Health Professions Program
For information, contact Dr. Amy Reese.
Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, Pre-Veterinary
The Health Professions Program is designed to assist students in preparing and
applying for postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, veterinary
medicine, and other health professions careers. Students should be aware that
admission to schools in these areas is highly competitive, and participation in
the Health Professions Program does not imply or guarantee acceptance.
Students considering health professions careers should inform their academic
advisors, and contact the Health Professions Advisor as early as possible. An
orientation session for new students and other workshops of health professions
interest are held every year. While health professions schools require certain
undergraduate courses as prerequisites (see below), they do not require or
prefer a particular major. Therefore, each student should choose her major
based on her interests and abilities.
Courses Required:
Students should become familiar with the requirements of the particular
professional school in which they are interested. The Cedar Crest courses that
fulfill undergraduate requirements for most health professions schools are:
BIO 121 Principles of Biology I 4 credits
BIO 122 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
PHY101 Introductory College Physics I 4 credits
PHY102 Introductory College Physics II 4 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
ENG Two Courses (including composition) 6 credits
It is usually preferable for these courses to be taken at Cedar Crest, as part
of a regular academic schedule. The Health Professions advisor can answer
questions regarding the suitability of AP or transfer credit, and part-time or
summer study. An additional year of upper-level Biology (BIO 235 and 236)
and/or a course in Biochemistry are strongly recommended. Some schools have
additional course or minimum grade requirements. Supplementary courses that are
highly recommended for students’ professional development are BIO 240, Introduction to the Practice of Medicine,
and BIO 320, Biomedical Ethics. Students who wish to graduate with Health Professions Program certification from
Cedar Crest must meet the required prerequisite courses listed above, fulfill
an additional year of Biology coursework, and maintain a science and overall
GPA of 3.300 or above.
Health professions education is extremely rigorous, and therefore schools expect
a very strong record of undergraduate academic achievement, both in science
courses and overall. Information is available on individual schools’ admissions standards.
Standardized Tests
Health professions schools require the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT),
Dental Admission Test (DAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The appropriate test
should usually be taken in the spring semester of the junior year. Qualified
students who take the required prerequisite courses (including an additional
year of Biology) and maintain a science and overall GPA of 3.300 or above may
apply to take a college-sponsored test preparation course.
Additional Preparation
In addition to their academic preparation, students should have a record of
experience and service demonstrating an interest in, and commitment to, their
field of choice, as well as clearly articulated reasons for choosing a career
in their field. A sustained commitment to a meaningful volunteer activity,
exposure to professional practice, participation in Health Professions
Advisor-sponsored events, and involvement in the student chapter of Health
Occupations Students of America (HOSA) are recommended.
Application Process
The application process for health professions schools begins the year prior to
the intended start date (i.e., typically in the spring of the Junior year).
Students should consult with the Health Profession advisor initially and
throughout the process. Most medical schools expect a confidential letter of
recommendation from the Health Profession Committee, and it is inadvisable for
students to apply without requesting a letter.