Health Science Careers and Resources
The Biology and BioMedical Sciences programs in the Department of Biological and Health Sciences serve as a pipeline for its students into a variety of health professional programs within Texas, across the U.S., and internationally. Be it nursing, medicine, veterinary medicine, dental, pharmacy, ophthalmology, podiatry, prosthetics/orthotics, or another specialty, our programs can prepare you for your future.
Students interested in one of these career paths should take time early in their academic careers to visit with a TAMU-K Pre-Health Science Advisor to make a plan and discuss their coursework and extra-curricular activities. While there is typically no requirement for a specific academic major or minor from professional schools, the required prerequisites are most efficiently covered through our Biology or BioMedical Sciences programs.
To learn more about a specific profession or some of the resources available, please see the links below.
There are four dental schools in the state of Texas that offer Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). From a career standpoint, in addition to general dentistry, there are several sub-specialties including dental public health, endodontics, oral & maxillofacial pathology, radiology, surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.
These are general guidelines published by the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. School-specific requirements from those institutions within Texas or beyond may differ slightly. Most dental schools DO NOT accept high school AP credit. Applicants are also required to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
We have identified our specific courses at 91AV;M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each dental school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. While none of the dental programs require a specific academic major, they do require the following general course work:
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
14 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
X |
|
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
X |
|
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
X |
|
4 hours cell biology |
BIOL 4426 |
X |
|
3 hours immunology |
BIOL 4408 |
X |
|
8 hours organic chemistry |
CHEM 3323/3123, CHEM 3325/3125 |
|
X |
3 hours biochemistry |
CHEM 4341 |
|
X |
8 hours physics |
PHYS 1301/1101, PHYS 1302/1102 |
|
X |
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
|
X |
3 hours medical terminology |
EDKN 2340 |
X |
|
Applications for dental schools in Texas for Texas residents are handled through the . Applications for out-of-state schools are handled by the's (ADEA) common application ().
In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, , and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of dentistry. The American Dental Association (ADA) has some excellent and for aspiring dentists.
Dental schools in the state of Texas
There are eleven allopathic medical schools in the state of Texas that offer Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and three osteopathic medical schools that offer Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The list of specialties and subdisciplines in medicine is extensive and summarized on the .
These are published by the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. School-specific requirements from those institutions within Texas or beyond may differ slightly. Most medical schools DO NOT accept high school AP credit. Applicants are also required to take the Medical College Admittance Test (MCAT). The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has some excellent .
We have identified our specific courses at 91AV;M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each medical school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. While none of the medical programs require a specific academic major, they do require the following general course work:
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
14 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
X |
|
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
X |
|
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
X |
|
4 hours cell biology |
BIOL 4426 |
X |
|
3 hours immunology |
BIOL 4408 |
X |
|
8 hours organic chemistry |
CHEM 3323/3123, CHEM 3325/3125 |
|
X |
3 hours biochemistry |
CHEM 4341 |
|
X |
8 hours physics |
PHYS 1301/1101, PHYS 1302/1102 |
|
X |
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
|
X |
3 hours medical terminology |
EDKN 2340 |
X |
|
Applications for allopathic or osteopathic medical schools in Texas for Texas residents are handled through the . also has an independent application service (). Students applying to private Texas schools or out of state medical schools can apply through the (AAMC) application service .
In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine. The AAMC has a for the aspiring pre-med student as well as a . The American Medical Association (AMA) also has for pre-med students, including and .
TAMU-K student chapter
Medical schools in the state of Texas
(AMCAS only)
(AACOMAS only)
Nursing is projected to be one of the most in-demand professions according to the . The nursing profession has numerous educational pathways: from 2-year degree to PhD. The American Nursing Association has a and to becoming a nurse. This provides an excellent breakdown of the different education levels and career outlooks for nursing degrees.
In Texas, there are over 100 nursing programs to choose from. So where does 91AV;M Kingsville fit in this vast landscape? While we do not offer a nursing degree, we can provide you with a high-quality education for most prerequisites before transferring to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program of your choosing. Students can opt to transfer after completing the basic prerequisites or apply to a nursing program after completing their Bachelor of Science at TAMU-K. Entering a nursing program as a postbaccalaureate student will provide you with more education, more experience, and a completed degree over transferring after two years.
We have identified our specific courses at 91AV;M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each nursing school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school.
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
8 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
|
X |
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2420 |
|
X |
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
X |
|
8 hours psychology |
PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314 |
|
X |
3 hours statistics |
MATH 1314 |
|
X |
3 hours medical terminology |
EDKN 2340 |
|
X |
The Texas States Board of Nursing keeps a list of approved (PDF). In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with previous patient experience as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA), professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of nursing. Please check out our Jobs and Opportunities page for contact information and resources to enhance your resume.
Optometrists are specialized healthcare providers for eye and vision care. This includes vision assessment, writing prescriptions for corrective lenses, detection, diagnosis, and management of eye diseases, and rehabilitation of visual systems. Doctor of Optometry spends 4 to 5 years in specialized optometry schools after completing their undergraduate degree. While enrolled in an accredited program, training and education can be conducted in a variety of settings including the college of Optometry, hospitals, private practice, clinics, or nonprofits.
All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a College of Optometry require a “C” or better. Each optometry school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for a nursing degree offered at 91AV;M University Kingsville are:
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
14 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
X |
|
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
|
X |
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
X |
|
4 hours cell biology |
BIOL 4426 |
X |
|
3 hours immunology |
BIOL 4408 |
X |
|
8 hours organic chemistry |
CHEM 3323/3123, CHEM 3325/3125 |
|
X |
6 hours biochemistry |
CHEM 4341, CHEM 4342 |
|
X |
8 hours physics |
PHYS 1301/1101, PHYS 1302/1102 |
|
X |
3 hours psychology |
PYCH 2301 |
|
X |
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
|
X |
3 hours medical terminology |
EDKN 2340 |
X |
|
In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine. Admission into a School of Optometry is centralized through . Prospective students are evaluated on their undergraduate GPA, extra-curricular and public service activities, personal interview, professional potential, and their score on the . Further information can be found at the webpage. Applications open in June, with early application deadlines occurring at various times thereafter. It is important that students review the guidelines and requirements for each school.
Optometry schools in the state of Texas
There are nine pharmacy schools in the state of Texas that offer Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D). There are numerous disciplines within pharmacy that are available for specialization in, including clinical pharmacy, compounding, hospital, informatics, nuclear, oncology, retail, clinical pathology, and clinical toxicology.
is an informational repository for students interested in the pharmacy profession. It is a collaborative effort between the and . The coordinates the application process for perspective students and serves and a clearinghouse for review and candidate selection for the pharmacy schools. Applicants are also required to take the .
We have identified our specific courses at 91AV;M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each pharmacy school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. While none of the pharmacy programs require a specific academic major, they do require the following general course work:
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
14 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
X |
|
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
|
X |
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
|
X |
4 hours cell biology |
BIOL 4426 |
X |
|
3 hours molecular biology |
BIOL 4401 |
X |
|
8 hours organic chemistry |
CHEM 3323/3123, CHEM 3325/3125 |
|
X |
4 hours physics |
PHYS 1301/1101 |
|
X |
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
|
X |
3 hours calculus |
MATH 2413 |
|
X |
In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, , and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of pharmacy.
Pharmacy schools in the state of Texas
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The Physician Assistant (PA) career is highly competitive and very in-demand as the need for qualified medical professionals grows. PAs are typically on the frontlines of patient care, diagnosing illness, designing and implementing treatment programs, and prescribe medicines. PAs can also specialize in a variety of areas within the medical field, including surgery, anesthesia, emergency medicine, internal medicine, neurology, and many others. The profession is represented by the .
PAs receive a Master’s degree from an accredited program and usually take 2-3 years to complete their training after acceptance. Applications are usually routed through and require a bachelor’s degree and a Graduate Records Exam (GRE) or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) for entry. First-hand patient experience is typically required for acceptance.
