Frequently Asked Questions

General Pre-Health Information

The Pre-Health Advising Program supports students interested in health professions such as nursing, physician assistant, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical school, and more. We provide guidance on course selection, application processes, and career preparation.
Any student interested in pursuing a health-related career can participate. This includes students in the College of Health Professions and other colleges at Pace University.
The program supports students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, nutrition and dietetics, dentistry, pharmacy, and more.

Required courses vary depending on your career path but typically include biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and other science prerequisites. Your advisor will help you plan your coursework to meet specific program requirements.
Yes! While many pre-health students major in sciences, you can major in any subject as long as you complete the prerequisite courses for your chosen health profession program.
Competitive GPAs vary by program but typically range from 3.0–4.0. Some programs have minimum GPA requirements, so it’s important to maintain strong academic performance.

You can schedule an appointment by reaching out to prehealthCHP@pace.edu or by completing the Contact Us form.
Resources include:
- Pre-Health Guidance and Planning: One-on-one support to help you select courses, plan your pathway to health profession programs, and navigate program requirements.
- Learning Commons Support: Access tutoring sessions, targeted study groups, and workshops to build the skills needed for challenging coursework.
- Opportunities to Connect with Faculty: Meet with faculty from one of Pace's health profession programs to gain insights into your chosen career path.
- Classroom Observation: Experience a health profession program firsthand by sitting in on a course to understand the curriculum and expectations.
- Workshops and Announcements: Stay informed about future workshops and pre-health opportunities by signing up using the Contact Us form. Workshops will include topics like application preparation, career planning, and skill-building sessions.
- Shadowing and Volunteer Opportunities: Explore hands-on experiences through shadowing or volunteer placements in healthcare settings, guided by our program's recommendations.

It’s best to start early. Most applications require prerequisites, shadowing hours, and personal statements. Begin preparing in your first or second year, and consult your advisor for a timeline tailored to your goals.
Yes, most programs require or highly recommend clinical experience. This can include shadowing, volunteering, or paid positions in healthcare settings.
Applications for most programs open about a year before matriculation. For example, if you plan to start medical school in Fall 2026, you should apply in Summer 2025. Work with your advisor to create a detailed timeline.

We are actively working on compiling a comprehensive list of volunteer and shadowing opportunities for pre-health students. In the meantime, we can help guide you on how to connect with healthcare institutions and professionals:
- Guidance on Reaching Out: Our Pre-Health Advising team, in collaboration with Career Services, can provide tips and strategies for contacting local hospitals, clinics, and private practices about shadowing or volunteering.
- Professional Networking: Learn how to use networking tools, such as LinkedIn, and leverage personal connections to find opportunities in your area of interest.
- Career Services Support: Career Services offers additional resources, including resume reviews, mock interviews, and advice on building professional relationships with healthcare providers.
- Start Early: Reach out to nearby healthcare institutions, nonprofit organizations, or community health programs. Even small clinics or private practices can provide valuable shadowing or volunteering opportunities.
Yes! Join organizations like the Pre-Med Society, Pre-PA Club, or other student groups focused on health professions. These organizations offer networking, volunteering, and leadership opportunities.

This depends on your field. Common exams include the MCAT (medicine), GRE (varied programs), DAT (dentistry), and TEAS (nursing). Consult your advisor to determine the appropriate test for your path.
Ideally, you should take your exam after completing prerequisite coursework and with ample time to study. For the MCAT, aim to take it in the spring or summer of the year before you plan to apply.

Yes, Pace University offers a comprehensive nursing program through the Lienhard School of Nursing, including undergraduate and graduate pathways.
The Pre-Health Advising Office provides workshops, application reviews, and mock interviews to prepare students for the application process.