Of the Lewis University Biology students applying to health professions doctoral programs in 2012, 90 percent of them were accepted to the program of their choice, said Dr. Jennifer Roberts, director of Pre-Health Professions. The acceptance rate is higher for students interested in pharmacy. The acceptance rate of Lewis University Biology students in graduate degree programs for pharmacy was 100 percent. “These programs are offering our graduates the opportunity to pursue careers in growing industries, such as healthcare,” she said.

Building upon the success of previous Lewis University Biology students, Roberts said that Lewis University has been approached by several graduate schools to form partnerships that shorten students’ time in school. For example, Lewis University has a fast track agreement with Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and Scholl College of Podiatry at Rosalind Franklin University. The programs provide qualified students the opportunity to complete their Biology bachelor’s degree at Lewis University and doctoral degree in Podiatry in seven years, rather than the usual eight years. “This agreement has made it possible for our students to save money and earn reserved spots for Lewis students in the doctoral programs,” Roberts said.

Lewis University’s Biology degree program provides pre-professional preparation that ensures future success, with a very specific set of pre-requisite courses required by every Health Professions program. Pre-Health Professions programs available at Lewis University include: Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Podiatry, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.