Pre-Professional

Southwestern Adventist University offers preparation for a number of professional programs that are offered at other universities. Certain professional programs build upon a four-year baccalaureate degree from Southwestern Adventist University. Others require one, two, or three years of undergraduate preparation at Southwestern Adventist University before transferring to complete the program requirements. In either case, these professional programs typically include a specific list of required courses.

Students in pre-professional programs that involve a four-year degree from Southwestern Adventist University are encouraged to consult routinely with their major advisor and their pre-professional advisor.

For information concerning program prerequisites, students should consult with their pre-professional advisor and investigate the program of their choice.

Allied Health Foundations

This program provides an efficient path for students who wish to apply to the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University for a baccalaureate degree in one of several allied health fields. A student at Southwestern will complete the 60-hr Associate of Science degree.  The requirements for this degree are found in the Core Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in this Bulletin.

With the guidance of an Allied Health advisor, the student will complete the courses that meet the entrance requirements of the program to which they seek entrance.  A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 or even higher is necessary in order to be competitive for acceptance at most clinical allied health programs at Loma Linda.  No grade lower than a “C” can be transferred to another program. 

Information on various allied health careers can be found at Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions website:    

Pre-Dentistry

Advisors: Erin Maloney

A Dentistry program is a graduate program building upon any four-year baccalaureate degree from Southwestern Adventist University that includes a specified list of prerequisites. Southwestern Adventist University coordinates with the medical program at Loma Linda University, and our courses can meet the prerequisites of any accredited Dentistry program.

Pre-Engineering

Advisor: Nicholas Madhiri

Currently Southwestern Adventist University coordinates with Walla Walla University and Andrews University to offer the first year of an undergraduate program in Engineering.

Pre-Medicine

Advisor: Emily De La Garza

A Medical Doctor program is a graduate program building upon any four-year baccalaureate degree from Southwestern Adventist University that includes a specified list of prerequisites. Southwestern Adventist University coordinates with the medical program at Loma Linda University, and our courses can meet the prerequisites of any accredited Medical training program.

Pre-Pharmacy

Advisor: Emily De La Garza

A Doctor of Pharmacy program is a graduate program building upon any four-year baccalaureate degree from Southwestern Adventist University that includes a specified list of prerequisites. Southwestern Adventist University coordinates with the pharmacy program at Loma Linda University, and our courses can meet the prerequisites of any accredited Pharmacy training program.

Pre-Physical Therapy

Advisor: Vesa Naukkarinen

There are two paths available. The first involves completing a B. S. degree in programs such as Exercise Science or Biology, which include many of the prerequisites for admission to doctoral programs in Physical Therapy.  Alternatively, one may undertake a three-year program of prerequisites that will prepare a student to transfer to Andrews’ or Loma Linda’s Physical Therapy programs.

Click for Information on Andrews University’s program

Click for Information on Loma Linda University’s program

Other Pre-professional Programs and Advisors  
ProgramsAdvisorsMajor
Pre-Respiratory CareEmily De La GarzaBiology
Pre-ChiropracticErin MaloneyBiology
Pre-Dental HygieneEmily De La GarzaBiology
Pre-Health AdministrationChanda SantoBusiness Administration
Pre-Health InformaticsEmily De La GarzaBiology
Pre-NutritionErin MaloneyBiology
Pre-Occupational TherapyEmily De La GarzaBiology
Pre-OptometryErin MaloneyBiology
Pre-Orthotics and ProstheticsEmily De La GarzaBiology
Pre-Osteopathic MedicineErin MaloneyBiology
Pre-Physician AssistantErin MaloneyBiology
Pre-Public HealthErin MaloneyBiology
Pre-Speech PathologyEmily De La GarzaBiology
Pre-Veterinary MedicineErin MaloneyBiology
Radiation TechnologyEmily De La GarzaBiology

ALHE 112 : Medical Terminology

This course provides a foundation for understanding terminology used by health care providers. The course is designed for the student to apply and process the language of medicine correctly in the health care setting. (Crosslisted with NURS 112).

credits

1

ALHE 410 : Disaster Readiness & Intervention

This course focuses on emergency preparedness and disaster management. Emphasis is on completing requirements to become a Disaster Health Services responder of the American Red Cross. Additional content includes first responder principles for administering aid for victims of disaster-related incidents, including civilian response to active threats. Experiential learning activities will be utilized to enhance the application of course content (Also taught as NURS 410).

credits

1

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor

COMD 284 : Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Major types of disorders. Etiology and treatment. Survey course for students majoring in speech-language pathology and audiology, prospective teachers, and others who may encounter speech-language or hearing disorders in their professions. Taught through Loma Linda University, School of Allied Health Profession.

credits

2

DENT 201 : Introduction to Dentistry

This course introduces students into the field of dentistry and dentistry related disciplines.  Students will learn about dental anatomy and disease, as well as radiology and pharmacology as it relates to dentistry.  Students will become aware of dental specialties such as Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Endodontics and Pedodontics, as well as responsibility of those in various ancillary positions in a typical dental practice.  Students will gain practice carving a tooth as well as learn about the management of a dental practice.  A field trip to a local office is required.  Pass/no pass course.

credits

1