Pre-Health Professions

For many years King College has prepared young men and women to enter the health professions. Most students have entered allopathic medicine (M.D.), whereas many others have entered osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, dentistry, medical technology, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine.

Currently, the College offers a Bachelor Degree in Medical Technology and in Nursing. The Pharmacy 3 + 1 Program allows a student to earn a B.S. in Biology from King College after completing a prescribed three-year program at King and the first year at an accredited pharmacy school.

To coordinate the advising of students preparing for the health professions, the College has established the Health Sciences Advisory Committee. Members of this committee advise all pre-health professions students, except nursing students, who are advised by nursing faculty.

Pre-Health Science students entering college are advised to include in their first year program general chemistry and the appropriate mathematics (pre-calculus or calculus). The student has autonomy in choosing the major(s) that he/she prefer(s). However, certain required courses must be completed that are necessary for the specific health program of interest.

Before the end of the first year of college, students should consult with an appropriate advisor to plan the remainder of their program at King College. Also, students are advised to gain some experience in the field they choose to enter. This helps them to decide if they truly wish to enter that field, and also it makes them more competitive when they apply for entrance into a professional school.

Members of the Health Sciences Advisory Committee

Advisors work with students throughout their college years. They help in course selection, in preparing for pre-professional tests such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), in selecting professional schools, and in preparing for interviews. Dr. Pickard is the primary advisor for dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and veterinary medicine. Dr. Graham is the primary advisor for the other health professions.

Dr. John Graham
Assistant Professor of Biology
jhgraham@king.edu

Dr. Craig McDonald
Professor and Chair of English
jcmcdona@king.edu

Dr. Simeon Pickard
Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry
stpickar@king.edu

Health Professions Programs

It is important for students to learn about the great variety of health professions that are available. When considering a health profession's career, most think of allopathic medicine (M.D), but many other possibilities are available. Take a look.

Admission Tests

Professional schools typically require that students be tested as part of the admission's process. For example, students who wish to attend pharmacy school typically have to take the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test). Students are advised by their health-science advisor when to take tests and how to prepare for them.

Application Services

Many professional schools require that students apply to them through an application service. For example, students applying for admission to a veterinary medicine school apply through VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service).

Military Scholarship Programs

To finance their education and to avoid incurring a large debt, some students choose to join one of the armed services. They do, however, owe the military several years of service.

Miscellaneous Links

For further information contact:

Dr. John Graham
Health Sciences Advisory Committee
King College
1350 King College Road
Bristol, TN 37620
423.652.4807 jhgraham@king.edu