Pre-Health Advising

Pre Chiropractic

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Chiropractic Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Kinesiology, Athletic Training—while a science major is not required the most successful chiropractic students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 2 Semesters of Biology, 2 Semesters of General Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Physics, 1 Semester of Biochemistry.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Chiropractic Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: Palmer College of Chiropractic Medicine, National University, Logan University

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 100%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.2

Pre-Chiropractic Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for Chiropractic school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Professional Program Information: Professional training in most Chiropractic schools lasts three years including 1 year of basic science classes, 1 year of pre clinical classes/training, and 1 year of clinical training. Many schools operate on a trimester system (1 trimester= 4 months). Upon successful completion of the program a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC) degree is awarded.

For more information on the Chiropractic medicine career field visit https://www.acatoday.org/.

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Dentistry

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Dentistry Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biological Research—while a science major is not required most successful dental students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 2 Semesters of Biology, 2 semesters of Physics, 2 Semesters of General Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry, 1 Semester of Biochemistry, 1 Semester of Human Anatomy, 1 Semester of Physiology, 1 Semester of Microbiology.

Recommended courses for competitive edge: 1 Semester of Cell Biology, 1 Semester of Genetics, 1 Semester of Statistics.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Dental School Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: University of Iowa, Midwestern University, Southern Illinois University, Marquette University, University of Minnesota, Creighton University.

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 90%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.4 however the most competitive students hover at 3.7.

Pre-Dental Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for dental school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Professional Program Information: Dental school education last four years with the first two years of didactic work (classroom) followed by two years of clinical rotations. Graduates can enter the workforce immediately following graduation or continue for more extensive training in many specialized dental fields.

For more information on Dental Medicine (DDS) visit www.adea.org

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Medicine

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Medicine Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biological Research—while a science major is not required most successful medical students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 2 Semesters of Biology, 2 semesters of Physics, 2 Semesters of General Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry, 1 Semester of Biochemistry, 1 Semester Statistics, 1 Semester of Mathematics.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Medical School Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: University of Iowa, Des Moines University, Southern Illinois University, Rocky Vista University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Midwestern University

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: over 90%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.4 however the most competitive students hover at 3.7

Undergraduate Pre-Medicine Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for medical school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Postbaccalaureate Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Program at Loras College: Our “career-changer” Postbaccalaureate Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Program offers a 12-month intensive program for those who already have an undergraduate degree in an area outside of the sciences, to complete the commonly required classes for entrance to most medical schools. In this intensive postbaccalaureate program you will be advised and guided by a dedicated pre-health advisor, intensely prepare for the MCAT exam, observe and learn from doctors in hospitals and clinics, and receive a detailed committee letter of recommendation for medical school.

Professional Program Information: Medical school education last four years with the first two years of didactic work (classroom) followed by two years of clinical rotations. Graduates then enter a residency program (3 years or more) to do advanced training and qualify for a medical specialty. Upon successful completion of the program students are awarded an Allopathic degree (MD) or an Osteopathic degree (DO).

For more information on Allopathic Medicine (MD) visit www.amsa.org/premed

For more information on Osteopathic Medicine (DO) visit www.aacom.org

For more information on medical schools visit www.aamc.org

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Nursing

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Students at Loras College can begin their academic journey as part of the 3+2 Nursing Program. Loras students  interested in healthcare will now have the opportunity to pursue a nursing degree while also completing their Loras bachelor’s degree.

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Kinesiology, Psychology—while a science major is not required the most successful nursing students have embarked on a rigorous science degree. Pre–nursing means a student will NEVER take a nursing course or clinical while at Loras. Students will follow one of the 4 year plans of a major mentioned above, complete the pre-requisite courses, and apply to ACCELERATED nursing programs in the Midwest.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 1 Semester of General Chemistry, 1 Semester of Physiology, 1 Semester of Human Anatomy, 1 Semester of Microbiology, 1 Semester of Statistics, 1 Semester of Nutrition.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Nursing Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: Allen College, Rush University.

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 90%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.0

Pre-Nursing Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for Nursing school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Affiliation: Loras College and Allen College embarked on an affiliation where by if a student has completed the pre requisite coursework at a 3.0 level and is certified as a nurse’s aide, an automatic seat is reserved at Allen College for entrance into their Accelerated 15 month BSN program. Students can do this after completing a 4 year degree in any field (4+1)…….OR completing 101 credit hours of a Biology degree in 3 years (3+1), whereby the student’s 4th year is spent at Allen in the Accelerated program……….. 4+1 is a great route for athletes.

