Pre-professional advising
What is pre-professional advising?
The Academic Advising Center provides information to students on how to prepare for professional programs that are not currently offered at UAF. In preparation for applying to their program of interest, students may complete the required prerequisite courses as they work toward an associate degree and/or a bachelor's degree.
Most professional programs are very competitive and require high grades, high test scores (GRE, MCAT, DAT or LSAT), a proven interest in the field (exposure through volunteer or work experience, and extra-curricular activities) and several letters of reference.
Admission requirements will vary by school. It is important to verify specific admissions requirements with each school of interest.
For additional information about pre-professional programs, contact the Academic Advising Center 907-474-6396 to set up an appointment.
Pre-professional advising for health professions
- The Alaska Interior Medical Education Summit (AIMES) is held every fall to provide high school and college students an opportunity to explore several dozen choices for careers and education in health-related fields.
- UAF's Pre-Medical Society (a student-based club) can be a great resource for current and incoming pre-med students. Email the UAF Pre-Medical Society at uafpremed@gmail.com.
- Check out the "Explore Health Careers" website to explore various health professions and whether a career in health is right for you.
- General Overview of Prerequisites for Health disciplines (PDF)
Attending programs outside of Fairbanks
WICHE professional student exchange program
The 15 states that comprise the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) provide their residents with opportunities to attend member schools at reduced nonresident tuition rates. WICHE's Professional Student Exchange Program offers Alaska residents access to degree programs in dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and podiatry.
WWAMI program
The Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) program has partnered with the University of Washington to allow accepted Alaska residents to spend their first few years of medical school at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus followed by additional classroom and clinical instruction at the University of Washington's Seattle campus. Alaska residents only compete for acceptance with other students from Alaska. When accepted, they pay Washington state resident tuition.
Veterinary medicine
Are you interested in veterinary medicine? Contact Dr. Todd O’Hara, Ph.D., DVM, DABVT, professor of veterinary pharmacology and toxicology and coordinator of pre-vet/veterinary student services.
Pharmacy
If you are interested in pharmacy, take a look at the Idaho State University and University of Alaska Anchorage Joint Pharmacy Program that can be completed entirely in Alaska. If enrolled in this program, several classes are required to be taken in Anchorage. See the Joint Pharmacy Program website for more information.