There are four dental schools in the state of Texas that offer Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). From a career standpoint, in addition to general dentistry, there are several sub-specialties including dental public health, endodontics, oral & maxillofacial pathology, radiology, surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.  
 
These are general guidelines published by the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. School-specific requirements from those institutions within Texas or beyond may differ slightly. Most dental schools DO NOT accept high school AP credit. Applicants are also required to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). 
 
We have identified our specific courses at Texas A&M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each dental school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. While none of the dental programs require a specific academic major, they do require the following general course work:  

Applications for dental schools in Texas for Texas residents are handled through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). Applications for out-of-state schools are handled by the American Dental Education Association's (ADEA) common application (AADSAS).  

In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of dentistry. The American Dental Association (ADA) has some excellent resources for career mapping and volunteering opportunities for aspiring dentists. 

Texas A&M Kingsville Pre-Dental Society student organization 

Dental schools in the state of Texas 

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry 

University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston 

University of Texas School of Dentistry at San Antonio 

Texas Tech School of Dental Medicine 

There are eleven allopathic medical schools in the state of Texas that offer Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and three osteopathic medical schools that offer Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The list of specialties and subdisciplines in medicine is extensive and summarized on the American Medical Association’s FREIDA Specialty Guide. 

These are general guidelines published by the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. School-specific requirements from those institutions within Texas or beyond may differ slightly. Most medical schools DO NOT accept high school AP credit. Applicants are also required to take the Medical College Admittance Test (MCAT). The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has some excellent MCAT preparation tips. 

We have identified our specific courses at Texas A&M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each medical school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. While none of the medical programs require a specific academic major, they do require the following general course work: 

Applications for allopathic or osteopathic medical schools in Texas for Texas residents are handled through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine also has an independent application service (AACOMAS). Students applying to private Texas schools or out of state medical schools can apply through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) application service (AMCAS). 

In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine. The AAMC has a list of core competencies for the aspiring pre-med student as well as a helpful primer on medical school. The American Medical Association (AMA) also has several resources for pre-med students, including tips for getting into med school and choosing a major to prepare you for med school. 

American Medical Student Association TAMU-K student chapter 

Student Association for Pre-Health Majors 

Medical schools in the state of Texas 

Baylor College of Medicine 

Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Texas A&M University HSC, College of Medicine 

Texas Tech HSC College of Medicine 

Texas Tech HSC Paul L Foster School of Medicine at El Paso 

University of Houston College of Medicine 

University of North Texas HSC College of Osteopathic Medicine 

University of Texas Austin, Dell Medical School 

University of Texas McGovern Medical School 

University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston 

University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio 

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine 

TCU and UNT School of Medicine (AMCAS only) 

University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOMAS only) 

Nursing is projected to be one of the most in-demand professions according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nursing profession has numerous educational pathways: from 2-year degree to PhD. The American Nursing Association has a convenient overview and different education paths to becoming a nurse. This University of St. Augustine post provides an excellent breakdown of the different education levels and career outlooks for nursing degrees.  

In Texas, there are over 100 nursing programs to choose from. So where does Texas A&M Kingsville fit in this vast landscape? While we do not offer a nursing degree, we can provide you with a high-quality education for most prerequisites before transferring to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program of your choosing. Students can opt to transfer after completing the basic prerequisites or apply to a nursing program after completing their Bachelor of Science at TAMU-K. Entering a nursing program as a postbaccalaureate student will provide you with more education, more experience, and a completed degree over transferring after two years. 

We have identified our specific courses at Texas A&M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each nursing school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. 

The Texas States Board of Nursing keeps a list of approved Registered Nurse (RN) Education Programs (PDF). In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with previous patient experience as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA), professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of nursing. Please check out our Jobs and Opportunities page for contact information and resources to enhance your resume. 

Optometrists are specialized healthcare providers for eye and vision care. This includes vision assessment, writing prescriptions for corrective lenses, detection, diagnosis, and management of eye diseases, and rehabilitation of visual systems. Doctor of Optometry spends 4 to 5 years in specialized optometry schools after completing their undergraduate degree. While enrolled in an accredited program, training and education can be conducted in a variety of settings including the college of Optometry, hospitals, private practice, clinics, or nonprofits.  

All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a College of Optometry require a “C” or better. Each optometry school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for a nursing degree offered at Texas A&M University Kingsville are: 

In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine. Admission into a School of Optometry is centralized through OptomCAS. Prospective students are evaluated on their undergraduate GPA, extra-curricular and public service activities, personal interview, professional potential, and their score on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). Further information can be found at the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) webpage. Applications open in June, with early application deadlines occurring at various times thereafter. It is important that students review the guidelines and requirements for each school. 

Optometry schools in the state of Texas 

University of Houston 

University of the Incarnate Word  

There are nine pharmacy schools in the state of Texas that offer Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D). There are numerous disciplines within pharmacy that are available for specialization in, including clinical pharmacy, compounding, hospital, informatics, nuclear, oncology, retail, clinical pathology, and clinical toxicology. 

