CATALOG • 2010-2011

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

PHY 101 Introductory College Physics I 4 credits

PHY 102 Introductory College Physics II 4 credits

MAT 141 Calculus I 3credits

MAT 142 Calculus II 3 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.

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 usually 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 highly 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 Professions 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.