Students interested in a career in medicine or other health-related professions prepare in suggested majors with the help of pre-health advisors. LeTourneau University offers many features that assist our students to succeed, including clinically-related undergraduate research, international travel with global service learning, strong links to the local community of health professionals, and Clinical Issues and Clinical Observation courses that facilitate professional experience. Students from LeTourneau who have applied to health-related graduate schools have had an excellent record of success.

VARIETY OF DEGREE OPTIONS

As you likely already know, pre-med is not a major. If you hadn't heard this, the Association of American Medical College is a great resource for basic information. As you'll see, a student can enter medical school successfully from any major as long as he or she has done well in all the pre-requisites and competencies required or suggested.

However, there are three majors at LETU in which most pre-med students enroll:

• Biology
  This is the major that most closely matches the prerequisites required by medical colleges. Flexibility in the schedule enables many students to pick up a Spanish or chemistry minor, which can open a multitude of doors. Biology students can also take advantage of the opportunity to earn an international studies minor if they participate in the Wheels Project.

• Chemistry
  One of the chemistry major concentrations is biology, a popular choice for pre-med students. This major involves a solid background in chemistry with a minor in biology. A departmental Welch grant supports research opportunities in synthesizing medicinal drugs to forensic chemistry applications.

• Biomedical Engineering
  Math-loving students attracted to engineering as well as medicine are drawn to this major. They fill the elective courses in their sequence with upper-level biology and chemistry courses. It's a challenging option, but it does provide a very marketable engineering degree as well as preparation for medical school.

LeTourneau University has some great advantages for pre-PT students.

MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROFESSORS

Unlike large state schools, even our entry-level science courses are taught by professors. Undergraduates have opportunities to work directly with professor as lab and research assistants, often building close, mentoring relationships.

These relationships are invaluable for pre-PT students, as physical therapy schools are looking for great reference letters from professionals who can provide informed recommendations for students they know well.

INTERACTION WITH PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

A strong network of local physical therapists invest in the lives of LETU students. These physical therapists provide shadowing opportunities and regularly visit campus to interact with pre-PT students. They are committed to building into your life.

HANDS-ON RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

At LETU, undergraduate students can be actively involved in hands-on research projects, rather than merely assisting graduate students. For example, students who join the Wheels Project travel to Kenya to complete studies on the efficacy of wheelchair designed for use in low-income countries.

INVOLVEMENT WITH UPPERCLASSMEN & ALUMNI

LeTourneau University has a student led club, Hygeia, which includes current students as well as alumni. The Facebook page and the meetings on campus provide opportunities to learn from those a step ahead in the journey.

VARIETY OF DEGREE OPTIONS

As you likely already know, pre-physical therapy is not a major. If you hadn't heard this, the American Physical Therapy Association is a great resource for basic information. As you'll see, a student can enter physical therapy school successfully from any major as long as he or she has done well in all the prerequisites and competencies required or suggested.

Most Pre-PT students at LETU enroll in one of the following majors:

• Kinesiology
  This is the major that most closely matches the prerequisites required by physical therapy schools. Courses in Kinesiology provide a good preparation for PT school. Flexibility in the schedule enables many students to pick up a Spanish minor, which can which can be a great benefit when pursuing a career in physical therapy.

• Biology
  Biology is also a good fit for physical therapy students. The upper level science courses taken by Biology students are attractive to PT school. The Wheels Project is also based out of the Biology department, and biology students have the opportunity to earn an International Studies minor if they participate in the Wheels Project.

Everyone is different in their approach to physical therapy school. It's not necessary to do everything, especially if you do it just to jump through hoops.

There are lots of options, so figure out what works best for you. However, we have compiled some general guidelines to help you get started on your journey as a pre-PT student