All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a Physician Assistant program require a “C” or better. Each PA program determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for this professional route offered at 91AV;M University Kingsville are:
General Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
8 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
|
X |
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
X |
|
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
X |
|
4 hours cell biology |
BIOL 4426 |
X |
|
3 hours immunology |
BIOL 4408 |
X |
|
4 hours organic chemistry |
CHEM 3323/3123 |
X |
|
3 hours biochemistry |
CHEM 4341/4342 |
X |
|
6 hours psychology |
PYCH 2301 |
X |
|
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
X |
|
3 hours medical terminology |
EDKN 2340 |
X |
|
In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine.
The Physician Assistant Education Association maintains a in the United States, while the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants maintains a . The for students looking for more information.
Podiatry a specialty medical field devoted to the health and treatment of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) and are trained as both physicians and surgeons. They are trained to independently assess, diagnose and treat ailments through prescription medication, non-invasive therapies, or surgery. Podiatrists are accredited through the and is a good resource for learning about the profession. The provides accreditation to .
All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a Podiatry program require a “C” or better. Each Podiatry program determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for this professional route offered at 91AV;M University Kingsville are:
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
8 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
X |
|
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
X |
|
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
X |
|
8 hours physics |
PHYS 1301/1101, PHYS 1302/1102 |
|
X |
3 hours psychology |
PYCH 2301 |
|
X |
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
|
X |
3 hours medical terminology |
EDKN 2340 |
X |
|
Additional coursework in molecular, biomedical, or the health sciences will be beneficial. In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine.
While there is not an accredited podiatric program in Texas, the has been allowed to recruit its first Podiatric Medicine class in 2022 and is moving towards full accreditation.
The medical field of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (often abbreviated O&P) performs numerous duties that support patients with orthopedic, neurologic, and integument conditions affecting the limbs, head, and trunk. They diagnose patient conditions, identify treatment regimens, and create prosthetics to support and treat ailments. Much more information can be found at the page.
There are several levels of training and responsibility as outlined at the website. The highest level of training is the Orthotist/Prosthetist, which requires a Master’s degree from an and clinical residency. After training and residency, professionals can be accredited by the before moving forward with their professional careers.
This career track is very competitive and requires high GPA and extensive internship experience in the field. We have identified our specific courses at 91AV;M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each O&P program its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school.
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
8 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
|
X |
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
X |
|
3 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
X |
|
8 hours organic chemistry |
CHEM 3323/3123, CHEM 3325/3125 |
|
X |
8 hours physics |
PHYS 1301/1101, PHYS 1302/1102 |
|
X |
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
X |
|
3 hours medical terminology |
EDKN 2340 |
X |
|
In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine.
There are currently two O&P programs in Texas:
A Genetic Counselor is member of a patient’s healthcare team that assist patients in making informed decisions about test results, prognoses, and treatment options based on personal and family history. Counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling and can specialize in prenatal, pediatric, oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, psychiatry, or many other areas. The and have more information about the professional aspects of this career track.
To become a Genetic Counselor, students must complete a 4-yr undergraduate degree and have sufficient shadowing and patient care experience before receiving a Master’s degree from an accredited program. There is no specified major for the undergraduate degree, but one focusing on biomedical or health science with a concentration in genetics are preferred.
All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a Genetic Counselor program require a “C” or better. Each Genetic Counselor program determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for a nursing degree offered at 91AV;M University Kingsville are:
Required Course Description |
TAMUK course number |
Recommended |
Required |
8 hours general biology |
BIOL 1306/1106, BIOL 1307/1107 |
|
X |
8 hours anatomy & physiology |
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 |
|
X |
4 hours microbiology |
BIOL 2421 |
X |
|
6 hours genetics |
BIOL 3402 |
|
X |
8 hours organic chemistry |
CHEM 3323/3123, CHEM 3325/3125 |
X |
|
3 hours biochemistry |
CHEM 4341 |
X |
|
8 hours physics |
PHYS 1301/1101, PHYS 1302/1102 |
X |
|
6 hours psychology |
PYCH 2301 |
X |
|
3 hours statistics |
STAT 4301 |
X |
|
3 hours medical terminology |
|
X |
|
The and have updated resources for perspective students and a list of accredited programs. In Texas, there are two accredited Genetic Counseling programs: