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How can I prepare for a health profession?

Health professionals must be able to think critically, have excellent oral and written communication skills, and be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds. They must have a broad understanding of the issues that affect their patients and health care. An undergraduate liberal arts degree is the best way to develop these skills and attitudes.

No particular undergraduate major is required for admission to a health professions school. Linfield majors from a variety of backgrounds, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, and General Science, have been admitted to medical schools and other allied health care graduate and professional programs. 

There is no such thing as a “pre-med” or a “pre-health” major at Linfield or most other colleges.  It is recommended that you major in something you enjoy and can excel at while also completing prerequisite coursework for the health field you are interested in.  Successful applicants are usually involved in extracurricular activities and have shadowed or volunteered in the health profession of their choice. 

Qualified applicants for health professions programs have high cumulative and science GPAs, build strong relationships with faculty mentors, and are involved in numerous campus and volunteer activities.  These applicants have shadowing experience in various health care settings and the ability to explain why they are interested in the health professions.  They have strong entrance exam scores – MCAT, DAT, OAT, etc. – and receive excellent letters of recommendation.