If you are considering an application to medical, dental, veterinary, or another health professional school after graduating we see you taking advantage of 51ºÚÁÏ’s Health Professions Program. The Health Professions Program is a great option even if you have not firmly decided upon your future career path. The curriculum is designed to provide the guidance, information, and assistance needed to successfully pursue advanced medical education.
Simply send an e-mail to the Health Professions Advisor, (Dr. Audrey Ettinger; ), and she will keep you informed of various workshops, internships, open houses, and other opportunities that will help you explore your interests and improve your credentials. You will also benefit from the guidance and assistance of our Health Professions Committee (see information below).
Because of the required courses in science, most health professions students choose to major in the sciences, most often in biology, biochemistry, or neuroscience. However, it is not necessary to major in science. Cedar Crest does not have pre-health professions majors. The best major is the one that interests and excites you; enjoy it and be prepared to work hard in it!
The Health Professions Committee
A group of Cedar Crest faculty members advise interested students, write letters of recommendation for qualified students, and determine policies regarding pre-health professions studies. The current members of this committee include:
Audrey Ettinger, PhD, Health Professions Advisor, Biology
Dianne Babbitt, PhD, Health Sciences
Jeanne Berk, PhD, Chemistry
Jennifer Hayden, PhD, Biology
Carol Pulham, PhD, English
Students wishing to complete the Health Professions Concentration should consult the College catalog for the full list of requirements. The following 51ºÚÁÏ courses fulfill the undergraduate course requirements for most medical, dental and veterinary schools:Ìý
ÌýBIO 123 Foundations in BiologyÌý
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular BiologyÌý
CHE 111 Chemical PrinciplesÌý
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and AnalysisÌý
CHE 205, 206 Organic Chemistry I & IIÌý
CHE 217 or CHE 307, BiochemistryÌý
PHY 104, 105 College Physics I & IIÌý
MAT 141, 142 Calculus I & IIÌý
BIO 248 Biostatistics or MAT 110 Probability and StatisticsÌý
ENG (Two courses, including WRI 100, College Writing)Ìý
PSY 100 Introduction to PsychologyÌý
SOC 100 Introduction to Culture and SocietyÌý
Please bear in mind that these courses are the minimum requirements. To perform well on admissions tests and succeed in professional school, students may need additional coursework, such as genetics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, or public speaking, all of which are regularly offered at Cedar Crest.Ìý
ÌýProfessional schools seek students with a demonstrated record of academic achievement. The Health Professions Advisor can assist you in evaluating your academic record to determine your competitiveness for particular schools and programs.Ìý
ÌýYou should also seek the following as part of your undergraduate studies:Ìý
Research experienceÌý
Exposure to clinical practiceÌý
Volunteer service opportunitiesÌý
Involvement in the student Health Professions SocietyÌý
Pre-dental students should also have a high degree of manual dexterity.Ìý
The application process for health professions schools begins the year prior to the intended start date (i.e., in the spring of the junior year for students planning to proceed immediately after graduation). Students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor initially and throughout the application process. Most medical schools expect a confidential letter of recommendation from the Health Professions Committee, and it is inadvisable for students to apply without requesting a letter using the form available from the Advisor.Ìý
ÌýMost health professions programs require completion of a standardized test, typically administered at a computerized testing center.Ìý
Medical schools require applicants to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).Ìý
Most U.S. dental schools require the Dental Admission Test (DAT).Ìý
Veterinary schools use either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).Ìý
Physician Assistant and Masters of Public Health schools use either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).Ìý
Students should determine the preference of the schools in which they are interested.Ìý
How To Apply
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