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If you are considering an application to medical, dental, veterinary, or another health professional school after graduating we see you taking advantage of Cedar Crest College’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

This group of Cedar Crest faculty members advises interested students, writes letters of recommendation for qualified students, and determines 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 Cedar Crest College courses fulfill the undergraduate course requirements for most medical, dental and veterinary schools: 

  •  BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 
  • BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 
  • CHE 111 Chemical Principles 
  • CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 
  • CHE 205, 206 Organic Chemistry I & II 
  • CHE 217 or CHE 307, Biochemistry 
  • PHY 104, 105 College Physics I & II 
  • MAT 141, 142 Calculus I & II 
  • BIO 248 Biostatistics or MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 
  • ENG (Two courses, including WRI 100, College Writing) 
  • PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 
  • SOC 100 Introduction to Culture and Society 

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. 

 Professional 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. 

 You should also seek the following as part of your undergraduate studies: 

  • Research experience 
  • Exposure to clinical practice 
  • Volunteer service opportunities 
  • Involvement in the student Health Professions Society 
  • Pre-dental students should also have a high degree of manual dexterity. 

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. 

 Most health professions programs require completion of a standardized test, typically administered at a computerized testing center. 

Medical schools require applicants to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). 

Most U.S. dental schools require the Dental Admission Test (DAT). 

Veterinary schools use either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). 

Physician Assistant and Masters of Public Health schools use either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). 

Students should determine the preference of the schools in which they are interested. 

Dive A Little Deeper

Course requirements

Students should become familiar with the requirements of the particular professional school in which they are interested; each health profession and each individual school may set particular requirements in addition to those required here. The Cedar Crest courses that fulfill undergraduate requirements for most health professions schools are:

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits

Two additional courses from Biology 6-8 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
CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits
OR CHE 307 Biochemistry 3 or 4 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
OR MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits

Introductory course in Psychology 3 credits

Introductory course in Sociology* 3 credits

Two courses of college-level English or composition 6 credits

* Students intending to apply to schools of Veterinary Medicine may substitute BIO 224 Animal Behavior for SOC 100.

Upcoming Admissions Events

Oct 19
  • Sat
  • 10:00AM – 2:30PM
Fall Open House Learn More
Nov 01
  • Fri
  • 5:15PM – 7:30PM
Frights & Futures: A Haunted Admissions Adventure Learn More
Nov 09
  • Sat
  • 1:00PM – 4:30PM
Mission SIMpossible: Interactive Undergrad Nursing Event Learn More

Cooperative Agreements

Cedar Crest College collaborates with several academic institutions to provide our students with innovative pathways that help them succeed in their chosen fields.

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How To Apply

Ready to apply as an undergraduate student?

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Accreditation

Cedar Crest College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801

Faculty & Staff

Who’s teaching you is as important as the curriculum you choose.
Let’s put a face to some of the names you’ll be seeing on the course listings!

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Renee Romig

Office Manager
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