A career in healthcare begins with the right undergraduate education. For students interested in health professions such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, the journey starts by building a strong foundation in the sciences and developing essential skills like critical thinking, leadership, and ethics.
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Pre-Med program prepares students for a wide range of graduate programs in the healthcare field. Through a rigorous curriculum, personalized faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities, students gain the knowledge and confidence to excel in professional programs and pursue their future careers in healthcare.
At IWU, students in the Pre-Med program work toward a bachelor’s degree while completing core health science courses. These include foundational classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, along with coursework tailored to their chosen pre-professional concentration. Students also develop a broad academic background in the social sciences and humanities to strengthen their preparation for graduate education.
The program offers a range of pre-professional concentrations that allow students to tailor their studies to specific healthcare goals. Concentrations for the Pre-Med program includes:
The student learning outcomes focus on building scientific literacy, problem-solving, and the ability to apply scientific knowledge in healthcare delivery contexts. This academic preparation equips students to explore multiple career pathways while meeting prerequisites for medical school, dental school, physical therapy programs, occupational therapy, and other professional tracks in the health sciences.
IWU’s approach emphasizes hands-on learning that connects coursework to the real world. Students gain clinical experience through volunteer opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Shadowing professionals, assisting in labs, and engaging in research help students understand the realities of patient care and the challenges of modern healthcare delivery.
Whether pursuing medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, or another chosen field, these experiences allow students to clarify their future career goals, build meaningful professional networks, and demonstrate their commitment to the healthcare field.
This powerful combination of coursework also prepares students for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a key milestone in the medical school application process. In fact, IWU students applying for admission to the first-year medical class of 2025 achieved an average MCAT percentile score of 83%, meaning they outperformed 83% of all national applicants—and one student even scored in the top 1% of test takers indwes.edu
That success isn’t accidental. IWU students are encouraged to study early for the MCAT using practice tests, structured study schedules, and personalized faculty guidance to ensure they are not only prepared, but competitive, for medical school admissions.
Admission to graduate programs in the health sciences is highly competitive, and schools seek more than strong academic records. They look for applicants who demonstrate resilience, integrity, and a clear sense of calling to serve others. IWU prepares students for this challenge by ensuring they are well-prepared in both academics and character formation. Students refine their communication and critical thinking skills, engage in service and leadership opportunities through student organizations, and build a professional portfolio that highlights their preparation in their chosen field. Along the way, they benefit from faculty mentorship and personalized guidance that strengthens applications to medical school and other professional programs.
Success in the healthcare field requires more than knowledge of science and courses—it demands qualities such as compassion, resilience, and professionalism. IWU’s Christ-centered approach to healthcare education cultivates values of service, integrity, and humility. Students learn how to balance demanding schedules, apply ethical decision-making in clinical settings, and lead with purpose.
Through mentorship from dedicated faculty, support from fellow students, and opportunities for research and service, IWU graduates are prepared not only for graduate education but also for leadership roles that shape the future of health systems and healthcare delivery.
The IWU Pre-Med program provides a unique balance of rigorous science courses, hands-on learning, and spiritual growth. Students complete a versatile curriculum that supports career advancement in multiple health professions, from medicine and dentistry to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and beyond.
With a supportive academic community, intentional faculty mentoring, and a commitment to Christian values, IWU helps students not only prepare for grad school but also pursue their future careers with confidence and purpose.
If you’re ready to pursue a calling in healthcare, IWU’s Pre-Med program will give you the strong foundation you need for graduate programs in the health sciences. With an engaging curriculum, expert faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning, IWU equips you to succeed in your chosen field and make a lasting impact in healthcare delivery.
