If you are contemplating a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing or other health profession, how do you start? Begin with basic science courses. Volunteer and serve others. Find experiences where you can engage with patients and people with health care needs and observe the health profession you are contemplating. There is no rush to do these things. Completing courses and preparing for a health career will take you several years. Set a flexible plan that you can evaluate and adjust yearly, be open to opportunities, work with your prehealth advisor, and refer to this website when you have questions.
What Should You Do?
- Use these resources to get started
- Click here to register with HPA
- Prehealth Tips for Fall 2025 (a guide for choosing classes in your first semester at Duke)
- Premedical Course Planning for Pratt
- Premedical Course Planning for Trinity
- Check this website when you have questions.
- Attend group workshops, small group advising sessions and drop-ins regularly.
- If you are a pre-dental, pre-physical therapy or pre-vet join the student group to access advising for these professions.