“When I was (president) at Des Moines University, we had medical students from everywhere — from BYU to Boston College — but the highest achievers were the graduates of Wartburg College. They had the highest grade point average in medical school of every college and university of the United States that we had. They have one of the best pre-med programs, bar none, in the United States of America. That’s a great asset.” 

– Former Gov. Terry Branstad, speaking to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier editorial board during his gubernatorial campaign

DENTISTRY
Dentistry is defined as the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth. 

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
Medical laboratory science is the health profession that provides laboratory information and services needed for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 

MEDICAL SCIENCE
Medicine is science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Contemporary medicine applies biomedical sciences and research, genetics, and medical technology to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury and disease.

NURSING
Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapy is an applied science and health profession that provides skilled treatment to help individuals achieve and maintain independence in all facets of their lives. OT gives people the “skills for the job of living” necessary for independent and satisfying lives.

OPTOMETRY
Optometry is a profession concerned with the eyes and related structures as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision and diagnose and treat various eye diseases.

PHARMACY
Pharmacy is the science and technique of preparing and dispensing drugs. It is a health profession that links health sciences with chemical sciences and aims to ensure the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy or physiotherapy is the health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention.

PHYSICIANS ASSISTANT
A physicians assistant is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers.

VETERINARY MEDICINE
Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in non-human animals.

COUNSELING
Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health.

LAW
Studying law develops one’s understanding of the levers of power in our society. Studying law allows a person who has a strong sense of justice to see where there are defects in the system and to work constructively and effectively to change it. 

SEMINARY
Religious studies helps students understand the Christian heritage, increase ethical sensitivity, gain understanding of and respect for other religions, and explore the relation between faith and life. Those who attend seminary are those who plan to take leadership roles in ministry.