Concordia University, St. Paul offers pathways to gain entry to numerous professional programs. These pre-professional programs are not majors (i.e., a pre-med major) but rather a grouping of coursework designed to meet admissions criteria to most professional programs. As students determine their program of interest, our faculty work one-on-one to tailor a student’s major to ensure they meet the prerequisite course requirements.
Pre-Professional Programs Offered
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Overview of Profession
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
- Median annual wage for athletic trainers $46,630 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 23%
Education & Training/Residency
Degree: Bachelor’s degree
Education: At least a bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree programs are also common and may be preferred by some employers.
Students intending to apply to an athletic training master’s program would be best prepared by completing an Exercise Science B.S. with an Emphasis in Athletic Training.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- St. Scholastica
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- Texas A&M University
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Overview of Profession
Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear problems.
- Median annual wage for audiologists $75,920 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016 – 2026) 21%
Education & Training/Residency
Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
Education: A bachelor’s degree in any field. A doctoral degree in audiology program typically takes 4 years to complete.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
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Overview of Profession
Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, and other techniques to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain.- Median annual wage for chiropractors $63,640 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 12%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
- Education: 4 year undergraduate degree (including physics, biology and chemistry). Completion of a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, typically 4 years.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- Northwestern Health Sciences
- Logan College of Chiropractic
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Overview of Profession
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.- Median annual wage for dentists $158,120 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 19%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
- Education: 4 year undergraduate degree (including biology and chemistry). Completion of a dental program results in one of three degrees: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM), and Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD).
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- University of Minnesota
- A.T. Stills University, Missouri School of Dentistry
- University of Iowa
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Pre-Engineering students can best prepare for Engineering School by completing a degree in either Mathematics or Chemistry.
Our Pre-Engineering program allows you to spend your time at Concordia fulfilling general education requirements and building a solid foundation in mathematics and the sciences, including calculus-based physics courses. You will work closely with your academic advisor to ensure you meet the requirements for entrance into the engineering school of your choice. Admission to an engineering program is highly competitive, Concordia can help you gain the skills necessary to stand out as a candidate for admission.
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Overview of Profession
Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.- Median annual wage for genetic counselors $77,480 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 29%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Master’s degree
- Education: 4-year undergraduate degree (with a focus in sciences), 2 years of an advanced degree.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- Sarah Lawrence College
- University of Utah
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Pre-Law Specialty Studies involves coursework that will help you develop the skills in analysis, problem-solving, critical reading, writing, oral communication, listening, task organization and management that are necessary for a law career. You’ll work closely with a pre-law advisor in choosing courses that meet your interest and develop knowledge of history, political thought, pre-calculus, finance, human behavior, social interaction, diverse cultures, international institutions and world events. Your pre-law advisor will also help you apply for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and advise you in the law school application process.
You can choose from a wide variety of liberal arts majors that will help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary for law school entrance and success. At Concordia, small class sizes and one-on-one relationships with your professors allow them to know your skills and characteristics well enough to write insightful letters of recommendation for law school entrance. Concordia’s emphasis on relevant, hands-on learning will give you plenty of experiences outside the classroom that will stand out on your law school application.
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Overview of Profession
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.- Median annual wage for physicians and surgeons $208,000 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 13%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
- Education: Typically, a 4 year undergraduate degree (commonly in biology, chemistry, physics, or math), 4 years of medical school and depending on specialty, 3-7 years in internship or residency programs (total of 11-15 years)
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- University of Minnesota
- University of North Dakota
- UW-Madison Medical School
- Medical College of Wisconsin
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Overview of Profession
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.- Median annual wage for occupational therapists $83,200 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 24%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
- Education: 4 year undergraduate degree (with courses in physiology and biology), 2-3 years of advanced degree. Master’s programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete; doctoral programs take about 3 years.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placement
- University of Minnesota
- Creighton University
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Overview of Profession
Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.
- Median annual wage for optometrists $110,300 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016 – 2026) 18%
Education & Training/Residency
Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
Education: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree program typically takes 4 years to complete, and most students have a bachelor’s degree before entering such a program.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
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Overview of Profession
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.- Median annual wage for pharmacists $124,170 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 6%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
- Education: 4 year undergraduate degree, 4 years in a Pharm.D. program. Following graduation from a Pharm.D. program, pharmacists seeking an advanced position, such as a clinical pharmacy or research job, may need to complete a 1- to 2-year residency. Pharmacists who choose to complete the 2-year residency option receive additional training in a specialty area such as internal medicine or geriatric care.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- University of Minnesota
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Concordia University Wisconsin
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Overview of Profession
Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.- Median annual wage for physical therapists $86,850 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 28%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
- Education: Typically, a 4-year undergraduate degree (with courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics), 3 years in a DPT program.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- University of Minnesota
- University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
- Mayo Clinic
- St. Catherine University
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Overview of Profession
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients.- Median annual wage for physician assistants $104,860 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 37%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Master’s degree
- Education: 4-year undergraduate degree (with a focus in sciences), 2 years of an advanced degree.
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placements
- Bethel University
- Augsburg University
- Emory University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Physician Assistant Salus University
- University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse
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Overview of Profession
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.
- Median annual wage for veterinarians $90,420 (May 2017)
- Career outlook (percent growth projection between 2016-2026) 19%
Education & Training/Residency
- Degree: Doctoral degree (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – DVM)
- Education: 4-year undergraduate degree (with a focus in sciences), 4 years in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program
Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Alumni Graduate School Placement
- Western University of Health Sciences Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Articulation Agreements
Concordia University, St. Paul offers articulation agreements with several universities offering professional programs.
- 3+3 with Northwestern Health Sciences (chiropractic)
- 3+4 with Concordia University, Wisconsin (pharmacy)