PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Navigation:    Predental | Predental Hygiene | Preengineering | Prelaw | Premedical | Medical Technology | Premedical Record Administration | Prenursing | Preoccupational Therapy | Preoptometry | Prepharmacy | Prephysical Therapy | Prephysician Assistant | Prepodiatry | Prerespiratory Therapy | Preveterinary Medicine

For information, contact the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.

The program for Preprofessional Studies outlines the basic recommended curricula for students preparing for admission to professional schools. Students enrolled in a preprofessional program at SHSU intending to transfer to another school should contact the college or university where they plan to pursue their terminal degree as early as possible. This is necessary in order to eliminate any potential loss of college credit in the transfer process.

During a preprofessional student's first 2-4 semesters of work on campus they should use their respective preprofessional code, i.e., PMD for premedical, PNU for prenursing, or PPT for prephysical therapy, for their major on all registration materials. A list of the codes for which specific preprofessional curricula are listed in this catalogue is found below. Students should contact the Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, for advisement prior to enrolling each semester. The Chair will assign students to the appropriate advisor, as necessary.

Students interested in pursuing preprofessional course work in one of the above listed areas are advised to obtain assistance from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences. Sam Houston State University offers preprofessional curricula for several additional areas for which specific curricula are not found in this catalogue.

Making the transition between a preprofessional program at Sam Houston State University and any professional school depends upon the student's academic performance. This will be determined by the student's cumulative grade point average and science grade point average. The following additional considerations are important in the evaluation by a professional school of a student's admission qualifications and academic performance: residency status (preference given to Texas residents by Texas professional schools); consistency of grades; performance in required courses; course load per semester; number and rigor of the colleges attended; discrepancies between the grade point average and standardized admission tests scores (if applicable) of a student; personal interview with the faculty of the professional school; the social, economic, and/or educational background of the student; and endorsement of the Sam Houston State University Health Professions Screening Committee.

PREPROFESSIONAL CURRICULA

PREDENTAL (PDT)

The basic predental curriculum for admission to any of the three Texas dental schools normally requires 3-4 years of college study. A baccalaureate degree is not required but strongly recommended; a majority of the successful applicants for dental school will have the B.S. degree. The admissions committees of the health professional schools do not have preferences about an undergraduate major and degree. The student should select a major/minor consistent with projected alternative career interests should dental school plans not materialize. A predental major will generally provide a student an opportunity to complete the appropriate prerequisite course work during the first two years. The remaining two years will normally be occupied with fulfilling requirements of the undergraduate major/minor degree. Many health professional students major in either biology or chemistry. The choice of a science major and a science minor allows considerable flexibility for alternative career strategies.

It is important that a departmental major field of study be selected early in the junior year so that the student may confer with a departmental advisor as well as the health professions advisor. Regardless of the major chosen, all science courses selected must be those taken by science majors. The following recommended curriculum will satisfy the minimum requirements for admission to the three Texas dental schools.

The following additional courses are strongly recommended: BIO 344 (General Physiology), BIO 347 (General Microbiology), BIO 349 (Histology), BIO 446 (Parasitology), CHM 241 (Quantitative Analysis), CHM 439 (Metabolism), and CHM 440 (Instrumental Analytical Chemistry).

Some dental schools recommend studies that will develop manual skills and dexterity, such as courses in ceramics, painting, sculpture, and typing. Also recommended are courses in business administration, computing science, literature, political science, and psychology.

Dental Early Admission Program (DEAP). Sam Houston State University participates with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School in a Dental Early Admission Program (DEAP). The DEAP program offers an opportunity for students with an interest in dentistry to receive early acceptance to Dental School and to receive both an undergraduate degree (B.S.) and a dental degree (D.D.S.) in seven years. Students entering this accelerated program are accepted from applicants early in their freshman year. Applications are available from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences.

In addition to the academic requirements discussed above, an acceptable score on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is required by all dental schools. The DAT is given by computer almost daily but requires preregistration. Prospective dental students should take the DAT in April of their junior year but not later than one year prior to entering dental school. More information may be obtained by writing to: American Dental Association, Division of Educational Measurements, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678.

Detailed information about specific admission requirements for each dental school in the United States may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, or by ordering a copy of Admissions Requirements of U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools from the American Association of Dental Schools, 1619 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.

