Degree Map: Pre-Professional Health Sciences A.S., Pre-Dentistry/Pre-Medicine/Pre-Optometry Option

If you are a full-time student and follow this degree map, you can complete this associate degree in two years.  See an academic advisor for a customized degree map that works for you.  To be recommended for the Associate in Science degree, you must achieve a grade point average of 2.0 as a minimum on all coursework attempted (minimum of 60 hours).

Note the Milestones below each semester.  Milestones are reminders of actions you should take during that semester to help keep you on track for degree completion. 

First Semester

Milestones

• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.70 during the first 30 credit hours attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status.
• Download MS Office from MyTCC.
• Form a study group, join a student organization, or volunteer at a community service site.
• Visit the writing, math and science, or technology learning centers for free individual tutoring support services.
• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Meet with an academic advisor before enrolling for the next semester.

Second Semester

Milestones

• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.70 during the first 30 credit hours attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status.
• Meet with an academic advisor before enrolling for the next semester.
• Schedule a campus visit with your transfer institution’s student recruitment office.
• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Visit Career Services by your 20th credit hour to explore career opportunities associated with this degree.

Third Semester

Milestones

• Consult with an academic advisor to complete a Petition for Computer Proficiency.
• Meet with an academic advisor for a graduation check.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 if 31 or more hours have been attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status.
• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Complete applications for admission and financial aid for the four-year institution to which you plan to transfer.
• Visit Career Services to build your resume.

Fourth Semester

Milestones

• Check academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• Meet with an academic advisor to file for graduation.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 if 31 or more hours have been attempted.  See a financial aid counselor to determine your financial aid status. 

Transfer Information

To become a physician, dentist or optometrist, a student must eventually earn a graduate degree from a professional school. Although professional schools do not stipulate specific undergraduate degrees required for admission, a strong science background is always required. Successful candidates are those who are very strong in the mathematical, physical and biological sciences as well as in a broad range of social sciences and the humanities. Admittance to most graduate programs will require four semesters of chemistry, two semesters of physics, three semesters of biology, two or three semesters of English, and a high score on a standardized exam as well as volunteer work in a clinical setting or shadowing a medical professional. Contact the professional school to determine specific admission requirements.

This degree will transfer seamlessly to Rogers State University. Every class within this degree that you have completed at TCC will transfer to RSU. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to assist in selecting elective courses that will apply to the desired program of study at the transfer institution. Although you can transfer to RSU at any time, the smoothest transition occurs if you have earned or will earn an associate degree from TCC because your degree will satisfy the general education requirements at RSU.