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4-Year Journey to Success Pre-Health Programs
For students who are thinking of entering the field of medicine, La Sierra University’s Pre-Health programs are the ideal preparatory program for the competitive environment of med schools. The programs do not offer any degree but offer all the necessary courses to increase your chance of admission and to enable you to thrive in your med school program.
Programs Offered
Dentistry
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional Program
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat issues related to the teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They perform routine examinations, fill cavities, extract teeth, and address oral diseases. Some dentists specialize in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. Most dentists work in private practice, while others are employed in hospitals, research institutions, public health agencies, or academic settings. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and may use advanced technologies such as digital imaging and laser dentistry. Licensing is required in all states, typically involving a dental degree and passing national and state exams.
DENT103 | Introduction to Dentistry | 2 |
ACCT221 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
MGMT304 | The Practice of Management | 4 |
BIOL446 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
BIOL434 | Histology | 4 |
BIOL474 | General Microbiology | 4 |
BIOL448 | Neuroanatomy | 5 |
MATH131 | Calculus | 4 |
CPTG104 | Introduction to Information Systems | 4 |
Medicine
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional Program
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Physicians diagnose and treat various medical conditions, with many specializing in specific areas like cardiology, neurology, or pediatrics. Depending on their specialty, they perform procedures, prescribe medications, and offer advice tailored to their field of expertise. Physicians may choose from a variety of settings such as working in a managed care system (HMO, PPO), a clinic, hospital, laboratory, industrial, or military venues, or in a combination of these.
MDCN204 | Introduction to Medicine | 2 |
MATH155 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
SOCI104 | General Sociology | 4 |
PSYC104 | General Psychology | 4 |
Occupational Therapy
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Occupational therapists work with individuals who struggle with physical or psychological dysfunction. They help patients improve basic motor functions, enhance cognitive abilities, and adapt to permanent functional loss. Common conditions treated include stroke, paralysis, brain injuries, hand and arm trauma, arthritis, developmental disabilities, and mental health disorders. Occupational therapists assist patients with various activities, from using a computer to managing daily tasks such as dressing, cooking, and eating. They practice in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, geriatric homes, outpatient clinics, home-care programs, and private practice.
Optometry
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Optometrists provide essential vision care, diagnosing and managing eye conditions while prescribing glasses or contact lenses. They examine patients to detect vision problems, eye diseases, and issues related to depth perception, color vision, and eye coordination. While most work in general practice, some specialize in pediatric or geriatric eye care, low vision rehabilitation, contact lenses, or vision therapy. Others focus on occupational vision safety or research. In addition to clinical practice, optometrists may teach, conduct research, consult, or serve on health advisory committees.
Pharmacy
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional Program
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, working in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and research institutions. Beyond dispensing medications, they ensure patient safety, provide counseling, and collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize treatment. Pharmacists can specialize in areas such as geriatric care, nuclear pharmacy, and sterile compounding. They contribute to public health through immunization programs, chronic disease management, and addressing medication safety concerns. Some work in policy development, academia, pharmaceutical research, or government agencies like the FDA and VA. With the rise of telehealth, pharmacists are increasingly involved in remote patient care and digital health solutions.
BIOL302 | Genetics | 4 |
BIOL434 | Histology | 4 |
BIOL436 | Immunology | 4 |
BIOL466 | System Physiology | 4 |
Physical Therapy
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional Program
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Physical therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries and disease. Treatment often includes exercise to improve strength, balance, coordination and endurance for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility. Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot and/or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain, improve the condition of muscles and related tissues, and to reduce swelling. A physical therapist can specialize in different areas of the field such as fitness, wellness and sports medicine. They are qualified to work in clinics, rehabilitation centers, acute-care and general hospitals, private and governmental agencies, the school systems with handicapped children, or be self employed.
Physician Assistant
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional Program
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals who collaborate with physicians while exercising autonomy in medical decision-making. They provide diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services across all medical specialties, including primary care, emergency medicine, and surgery. PAs assist in surgical procedures, provide pre- and post-operative care, and manage critical duties such as taking medical histories, performing exams, ordering tests, prescribing medications, and educating patients. By enhancing access to care and maintaining high-quality treatment, PAs play a vital role in the healthcare system.
ENGL111 | College Writing I | 3 |
ENGL112 | College Writing II | 3 |
ENGL113 | College Writing III | 3 |
Veterinary Medicine
Pre-Professional Program
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional Program
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Veterinarians are dedicated professionals who specialize in maintaining and improving the health of animals, including pets, livestock, and those in zoos or wildlife preserves. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of medical, surgical, dental, and rehabilitative care for sick or injured animals. Veterinarians diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, administer vaccinations, and educate pet owners on topics like weight management and senior pet care. Some contribute to public health by studying diseases that affect both animals and humans or by serving as food safety inspectors. Others engage in research to advance animal welfare and publish their findings in veterinary journals.
Career Outlook
Click on the items below to see the career outlooks.
Outcomes & Career Options
Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat issues related to the teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They perform routine examinations, fill cavities, extract teeth, and address oral diseases. Some dentists specialize in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. Most dentists work in private practice, while others are employed in hospitals, research institutions, public health agencies, or academic settings. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and may use advanced technologies such as digital imaging and laser dentistry. Licensing is required in all states, typically involving a dental degree and passing national and state exams.
Educational Qualifications
Most dental school applicants have earned a four-year degree prior to entering dental school. Dentistry is a four-year program, with the first two years in the classroom and dental lab and the last two years in the clinic treating patients under the supervision of licensed dentists.
Job Outlook
The median annual wage for dentists was $170,910 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $82,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.
Median annual wages for dentists in May 2023 were as follows:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons $239,200 or more
- Orthodontists $239,200 or more
- Prosthodontists $234,000
- Dentists, all other specialists $227,690
- Dentists, general $166,300
Outcomes & Career Options
Physicians diagnose and treat various medical conditions, with many specializing in specific areas like cardiology, neurology, or pediatrics. Depending on their specialty, they perform procedures, prescribe medications, and offer advice tailored to their field of expertise. Physicians may choose from a variety of settings such as working in a managed care system (HMO, PPO), a clinic, hospital, laboratory, industrial, or military venues, or in a combination of these.
Educational Qualifications
The minimum educational requirement for entry into most US and Canadian medical schools is a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. In medical school, students spend most of the first two years in laboratories and classrooms studying the basic sciences with some clinical exposure. During the last two years, students proceed through clinical rotations working with patients in hospitals, which consists of on-the-job training in one or more specialties, under the direction of experts in that discipline. Once completed, the physician must pass national board exams before he/she is licensed to practice medicine.
Job Outlook
Wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations, with a median wage equal to or greater than $239,200 per year. Mean annual wages for physicians and surgeons in May 2023 were as follows:
- Pediatric Surgeons $449,320
- Cardiologists $423,250
- Orthopedic Surgeons (except pediatric) $378,250
- Radiologists $353,960
- Surgeons (all others) $343,990
- Dermatologists $342,860
- Anesthesiologists $339,470
- Emergency Medicine Physicians $306,640
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists $278,660
- Neurologists $271,470
- Family medicine physicians $240,790
- Pediatricians $205,860
Outcomes & Career Options
Occupational therapists work with individuals who struggle with physical or psychological dysfunction. They help patients improve basic motor functions, enhance cognitive abilities, and adapt to permanent functional loss. Common conditions treated include stroke, paralysis, brain injuries, hand and arm trauma, arthritis, developmental disabilities, and mental health disorders. Occupational therapists assist patients with various activities, from using a computer to managing daily tasks such as dressing, cooking, and eating. They practice in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, geriatric homes, outpatient clinics, home-care programs, and private practice.
Educational Qualifications
After completing all prerequisites at La Sierra University, students should apply to an accredited physical therapy program, most programs offer doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) and only a few offer master’s degree programs. After completion, students are required to pass a licensure exam.
Job Outlook
The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $96,370 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $65,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,620.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for occupational therapists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Home healthcare services $104,790
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) $101,520
- Hospitals; state, local, and private $99,570
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists $94,930
- Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private $80,910
Outcomes & Career Options
Optometrists provide essential vision care, diagnosing and managing eye conditions while prescribing glasses or contact lenses. They examine patients to detect vision problems, eye diseases, and issues related to depth perception, color vision, and eye coordination. While most work in general practice, some specialize in pediatric or geriatric eye care, low vision rehabilitation, contact lenses, or vision therapy. Others focus on occupational vision safety or research. In addition to clinical practice, optometrists may teach, conduct research, consult, or serve on health advisory committees.
Educational Qualifications
Licensed optometrists must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometric college/university and pass the state board examination. This degree required a minimum of 6 to 7 years of higher education consisting of a 3/2-year professional degree program preceded by 4 years of pre-optometric study at La Sierra University. Those wishing to advance in a specialized field may study for a masters or Ph.D. degree in visual science, physiological optics, neurophysiology, public health, health administration, health information and communication, or health education. Career officers in the Armed Forces may work toward advances degrees and do vision research.