Professional Program Information: Professional training in most accelerated nursing programs lasts twelve to fifteen months. Because of the severe nursing shortage many schools are offering master and doctorate programs as well. Upon successful completion of the program a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is awarded.

For more information on the Nursing career field visit www.discovernursing.com or  www.Registerednursing.org.

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Nutrition

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Students with a strong interest in science and in nutrition might be interested in seeking out a career as a Registered Dietitian. While Loras does not have an undergraduate dietetics program, beginning January 1, 2024 the degree requirement for dietitian registration eligibility will become a Master’s degree instead of a baccalaureate degree (Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).  At Loras, you can take all the pre-requisite courses required to be eligible for Master’s-level programs in nutrition just as a student would take pre-requisites to go to medical or dental school. The requirements include many biology and chemistry courses, therefore students would typically choose a major in the sciences and follow the pre-nutrition advising track to fulfill all the requirements to apply to graduate schools.

Pre Occupational Therapy

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Occupational Therapy Prerequisites

Recommended Major:
Kinesiology, Biology, Psychology. However, students can choose any major provided they complete all required pre-requisite courses, and show a strong academic performance.

Requirement for Admission:
Competitive GPA and GRE score; evidence of observation hours with an OT at a variety of sites (50 h); patient exposure; letters of recommendations (one from OT), personal statement.

Note: Please note that each occupational therapy school has some individual course requirements. Please check the American Occupational Therapy Association https://www.aota.org/

Professional Program Information:
Occupational therapist have a master’s degree or a doctoral degree, and need to be licensed through an accredited program, as well as pass the national Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists Certification Exam. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy has been consistently ranked as top-job and recession proof!

Important Resources:
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) https://www.aota.org/
The Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy (OTCAS) https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

Professional Occupational Therapy Programs Loras Graduates have attended (examples):
St. Ambrose University
Drake University
Allen College

Pre Optometry

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Optometry Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biological Research—while a science major is not required the most successful optometry students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math
Courses Needed for Admission:

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Optometry Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: Illinois College of Optometry, Indiana University, St. Louis University, Southern College of Optometry (Memphis)

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 100%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.4

Pre-Optometry Program at Loras College: Loras provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years. This advisor provides advice on course prerequisites for Optometry school, course sequencing, as well as planning observations with an optometrist and for the optometry admission test, enabling the student to be competitive for the application to Optometry schools.

Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for Optometry school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Professional Program Information: Optometry education lasts four years. Upon successful completion of the program a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree is awarded. Ophthalmologists have a MD degree, which requires the medical school path.

For more information on Optometry career field visit www.opted.org

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Pharmacy

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Pharmacy Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biology, Biological Research—while a science major is not required the most successful pharmacy students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 2 Semesters of Biology, 2 Semesters of General Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry, 1 Semester of Physiology, 1 Semester of Human Anatomy, 1 Semester Statistics, 1 Semester of Microbiology, 1 Semesters of Physics, 1 Semester of Calculus.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Pharmacy Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Creighton University, University of Minnesota, Drake University, Butler University, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Duquense University.

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 90%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.2

Pre-Pharmacy Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for Pharmacy school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Many Pre-Pharmacy students work as Pharmacy Technicians in the various Dubuque pharmacies. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Affiliation: Loras has embarked on an agreement with Creighton University whereby a student can major in Biology at Loras and move through the program in 3 years. If the student has maintained a 3.5 GPA and scored no less than a 60 on the PCAT, the student is awarded an automatic seat in their 4 year PharmD program. Therefore instead of a 4th year at Loras the student would begin their first year of the PharmD program at Creighton. Upon completion the student will have obtained a BS in Biology from Loras and a PharmD from Creighton University in a total of 7 years.

Professional Program Information: Professional training in most Pharmacy schools lasts four years. Upon successful completion of the program a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is awarded. The pharmacy graduate is able to start work immediately.

For more information on the Pharmacy career field visit www.aacp.org or  www.pharmcas.org

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Physical Therapy

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Physical Therapy Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Psychology, Kinesiology, Athletic Training.  However, students can choose any major provided they complete all required pre-requisite courses, and show a strong academic performance. Most successful physical therapy students have embarked on a rigorous science degree or have completed additional rigorous science courses beyond the required pre-requisites.

Requirement for Admission: Competitive GPA (minimum of 3.3) and GRE score; evidence of observation hours (over 100 hours) with a physical therapist in a variety of settings (inpatient and outpatient). Most competitive applicants have additional exposure either volunteering or working in a PT setting during their undergraduate years.

Note: Please note that each physical therapy program has some individual course requirements. Please check the American Physical Therapy Association http://www.apta.org/

Professional Physical Therapy Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: University of Iowa, Des Moines University, St. Ambrose University, Clarke University, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Midwestern University, Creighton University, Mayo Clinic, Rockhurst College, Slippery Rock State, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 80%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.3

Pre-Physical Therapy Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for Physical Therapy school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a well-rounded applicant to physical therapy school.

Professional Program Information: Physical Therapist have a doctoral degree (Doctor of Physical Therapy), and need to take the National Licensure Exam that allows them to practice.

For more information on the Physical Therapy career field visit www.apta.org or www.ptcas.org.

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Physician Assistant

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Physician Assistant Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biological Research—while a science major is not required the most successful physician assistant students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 2 Semesters of Biology, 2 Semesters of General Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry, 1 Semester of Biochemistry, 1 Semester Statistics, 1 Semester of Human Anatomy, 1 Semester of Physiology, 1 Semester of Microbiology.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Physician Assistant Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: University of Iowa, Des Moines University, St. Ambrose University, Marquette University, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine, Midwestern University, St. John’s University

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 80%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.4 however the most competitive students hover at 3.7.

Pre-Physician Assistant Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for PA school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Professional Program Information: Physician Assistant school education last two to three years depending on the program. Upon graduation Physician Assistant’s are able to directly enter the workforce. All have the option to specialize and do advanced training in many medical specialties.

For more information on Physician Assistant career field visit www.aapa.org or www.paeaonline.org

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Podiatry

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Podiatry Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biological Research—while a science major is not required the most successful podiatric students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 2 Semesters of Biology, 2 Semesters of General Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Physics, 1 Semester of Biochemistry, 2 Semesters of College Writing, 1 Semester of Psychology & 1 Semester of Sociology are required for the MCAT but not admission into Podiatric school.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Podiatric Medical Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: Des Moines University, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine, Midwestern University (AZ). Loras graduate currently Assistant Professor of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University.

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 100%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.4

Pre-Podiatric Medicine Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for podiatric medical school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to health care experience supported by a very robust health care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Professional Program Information: Podiatric medical school education last four years with the first two years of didactic work (classroom) followed by two years of clinical rotations. Graduates then enter a residency program (3 years or more) to do advanced training. Upon completion of a successful program a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is awarded.

For more information on Podiatric Medicine visit www.aacpm.org

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.

Pre Veterinary Medicine

Questions?  Contact Us!
Ulrike Schultz, MD, MPH
Pre-Health Advisor
ulrike.schultz@loras.edu
563.588.7255

Veterinary Medicine Prerequisites

Recommended Loras Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biological Research—while a science major is not required the most successful veterinary students have embarked on a rigorous science degree.

Undergraduate Science/Math Courses Needed for Admission: 2 Semesters of Biology, 2 Semesters of General Chemistry, 2 Semesters of Organic Chemistry, 1 Semester of Biochemistry, 1 Semester Genetics, 1 Semester Physics, 1 Semester of Physiology or 1 Semester Human Anatomy.

Electives: A well-rounded background in the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to; philosophy, psychology, history, foreign languages, business, and mathematics.

Professional Veterinary Programs Loras Graduates Have Attended: Iowa State University, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Percentage of Loras Applicants Admitted in Last 3 Years: 85%

Minimum GPA of Successful Entrants: 3.5

Pre-Veterinary Program at Loras College: Students here at Loras gain a vast experience both academically and non academically making them outstanding applicants for Veterinary school. From the rigorous academic degree, research opportunities, hands on lab experience including the cadaver lab, volunteer/leadership/community service options, to hands on animal experience supported by a very robust animal care system in the Dubuque area, Loras provides all the components for a very sound applicant hands down. Loras also provides a full time health science advisor to work with students regularly as they move through the undergraduate years.

Professional Program Information: Veterinary Medicine school education last fours years including two years of basic science and applied science courses and two years of clinical training. Upon successful completion of the program, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is awarded.

For more information on Veterinary Medicine career field visit www.aavmc.org or www.avma.org.

For more information on Health Care Careers, visit www.explorehealthcareers.org.