Pre-Health Academic Success
At Roger Williams University, we have a wide variety of majors in both the natural and social sciences that pair well with a pre-health pathway. Pre-Health students are always encouraged to major in a field that they are passionate about, and then connect with the Pre-Health office to ensure they are taking the proper coursework for their desired field. One of the benefits of an RWU education is the ability to develop your academic plan the way you want, and Pre-Health is no exception!
Did you know that 80% of our graduates leave RWU with more than just one major? Adding a minor or a second major to your academic program is a great way to differentiate yourself amongst other applicants. Given the academic programs that we offer, it is attainable to double-major in areas of study that you are excited about, all while satisfying the appropriate prerequisites for graduate school. You can even create an individualized major with University approval.
Below are some of the most popular majors for our Pre-Health students, yet all RWU majors can be paired with Pre-Health!
| Anthropology + Sociology Applied Mathematics Biology Biochemistry Chemistry | Environmental Science Marine Biology Physics Psychology Public Health |
Academic Support
The health professions are competitive – we want our healthcare providers to know their stuff! Competitive GPAs for most of these programs begin at around 3.5, and many have even higher expectations of their applicants. At RWU we know that all healthcare providers found themselves struggling or overwhelmed with one of their courses, whether it was Organic Chemistry, Calculus or even Creative Writing. At RWU you have access to excellent resources including our prolific Tutoring Center, staffed by over one hundred students and staff whose goal is to help you better understand your material and retain it long-term. At The Tutoring Center a particular emphasis is placed on STEM, and the center is open 6 days a week, including most evenings. Additionally, all RWU faculty have office hours where students are encouraged to drop-in to better understand their coursework.
Experiential Learning
For all health professions schools, prospective students need to not only demonstrate a deep understanding of prerequisite courses, but to also demonstrate that they have an understanding of the professions that they wish to pursue. This happens in a number of ways, but almost always falls into one category: Experiential Learning.
Experiential Learning can take place in a number of different ways. A few activities that successful Pre-Health students have engaged in:
- Shadowing healthcare providers in one’s desired field
- Conducting research, either on-campus or off-campus
- Gaining a professional certification to work hands-on with patients, such as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Engaging in community service work in your college or home community
- Completing an internship, co-op or practicum in one’s desired field
- Participating in high-impact learning opportunities, like the Honors Program or an independent research project
- Taking leadership roles in on-campus organizations and clubs
It’s not expected that applicants to the health professions will have completed all of the activities above, but successful applicants will have engaged substantially outside of the classroom prior to submitting their applications. At RWU, you’ll work with the Pre-Health Program to identify your interests as they relate to the health professions, and collaborate to locate and engage in these experiences. You can also receive assistance from the Center for Career and Professional Development and the excellent suite of tools that they have for students including workshops, 1-1 advising, Handshake and more!
Successful Student Outcomes
RWU graduates have an extensive track record of gaining entry to competitive health professions programs. Since 2014, our students have matriculated to the schools below, and many more!
- Bryant University
- Colorado State University
- Columbia University
- Johnson & Wales University
- Lipscomb University
- Marist College
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- New England College of Optometry
- Northeastern University
- Quinnipiac University
- Temple University
- Tufts University
- University of Colorado
- University of Minnesota
- University of New England
- University of St. Joseph
- Washington University of St. Louis