Explore Your Interests and Get Started

We are so excited that you are considering the HSHP Pre-Health Professions Program to launch your undergraduate education! Described below are our recommendations on important steps in navigating the decision-making process.

If you are confident about your future career path, please apply directly to that specific major. 

Since there are so many possibilities, we understand it can be difficult to know which major is best for you! If you opt for the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance (HSHP) Pre-Health Professions Program, you will have time to explore your interests and strengths under the guidance of a faculty advisor before selecting a major.

Before You Apply

It is important that Ithaca College and this Program are the right match for you. So before you apply, we recommend that you:

  • Consider a Visit Ithaca and other Admission events to explore the campus and hear more about what the College has to offer.
  • Contact the HSHP Dean's Office to schedule a time to meet or discuss the Program and your current interests. We can also arrange for you to speak with a current or former HSHP Pre-Health Professions Program student to hear about their experiences with our Program and further discuss any questions that you may have.

During the Application Process

Use the CommonApp to apply to Ithaca College. You can follow the steps on our Admissions website to submit your application materials. On the application, indicate that you are interested in enrolling as a "Pre-Health Professions Program".

What to Expect

You enter the Pre-Health Professions Program as a first year student and can remain in the program for a maximum of four semesters (or until you reach 60 credits). During this time, you will work closely with a faculty advisor to better understand your interests and academic strengths. You will also have the opportunity to strategically sample courses as well as meet faculty and fellow students in different departments. This will help with making your decision. Your faculty advisor will be there to help you every step along the way in making decisions about courses and future career path.

Career Possibilities

We are able to support students interested in a range of academic interests and healthcare careers:

  • Athletic Training
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation & Wellness
  • Dentistry
  • Epidemiology
  • Exercise Science
  • Gerontology (Aging Studies)
  • Health Sciences
  • Nursing or Nurse Practitioner
  • Nutrition
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physician (primary or specialty care)
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Wellness Coaching