DISCOVER CAREERS IN HEALTH SCIENCES
Comprehensive pre-professional advising, entry exam planning, finding relevant experiences, personal statement revisions, mock interviews, and tailored graduate admissions support for prospective, current, and alumni Pre-Health Sciences students.
Pre-Health Sciences Scholars Launch Event, Fall 2026
Photo by Aleisha Loux.
PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES OVERVIEW
Watch the video below to learn how PLU guides students across all majors into competitive health programs.
EXPLORE PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES PATHWAYS
Select a pathway below to view prerequisite coursework, exam preparation, and application timelines.
MD / DO Track
PRE-MED |
DDS / DMD Track
PRE-DENTAL |
PA-C Track
PRE-PA |
PharmD Track
PRE-PHARM |
DVM Track
PRE-VET |
DPT Track
PRE-PT |
OTD Track
PRE-OT |
OD Track
PRE-OPTOMETRY |
PATHWAYS TO PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
→
MD or DO (4 yrs)
→
Residency (3-8 yrs)
=
Physician
→
MD/DO + PhD (8 yrs)
→
Residency (3-8 yrs)
=
Physician Scientist
→
DDS or DMD (4 yrs)
→
Residency** (2-4 yrs)
=
Dentist
→
PA Master’s (27 mos)
→
Residency** (1-2 yrs)
=
Physician Assistant
→
PharmD (4 yrs)
→
Residency** (1-2 yrs)
=
Pharmacist
→
DPT Doctorate (3 yrs)
→
Residency / Fellowship** (1 yr)
=
Physical Therapist
→
OTD Doctorate (3 yrs)
→
Specialty Fellowship** (1 yr)
=
Occupational Therapist
→
DVM or VMD (4 yrs)
→
Residency** (3 yrs)
=
Veterinarian
*Must complete specific professional program prerequisite coursework.
**Residency is optional for this pathway depending on specialty.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES IS AN ADVISING TRACK, NOT A MAJOR
At PLU, Pre-Health Sciences is an advising track that couples with ANY undergraduate major of your choice. While many students choose majors in Biology, Chemistry, Kinesiology, or Psychology, you are free to major in any discipline across the university while completing your Pre-Health Sciences prerequisites.
*Note: Nursing is an independent professional school at PLU and is distinct from Pre-Health Sciences Advising tracks.
FREE PEER TUTORING THROUGH KNACK
Master foundational prerequisite coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Math with PLU’s official peer-to-peer tutoring network. Connect with fellow Lutes who have already aced your exact courses, or earn income by becoming a paid peer tutor for your peers.
ADMISSIONS PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Data Source Disclaimer: Performance statistics are derived from Pacific Lutheran University Pre-Health Sciences Advising institutional records tracking undergraduate applicant cycles between 2021 and 2025, alongside verified reporting from the Universal Advisor Portal (UAP) and the AAMC Advisor Information System (AIS).
SUPPORT, EXPERIENCES & RECOGNITION
PRE-HEALTH SCHOLARS PROGRAM (PHSP)
Navigating a pre-health pathway requires more than stellar classroom grades, as it demands strategic access to experiential learning, personal guidance, and strong peer networks. In response to a growing call to support students through the ins and outs of pre-health tracks, the Pre-Health Scholars Program provides a structured framework designed to help Lutes achieve success, gain crucial outside of the classroom experience, and earn formal recognition for excelling on their path.
The program actively serves first-generation college students, individuals from medically underserved communities, and any student seeking dedicated mentorship to navigate healthcare admissions. The program is open to everyone across all pre-health pathways.
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE (2026 COHORT DATA)
PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES IN THE NEWS
Opening Doors: PLU Partnership with PNWU
PLU partners with Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences to create priority graduate pathways for Pre-Health Sciences graduates.
Why PLU Pre-Health Sciences Students Excel
Faculty mentoring, direct undergraduate research, and tailored advising contribute to strong graduate school acceptance outcomes.
AT THE INTERSECTION OF HEALTH & NATURAL SCIENCES
Pre-Health Sciences Advising sits at the strategic cross-section between PLU’s College of Health Professions and College of Natural Sciences. While Pre-Health Sciences advising is housed within both colleges, students are welcome to major in any academic discipline across the university while completing their pre-health prerequisite coursework.
College of Health Professions
Prepares students for vocations in healthcare through principles of care, collaboration, equity, and service. Houses the School of Nursing along with the Departments of Kinesiology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Social Work.
College of Natural Sciences
Provides foundational scientific grounding and undergraduate research opportunities. Houses Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and STEM Education.
CONNECT WITH PRE-HEALTH SCIENCES ADVISING
Morken Center for Learning and Technology, Room 238 | Email: prehealth@plu.edu