Pharmacy Is Right For Me is an informational repository for students interested in the pharmacy profession. It is a collaborative effort between the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) coordinates the application process for perspective students and serves and a clearinghouse for review and candidate selection for the pharmacy schools. Applicants are also required to take the PCAT. 

We have identified our specific courses at Texas A&M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each pharmacy school determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. While none of the pharmacy programs require a specific academic major, they do require the following general course work: 

In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of pharmacy. 

TAMUK Pre-Pharmacy Association 

Pharmacy schools in the state of Texas 

Texas A&M Health Science Center Rangel School of Pharmacy 

Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy 

University of Houston College of Pharmacy 

University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy 

University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy 

University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy 

University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy 

University of Texas at Tyler Fisch College of PharmacyPage Break 

The Physician Assistant (PA) career is highly competitive and very in-demand as the need for qualified medical professionals grows. PAs are typically on the frontlines of patient care, diagnosing illness, designing and implementing treatment programs, and prescribe medicines. PAs can also specialize in a variety of areas within the medical field, including surgery, anesthesia, emergency medicine, internal medicine, neurology, and many others. The profession is represented by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). 

PAs receive a Master’s degree from an accredited program and usually take 2-3 years to complete their training after acceptance. Applications are usually routed through CASPA and require a bachelor’s degree and a Graduate Records Exam (GRE) or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) for entry. First-hand patient experience is typically required for acceptance. 

All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a Physician Assistant program require a “C” or better. Each PA program determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for this professional route offered at Texas A&M University Kingsville are: 

In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine.  

The Physician Assistant Education Association maintains a directory of accredited programs in the United States, while the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants maintains a directory of programs in Texas. The AAPA has a helpful FAQ for students looking for more information. 

Podiatry a specialty medical field devoted to the health and treatment of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. Podiatrists are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM) and are trained as both physicians and surgeons. They are trained to independently assess, diagnose and treat ailments through prescription medication, non-invasive therapies, or surgery. Podiatrists are accredited through the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and is a good resource for learning about the profession. The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine provides accreditation to podiatric programs in the US.  

All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a Podiatry program require a “C” or better. Each Podiatry program determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for this professional route offered at Texas A&M University Kingsville are: 

Additional coursework in molecular, biomedical, or the health sciences will be beneficial. In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine. 

While there is not an accredited podiatric program in Texas, the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine has been allowed to recruit its first Podiatric Medicine class in 2022 and is moving towards full accreditation. 

The medical field of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics (often abbreviated O&P) performs numerous duties that support patients with orthopedic, neurologic, and integument conditions affecting the limbs, head, and trunk. They diagnose patient conditions, identify treatment regimens, and create prosthetics to support and treat ailments. Much more information can be found at the American Board for Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics (ABCOP) What Is POP? page. 

There are several levels of training and responsibility as outlined at the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education’s website. The highest level of training is the Orthotist/Prosthetist, which requires a Master’s degree from an accredited O&P program and clinical residency. After training and residency, professionals can be accredited by the ABCOP before moving forward with their professional careers. 

This career track is very competitive and requires high GPA and extensive internship experience in the field. We have identified our specific courses at Texas A&M University Kingsville that meet the general course requirements above as well as additional courses that are beneficial to students preparing for this professional track. Each O&P program its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. 

In addition to a strong academic record, successful applicants typically have experience with undergraduate research, professional shadowing, and other activities that demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of medicine. 

There are currently two O&P programs in Texas: 

Baylor College of Medicine Orthotics and Prosthetics Program 

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Masters of Prosthetics-Orthotics 

A Genetic Counselor is member of a patient’s healthcare team that assist patients in making informed decisions about test results, prognoses, and treatment options based on personal and family history. Counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling and can specialize in prenatal, pediatric, oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, psychiatry, or many other areas. The Center for Disease Control and National Society of Genetic Counselors have more information about the professional aspects of this career track. 

To become a Genetic Counselor, students must complete a 4-yr undergraduate degree and have sufficient shadowing and patient care experience before receiving a Master’s degree from an accredited program. There is no specified major for the undergraduate degree, but one focusing on biomedical or health science with a concentration in genetics are preferred.  

All prerequisites for consideration for admission into a Genetic Counselor program require a “C” or better. Each Genetic Counselor program determines its own course requirements for admission. Students should refer to the respective school’s website for the official and most current requirements for that school. Relevant prerequisite courses for a nursing degree offered at Texas A&M University Kingsville are: 

The Western States Regional Genetics Network and Accreditation Council for Genetics Counseling have updated resources for perspective students and a list of accredited programs. In Texas, there are two accredited Genetic Counseling programs: 

Baylor College of Medicine Genetic Counseling Program 

University of Houston Genetic Counseling