Pre-Professional Health Programs

The field of athletic training is rapidly changing, and a major in Health and Exercise Science can prepare students interested in becoming certified athletic Trainers with the hands-on skills and foundational knowledge to be best prepared for applying to a wide range of graduate programs to earn a Master’s degree in athletic training as required by the accrediting body (CAATE).

As Certified Athletic Trainers can be found in a wide range of settings, the HES major at Simpson College will also provide you with a wide range of opportunities to observe and work with current practicing Athletic Trainers. At the same time, you take classes focused on anatomy, injury diagnosis, and rehabilitation.

Your path to becoming a chiropractor can start strong at Simpson. Many students pursuing this path will earn a Bachelor’s degree in a science-based major. You will also be encouraged to explore opportunities outside of the classroom.

If you wish to pursue a career in dentistry, look no further than Simpson College. Small class sizes, state-of-the-art labs, and professors who know you and want you to succeed are just a few reasons our students are accepted into the dental schools of their choice.

While at Simpson, you will earn a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry. Your advisor will work with you to ensure that you are developing a well-rounded foundation, both inside and outside of the classroom, and demonstrate a diverse set of interests and aptitudes.

Effective Jan 1, 2024, the minimum degree requirement for dietitians to take the registration exam is a master’s degree. Here at Simpson, we are prepared to guide your undergraduate studies to include didactic undergraduate coursework, making you eligible for graduate-level programs in dietetics.

With a Registered Dietitian among the Sport Science faculty, nutrition and clinical physiology are essential in our Health and Exercise Science curriculum. Registered Dietitians are recognized nutrition experts and work in various settings, including clinical, community, and public health, schools, long-term care, private practice, sports nutrition, industry, food service, and more.

Simpson College is the best place to prepare yourself for medical school. Experienced faculty collaborating from multiple disciplines across campus combine with rigorous coursework to provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation for success.

Working with your academic advisor is very important when considering a pre-med program. Faculty from Biology, Chemistry, and Sport Science and Health Education will assist in your planning by identifying required and recommended coursework and sponsoring undergraduate research and internships. Once on this path, you will earn a Bachelor’s degree with a major, or double-major, in biology, biochemistry, or Health and Exercise Science before moving on to medical school.

Here are a few of the medical schools that have accepted Simpson students in recent years:

• Des Moines University (PT, PA, Healthcare Administration)
• Georgia Southern (PT)
• Creighton University (PT, OT)
• Clarkson University (PT)
• Iowa (PT)
• Briar Cliff (PT)
• Washington University (PT)
• St Mary University (PT)
• University of New Mexico (PT)
• University of St Augustine (PT)
• University of South Dakota (OT)
• Drake University (OT)
• KU Med Center (OT & Palmer (chiro)
• Logan University (chiro)
• University of Nebraska-Omaha (PA)
• University of Nebraska Medical Center (PA)
• Allen College (Accelerated nursing-BSN)
• Mercy College (Accelerated nursing-BSN)
• Carroll University (Clinical Exercise Physiology)

The quality of a Simpson education is evident by the long list of practicing medical professionals who got their start here.

A nursing degree that starts at Simpson College offers you the best of both worlds.

Before finishing your degree at Allen College of Nursing in Waterloo, Iowa, you will benefit from the engaged faculty and all the opportunities a small, liberal arts school offers.

With the 3+1 nursing program, you will complete a Biology or Sport Science & Health degree in three years, along with Simpson’s general education requirements.

Upon acceptance into Allen College or Mercy College, you will begin their 1-year accelerated nursing program.

When finished, you will receive a Bachelor’s degree from Simpson and a B.S.N. from Allen College or Mercy College.

Occupational therapists are in demand. The profession’s growth rate is much faster than average, at 24% by 2026. If working with children and adults, helping them find a quality of life through mastery of everyday tasks, sounds appealing, Simpson is the place to begin.

Concentrating your education in the Sports Science department. Another common path students take is a double major/minor in psychology. You will earn a Bachelor’s degree that will prepare you for either a master’s or doctoral degree. You will be advised and guided by professors with experience to make sure your transition to post-secondary education is smooth.

Simpson students interested in a career in optometry will find help and abundant knowledge from professors and advisors who can help them reach their goals.

Optometry is a growing profession. With a respected Bachelor’s degree from Simpson College, you will be noticed by competitive optometry programs nationwide.

This course of study will guide you toward completing the courses necessary to enter a qualified pharmacy program. Knowledgeable professors will work beside you in the classroom and in the lab with material that will challenge you and experiences that will prepare you.

Concentrating in the Biology and Chemistry departments, you will earn a respected Simpson Bachelor’s degree in a major that covers the necessary educational components to apply to a pharmacy program.

Within the growing healthcare field, careers as physician assistants are expected to grow by 37% through 2026. Simpson knows how to put you on the path to reach your goal.

You will work closely with your advisor to ensure you take all the necessary classes in the biology, chemistry, and sports science departments to meet the prerequisites for admission into accredited PA programs.

If you want to earn your Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Simpson will help you get started.

As a part of Simpson’s pre-physical therapy program, you will earn a Bachelor’s degree in either biology or health & exercise science. Upon completing your Simpson degree, you will be ready to apply to graduate school to earn your doctorate of physical therapy degree (D.P.T.)

Faculty in the Biology and Sport Science departments will assist you in planning your educational path at Simpson and supervise undergraduate research, internships, and observational experiences. Students often have the opportunity to observe a variety of physical therapy settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty clinics.