Pre-Health
The Pre-Health Program at WPI isn’t built around a traditional path to medical, veterinary, or dental school—and that’s exactly what makes our students stand out. Explore how WPI can help you prepare for successful entry into this highly in-demand field.
Unlike other pre-health programs, WPI provides opportunities to:
- Pursue any undergraduate major you’re passionate about
- Explore the courses and experiences that inspire you
- Actively participate in impactful team-focused, project-based learning opportunities
- Connect with advisors who support your academic and career pathways
As a launching pad for your medical career, WPI's holistic education helps you become the kind of highly skilled, multidimensional applicant that medical schools value, because the best medical professional is a well-rounded one.
The WPI Advantage for Pre-Health Students
WPI's unique teamwork-focused research experiences through the Interactive Qualifying Project, Major Qualifying Project, and other project-based learning opportunities are directly applicable and beneficial for students pursuing health professions. The university's accelerated terms also mirror the pacing of most medical schools.
Distinct benefits of WPI's Pre-Health Program include:
- Participate in the Pre-Health Program from any academic discipline - complete health program prerequisites while becoming experts in your area of study
- Gain critical skills and healthcare experience through projects, internships, volunteer work, and co-ops from a large concentration of major hospitals and other medical institutions in and around Worcester
- Academic advisors who build relationships with students and take an active role in supporting the medical school application process
- Mentoring and resources for success provided by the interdisciplinary Pre-Health Committee faculty
- Projects and courses designed to fully prepare students to thrive in the health professions
- Opportunity to join pre-health focused student organizations for networking and experiential program participation
WPI also has special agreements with health professions programs, giving students an advantage in the applications process:
- Early Acceptance program at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Articulation Agreement with health sciences programs at MCPHS University
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pre-Health?
“Pre-Health” refers to students interested in any health profession, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and more.
Is Pre-Health at WPI a major?
At WPI, Pre-Health is not a major. We encourage you to choose a major that you are passionate about and take Pre-Health courses alongside your degree requirements.
Are there required courses for Pre-Health students?
There are no “required” courses for Pre-Health students. Instead, you will work with a Pre-Health Advisor to create an individualized plan that will allow you to complete your major requirements while also fulfilling the appropriate prerequisites for your desired professional program.
For more information about course registration and course selection as a pre-health student, visit this page.
Is there an application process to become a pre-health student?
No, there is no formal application process to be a pre-health student. Students interested in the pre-health program should connect with WPI's pre-health advisor as early as possible and get added to the Pre-Health Canvas site by emailing prehealth@wpi.edu.
What are the most common majors chosen by pre-health students?
Students can choose any major they want and still be a part of the pre-health program. However, the most common majors chosen by pre-health students include biology & biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering.
Common Medical School Prerequisites
Students should meet with their advisor to decide how best to fulfill the prerequisite course requirements for their post-graduate program of choice. The Pre-Health Canvas site also contains additional resources.
Below are some common prerequisite courses for different programs. Note that prerequisites vary by school and program so students should refer to the admission requirements of a particular school.
Medical school common prerequisites
- A year (or three terms at WPI) of Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics; all with sufficient lab work
- English or Writing courses
- Biochemistry, Social Sciences, Humanities, Ethics, and Statistics for MCAT and other requirement preparations
Reference the Medical School Admission Requirements for more specific information about prerequisites.
Best resource for getting started: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Dental school common prerequisites
- A year (or three terms at WPI) of Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics; all with sufficient lab work
- Some schools require English composition, anatomy and physiology, microbiology or biochemistry
- Many schools strongly encourage applicants to take courses in the arts and social sciences
Best resource for getting started: American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Veterinary school common prerequisites
- Biology
- Zoology
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- English or Writing
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Statistics
See the AAVMC’s official prerequisite chart for more specific information by school
Best resource for getting started: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
Physician Assistant (PA) school common prerequisites
- Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Microbiology, among other courses
- Most PA programs also require prior healthcare experience with hands-on patient care
The best resource for getting started, the American Academy of Physician’s Assistants (AAPA), provides examples of positions that will allow you to gain experience in patient care before applying to PA programs:
- Emergency medical technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- Medic or medical corpsman
- Peace Corps volunteer
- Lab assistant/phlebotomist
- Registered nurse
- Emergency room technician
- Surgical tech
- Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Applying as an International Student?
International students are non-US citizens or do not have permanent resident status in the United States. Depending on the type of pre-health program, access for international students may vary. Your Pre-Health advisor can help to determine which programs are most attainable.
The following resources will help to clarify the basics of applying to professional school as an international student:
- Medical Schools: Association of American Medical Colleges Applying to Medical School as an International Applicant
- Dental Schools: American Dental Education Association
- Veterinary School: See individual school policies.
Exploring health programs as a WPI alum?
WPI Alumni are welcome to utilize the services of the Pre-Health Advisors and the Pre-Health Committee and may apply for a committee letter at any time after graduating WPI for advice and support.
The application process for a committee letter begins in January of the calendar year an applicant plans to submit their application to medical school, and an information session about the committee process is held in November of the calendar year prior. Alumni should plan accordingly and ensure they reach out to the Pre-health Advisor early so they may attend an information session and apply for a committee letter.
If you are a graduate of WPI and are interested in applying to a Health Professions program, please email Pre-Health Advising at prehealth@wpi.edu.
Pre-Health Resources for Current Students
Course Planning and Registration for First Year Students
First-year students who plan to be involved in the Pre-Health program should visit this page to learn more about course selection and recommendations.
Canvas Resources
If you're not already a member of the Pre-Health Students Canvas Site, please reach out to prehealth@wpi.edu to be added.
This page contains a wealth of resources and is continuously updated with new information, opportunities, and programs for Pre-Health students to consider.
Career Exploration
If you have not decided yet on a specific health career path, speak with your Pre-Health Advisor and/or WPI’s Heebner Career Development Center (CDC).
ExploreHealthCareers.org is also an excellent place to begin learning about the many possible careers in the health field.
Entrance Exam Guidance (MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc)
Each kind of professional school requires an entrance exam score as part of your application.
Your Pre-Health Advisor can help you determine which exam to take and when to take it, which study tools may be best for you, and how your scores will factor into the admissions process.
Application Support
Your Pre-Health Advisor and the Pre-Health Committee are here to support you through the intricate application process by providing committee letters, clarifying admissions requirements, conducting mock interviews, and more.
Student Organizations
Various student groups on campus offer opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and provide professional networking, volunteer opportunities, and other beneficial programs. These groups include:
- Mu Sigma Delta - WPI's Pre-Health Society
- WPI Emergency Medical Services
- Promotion of Animal Welfare Society
Our Pre-Health Students' Success - Where Are They Now?
WPI alumni have an excellent record of gaining acceptance into medical, dental, veterinary, and other health professions programs. Below are just a few of the medical, dental, and veterinary schools where WPI students have gained acceptance:
- Boston University
- Dartmouth College
- University of Massachusetts
- Northwestern University
- University of New England
- New York University
- University of California San Francisco
- University of Connecticut
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Tufts University
- Howard University
- Cornell University
- Penn State
- University of Tennessee
- Eastern Virginia Medical College
- University of Toledo
- George Washington University