Job Outlook
The median annual wage for optometrists was $131,860 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,980, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $204,100.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for optometrists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Outpatient care centers $182,200
- Offices of physicians $143,440
- Offices of optometrists $125,140
Outcomes & Career Options
Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, working in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and research institutions. Beyond dispensing medications, they ensure patient safety, provide counseling, and collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize treatment. Pharmacists can specialize in areas such as geriatric care, nuclear pharmacy, and sterile compounding. They contribute to public health through immunization programs, chronic disease management, and addressing medication safety concerns. Some work in policy development, academia, pharmaceutical research, or government agencies like the FDA and VA. With the rise of telehealth, pharmacists are increasingly involved in remote patient care and digital health solutions.
Educational Qualifications
To obtain a license to practice pharmacy, students must complete a bachelor’s degree and enroll in an accredited pharmacy school, pass the state board exam and complete an internship under a registered pharmacist.
Job Outlook
The median annual wage for pharmacists was $136,030 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $89,980, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,650.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for pharmacists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Ambulatory healthcare services $150,110
- Hospitals; state, local, and private $144,460
- General merchandise retailers $141,880
- Pharmacies and drug retailers $131,290
Outcomes & Career Options
Physical therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries and disease. Treatment often includes exercise to improve strength, balance, coordination and endurance for patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility. Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, hot and/or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain, improve the condition of muscles and related tissues, and to reduce swelling. A physical therapist can specialize in different areas of the field such as fitness, wellness and sports medicine. They are qualified to work in clinics, rehabilitation centers, acute-care and general hospitals, private and governmental agencies, the school systems with handicapped children, or be self employed.
Educational Qualifications
After completing all prerequisites at La Sierra University, students should apply to an accredited physical therapy program, most programs offer doctor of physical therapy (DPT) and only a few offer master’s degree programs. After completion, students are required to pass a licensure exam.
Job Outlook
The median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $72,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $130,870.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for physical therapists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Home healthcare services $107,870
- Hospitals; state, local, and private $103,690
- Nursing and residential care facilities $102,810
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists $93,050
Outcomes & Career Options
Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals who collaborate with physicians while exercising autonomy in medical decision-making. They provide diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services across all medical specialties, including primary care, emergency medicine, and surgery. PAs assist in surgical procedures, provide pre- and post-operative care, and manage critical duties such as taking medical histories, performing exams, ordering tests, prescribing medications, and educating patients. By enhancing access to care and maintaining high-quality treatment, PAs play a vital role in the healthcare system.
Educational Qualifications
Students will receive their 4-degree while completing all pre-PA prerequisites at La Sierra University. Students may also enroll in a 2-year master’s degree physician’s assistant program at an accredited college or university, or a combined bachelor’s degree – graduate certificate program. For the master’s program, the first year focuses on medically related courses such as pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology. The second year emphasizes clinical experience in primary care or specialties within medicine. To work in a hospital or private practice, candidates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
Job Outlook
The median annual wage for physician assistants was $130,020 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $86,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $170,790.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for physician assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Outpatient care centers $141,050
- Hospitals; state, local, and private $134,120
- Offices of physicians $126,280
- Government $122,010
- Educational services; state, local, and private $115,160
Outcomes & Career Options
Veterinarians are dedicated professionals who specialize in maintaining and improving the health of animals, including pets, livestock, and those in zoos or wildlife preserves. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of medical, surgical, dental, and rehabilitative care for sick or injured animals. Veterinarians diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, administer vaccinations, and educate pet owners on topics like weight management and senior pet care. Some contribute to public health by studying diseases that affect both animals and humans or by serving as food safety inspectors. Others engage in research to advance animal welfare and publish their findings in veterinary journals.
Educational Qualifications
Admission to veterinary school is highly competitive. Candidates must complete 4 years of veterinary medical school to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) and pass national and state board examinations for licensure to practice veterinary medicine. Veterinarians may also specialize in a variety of residency areas including zoo medicine, anesthesiology, cardiology, dermatology, oncology and preventative medicine.
Job Outlook
The median annual wage for veterinarians was $119,100 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $72,360, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $201,440.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for veterinarians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Veterinary services $119,720
- Social advocacy organizations $110,590
- Educational services; state, local, and private $108,950
- Government $104,420
Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook:
- Healthcare Occupations
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Occupational Therapists
- Optometrists
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Veterinary Medicine
(visited April 17, 2024).