Pre-professional studies in the health professions are variable and Defiance College
is prepared to help you navigate these rigorous fields of study. With the dean of
the Institute for Pre-Health and Wellness Studies and faculty, students get personal
advising and support in preparation of medical, dental, physician assistant, pharmacy,
occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and nursing school. Students
are assigned both a faculty advisor and the dean to help ensure experiential learning
supports the expectations of these programs.
Particular emphasis is placed on students getting research and fundamental knowledge needed for success in their field of study. Defiance College has a 250-acre outdoor laboratory in the Thoreau Center, internship sites with local hospitals, doctors and clinics, and an endowment to support research at undergraduate conferences. Each semester, lunches and seminars connect students with successful alumni and community leaders through the Institute.
Pre-health studies programs offered at DC:
Pre-medicine
Pre-dentistry
Pre-optometry
Pre-veterinary science
Pre-law and pre-ministry studies are also offered.
A student in any of these fields is urged to use a summer term for field experiences to gain firsthand experience with practicing professionals.
PRE-MEDICINE
The pre-medical student should major in molecular biology. The major should include chemistry (general, organic, and biochemistry), biology (general, genetics, microbiology, human anatomy, and physiology), a year of physics, and electives, as recommended by the preferred medical schools. However, many medical schools are seeking a variety of backgrounds in their students and the pre-medical student is encouraged to develop verbal skills by electing several speech and literature courses. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required and should be taken in the spring of the junior year or the fall of the senior year. DC offers the required programs for admission to medical colleges, osteopathic medical colleges, and chiropractic medical colleges.
PRE-DENTISTRY
The pre-dentistry student should major in molecular biology. The major should include chemistry (general, organic, and biochemistry), biology (general, genetics, microbiology, and human anatomy and physiology), a year of physics, and electives, as recommended by the preferred dental schools. An applicant to dental school must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This test is usually taken in the fall or spring of the year before expected enrollment in dental school.
PRE-OPTOMETRY
The pre-optometry student should major in molecular biology. This major should include chemistry (general, organic, and biochemistry), biology (general, genetics, microbiology, human anatomy, and physiology), a year of physics, and selected mathematics courses. The optometry admissions test should be taken in the fall of the senior year.
PRE-VETERINARY SCIENCE
The pre-veterinary science student should major in molecular biology. The major should include chemistry (general, organic, and biochemistry), biology (general, genetics, microbiology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and vertebrate physiology), a year of physics, and electives, as recommended by preferred veterinary schools. Farm experience with livestock is desirable, as is work in animal clinics or veterinary hospitals. At DC, pre-veterinary students benefit from a national advisory board in veterinary science.
GRADUATE OUTCOMES
Auburn College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bowling Green State University
Findley College of Pharmacy
Kansas State School of Veterinary Medicine
Liberty University
Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University School of Medicine
University of Ohio College of Osteopathic Medicine
Wayne State University
MEET THE FACULTY
Bridgette Winslow, ABD
Nathan Griggs, Ph.D.
Timothy Rickabaugh, Ph.D.
Olivia Lozar, Ph.D.
Jeanna Tran, Ph.D.
