Pre-Allied Health Studies

Pre-allied health studies

Springboard your allied health career

Rider’s pre-allied health advising program designed to put you on track to achieving your goals of entering professional programs in nursing, physical and occupational therapy, diagnostic imaging and more.

Pre-health advising overview

Open to students in any major, Rider’s Pre-Allied Health Advising pathway supports students preparing for graduate/professional study in physician assistant (PA), physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and related health professions. As one of the fastest-growing areas in healthcare, these careers require strong academic preparation, meaningful clinical experiences, and a clear understanding of the profession.

Rider’s Pre-Health Advisor and faculty mentors will guide you every step of the way. Many Rider students begin on the Pre-Medical Studies pathway and later find their goals align more closely with an allied health profession. Our advising system is designed to support this exploration and ensure a smooth transition if your focus shifts.

Admission options

Three students pose for photo on Rider campus.

First-year - How to Apply

Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

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Transfer - How to Apply

No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

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Continuing Education - How to Apply

Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to earn your bachelor's degree or take courses for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.

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Academic preparation

You’ll work closely with your program advisor to develop a highly personalized plan of study that will help you complete the prerequisites necessary for admission into allied health programs. While specific requirements vary by program, Rider students typically complete coursework in the following areas:

Biological sciences (including human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology)
Chemistry (general and organic)
Physics
Mathematics and statistics
Psychology and social sciences (introductory psychology, human development, abnormal psychology, sociology)
English and communication (with emphasis on writing and critical thinking)

Students in Rider's pre-allied health advising program also benefit from a specific curriculum designed for a seamless transition to The Jefferson College of Health Professions.

View the Thomas Jefferson University transfer curriculum

What professional schools look for

Admissions committees for PA, PT, and OT programs want to see evidence of both academic strength and hands-on commitment to the field. A strong foundation in the sciences and behavioral sciences, along with communication and quantitative skills, may be required. Rider’s Pre-Health Advisor and faculty mentors help you choose the allied health profession that fits your goals, plan the right coursework, gain clinical experiences, and prepare for graduate school applications and exams — providing both structure and flexibility as your path takes shape.

Rider helps you prepare through:

Strong academics: Most successful applicants present an overall GPA of 3.4+ and a science GPA of 3.2–3.5 or higher.
Clinical experience: Programs expect direct patient care exposure through shadowing, volunteering, or paid healthcare roles.
Leadership and service: Campus and community involvement highlights your teamwork and communication skills.
Professional conduct: Graduate programs ask about both academic and non-academic conduct; maintaining the highest ethical standards is essential.

Real-world experience

At Rider, you’ll gain early exposure to the health care field. Our emphasis on early laboratory and fieldwork experiences helps to ensure you’ll meet certain requirements for admission into medical programs. Benefit from Rider’s intensive internship courses with our partnering health organizations including the Capital Health Systems, collaborate with faculty on paid research opportunities and take advantage of external internship opportunities.

Internships, Research and Independent Study