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The Pre-Med Program
| Overview |
This area of study is not a “major”, but an emphasis in
course and experiential work in preparation to enter any of the
professions in the pre-med area, which includes: physician;
physician assistant; anesthesiologist assistant; optometrist;
dentist; veterinarian; pharmacist; physical therapist;
occupational therapist; chiropractor; podiatrist; public health
professional; or medical researcher.
Course schedules vary to meet requirements of the student’s
profession of interest. All students engage in internship(s) to
acquire practical experience in the profession. |
| What skills and abilities do I need to excel in this degree? |
| Students should have, or develop good study skills,
analytical thinking, reading comprehension and ability to
communicate well, both verbally and in writing. |
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What skills can I expect to develop through this degree? |
| Students in this area develop a sound knowledge base,
and conceptual understanding of the sciences, including biology,
chemistry, physics and mathematics. Specific courses required
vary depending on the professional program which the student
wishes to enter. In addition, they learn to apply scientific
concepts in laboratory applications, both in laboratories as
part of courses and in student research projects. |
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What opportunities are there for internships or other hands-on learning experiences? |
An important component of the student experience is
practical observation and guided participation in clinical
procedures and patient interaction. This is acquired in clinical
settings during internships with professionals in the field of
interest.
The Medical Professions Advisory Council (MPAC) is a very
dedicated group of healthcare professionals, all of whom are
alumni of CMU. Through MPAC and an associated group of alumni,
each CMU pre-med student receives an alumni mentor who has
practiced in the student’s field of interest. This mentor is a
resource person, who can help the student find internship
experiences, research opportunities, as well as help with
professional school entry.
Each year the MPAC, along with the Pre-Med Advisory Committee,
organizes lectures, seminars, career days as well as special
topic panel discussions.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), National Honorary Pre-Med Society, a
student pre-professional group, organizes visits to professional
schools, brings in speakers and arranges opportunities for
service in healthcare and community.
In addition, members of AED attend the AED National Convention,
where they may interact with a variety of nationally recognized
leaders in the health professions, listen to lectures, panel
discussions and participate in hands-on exercises with
professional equipment. |
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What are some possible entry-level careers with a degree in this
field? |
A pre-med student with a BS or BA in biology or chemistry can
work in a clinical hospital lab, a research lab at a
pharmaceutical company, chemical supply company or in a
university research lab.
Alternatively, the student could work in a hospital or clinic as
an assistant, ward clerk, phlebotomist or other similar
capacity. |
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What are some CMU graduates with this degree doing? |
Dr. