Departments

Pre-Professional

The sense of community at Blackburn was one of the many reasons I chose to start my career path here. Working closely with my teachers in class, in labs and while doing research will enhance my chances of entering medical school when I graduate.

Brittany Higginbottham, Junior
Pre-Med

Blackburn College has an excellent, widely respected academic program in the biological sciences with a long tradition of preparing students for careers in medicine and related fields. Students interested in applying to medical, veterinary or other health programs after graduation are encouraged to major in biology. Our special major, biology: pre-med and other health professions, is designed to provide all of the academic preparation necessary to apply to these graduate programs. Nothing speaks better than our long history of success. Preparation for medical, veterinary, physical therapy or dentistry graduate programs typically includes a long list of specific science coursework typically leading to a Bachelor’s degree. In addition, the science faculty works closely with pre-professional students to pair them with local health professionals. These practical experiences in working professional environments strengthen applications to professional programs and help students appreciate the diverse demands of their chosen workplace.

Majors

Pre-Medicine

Undergraduate preparation required by medical schools typically includes a year of physics, at least one semester of calculus and two years of chemistry. Students may major in any subject as long as the requirements are met. However, to expand their preparation for medical school, most students major in biology: pre-med and other health professions and work closely with a faculty advisor specializing in the preparation of students with these interests. Blackburn College students who have performed well in the biology program and on the MCAT exam routinely enter medical school.

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Undergraduate preparation required by veterinary schools typically includes a year of physics, at least one semester of calculus and two years of chemistry. Students may major in any subject as long as the requirements are met. In addition, extensive experience with animals prior to applying to veterinary school is highly desired. Most students interested in becoming a veterinarian major in biology: pre-med and other health professions and work closely with a faculty advisor specializing in the preparation of students with these interests. Blackburn College students who have performed well in the biology program and on the GRE routinely enter veterinary school. Over the past decade, 100% of our veterinary school applicants have been accepted into the University of Illinois Veterinary program.

Pre-Nursing

Working with St. John’s nursing program in Springfield, IL, Pre-Nursing students are guided by Blackburn College and St. John’s faculty advisors to meet the prerequisites of the St. John’s program. Students complete two years of diverse coursework at Blackburn College and then apply to the St. John’s program to complete their Bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. Students with nursing interests are strongly urged to work closely and early with the biology faculty to plan their schedule to meet St. John’s pre-requisite coursework.

Pre-Dentistry

Undergraduate preparation typically includes a year of anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics and two years of chemistry. Students typically major in biology: pre-med and other health professions rounding out their majors with courses in science and other fields. All recent Blackburn College students who have performed well in the biology program have successfully entered dentistry school. Students should consult the Internet sites of several dentistry schools of choice to learn of additional entrance requirements specific to certain programs.

Pre-Physical Therapy

The American Physical Therapy Association requires that all new physical therapy professionals enter the profession with at least a Master’s degree. Recently, Doctoral programs in physical therapy have been the most common avenues of professional preparation. Blackburn College offers an undergraduate program that includes all of the coursework and field experiences required to enter into these programs. Pre-physical therapy students typically major in biology: pre-med and other health professions and work closely with a faculty advisor specializing in the preparation of students with these interests. Our most recent pre-physical therapy student just earned her Doctorate in physical therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Career Opportunities

Tremendous success entering professional programs and pursuing successful careers in the health sciences is our tradition. Mentoring relationships help students develop a professional perspective and the strong academic and personal skills needed to pursue their careers.