Pursuing a career in a health profession means committing to a challenging path and choosing to be held to high standards. Health profession programs evaluate students’ abilities beyond their experience in the pre-requisite science coursework. They are looking for students who have “the complete package” — those who are able to demonstrate their passion for the field and the professional competencies required to be successful in professional school and in a healthcare career: intelligence, resilience, empathy, collaboration, cultural awareness, ethical responsibility, compassion and reliability.
The Pre-Health Professions Certificate is designed to support all UT Austin students — regardless of major, experience or healthcare goal — prepare for a potential future in a health profession.
Overview of the Certificate
The PHP certificate requires 20* hours of coursework that provides a strong academic and professional foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. Certificate courses include those required and recommended by professional schools and expand the student’s academic pursuits outside of their major. In addition, all students pursuing the PHP certificate are required to take two of the three Health Professions Pathways seminars. These 1c courses guide and support students in defining and refining their unique path as well as developing their professional competencies.
- NSC 107J: The Effective Health Professional
- NSC 107K: Collaboration in Healthcare
- NSC 107M: The PreHealth Action Plan
*Depending on your catalog. Please check with your advisor to confirm your catalog and your requirements.
Suggested first year course plan:
Fall first year
BIO 311C#
CH 301
CH 104M#
Math, if needed
First year seminar
UGS 302/303 or other course
Spring First Year
BIO 311D#
BIO 206L#
CH 302
CH 104N#
NSC 107J: Effective Health Prof#
Core/Flag/other course
Summer first year
Extracurricular experiences: shadowing, service, healthcare work, research, passion projects, leadership, etc.
#Count to PHP certificate requirements
Students should work with their academic advisor and the Health Professions Office to make an academic plan that incorporates coursework for the certificate as well as professional school academic and extracurricular requirements.
Health profession requirements and suggested course plans from HPO:
| Anesthesiologist Assistant | Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy |
| Cardiovascular Perfusionist | Optometry | Physician Assistant |
| Dentistry | Orthotist & Prosthetist | Podiatry |
| Medicine | Pharmacy | Veterinary |
Please note: these are suggested timelines to demonstrate one possible way the pre-req courses for a career path might fit. Every student’s path will be unique and we recommend you use these sample paths as a jumping off point as you explore your own journey.
Certificate for Natural Sciences Majors
As a CNS student, your science-focused major will lay the foundation in mastering the most common requisites needed for professional health programs. The Pre-Health Professions Certificate will encourage you to diversify your degree, build your professional competencies and portfolio, and broaden your preparation by choosing additional coursework (at least 9 hours) in a specific theme:
- Cultural Awareness Theme
- Health & Anatomy Theme
- Healthcare Policy Theme
- Human & Societal Development Theme
- Nutrition Theme
Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and the Health Professions Office to select a healthcare theme and courses most relevant to their professional career goals. Some of the courses may contain prerequisites that are in addition to the coursework for the certificate.
Find certificate requirements for CNS majors by catalog here:
Certificate for Majors Outside of Natural Sciences
As a non-CNS student, your major may not incorporate preprofessional science coursework. The Pre-Health Professions Certificate gives you a path for incorporating these classes into your degree – the best of both worlds. As part of the certificate, you will take the same chemistry, biology, math and physics courses as College of Natural Sciences students, ensuring you gain the math and science skills needed to succeed in your professional program. In addition, you will take the NSC seminars to build your professional competencies and portfolio.
Find certificate requirements for Non-CNS majors by catalog here:
Interested in Pursuing the Pre-Health Professions Certificate? Take the next step!
Current UT students interested in pursuing the PHP certificate should talk to their academic advisor and determine how the requirements will fit into their graduation plan. Once you decide the certificate is right for you, you will need to submit an application form. CNS students may submit their application at any time. Non-CNS students must first complete CH 301 or CH 302 with a B- or higher, and a calculus or statistics course before applying for the certificate.
Apply for the Pre-Health Professions Certificate
Please contact our email address with any questions: