Health Professions
Students interested in careers in Health Professions may include those intending to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology, Dentistry, Medicine, Physical Therapy, or any other professional medical sector. Rhodes does not have a pre-medical (or other pre-professional) major. Students preparing for a health career may major in any subject; however, most do major in biology or chemistry. There are certain courses that are required for admission to health professional schools and to prepare for the entrance exams, which are typically taken in the spring of the junior year or the fall of the senior year. Students who are considering a career in a health field should contact the appropriate health professions advisor.
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CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Contact Person:
Dr. Anita Davis
901-843-3989
Required Courses for Psychology Major:
- Psychology 150 Foundational Issues in Psychology (F8)
- Psychology 200 Research Methods and Statistics
- Psychology 211 Statistical Methods (F6)
- Psychology 350-353 (one Advanced Methods course)
- Seven additional courses (see catalogue for requirements)
Recommended Courses:
- Psychology 224 Psychological Disorders
- Psychology 225 Personality Psychology
- Psychology 311 Counseling Psychology
- Psychology 338 Psychological Assessment
Recommended GPA:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.50
Also Recommended:
- At least one year of research experience
- Experience presenting research at undergraduate or professional conference
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DENTISTRY
Contact Person:
Dr. Alan Jaslow
Director of Health Professions Advising
HPA web site http://www.rhodes.edu/biology/ajaslow/hpac.htm
901-843-3602
Required Courses: Variable, be sure to consult with the Dir. of HPA and do research. All require:
- Introductory Biology I and II with laboratories (130, 131L, 140, 141L)
- General Chemistry I and II with Laboratories (111, 111L, 112, 112L) (F7)
- Organic Chemistry I and II with laboratory (211, 212, 212L)
- Introductory Physics I and II, with laboratories (111, 111L, 112, 112L) (F6, F7)
Physics is not a part of the DAT, so it may be taken in the senior year. - English - Usually two courses in either composition or literature or Rhodes course work that demonstrates writing and communication.
- Depending on school: Upper level science courses such as microbiology and Biochemistry. i.e. UTenn. now requires Biochemistry and one of the following: Microbiology, Comparative, or Histology.
Recommended Courses:
- Advanced Biology and/or Biochemistry as specified by schools
- Sculpture
- Medical humanities
- Business courses
Recommended GPA:
- Recommended is 3.3 and above.
Required Experience:
- Dental experience, through internships, volunteer, shadowing, or employment.
Required:
- Good three dimensional perception and fine motor skills with hands and fingers.
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MEDICINE
Contact Person:
Dr. Alan Jaslow
Director of Health Professions Advising
HPA web site http://www.rhodes.edu/biology/ajaslow/hpac.htm
901-843-3602
Required Courses:
Standard
- Introductory Biology I and II with laboratories (130, 131L, 140, 141L)
- General Chemistry I and II with Laboratories (111, 111L, 112, 112L) (F7)
- Organic Chemistry I and II with laboratory (211, 212, 212L)
- Introductory Physics I and II, with laboratories (111, 111L, 112, 112L) (F6, F7)
- At least two advanced science classes that are most similar to medical school classes such as Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Animal Physiology, Genetics, Histology, Comparative, Immunology/virology, Molecular, Embryology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology. Often these are listed as strongly recommended, but two are really are required for a student to be competitive. It is recommended that these are taken earlier than Senior year.
- English – Most want to see demonstrated course work in writing such as two English courses. However, most accept many of our courses as fulfilling writing demands, such as our writing intensive courses in any department. AP can satisfy this at most schools.
Variable
- Math – 10% require a calculus such as Math 115, or Math 121 and 122. AP can satisfy these.
- Psychology – 14% require a behavior science class such as Psychology 150.
- Biochemistry - 10% of the Medical schools require Biochemistry.
Required Experience:
- Medical experience, through internships, chaplaincies, volunteering, shadowing or employment. A history throughout college years of commitment to experience in medicine is required. Starting late as a senior or sometimes even a Junior is disfavored. Service to the community throughout college years is desired. This may also be a medical experience, but does not need to be.
Recommended Courses:
- Medical Ethics, Medical Sociology, Pain Suffering and Death, Psychology of Medicine. Art such as drawing, painting, and sculpture. Many other issues-oriented humanities classes.
Recommended GPA:
- AAMC, American Allopathic Medical Schools. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.40, national average is 3.6.
- AACOM, American Osteopathic Medical Schools. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, national average 3.4.
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PHYSICAL THERAPY, OPTOMETRY, NURSING, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, PHARMACY, PUBLIC HEALTH, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PODIATRIC MEDICINE, CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE AND OTHERS.
Contact Person:
Dr. Alan Jaslow
Director of Health Professions Advising
HPA web site http://www.rhodes.edu/biology/ajaslow/hpac.htm
901-843-3602
Required Courses:
- The requirements and suggested gpas for these fields are varied. Interested students should consult the Director of HPA.
- All programs require specific courses. Some require Public Speaking.