PREDENTAL HYGIENE (PDH)

The predental hygiene curriculum varies considerably depending upon the particular program chosen and the dental hygiene school to which the student transfers. There are 14 dental hygiene programs in Texas. The B.S. in dental hygiene is awarded by three of these programs; the remaining 11 programs award an A.A. degree, diploma, or certificate in dental hygiene. Predental hygiene course work taken at SHSU can transfer to these dental hygiene programs. Students planning to complete requirements for a dental hygiene program should obtain the specific program prerequisites from the college or university from which they expect to obtain their final accreditation. More information may be obtained regarding the specific requirements of the Texas schools offering programs in dental hygiene from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences.

The suggested curriculum of the predental hygiene baccalaureate program is as follows:

PREENGINEERING

Degrees in chemistry or physics and one of several engineering fields may be earned in a combined program involving Sam Houston State University and universities with engineering degree programs. See the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Physics sections of this catalogue.

PRELAW (PLW)

The study of law requires highly developed skills in critical thinking, reading, oral communication, research, and writing. The student is best prepared by taking courses that develop a broad, well-rounded education. Admission committees of law schools have no preference for a particular undergraduate major or degree. The student should select a major/minor consistent with projected alternative career interests should law school plans not materialize. The first two years of study for prelaw students are similar to the core curriculum courses taken by all students at Sam Houston State University. The remaining two years will normally be used to fulfill requirements of an undergraduate degree. The major and minor fields selected will determine the remainder of the curriculum requirements. Biology, chemistry, computing science, criminal justice, economics, engineering, English, environmental science, foreign languages, geography, geology, history, journalism, mathematics, philosophy, physics, political science, radio/television/film, sociology, speech communication, or other disciplines that emphasize analytical and communication skills are recommended for majors/minors. Regardless of the major chosen, the following curriculum is recommended.

The following courses are recommended as electives for the prelaw student: MTH 142, MTH 143, POL 377, and JRN 463.

All accredited Texas law schools require satisfactory scores on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) as well as superior grades. The LSAT is given four times each year. The time for taking the LSAT should be based on the application deadlines for the law school to which the student is seeking admission. Application deadlines vary with schools, but most law schools recommend applying as early as possible. More information may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, or by writing to Candidate Services, Law Services, Box 2400, 661 Penn Street, Newtown, PA 18940-0998.

PREMEDICAL (PMD)

The minimum science and mathematics requirements for admission to the eight Texas medical schools are included in the following suggested curriculum. A baccalaureate degree is not required but strongly recommended; more than 95% of the successful applicants for medical school will have the B.S. degree. The admissions committees of health professional schools have no preference for an undergraduate major field or degree. Selection of a major/minor for a degree should be consistent with projected alternative career interests should medical school plans not materialize. A premedical major will usually provide the opportunity to complete the appropriate prerequisite course work during the first two years. The remaining two years will normally be used to fulfill requirements of the undergraduate major/minor requirements for a degree. Many students of the health professions major in biology or chemistry. The choice of a science major and minor allows considerable flexibility for alternative career strategies.

The major field selected by the student will determine the remainder of the curriculum for the degree sought. It is important that a departmental major field of study be selected early in the junior year so that one may confer with a departmental advisor as well as the health professions advisor prior to registration each semester. Regardless of the major chosen, all science courses selected must be those taken by science majors. The following recommended courses will satisfy the minimum requirements for admission to the eight Texas medical schools.

The following additional courses are strongly recommended: BIO 347 (General Microbiology), BIO 349 (Histology), BIO 446 (Parasitology), CHM 241 (Quantitative Analysis), CHM 438 (Introductory Biochemistry), CHM 439 (Metabolism), and CHM 440 (Instrumental Analytical Chemistry).

Courses in business administration, computing science, fine arts, foreign languages, philosophy, and psychology are also recommended.

In addition to a minimum 3.0 GPA (both cumulative and science GPA), Texas medical schools require acceptable scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The test is given twice each year, once in April, and again in August; it should be taken 18 months prior to the projected entrance date to medical school. The best time to take the MCAT is in April of the junior year. More information can be obtained by writing to: MCAT Registration, The American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52243.

Detailed information about specific admission requirements for each medical college in the United States may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, or by ordering a copy of Medical School Admissions Requirements, U.S.A. and Canada from the Association of American Medical Colleges, 1 DuPont Circle N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

The Department of Chemistry at Sam Houston State University offers a B.S. degree with a major in Medical Technology. See the Department of Chemistry section of this catalogue for a complete description and curriculum for this program.

PREMEDICAL RECORD ADMINISTRATION (PRA)

Medical Record Administration or Health Information Management is a profession bridging health and allied health services to offer a blend of medical interests with information management. Medical records are used from every perspective in the planning and delivery of health care, evaluation of health care services, and projecting patient and health care facility needs. Medical record professionals are responsible for the organization and analysis of substantive data that generates research, planning, quality assessment, reimbursement, and patient treatment regiments within the health care community. Employment opportunities exist within public and private universities, colleges, industry, and physical and mental health care agencies.

