The pre-health professions program within the kinesiology and health major is an excellent choice when considering a way to prepare for professional school programs in human medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, and other related health care professions.

The kinesiology and health pre-health professions curriculum not only allows you to complete the foundation sciences required for professional school admission (chemistry, physics, biology, math), but it will also prepare you with a focus in human function and movement along with health.

The specialized sciences of biomechanics, motor control, physiology of exercise, etc. will enhance your background in human-focused sciences as well as preventive medicine – today’s medicine!

Coursework

Coursework includes:

  • Biomechanical aspects of human movement
  • Physiology of exercise
  • Motor behavior and control
  • Exercise psychology
  • Human diseases
  • Professional coursework (minimum of 9 credits in advanced levels of the human movement sciences above)
  • Specialization area (minimum of 26 credits in chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy/physiology, and math) — courses required by your professional school of interest

Field experience is required for admission to most professional schools but is not required in this curriculum.

4-Year Plans (Pre-Health Professions)

Preparation for advanced study

After earning the bachelor of science degree at Iowa State University, advanced study is required to earn a license to practice in such areas as:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Human medicine
  • Physician assistant
  • Chiropractic
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Other health care professions

Ready to get moving?