101 |
6-12 |
| BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology OR BIOL 191-192 General Biology I and II |
4-8 |
| BIOL 205 Introductory Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 227-228 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs CHEM 301, 302, CHEM 431 may be required or recommended. |
8 |
| HLTHST 101 Medical Terminology (recommended) | 3 |
| MATH 143 College Algebra OR MATH 147 Precalculus Depends on math requirements at professional school or degree choice |
3-5 |
| PSYC 295 Statistical Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 301 Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
Total |
54-72 |
Pre-Speech-Language Pathology Program
The curriculum below reflects a partnership between Boise State University and Idaho State University in allowing students to complete a Bachelors degree in Speech Language Pathology in Boise. Students must complete the two years of course work indicated below at Boise State and apply to the Idaho State undergraduate Speech Pathology Program-Boise Center. Upon acceptance to this competitive program, students can complete a bachelor’s degree in preparation for further education at the graduate level. A master’s degree is required for entry into the profession. For more information visit www.asha.org.
Pre-Speech-Language Pathology
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research | 6 |
| Area I core courses (select with advisor) | 6 |
| COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| PSYC 101 General Psychology | 3 |
| Area II core course (select with an advisor) | 6 |
| Area III physical science course (selected from PHYS, 101, 105, CHEM 100, GEOS 100, 101) |
4 |
| BIOL 227 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| ENGL 202 Technical Communication | 3 |
| MATH 108 Intermediate Algebra AND MATH 254 Applied Statistics with Computers OR MATH 124 Introduction to Mathematical Thought AND PSYC 295 Statistical Methods |
7-8 |
| PSYC 309 Child Development | 3 |
| SOC 230 Intro to Multi-Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Suggested electives: LING 305, BIOL 228, ASL 101 and 102 and/or other electives as selected with advisor |
9 |
Total |
57-58 |
| NOTE: The preceding pathway meets the criteria to fulfill prerequisite requirements for entry into the ISU Speech-Language Pathology Program. The ISU general education core must be fulfilled. CSED 205 Introduction to Communication Differences & Disorders must be taken through ISU prior to acceptance into the ISU professional program. |
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