Two degree programs are recognized for Medical Record Administration/Health Information Management. The Associate Degree in Medical Record Technology is offered through seven Texas community colleges. After passing the national examination, the Accredited Record Technician credentials (ART) can be earned. The Accredited Record Technician possesses the technical knowledge and skills necessary to maintain components of health information systems.

Completion of both a prescribed baccalaureate program and an accredited Medical Record Administration (MRA) program is required to qualify for administrative or management responsibilities. Graduates of these programs take a national qualifying examination to earn credentials as a Registered Record Administrator (RRA). The Registered Record Administrator has primary responsibility for planning, developing, and managing health information systems. Three universities offer Medical Record Administration programs in Texas.

Students should obtain a listing of the specific curriculum prerequisites from the college or university from where the final degree is expected to be awarded. More information may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences regarding the specific requirements of the Texas schools offering Accredited Record Technician and Medical Record Administration programs.

PRENURSING (PNU)

Sam Houston State University offers the prenursing student a curriculum that affords a wide range of options depending upon the type of degree sought and the college or university where the degree is to be taken. Upon successful completion of academic course work at SHSU, the prenursing student must transfer to a nursing school for clinical training toward a nursing degree at that school. Colleges and universities with nursing programs offer one of two nursing degrees. At four-year schools, the baccalaureate program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and requires that a student take approximately 60 hours of prescribed prenursing academic course work. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), commonly offered at two-year colleges, requires 30-34 hours of prenursing academic course work.

There are 25 Texas colleges and universities offering baccalaureate programs and more than 40 colleges with ADN programs. Students should obtain a listing of the specific curriculum prerequisites from the college or university from which they expect to obtain their nursing degree. More information may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences regarding the specific requirements of the Texas schools offering nursing programs.

Advisory Note: If five or more years have transpired since enrollment in a biology course, the student should consider some form of remediation or review prior to enrollment in BIO 245, 246, or 247. It is recommended that the student confer with the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences if there are any questions.

PREOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (POT)

Occupational therapists are health professionals involved in helping patients regain physical and mental independence and health after trauma or injury. Occupational therapy services are provided in a variety of settings, ranging from private practice, community medical facilities, rehabilitation and geriatric centers, home care facilities, orthopedic hospitals and clinics, and psychiatric care facilities. Occupational therapists may have careers as administrators, clinicians, educators, or researchers.

Occupational therapy programs require four years of college or university study leading to a baccalaureate degree and eligibility for certification as a registered occupational therapist (OTR). There are currently five programs leading to certification as a registered occupational therapist (OTR). In addition, there are master's degree and post graduate certification programs in Texas that lead to certification as a registered occupational therapist. The preprofessional phase requires the completion of 60 - 70 hours of prerequisites. Twenty-two to twenty-four months of intensive training follow admission into the occupational therapy program of a professional school.

A listing of the specific curriculum requirements should be obtained from the college or university from where the final degree is expected to be conferred. More information can be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences regarding the special requirements of the Texas schools offering occupational therapy programs.

The following suggested curriculum includes most of the current prerequisites for Texas occupational therapy programs.

PREOPTOMETRY (POD)

Optometrists are primary health care providers who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual disorders. In 1991 Texas law expanded the scope of the optometry practice to include the use of pharmaceutical agents as a treatment option by the optometrist.

The completion of a four-year professional curriculum at one of the seventeen optometry schools and colleges in the United States and Puerto Rico is required for the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. One optometry school is located in Texas. A baccalaureate degree from an undergraduate preoptometry program is not required for admission, but is strongly recommended. Admissions committees of optometry schools have no preference for undergraduate major fields or degrees. A major/minor and degree should be selected consistent with alternative career interests should optometry school plans not materialize. A preoptometry (POD) major will generally provide the opportunity to complete most of the appropriate prerequisite course work during the first two years. The remaining two years will normally be used to fulfill requirements of the undergraduate major/minor for a baccalaureate degree. Many preoptometry students major in biology or chemistry. The choice of science majors and minors allows flexibility for alternative career strategies.

The major field selected determines the remainder of the curriculum for the degree sought. It is important that a departmental major field of study be selected early in the junior year so the student may confer with a departmental advisor as well as the health professions advisor. All science courses enrolled in must be the science courses required for science majors.

The following suggested two-year curriculum will fulfill the minimum requirements for admission to the Houston College of Optometry.

