Physical therapist massages patient's knee

Pre-Health Programs

At Pre-Health Programs, we engage pre-health students through accessible pipeline initiatives, comprehensive pre-health resources, coaching, and programming, resulting in preparedness for admission to competitive medical and allied health advanced degree programs.

Within the University College (UC), students receive support from academic advisors and pre-health professionals. Students with declared pre-majors/majors outside of UC and UNCW alumni are supported by pre-health coaches.  Both units work collaboratively to support pre-health students in all majors across the university campus. Pre-health staff are available one-on-one during scheduled appointments to assist with navigating developmental experiences necessary for admission to competitive medical and allied health graduate programs, discuss admission requirements, and plan specific application timelines. Pre-Health Programs offer programming and individualized support to UNCW students and alumni pursuing the following types of medical and allied health graduate programs:

  • Allopathic Medicine (MD)
  • Chiropractic (DC)
  • Dental (DMD)
  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Optometry (DO)
  • Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
  • Pharmacy (PharmD)
  • Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Public Health (MPH)
  • Veterinary Medicine (VDM)

Explore More

  • About Us

    Vision (Why): We develop well-rounded pre-health students.

    Mission (What): We engage pre-health students through accessible pipeline initiatives, comprehensive pre-health resources, coaching, and programming, resulting in preparedness for admission to competitive medical and allied health advanced degree programs.

    Values (How): Pre-Health Programs align with the mission put forth by UNCW to create transformative experiences, engage locally and globally, and support students & alumni in becoming professional leaders. In this context we value:

    • Student-focused initiatives
    • Accessibility
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Integrity
    • Excellence
    • Local, State and National Partnerships

    History:     Pre-Health Programs date back to the mid-2000s. During the last fifteen-plus years, UNCW has remained committed to the advancement of pre-health students into advanced degree programs. 

    We are thrilled to begin a new chapter with Pre-Health at UNCW. In the fall of 2021, the campus-based home for Pre-Health Programs relocated to the College of Health & Human Services (CHHS).  Both University College (UC) and CHHS work collaboratively to serve pre-health students in all majors across the UNCW campus. Pre-Health Programs evolved out of what was previously known as Pre-Professional Programs, which is still located within UC.
  • Pre-Health Student Pipeline Initiatives

    Interdisciplinary Health Education for Aspiring Leaders (iHEAL)

    iHEAL introduces rising ninth graders from underrepresented and rural communities in surrounding southeastern North Carolina counties to healthcare major and career options. Students participate in exposure activities introducing them to pre-health pathways including health & human services functions ranging from individual clinical practice, to population health, & public health. UNCW staff coordinate and facilitate program planning and camp activities, while UNCW faculty and community partners lead interactive, educational workshops for campers.  This program is offered free of charge to eligible and admitted campers due to being a grant-funded initiative.

    Click here for more on iHEAL  |  iHEAL home

  • Pre-Health Coaching

    There are no specific pre-health majors (i.e. pre-med, pre-dent, pre-vet, etc.) at UNC Wilmington. Additionally, pre-health students are not required to major in science. While many students choose to pursue majors in the natural and allied health sciences, they do so because of their interest in those fields. Students can major any of our majors and still satisfy the prerequisite courses necessary for admission into medical or allied health graduate programs.

    Designated pre-health advisors and coaches can connect you with resources and aid in your development as a competitive applicant. This support can include information or referrals related to the following:

    • Undergraduate major exploration
    • Graduate program interest area exploration
    • Career services 
    • Campus resources
    • Graduate program semesterly planning
    • Building a professional portfolio
    • Summer enrichment programs
    • Professional organizations
    • Campus organization involvement
    • Leadership development
    • Clinical and observational shadowing experiences
    • Community service / volunteer experience
    • Faculty research experience and connections
    • Post-baccalaureate programs
    • Exam preparation
    • Application timelines and systems


    Who Will I Meet with and How Do I Schedule?

    Students Advised Within University College (UC)

    Students who are advised within UC should schedule an appointment with their UC Academic Advisor in Starfish: https://uncw.edu/starfish/ 

    *If you have not formally declared your major, please work with your primary advisor in UC and discuss your pre-health intentions during your meeting with them.

    In the meantime, please sign up for the latest news by joining our mailing list.

    Students are also encouraged to bookmark the Pre-Health Student Preparation Resource.

    Students with a Declared Pre-Major/Major (advised outside of UC) & UNCW Alumni

    UNCW students and alumni who are advised outside of UC are encouraged to submit a Pre-Health Coaching request. 

    Please Note:

    • Students who have requested pre-health coaching will be assigned to coaches on a weekly basis beginning on 2/3/23.
    • Every effort will be made to match you with a Pre-Health Coach within one week once coaching begins.
    • Communication regarding your Pre-Health Coach assignment and appointment scheduling will be sent to your UNCW student email beginning on 2/3. UNCW alumni will be contacted via the email provided.

    Click here to submit your Pre-Health Coaching Request »

    In the meantime, please sign up for the latest news by joining our mailing list.

    Students are also encouraged to bookmark the Pre-Health Student Preparation Resource.

  • Partnership Programs

    UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy PharmD. Early Assurance Program (ESOP EAP)

    UNCW is collaborating with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in a shared commitment to train the future healthcare workforce. The two universities created an Early Assurance Program, offering an automatic interview with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program admissions committee for qualifying UNCW students. UNCW will verify that interested students meet the participation qualifications identified by the two schools and provide processes and resources to support interested students.

    Throughout the program, participating students will be required to meet with a School of Pharmacy advisor at least once each semester prior to joining the School; participate in a program seminar series; and meet pre-requisite coursework/grade requirements. The School of Pharmacy’s admissions committee will be responsible for the final selection and notification of the candidates admitted to the school’s Pharm.D. program.

    Students interested in participating in the ESOP EAP should email prehealth@uncw.edu to inquire about next steps.


    East Carolina Master of Public Health

    UNCW Public Health majors interested in the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at East Carolina University within the Brody School of Medicine should email prehealth@uncw.edu for more information.