Pre-Med / Pre-Health
Advising Program
When you pursue a future in the health fields, you dedicate yourself to the well-being of those you help.
With this advising program, you’ll have the education, resources and support you need to successfully pursue your chosen career as a doctor, nurse or other medical professional.
Choose your own major
The Pre-Med / Pre-Health advising program does not limit you to any particular major. Study what most closely aligns with your passions. Whichever major you choose, you’ll receive the full benefits of a liberal arts education — making you a well-rounded applicant for graduate school in these areas:
- Medical
- Dental
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary
- Optometry
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
Take specially designed courses
Along with your regular classes, you’ll need to take a year of each of these subjects to be considered for graduate school:
- General and Organic Chemistry
- Introductory and Advanced Biology
- Physics
We also recommend taking Biochemistry, Psychology and Medical Sociology — they’re on the MCAT exam. Optional clinical courses, such as Immunology and Pre-Health Seminar, give you the opportunity to learn directly from practicing medical professionals. All of these courses will prepare you for a future career in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and physical therapy. Learn more about required and recommended courses.
Get experience that matters
You’ll have shadowing and internship opportunities at local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. Some of our students have worked at Los Robles Hospital, St. Johns Hospitals and Amgen. You’ll also get exposure to research opportunities with professors in the lab and even COPE Health Scholars. These kinds of firsthand experiences are invaluable — and make you a much stronger medical, dentistry or pharmacy school candidate.
Join a strong pre-med community
Our current Pre-Med and Pre-Health students share your passions and goals. They will welcome you into their tight-knit community through clubs and organizations such as the American Medical Student Association. Their mentorship will play a huge role in your success.
Benefit from dedicated advisors
As you prepare to apply to graduate school, you will have one-on-one counseling every step of the way. This includes resume writing and personal statement reviews, mock interviews, maintaining a file for your letters of recommendation, and coordinating your mailings for school applications.
I really enjoyed the advice that was provided in the pre-med program. It was also great to be able to meet with like-minded individuals who have the same goals as me. It allowed me to have a very strong support system to navigate through a very challenging track.
Pierre Meleka '23
For the Pre-Med Advising Program, Career Services works with Biology department to make sure you’re taking the right classes. They can also write you a committee letter which helped my medical school application.
Christian Bustillos '20
Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for the challenges of graduate school. You will also have free, lifelong access to our Career Services — an invaluable resource as you advance in your education and career.
Our graduates have gone on to study at:
- Georgetown University, School of Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN
- New York University, School of Medicine
- San Francisco School of Medicine (UCSF)
- Stanford School of Medicine
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical School
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- University of Southern California (USC)
- Western University of Health Sciences
- See more schools
We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.
Tuition & Fees
You and your family might have questions about how you’ll cover the costs of college. We can tell you this — it costs less than you think.
Scholarships & Grants
We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.
Financial Aid
If you're new to the financial aid process, you probably have a lot of questions. But don't worry — we're here to help guide you all the way.
Let us know and we'll send you information about our academics, campus life, the admission process, and more!
Level Up Your College Search
Check out our college success guides to help you navigate the search process.
5 Tips for Applying to College
Learn how to look good when applying to colleges, with personal tips to stand out from Cal Lutheran admission counselors.
How to Afford College
Read this guide to minimize costs as you save for college during high school — learn all about scholarships, financial aid, FAFSA, and more!
How to Choose a College Major
Your major will be a significant part of your academic experience. How do you pick the right one?