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Pre-Health Coursework

Learn more about courses you can take to prepare for your desired health profession.

Knox does not require pre-health students to take any specific courses; rather, the Vovis Center works with students to create an individualized course plan based on their desired health professions programs’ prerequisites along with their major, minor, and personal interests. 

A student looks into a microscope in a classroom.

All health professions require specific courses to prepare students for graduate study.

These prerequisite courses vary depending on the health profession or specific graduate school, but most require a year of introductory biology, a year of introductory chemistry, and competency in English. As an incoming first-year student interested in the health professions, you will likely take the following courses at some point in your first two years.

Special Programs

Knox partners with several institutions to offer cooperative healthcare programs in nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, and public health. Interested prospective and current students are encouraged to reach out to the Vovis Center team for details in preparing for these programs.

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Common Prerequisites by Health Profession

See common prerequisite coursework for health professions graduate programs, organized by profession.

Pre-AT students at Knox typically pursue a 1- to 2-year master’s degree in Athletic Training (MS, MAT, MEd, MSAT) to become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Students may then choose to continue their athletic training education by earning a 2-year Doctorate of Athletic Training (DAT).

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following introductory courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A and 102A; PHYS 110, 120, and 130; and PSYC 100. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: human anatomy, kinesiology, physiology/exercise physiology, and nutrition.

Pre-athletic training students may also be interested in the Sports Studies program.

Pre-dental students at Knox typically pursue a 4-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following introductory courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A, 211, and 212; PHYS 110, 120, and 130; STATS 200; 1-2 courses of English; and 2-3 courses in the social sciences. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology.

Pre-dental students will also need to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). It is recommended you take the prerequisites above prior to taking the DAT.

Pre-medicine students at Knox typically pursue a 4-year Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. Students interested in clinical research may choose to complete a dual MD/PhD degree.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following introductory courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A, 211, and 212; PHYS 110, 120, and 130; STATS 200; 1-2 courses in English; and 2-3 courses in the social sciences. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: 2-3 upper-level biology courses, biochemistry, and calculus.

Pre-medicine students also need to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). It is recommended you take the prerequisites above prior to taking the MCAT. For additional preparation, you may also want to consider our recommended MCAT coursework in Standardized Exam Support.

Pre-nursing students at Knox typically pursue a 2-year Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which allows them to pursue a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Students may then go on to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or other advanced practice nursing degrees.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following introductory courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A; STATS 200; PSYC 100; 1-2 courses of English; and 1-2 courses in the social sciences. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, developmental psychology, and medical terminology.

Nursing with RUSH GEM

The Knox-Rush cooperative program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Knox followed by a General Entry Master’s degree (GEM) from Rush University College of Nursing. Students apply to this program in their final year at Knox and begin studies at Rush after graduation. Students sit for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse (RN) upon completion of the master’s program at Rush. Requirements and more details on the program can be found in the Nursing page in the Knox course catalog.

Pre-optometry students at Knox typically pursue a 4-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Students interested in specialized eye care and surgery may instead choose to complete an MD degree followed by a 4-year residency in Ophthalmology, and should see the requirements listed under Medicine.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following introductory courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A, 211, and 212; PHYS 110, 120, and 130; PSYC 100; and STAT 200. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and calculus.

Pre-optometry students will also need to take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). It is recommended you take the prerequisites above prior to sitting for the OAT.

Optometry with Illinois College of Optometry

This 3-4 combined degree program allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree in just 7 years total–3 years at Knox and 4 years at Illinois College of Optometry (ICO). Your first year in the optometry program will count as your final year at Knox. Students may apply to this program in their junior year. Requirements and more details on the program can be found in the Optometry page in the Knox course catalog.

Pre-OT students at Knox typically pursue a 2-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree to become an Occupational Therapy practitioner. Students may also choose to get a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) for a more in depth OT education.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; STATS 200; PSYC 100; 1-2 courses in the social sciences. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: developmental psychology, anatomy, and physiology.

Occupational Therapy with Washington University

This 3-2 combined degree program allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) in just 5.5 years total–3 years at Knox and 2.5 years at Washington University School of Medicine. Students may apply to this program in their junior year. Requirements and more details on the program can be found in the Occupational Therapy page in the Knox course catalog.

Pre-pharmacy students at Knox typically pursue a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. 

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A, 211, and 212; PHYS 110, 120, and 130; STATS 200; PSYC 100; 1-2 courses of English; and 1-2 courses in the social sciences. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, public speaking, and calculus.

Pre-PT students at Knox typically pursue a 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to become a Physical Therapist.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A; PHYS 110, 120, and 130; STATS 200; PSYC 100; 1-2 courses in English; and 1-2 courses in the social sciences. Programs may also require the following courses: anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and medical terminology.

Pre-PT students may also be interested in the Sports Studies program.

Pre-PA students at Knox typically pursue a 2-3 year Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A, 211, and 212; STATS 200; PSYC 100; and 1-2 courses in English. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: microbiology, biochemistry I, anatomy, physiology, and genetics.

Most students interested in a career in public health pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree after Knox. There are not typically prerequisite courses for an MPH.

Public Health with St. Louis University

This 4-1 combined degree program allows you to complete a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) in just 5 years total–4 years at Knox and 1 year at St. Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice (SLU). In their fourth year at Knox, students begin taking remote classes at SLU that double-count towards the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and finish the master’s at SLU. Students may apply for this program in their junior year. Students must work with the Pre-Health Advisors during their first year to plan out coursework for this program.

Pre-vet students at Knox typically pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

Prerequisite coursework varies by program, but often includes the following introductory courses: BIOL 110, 120, and 130; CHEM 100A, 102A, 211, and 212; PHYS 110, 120, and 130; STATS 200; and 1-2 courses of English, social sciences or humanities. Programs may also require the following upper level courses: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and calculus.

Pre-vet students may need to take the GRE or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) if their desired vet school requires it. In preparation for the MCAT, you may also want to consider our recommended MCAT coursework.

Students are encouraged to review the courses for their health profession above and meet with Health Professions Advising prior to registering for classes to determine the course plan that is best for them. Students may reach out to the Vovis Center’s Health Professions Advisors to schedule a virtual advising appointment before registering for their first term courses.

Health Studies Minor 

Students interested in healthcare may consider completing the Health Studies Minor. This interdisciplinary minor focuses on the biological, psychological, cultural, spiritual, economic, and ethical factors that impact the health of individuals and society as a whole. The minor ends with a capstone internship at a local hospice, daycare, health department, or other nonprofit or business.