How Can BSU Prepare You for Health Profession Schools?
Are you considering a career in nursing, dentistry, occupational therapy, or another health profession? Bridgewater State University can help prepare you for a number of graduate programs in health fields.
Browse the suggested programs below to learn about the majors and courses BSU offers that can prepare you for health profession schools after you complete your undergraduate degree at BSU.
General Notes:
- Prerequisites can vary from program to program. Check specific schools or programs you may apply to.
- Students need to take algebra-intensive math courses, which may include MATH 095, 122, 140/150, and 141/161. Please consult with an advisor before selecting a math course, to avoid taking a course that will not apply toward these requirements. Courses are indicated with an asterisk.
- Programs may require documented or supervised shadowing or clinical hours.
- Programs may require entry exams (i.e. MCAT, DAT, GRE).
Visit the Pre-Health at BSU website for additional information details, including career options, clinical opportunities, applications and more.
Accordion Content
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Course/Subject | Semesters |
| General Biology | 1 |
| Anatomy & Physiology | 2 |
| General Chemistry | 2 |
| Physics | 2 |
| Statistics (taken in MATH, BIOL, or PSYC) | 1 |
| Psychology | 1-2 |
| Exercise Physiology | 1 |
| Biomechanics (not all schools) | 1 |
| Nutrition | 1 |
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects students major in at BSU before applying for admission to athletic training (MS) graduate programs:
- Biology, BA or BS
- Exercise Physiology, BS
- Health Science, Pre-Athletic Training concentration or no concentration, BS
- Physical Education, BA or BS
Students may also consider enrolling in the the following minors:
- Exercise Physiology minor
Useful resource
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Athletic Training Centralized Application Services (ATCAS)
General Course Work:
Most chiropractic schools require a minimum of 24 credit hours in life and physical sciences with most of those credits coming from lab-based course work. The courses listed below are common requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Course/Subject | Course |
| General Biology | BIOL 100 or BIOL 121* |
| Anatomy & Physiology | BIOL 251 and BIOL 252 |
| Physics | PHYS 181* or PHYS 243* |
| General Chemistry | CHEM 131 or CHEM 141* |
| Biomechanics | PHED 385 |
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the minimum life and physical science credits required by the individual school.
The following are additional recommended courses that would support preparation for and admission to chiropractic graduate programs:
Subject | Course |
| Biology | BIOL 122, BIOL 200, BIOL 265, BIOL 302 or BIOL 395, BIOL 375, BIOL 482 |
| Chemistry | CHEM 132 or CHEM 142, CHEM 243, CHEM 244, CHEM 352 or CHEM 452 |
| Physics | PHYS 182 or PHYS 244 |
| Exercise Physiology | EPHY 401 |
| Functional Anatomy | PHED 289, HLSC 438 |
| Nutrition | NUTR 210, NUTR 315, NUTR 325, NUTR, 330, NUTR 425, NUTR 430, HLSC 410 |
| Psychology | PSYC 100, PSYC 230, PSYC 336, PSYC 342 |
| Statistics | BIOL 297*, MATH 110, or PSYC 201 |
The following list includes typical subjects that students major in at BSU before applying for admission to chiropractic graduate programs:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Health Studies, BS
- Health Science, BS
- Physical Education, BS/BA
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biology
- Exercise Physiology
- Health Promotion
- Physics
- Psychology
Useful resource
Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) Directory of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree Programs
American Chiropractic Association
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
| Subject | Course | Attribute |
| Two semesters of biology | BIOL 121* & other BIOL (e.g. 122 or 200) | CNSL for BIOL 121 |
| Two semesters of general chemistry | CHEM 141* and CHEM 142 | CNSL |
| Two semesters of organic chemistry | CHEM 243 and CHEM 244 | |
| Two semester of physics | PHY 181* & PHYS 182 (can take PHYS 243* & PHYS 244) | CNSL & CQUR |
| One social and behavioral course | recommended PSYC 100 or SOCi 102 | CSOC |
| Two semesters of english | ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 | Core skills |
| Depends on school: | ||
| 1. One semester of biochemistry | CHEM 352 or CHEM 452 | |
| 2. Two semesters of anatomy & physiology | BIOL 251 and BIOL 252 | |
| 3. One semester of microbiology | BIOL 302 or BIOL 395 |
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects that students major in at BSU before applying for admission to dental graduate programs:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Chemistry, BA
- Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration, BS
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Useful resource
ADEA AADSAS Participating Dental Schools Required and Recommended Courses
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Subject | Course | Attribute |
Two semesters of biology | BIOL 121* & other BIOL (e.g. 122 or 200) | CNSL for BIOL 121 |
Two semesters of general chemistry | CHEM 141* and CHEM 142 | CNSL |
Two semesters of organic chemistry | CHEM 243 and CHEM 244 |
|
One to two semesters of Biochemistry | CHEM 352 or CHEM 452 and CHEM 456 |
|
Two semesters of physics | PHY 181* & PHYS 182 (can take PHYS 243* & PHYS 244) | CNSL & CQUR |
One semester of calculus | MATH 141 (can take MATH 161E/143) | CMAR |
One semester of statistics | BIOL 297*, PYSC 201, ECON 210, or MATH 110 | CQUR |
One social and behavioral course | Recommend both PSYC 100 and SOCI 102 | CSOC |
Two semesters of english | ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 | Core skills
|
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects that students major in at BSU before applying for admission to medical school programs:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Chemistry, BA
- Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration, BS
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Philosophy
Useful resources
Association of American Medical Colleges — for allopathic schools (MD)
List of MD schools and requirements
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine — for osteopathic schools (DO)
