Contact Information
Phone: 401.865.1989
Fax: 401.865.1496
Location: Harkins Hall 210
The Faculty
Associate Professor
Carol B. Crafts, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Advisor for the Health Professions
The Program
The Health Professions Advisory Program assists students in preprofessional preparation for careers in the medical sciences including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, physician assistant, physical therapy, advance practice nursing, pharmacy, public health, and other health professions. Because each of the medical sciences professions requires specific preparation, students must work closely with the advisor for the health professions to plan a suitable program of study. This generally involves selection of an appropriate major, required courses, and internships and volunteer service opportunities in the health professions.
Admission to most health professions schools is extremely competitive, requiring strong academic performance, satisfactory scores on standardized admissions tests (e.g. MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc.), and evidence of leadership, service, and a working knowledge of the health professions.
Academic preparation for medical or dental school generally includes a minimum of two semesters each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, general physics, and English. In addition, many medical and dental schools strongly recommend or require biochemistry, advanced biology electives, and other specific courses.
While there is no “premed” major, most premedical sciences students complete one of the following majors:
B.S. degree in biology
B.A. degree in chemistry, premedical/dental option
B.S. degree in biochemistry
However, with careful planning, a student also may complete the premedical sciences coursework in combination with a liberal arts major.