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: Arthur Schwarz, Gerald Springer

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: Jared Rice

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

Pre-Law

Advisor: Elizabeth Bowser

A graduate degree in law can be built on any four-year degree at Southwestern Adventist University. There are no specific prerequisite courses. However, a degree in the social sciences (such as English, History  or Social Studies) can be a particularly useful background for law school.

Pre-Medicine

Advisor: Erin Maloney, Arthur Schwarz, Gerald Springer

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: Erin Maloney, Gerald Springer

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: Jared Wood, 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
Programs Advisors Major
Pre-Respiratory Care Emily De La Garza Biology
Pre-Chiropractic Erin Maloney Biology
Pre-Dental Hygiene Emily De La Garza Biology
Pre-Health Administration Aaron Moses Business Administration
Pre-Health Informatics Emily De La Garza Biology
Pre-Nutrition Erin Maloney Biology
Pre-Occupational Therapy Emily De La Garza Biology
Pre-Optometry Erin Maloney Biology
Pre-Orthotics and Prosthetics Emily De La Garza Biology
Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Erin Maloney Biology
Pre-Physician Assistant Erin Maloney Biology
Pre-Public Health Erin Maloney Biology
Pre-Speech Pathology Emily De La Garza Biology
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Jared Wood Biology
Radiation Technology Emily De La Garza Biology

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

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