Recommended, but not required, are the following: BIO 349 (Histology), BIO 446 (Parasitology), CHM 241 (Quantitative Analysis), CHM 439 (Metabolism), and CHM 440 (Instrumental Analytical Chemistry).

Detailed information about specific admission requirements for the University of Houston College of Optometry may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences. Information about all of the schools and colleges of optometry in the United States may be obtained by ordering a copy of Optometry: A Career with Vision from the American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindberg Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63141.

PREPHARMACY (PPH)

The prepharmacy curriculum chosen will depend on the particular program chosen and the university to which the student will transfer. The University of Houston (UH), University of Texas at Austin (UT), and Texas Southern University (TSU) offer a traditional '2 + 3' program (2 years of prepharmacy, 3 years of professional school) as well as other program options. Recent trends in professional pharmacy associations suggest that by the year 2000 a 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree (2 years prepharmacy + 4 years pharmacy) will be the only licensable professional practice degree offered by pharmacy colleges. UT Austin, UH, TSU and a new pharmacy program at Texas Tech will implement the Pharm.D. program to the extent resources and national trends dictate. No salient changes in the prepharmacy curriculum are currently anticipated. The TSU and UH Colleges of Pharmacy require the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Applicants should take the PCAT in February of the year they plan to enter pharmacy school An additional requirement for admission to the Pharm.D. program of UH is expected to be 200 documented hours in a pharmacy.

All science courses taken should be those taken by science majors. More information may be obtained regarding the specific requirements of the Texas schools offering pharmacy programs from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences.

The following curriculum contains much of the recommended basic prepharmacy course work for admission into a '2 + 3' program; not all courses listed are required by all pharmacy schools.

PREPHYSICAL THERAPY (PPT)

There are eight physical therapy (PT) programs in Texas. Entry into these programs is at the post-baccalaureate level and admission is extremely competitive. Post-baccalaureate programs also require acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Aspiring physical therapy students should have alternative degree goals in case of nonacceptance into a professional school on first application. The major field elected by the student will determine the remainder of the SHSU curriculum for the degree sought. It is important that a departmental major field of study be selected early in the junior year so that one may confer with a departmental advisor as well as the health professions advisor prior to registration each semester. Although the choice of the major may be freely selected, most students major in biology or chemistry; all science courses selected must be those taken by science majors.

The major/minor selected should be consistent with projected alternative career interests should physical therapy school plans not materialize. The prephysical therapy major will provide the opportunity to complete the appropriate prerequisite course work during the first two years at SHSU. The remaining two years will normally be used to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate degree selected. The choice of a science major/minor allows considerable flexibility for alternative career strategies.

Prephysical therapy course work completed at SHSU can transfer to colleges or universities offering physical therapy programs; however, variation in required course work occurs for different schools. Students should obtain the specific program prerequisites from the college or university from which they expect to obtain their baccalaureate degree. More information may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences regarding the specific requirements of the Texas schools offering physical therapy programs.

The following suggested curriculum includes most of the current requirements for some, but not all, of the physical therapy schools in Texas.

The following additional courses are strongly recommended: BIO 347 (General Microbiology), BIO 349 (Histology), BIO 446 (Parasitology), CHM 241 (Quantitative Analysis), CHM 438 (Introductory Biochemistry), and CHM 440 (Instrumental Analytical Chemistry).

PREPHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PPA)

Physician assistants (PA) are skilled members of the health care team who work under the direction of a licensed primary care physician. Physician assistants work in a variety of settings and are responsible for a broad scope of duties and responsibilities.

There are three physician assistant programs in Texas; two programs require a minimum of 60 hours of college or university prerequisites before transferring into the professional curriculum. The third program requires a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation into professional school. Satisfactory completion of the premedical (PMD) curriculum with a GPA of 3.0 is appropriate for admission consideration into this program.

Prephysician assistant course work completed at SHSU will transfer to universities offering physician assistant programs; however, there is variation in required course work for admission to the different schools. Regardless of which program is chosen, all science courses selected must be those enrolled in by science majors. The specific program prerequisites of the university from which students expect to obtain their final degree should be obtained. More information may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences regarding specific requirements.

The following suggested curriculum includes most of the current requirements for the baccalaureate physician assistant programs.

PREPODIATRY (PPD)

There are seven schools of podiatric medicine in the United States. Five of the podiatric colleges are independent, non-profit institutions; two are operated in conjunction with university health science centers. There are no colleges of podiatric medicine in Texas. Regardless of the podiatric program chosen, all seven programs are accredited by the Council on Podiatry Education.