DO Admission requirements
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Subject | Course | Attribute |
One to two semesters of biology | BIOL 121* & other BIOL (e.g. 122 or 200) | CNSL for BIOL 121 |
Two semesters of general chemistry | CHEM 131 & 132 or CHEM 141* & 142 | CNSL |
Two semester of anatomy and physiology | BIOL 251 and BIOL 252 |
|
One semester of microbiology | BIOL 302 or BIOL 395 |
|
One semester of statistics | BIOL 297*, PSYC 201, ECON 210, OR MATH 110 | CQUR |
One semester of nutrition | NUTR 210 or 410 |
|
Developmental Psychology | PSYC 336 |
|
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects that students major in at BSU before applying for admission to nursing school programs:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Chemistry, BA
- Health Science, BS
- Health Studies, BS
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition
Useful resource
NursingCAS Program Directory
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Course/Subject | Semesters |
| General Biology | 1 |
| Anatomy & Physiology | 2 |
| Microbiology | 1 |
| General Chemistry | 2 |
| Organic Chemistry | 2 |
| Biochemistry | 1 |
| Psychology, Sociology, or Anthropology | 1 |
| Statistics | 2 |
| Courses included in Nutrition minor | 4 |
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects that students major in at BSU before applying for admission to graduate programs in nutrition:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration, BS
Students planning to apply for admission to a graduate should also enroll in the the following minor:
- Nutrition
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biochemistry
Useful resources
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Program Directory
Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Course/Subject | Semesters |
| General Biology | 1 |
| Anatomy & Physiology | 2 |
| General Psychology | 1 |
| Developmental Psychology (lifespan) | 1 |
| Psychological Disorders (abnormal, psychopathology) | 1 |
| Sociology or Anthropology | 1 |
| Statistics (taken in MATH, BIOL, PSYC, or EDUC) | 2 |
| General Physics or Biomechanics (not all schools) | 1 |
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects students major in at BSU before applying for admission to occupational therapy (OTD, MSOT, MOT) graduate programs:
- Childhood Studies, BA
- Health Studies, BS
- Health Science, Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration, BS
- Physical Education, Motor Development Therapy/Adapted Physical Education Concentration, BS
- Psychology, BS
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Childhood Studies
- Health Promotion
- Psychology
- Adapted Physician Education/Physical Activity
Useful resources
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Subject | Course | Attribute |
Two semesters of biology | BIOL 121* & 122 | CNSL for BIOL 121 |
Two semesters of anatomy & physiology | BIOL 251 & 252 |
|
One semester of microbiology | BIOL 302 or BIOL 395 |
|
Two semesters of general chemistry | CHEM 141* & 142 | CNSL |
One semester of statistics | BIOL 297*, PSYC 201, ECON 210, or MATH 110 | CQUR |
One to two semesters of social & behavioral sciences | PSYC 100 and SOCI 102 | CSOC |
Depends on school: |
|
|
1. One semester of cell biology | BIOL 200 |
|
2. One semester of genetics | BIOL 321 |
|
3. Two semesters of organic chemistry | CHEM 243 & 244 |
|
4. One semester of biochemistry | CHEM 352 or CHEM 452 | CMAR
|
5. One semester of calculus | MATH 141 (can take MATH 161E/143) |
|
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects that students major in at BSU before applying for admission to physician assistant school programs:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Chemistry, BA
- Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration, BS
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Useful resource
List of Physician Assistant Schools
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Course/Subject | Semesters |
| General Biology | 2 |
| Anatomy & Physiology | 2 |
| General Chemistry | 2 |
| Physics | 2 |
| Statistics (taken in MATH, BIOL, or PSYC) | 1 |
| Psychology | 1-2 |
| Exercise Physiology (not all schools) | 1 |
| Medical Terminology (not all schools) | 1 |
| Biomechanics (not all schools) | 1 |
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects students major in at BSU before applying for admission to physical therapy (DPT) graduate programs:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Exercise Physiology, BS
- Health Science, Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration, BS
- Physical Education, BS/BA
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biology
- Exercise Physiology
Useful resources
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Physical Therapist Centralized Application Services (PTCAS)
General Course Work:
Below are common course requirements but can vary between schools. Make sure to check for individual school requirements.
Subject | Course | Attribute |
| Two semesters of biology | BIOL 121* & 122 | CNSL for BIOL 121 |
| Two semesters of general chemistry | CHEM 141* & 142 | CNSL |
| Two semesters of organic chemistry | CHEM 243 & 244 | |
| One semester of biochemistry | CHEM 352 or CHEM 452 | |
| Two semesters of physics | PHY 181* & 182 (can take PHYS 243* & 244) | CNSL & CQUR |
| One semester of calculus | MATH 141 (can take MATH 161E/143) | CMAR |
| One semester of statistics | BIOL 297*, PSYC 201, ECON 210, or MATH 110 | CQUR |
| Two semesters of english | ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 | Core skills |
| Depends on school: | ||
| 1. One semester of genetics | BIOL 321 | |
| 2. One semester of microbiology | BIOL 302 or BIOL 395 | |
| 3. One semester of physiology | BIOL 251 and BIOL 252 or BIOL 373 (recommended) |
Students can enroll in any major. At minimum, students will need to complete the required courses listed above.
The following list includes typical subjects students major in at BSU before applying for admission to veterinary programs:
- Biology, BS
- Biology, Biomedical Science and Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
- Chemistry, BA
Students may also consider enrolling in the following minors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Useful resources
List of veterinary schools
Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR)