Premedical Training
Premedicine and Pre-Health Care Professions at Bethel University
If you have a strong desire to serve God and serve others through medicine,
Bethel University is the place for you!
Will I get what I need at Bethel?
has excellent programs in Pre-medicine and other Pre-Health Care Professions. We have many students accepted every year into a variety of Health Care Graduate Schools to pursue careers in medicine. Our reputation for providing student excellence in their preparation for various medical schools is among the best you will find. The majority of our students who apply into medical programs, are accepted into medical programs they desire. Our science departments offer programs that are "top notch" and can prepare you as well as any other in the country. An advantage you will find at is that your pre-medical education will be integrated with a strong Christian emphasis promoting Biblical values and world-view.
For what programs will I be prepared to enter?
Health-care professional careers, other than nursing, primarily are graduate programs in university graduate schools. If you are interested in a career in nursing, offers a complete Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. For most other programs you must first complete a college degree and then apply for acceptance into a professional graduate program to grant you a degree at the Master's or Doctoral level. Each of these programs requires specific prerequisite courses to be completed while you are in college completing your bachelor's degree. offers excellent prerequisites and preparation for medical programs including the following:
| Doctor of Medicine | Dentistry | Doctor of Optometry | Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine |
| Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine | Veterinary Medicine | Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | Physician Assistant |
| Physical Therapy | Health Care Administration | Occupational Therapy | Other Health Care Professional programs |
What is the best major to pursue a professional career in health care?
We would advise you to major in whatever discipline you want. Medical programs do not give preference to students with a major in "pre-medicine." For this reason, has chosen to not offer a "pre-med" major, but rather we encourage students to select a major that works best for them. A student, however, must take certain prerequisite courses while they are completing their college degree to make themselves eligible to apply for medical school programs. Some majors allow completion of the prerequisites within four years without extra summer school, or course overloads. Many students interested in Physical Therapy choose a degree in Exercise Science, Athletic Training, or Biology but most of the pre-medical program students have looked to degrees in the physical and natural sciences. While we have had successful pre-medical students with majors in psychology, history, and philosophy, the majority of applicants to medical programs from have selected from the following three majors:
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Who can I talk to about these questions?
There are several faculty in Biology and Chemistry who are knowledgeable about pre-medical requirements and willing to help you with your questions. The primary source is Bethel's pre-medical and pre-health care professional program advisor, Timothy Shaw. Dr. Shaw's office is located at AC125 and he can be contacted by phone at 651-638-6160 or by email at t-shaw@bethel.edu. Dr Shaw would be happy to answer any questions you may have, and will work with you in choosing the career you want to pursue, as well as the medical or health professional school you want to attend. He is willing to advise students from all majors and answer their pre-medical questions.