Benedictine University offers nine undergraduate pre-professional health programs to prepare students for professional studies in a health-related career.  Students on a health-related track can earn a bachelor's degree in Health Science through the Department of Biological Sciences.

Major Sheet                   Program Description

Pre-Chiropractic Program

To enter chiropractic school it is strongly recommended that students complete four years at Benedictine University. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science major should be followed as most chiropractic schools require eight hours of physics (all with labs), and a minimum of 30 hours of humanities and social sciences.

Interviews by, and recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring semester of the junior year or fall semester of the senior year.

Pre-Dental Program

Although it is possible to enter dental school after three years of college, it is strongly recommended that students complete four years at Benedictine University. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science major should be followed. Most dental schools require one year of organic chemistry; one year of physics; and biology courses including genetics, anatomy, embryology and physiology. It is also recommended that the student take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) during the Spring semester of the junior year.

Interviews by, and recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester of the junior or senior year respectively.

Pre-Medical Program

A student seeking a career in allopathic or osteopathic medicine should plan on completing four years at the university. The well-qualified candidate should have a strong foundation in basic science and mathematics and advanced science courses should emphasize biology or biochemistry. A good selection of appropriate advanced courses is offered by both the biology department and the chemistry and biochemistry departments, namely histology, endocrinology, cell biology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, and intermediary metabolism. It is also recommended that the student take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) during the Spring semester of the junior year.

Interviews by, and recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester of the junior or senior year respectively.

Pre-Occupational Therapy Program

A student seeking a career in occupational therapy should plan on completing the first two years at the university as a health science major with emphasis in behavioral sciences. The curriculum has been designed to meet the admission requirements for the last tow years at the University of Illinois Medical Center program in occupational therapy. A student could also plan on completing a degree in health science or psychology and continue his or her education in an entry level master's degree program in occupational therapy. Graduates from these programs are qualified to sit for the American Occupational Therapy Association Certification Examination.

Pre-Optometry Program

A student seeking a career in optometry should plan on completing four years at the university. The well-qualified candidate should have a strong foundation in basic science and mathematics and advanced science courses should emphasize biology or biochemistry. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science major should be followed. It is also recommended that the student take the Optometry College Admissions Test (OCAT) during the spring semester of the junior year.

Interviews by, and recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semesters of the junior or senior years respectively.

Pre-Pharmacy Program

Students interested in entering pharmacy school should complete the first two years of the pre-pharmacy program. See the Director of Pre-Professional Health Programs for further information. It is also recommended that the student take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) during the fall semester of the sophomore year at the university.

Benedictine University offers a Dual Acceptance Program with Midwestern University-Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) for selected students who successfully complete the specified course work; such students will be granted an early acceptance to CCP. Eligible students must rank in the top 20% of their high school graduating class; must score in the top quartile on a college entrance exam (ACT of 25 or higher; SAT of 1700 or higher); be accepted by Benedictine University; and be selected for an interview by the CCP Admissions Committee.

Successful applicants will be ensured a seat at CCP upon successful completion of the pre-pharmacy requirements at Benedictine University within two years; achievement of a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20; and earning a grade of "C" or higher in all required courses. Students are not permitted to repeat courses for a higher grade. The PCAT is waived for students who successfully complete the pre-pharmacy program at Benedictine University and who are admitted to CCP via the Dual Acceptance Program. Any student who fails to complete the program can apply to CCP via the traditional route.

Pre-Physical Therapy Program

Students seeking a career in physical therapy should plan on completing a degree in health science or psychology. They would continue their education in master's degree programs in physical therapy in order to be eligible to apply for and complete the licensing examination in Illinois and other states.

Pre-Podiatry Program

Although it is possible to enter podiatry school after three years at the university, it is strongly recommended that students complete four years. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science major should be followed as most podiatry schools require eight hours of physics, and a minimum of 30 hours of humanities and social sciences. It is also recommended that the student take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) during the spring semester of the junior year.

Interviews by, and recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester of the junior or senior year respectively.

Pre-Veterinary Program

Students may apply to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after completing three years at Benedictine University, but the majority of students accepted have earned their bachelor's degree. Suggested programs for the biochemistry, biology or health science major should be followed as the minimum requirements for admissions are eight hours of physics, three hours in animal science, and at least 30 hours of humanities and social sciences. It is also strongly recommended that the student take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) during the spring semester of the junior at the university.

Interviews by, and recommendation letters from, the Health Science Recommendations Committee should be arranged for during the spring or fall semester of the junior or senior year respectively.

Updated October 25, 2011

SPRING 2013
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION

Submit on or after:
November 12, 2012
(Do not submit before Nov. 12)

Last day to Submit Application: November 26, 2012

Practicum Information/Application

 Health Professions Fair
March 13, 2013

CLS Lecturers

Myron E. Rubinitz, M.D.
Donna Wray, MT(ASCP)

NMT Clinical Lecturers

Gary R. Eastman, C.N.M.T., Program Director
   Hines V.A.
Nancy McDonald, C.N.M.T., Program Director
   Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Parvez Shirazi, M.D., Chief, Nuclear Medicine
   Hines V.A.
Stewart Spies, M.D., Medical Director
   Northwestern Memorial Hospital

RT Clinical Lecturers

Bharat B. Mittal,M.D., Medical Director
   Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Sandy Piehl, Program Director
   Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Practicum Clinical Lecturers

Mark Batts, M.D.
Patrick Blaney, D.D.S.
Paul Chiang, M.D.
Thomas Cornwell, M.D.
Charles Crowl, D.D.S.
Peter Gallos, D.D.S.
Kathryn Kennedy, D.D.S.
Sharon Luckhardt, O.D.
David Maze, O.D.
Scott Padalik, M.D.
David Piazza, M.D.
Leonard Piazza, M.D.
Stephen Rowley, M.D.
Thomas Scaletta, M.D.
Nancy Schubert, D.O.
Gregory Stevens, D.M.D.
Daryl Wilson, M.D.