Pre-Professional Programs
P re -P rofessional P rograms Many opportunities exist for Biola students who are actively seeking professional education and training. Several agreements currently exist (Chiropractic and Engineering) that allow Biola students to participate in degree completion programs leading to specialized bachelors degrees or both bachelors degree and a first professional doctorate. Additional opportunities are available that prepare the Biola graduate to enter the professional education/training phase with confidence. A significant number of Biola graduates are currently serving in professional capacities. They routinely cite their excellent undergraduate education programs as predictors of success in their professional endeavors. Students who are interested in pursuing professional degrees after attending Biola should plan carefully and consult with potential professional schools concerning their requirements. In some cases, assistance from a major adviser should be supplemented by other advising resources available at Biola. The Office of Career Services assists students in various ways. The Biola Office of Health Professions Advising (BOHPA) also mentors students pursuing these careers, provides support for health professional school applications, graduate exam preparation, mock interviews and clinical shadowing experiences. If a student is unsure about pre- professional advising, help should be sought from the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, located in Metzger Hall. The following provides some basic information about pre-professional education at Biola. Pre-Chiropractic Biola has a unique 3 + 3 cooperative degree program in conjunction with the Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). The student attends Biola for three years and then applies to SCU and enters their program. After taking the required courses in the first 1½ years at SCU, Biola grants a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology. Upon the completion of the entire 3-year program at SCU, the student receives a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC). The needs of society for health care practitioners are changing. Doctors of Chiropractic are providing legitimate, alternative treatment strategies to clients both directly and through HMO’s. Chiropractic medicine has long been known to have a holistic emphasis. Biola provides a context in which to prepare a thoroughly educated Doctor of Chiropractic whose faith is truly integrated with her or his profession. SCU is located just three miles from Biola, in Whittier, CA. It is a professional school, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council on Chiropractic Education.
Pre-Dentistry Preparation for entrance into dental school is similar to preparation for medical school. Students should contact the dental schools of their choice for specific entrance requirements. Information on the American Dental Association Dental Admission Test can be obtained from The Biola Office of Health Professions Advising. Pre-Medicine Students who wish to pursue a career in medicine should plan to build a strong foundation in the sciences and mathematics. Courses in biology, chemistry and physics form the core of this preparation. While almost all students at Biola who are preparing to enter medical school major in biological science or biochemistry with a pre-med concentration, other majors are possible if the student completes all of the core science courses required by the medical school. These include one year of General Biology, one year of Chemistry, one year of Physics, one year of Organic Chemistry and one semester of Calculus. Medical schools also expect a broad background in the liberal arts such as is provided by Biola’s program in general education. In addition, Biola’s biblical and theological studies requirement and its integration of a biblical perspective in all courses equips the prospective Christian health professional in mind and character to impact the world for Jesus Christ. A Pre-Medical Advisory Committee helps prepare students for the rigorous application process. In particular, the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee assists with preparation for medical school interviews, as well as generating a committee letter of recommendation. Information about the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is available fromThe Biola Office of Health Profession Advising. For further information, please consult with either the Department of Biological Science or the Department of Chemistry, Physics & Engineering. Pre-Physical Therapy Students interested in a career in physical therapy can choose between two majors at Biola. Both of these majors are designed to meet the entrance requirements of doctoral degree programs in Physical Therapy. A doctoral degree in Physical Therapy would be required to work in this field. The options contain a common core of courses, but differ in the courses that complement this core. The choice between the two options depends on a student’s interests, abilities and ultimate career goals. Physical therapy can be practiced in a variety of settings, from sports to schools to hospitals. The core courses common to both majors include selected courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. Pre-physical therapy students can major in Kinesiology in the Department of Kinesiology, Health and Physical Education, or in Human Biology in the Department of Biological Science. Consult with either of these departments for the specific details of these programs.
57
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker