CSM-15416

Belmont University is a Christian community. The university faculty, administration and

staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community

seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics and conduct, Belmont University

holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. Belmont

University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin,

age, disability, military service or sexual orientation. Inquiries or complaints concerning

the application of these policies to students should be directed to the Dean of Students,

Beaman Student Life Center Suite 200, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212,

deanofstudents@belmont.edu or 615.460.6407.

College of Sciences & Mathematics1900 Belmont BoulevardNashville, TN 37212

615.460.3210BELMONT.EDU

Pre-Health studies is centered on the science courses that a student needs to complete to be accepted to a graduate health care program. We work with students on strategies for success on aptitude tests (MCAT, OAT, PCAT, etc.). We encourage clinical experiences. We “get to know our students” in our small classroom lecture/lab model which helps professors write the best possible letter of recommendation. We showcase problem solving and critical thinking skills by having students present their research at regional and national meetings.

Pre-Health Studiesat BELMONT UNIVERSITY

Pre-Health StudiesCOLLEGE OF SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS

UNIVERSITY PRE-HEALTH ADVISORDr. Nick Ragsdale615.460.6210

nick.ragsdale@belmont.eduBELMONT.EDU/ISS/PRE-HEALTH-STUDIES/

For more information, contact:

Belmont and the College of Sciences & Mathematics

have many majors, minors and opportunities to help

students achieve their health career goals. Internships

in local health care facilities include hospitals, dental clinics,

veterinarian offices, pharmacies and physical therapy centers.

Academic advisors are assigned to students according to career

interests and Dr. Nick Ragsdale, pre-health advisor, serves as

a resource for all students interested in health-related careers.

A variety of health-related student organizations provide

opportunities for community service, learning about health

care needs and careers, and networking in the health care field.

These organizations offer insight into pre-health studies and

processes for applying to health-related graduate programs.

Always choose a major that inspires you to do well and

try harder. Typical majors for students interested in the

following areas of health care are:

• Medical (Allopathic & Osteopathic), Dental,

or Veterinary: Biology/Pre-Medical Emphasis,

Chemistry/Pre-Health Emphasis, Psychological Science,

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mathematics

• Pharmacy: Biology/Pre-Pharm Emphasis,

Chemistry/Pre-Health Emphasis, Pharmaceutical Studies

• Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy:

Biology/Pre-Allied Health Emphasis, Exercise Science,

Psychological Science

• Optometry: Biology/Pre-Medical Emphasis,

Biology/Pre-Allied Health Emphasis, Chemistry/

Pre-Health Emphasis

• Masters of Science in Nursing, Public Health,

Health Administration: Biology/Pre-Allied Health

Emphasis, Psychological Science

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?

This is an excellent time to begin working toward your

vocational life within a clinical setting. The latest reports from

the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that the majority of

health diagnosis, treatment and technical positions will have

greater than average growth through the year 2022.

Through your academic life and extracurricular activities

at Belmont University, within the College of Sciences and

Mathematics, you will be able to achieve your health career

goals. You will be able to explore your chosen field so that

you get “first hand” experience. Academic and specialty

advisors are assigned according to your career interests.

Together, you will work with your advisors not only to

achieve your career goals but to insure that you have explored

all the clinically related career possibilities so that you are best

matched with your career potential.

Additionally, Belmont offers the following resources:

1. Walk-in and scheduled appointments with a

pre-health advisor.

2. Free tutoring for multiple levels of math, chemistry

and biology.

3. Student-led organizations in which one hones his or her

leadership skills.

4. Connections with area clinical facilities for volunteer

and internship experience.

5. Peer-mentoring in which 1st and 2nd year students learn

the “ins and outs” of achieving one’s goal of becoming a

clinician from 3rd and 4th year students.

6. Research opportunities that are curricular and

extra-curricular which allow you to practice your

problem solving and critical thinking skills.

PRE-HEALTH AT BELMONT

“From committee recommendation letters to mentoring programs, Belmont’s pre-health resources were so helpful in my process of getting into medical school. The faculty really do care about students’ succeeding. The curriculum is also designed for students to gain not only knowledge but personal experience through research.”

ALICIA HSUBiology (2015)

“As a Biology major, I knew all of the faculty and staff by name, and was known by them as well. The small Belmont community is one that goes above and beyond to provide each student with not only personalized advising but also individual attention, to ensure the most positive educational experience. Through my research course I was able to safely ask questions and make mistakes knowing that my advisor was willing to sacrifice efficiency in order to encourage critical thinking and curiosity.”

MOLLY SHANKLESBiology (2014)