A baccalaureate degree is not required but is recommended; many successful applicants for podiatry school have a B.S. degree. Admissions committees of health professional schools do not have a preference for a particular undergraduate major or degree. A major and minor should be selected consistent with projected alternative career interests should podiatry school plans not materialize. A prepodiatry major will generally provide the opportunity to complete the appropriate prerequisite course work during the first two years. The remaining two years will usually be used to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate degree in the chosen major and minor. Many preprofessional studies students major in biology or chemistry. The choice of a science major and minor allows flexibility for alternative career strategies.

The major field selected will determine the remainder of the curriculum for the degree sought. It is important that a departmental major field be selected early in the junior year so that the student may confer with a departmental advisor as well as the health professions advisor. Regardless of the major chosen, all science courses selected must be those enrolled in by science majors.

The following recommended courses satisfy the minimum requirements for admission to the podiatric programs.

Recommended, but not required, are the following: BIO 344 (General Physiology), BIO 347 (General Microbiology), BIO 349 (Histology), BIO 446 (Parasitology), CHM 241 (Quantitative Analysis), CHM 438 (Introductory Biochemistry), CHM 439 (Metabolism), and CHM 440 (Instrumental Analytical Chemistry).

Courses recommended in other areas include business administration, computer science, fine arts, foreign languages, philosophy, and psychology.

Podiatry schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA and an acceptable score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). The MCAT is given in April and in September of each year. It should be taken 18 months prior to the projected medical school entrance date. April of the junior year is the preferred time to take the MCAT. Information about the MCAT may be obtained by writing to MCAT Registration, The American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52243.

Information about admissions requirements for each podiatric college in the United States may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences or by writing the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, 1350 Piccard Drive, Suite 322, Rockville, Maryland 20850-4307.

PRERESPIRATORY THERAPY (PRT)

Respiratory care practitioners perform therapeutic and life support procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiorespiratory diseases. Although many individuals are in private or clinical practice, respiratory therapists' positions are available in management, education, clinical specialization, and research.

Great diversity exists in Texas respiratory therapy programs including one-year certification programs, two-year associate degree programs, and baccalaureate degree programs. The baccalaureate programs are either four-year or '2 + 2' programs. In the '2 + 2' program, two years of prerequisite courses are completed at an accredited college or university. The professional course work is completed in two years at an institution that confers the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree (BSRT). The graduate with the BSRT is eligible to take the national qualifying examination in respiratory therapy. The specific program requirements should be obtained from the college or university from which the final degree is expected to be awarded. Information regarding specific requirements may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences.

The following suggested two-year curriculum includes most of the requirements for the first two years of the '2 + 2' baccalaureate respiratory therapy program.

PREVETERINARY MEDICINE (PVT)

Texas A&M University (TAMU) is the only college of veterinary medicine in the state, and requires a minimum of 64 acceptable preveterinary semester credit hours for admission. The minimum college or university credits required for admission to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical School professional program is 64 semester hours. Applicants must complete 52 credit hours in a specially designated Early Admissions Program curriculum and have the remainder of these courses in progress during the semester they apply. Requirements for this program are available from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences.

Admissions committees of health professional schools do not have preferences in regard to undergraduate majors or degrees; however, students are encouraged to pursue a degree that meets their individual interests.

It is important that a departmental major field of study be selected early in the junior year so that one may confer with a departmental advisor as well as the health professions advisor prior to registration each semester. Although the choice of the major may be freely selected, most students major in one of the science disciplines; all science courses selected must be those taken by science majors. Regardless of the major chosen, the following recommended course work will satisfy most of the minimum preveterinary requirements for admission to veterinary medical school:

The following courses are strongly recommended: BIO 344 (General Physiology), BIO 349 (Histology), BIO 446 (Parasitology), CHM 241 (Quantitative Analysis), CHM 438 (Introductory Biochemistry), CHM 439 (Metabolism), and CHM 440 (Instrumental Analytical Chemistry).

Application to TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine is made in mid-July of the year prior to that in which admission is sought. In addition to a minimum 2.75 GPA or at least a 3.0 GPA over the last 45 semester hours, TAMU requires acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE must be completed by September 15. More information and applications may be obtained by writing to: Graduate Record Examinations, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6004, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6004.

Detailed information about specific admission requirements for each of the 27 accredited colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States may be obtained from the Chair, Department of Biological Sciences or by ordering a copy of Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements, U.S.A. and Canada from Betz Publishing Company, Inc., P.O. Box 34631, Bethesda, Maryland 20827.

2000-2002 Undergraduate Catalogue