Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 General Catalog 
    
2017-2018 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]

Pre-Medicine


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: All Programs

Biology: Helen Boswell - SC 112, (435) 865-8163
Physical Science: Bruce Howard - SC 219 (435) 586-7930 and J. Ty Redd - SC 309, (435) 586-7904
https://www.suu.edu/programs/pre-med-studies.html

Our programs provide the curriculum, support and guidance to ensure that students interested in Pre-Health Science careers are well positioned for acceptance into their chosen post-baccalaureate healthcare programs. Many of our students have gained admission to top schools by completing the required pre-requisites while pursuing their chosen undergraduate degrees at SUU. The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering academic and faculty advisors work closely with students to chart the ideal academic program for their success

Admission to medical school is based on the following criteria:

  1. excellent grades in undergraduate coursework, especially in science,
  2. high scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT),
  3. interviews with medical school faculty. Medical schools do not require specific undergraduate majors for admission; however, most applicants major in biology or chemistry.

Generally, medical schools require or recommend the following courses, which may be integrated into many majors:


English – one year


Seminar – one semester


Additional recommendations:


Notes


  1. Science advances rapidly, the health care system is transforming in big ways, our population is becoming more diverse every day – and tomorrow’s doctors need to be prepared.  Those factors play a major role in shaping what students learn in medical school and what they need to learn at SUU.  The new Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will be introduced in 2015 to keep pace with medical school requirements.  The natural sciences sections of the MCAT2015 exam reflect recent changes in medical education.  They test the concepts in biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics that medical school faculty rate as most important to entering students’ success.  Though undergraduate course offerings differ by institution, these concepts are covered in many undergraduate schools in introductory, two-semester, sequences in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry courses.  A greater emphasis on mathematics, including statistics, will also be seen in the new MCAT Exam.
     
  2. The MCAT is required for application to almost all medical schools. The test is offered in the fall and spring each year and scores are submitted with the application in early fall of the year prior to planning entrance to medical school. Most students should plan to take the MCAT in the spring of their junior year in college. Most medical schools require applications compiled through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). For AMCAS material, see advisor.
     
  3. Hypothesis-based undergraduate research involvement is highly recommended before applying to post-graduate programs. In addition, mathematics through calculus, and including statistics, is strongly recommended. Students who earn advanced placement or CLEP credit for the above courses must fill the requirements by taking alternative courses.
     
  4. Students planning to attend medical school are strongly urged to contact their advisor immediately upon enrolling. Similar general considerations apply to students who plan to attend chiropractic, optometric or podiatric schools.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: All Programs