Pre-professional programs are specifically designed programs that vary in length from one to four years and prepare students for entrance into professional schools. Some of Bemidji state University's fifteen pre-professional programs have been developed in conjunction with the University of Minnesota and other universities. While some students choose to complete pre-professional programs that require one or two years of study, students preparing for entrance to school of medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, or other fields may be advised to earn a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of study. Entrance into professional schools is dependent upon the preparation and academic competence achieved at the pre-professional level. This academic preparation must be planned to meet requirements defined by each professional school.
Academic advisers assist students in selecting courses and in understanding entrance criteria.
Advisers also serve a liaisons between the professional school and the student. For these reasons, it is particularly important that pre-professional students work closely with their assigned adviser. Delay in meeting with the adviser could result in delayed entrance into professional school.