The Division of Mathematics & Sciences also offers preparation for various health related professional programs including medicine, dentistry, medical laboratory sciences, dental hygiene, health information management, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. Degrees in these health professions are award by professional schools such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in Oxford, Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Mississippi State, or similar professional programs around the country. Most of these professional programs require a minimum of two years of college level courses as prerequisites; some require the completion of a baccalaureate degree as well. The Department provides curricula which satisfy the entry requirements for these programs.
Admission to professional schools in the health fields is very competitive. If you are considering a career in a health-related profession, you must begin your planning early. Of course you will have to excel in the classes you take here at Delta State, but you will also need to learn about any additional requirements of the professional program you choose. Some programs require a satisfactory score on national standardized admission examination, such as the Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT), the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Some programs also require observation time (“shadowing”) with practicing health professionals (physical therapy, occupational therapy). You will need to become acquainted right from the begining with the sometimes complex procedure for applying to the professional schools you choose.
Various Delta State faculty specialize in advising students preparing for a health profession career. They are knowledgeable about the course requirements, but also about requirements beyond your classes. They are your best source of information on planning your pre-health curriculum in a way that will give you the best chance possible for being accepted into a professional school. Pre-health students are urged to consult frequently with the appropriate advisor for current information on entrance requirements for professional schools.
