Pre-Clinical Health Science

The major in Pre-Clinical Health Science is designed to prepare students for graduate study in one of the many clinical health professions, including, but not limited to, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and optometry. This interdisciplinary major provides the student with a strong background in the biological and physical sciences and the health sciences.

The major also introduces students to the vocation of a healthcare professional and it includes elective courses in healthcare, disability, and rehabilitation. Furthermore, in conversation with the Foundations Program, the program supports our students’ formation as intellectually serious, thoughtful citizens, working in fields where good judgement and compassion are paramount.

At Assumption we aim to develop our students’ intellectual abilities and their devotion to the common good.

Program Contact

Steven Theroux, Ph.D

Professor of Biology

508-767-7545 stheroux@assumption.edu Testa Science Center - Room 202

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

11:1

Student/Faculty Ratio

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

Program Details

REQUIRED COURSES (15)

Pre‐Clinical Health Science Majors should take CHE 131, BIO 160, and MAT 114 (or higher) in their first semester.

BIO 160 Concepts in Biology

BIO 210 Genetics

BIO 240 Human Anatomy

BIO 250 Microbiology or BIO340 Molecular and Cellular Biology

BIO 370 General Physiology

CHE 131‐132 General Chemistry I and II (Note CHE 132 requires MAT 114 or higher as a pre‐requisite.)

CHE 201‐202 Organic Chemistry I and II

CHE 414 Biochemistry

MAT 114 Elementary Functions or MAT 117 Calculus I

PHY201‐202 General Physics I and II

PSY 101 General Psychology

PSY 224 or SOC 300 or ECO115 Statistics

HEALTH SCIENCE ELECTIVES (4)

HEALTH CARE DELIVERY, HEALTH CARE DATA ACQUISITION, AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS ELECTIVES, CHOOSE TWO (2)

HSC 100 Systems Approach to Delivering Health Care

HSC 150 Introduction to Public Health

HSC 222 Advocacy for Patient Centered Care,

HSC 310 Evidence‐Based Health Care (Fall/Spring)

HSC 360 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care (Fall/Spring)

HSC 370 Health Promotion and Education

HSC 450 Internship in Health Sciences (6 credits)

HUS 330: Applied Interviewing and Helping Skills for Health and Human Service Practitioners

HEALTH, DISABILITY, AND REHABILITATION ELECTIVES, CHOOSE TWO (2)

HUS 119 Introduction to Health and Human Services

HUS 121 Human Development Across the Lifespan

HUS 210 Medical Aspects of Human Functionality (Fall/Spring)

HUS/HSC 220 Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability (Fall/Spring)

Please note: The specific prerequisites required for admission to a health science program varies depending on the graduate program of study (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.). In addition, even within a given area, different schools may have different prerequisites for admission. As a result, we recommend that each student make a list of the schools they hope to matriculate at, and then, in consultation with their advisor, develop a plan to complete those requirements while at Assumption.

Faculty

Steven Theroux, Ph.D

Professor of Biology

Vladimir Atryzek

Adjunct Faculty

Soraya V. Betancourt-Calle, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Practice

Stuart I. Cromarty, Ph.D

Professor of Biology

David Crowley, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology Director of ASPIRE Associate Director of the Center for Purpose and Vocation

Karolina Fučíková, Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Biology

Mandy Gaudreau

Adjunct Faculty

Michele Lemons, Ph.D

Professor of Biology Director of the Center for Neuroscience

Nicolas (Nikos) Lessios, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology

Paul Mahon, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology

Jessica McCready, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Philip McCue

Adjunct Faculty, Human Services

Jean M. Mukherjee

Adjunct Faculty

Alison J. Myette, MS, CCC-SLP

Associate Professor of Practice, Human Services

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D

Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Professor of Chemistry

Andrea Jean Pereira

Adjunct Faculty

Cinzia Pica, Ed.D.

Chair, Department of Health and Human Services Director of the Women’s Studies Program Professor, Human Services

Anthony Sacino

Assistant Professor of Practice

Kimberly A. Schandel, Ph.D

Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry

Gary R Senecal, Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Human Services

Owen D. Sholes, Ph.D

Adjunct Faculty

Katelyn Stevens, PT, DPT

Health Science Clinical Coordinator

Alexandria Marie Vassallo

Adjunct Faculty, Human Services

Jessica Lucas Whitt, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Practice

Christian (Scannell) Williams, Ph.D., LMHC

Assistant Professor of Human Services

Graduate and Medical School Placement

Assumption has a strong track record of preparing students for graduate school in the health sciences, and our students have been accepted at numerous medical schools and health professions programs throughout the United States.

Boston University School of Dental Medicine

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

National Institutes of Health post-baccalaureate fellowship

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

University of Massachusetts Medical School

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Yale University

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

Internships

To enhance your understanding of the health professions and increase the competitiveness of your graduate school applications, Assumption encourages pre-clinical health science students to engage in an internship. Assumption also offers a paid summer-research program for students. Worcester features innovative life sciences organizations and health care providers that seek motivated undergraduates to conduct research, observe patient care, and assist health professionals. Through an internship, you strengthen your knowledge, confidence, and professionalism, and you’ll also make important connections that may open doors to future careers. Some of the organizations Assumption students intern with include Blue Sky Biotech, GLSynthesis Inc., Harvard University, New England Aquarium, Office of the Massachusetts Medical Examiner, Red Sox Assistant Medical Director and University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Dr. Michaela Temple, D.O.

Class of 2017
Doctor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry

“My research project at Assumption was in the study of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal development in C. elegans. Conducting this research provided me with the analytical skills that are required in many medical fields.”

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Engage with Assumption’s outstanding science programs and strong liberal arts curriculum that prepare you for the rigors of additional study and a successful career in the clinical health professions.

Program Details

REQUIRED COURSES (15)

HEALTH SCIENCE ELECTIVES (4)

Faculty

Graduate and Medical School Placement

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

Internships

Dr. Michaela Temple, D.O.

“My research project at Assumption was in the study of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal development in C. elegans. Conducting this research provided me with the analytical skills that are required in many medical fields.”

Programs Related to Pre-Clinical Health Science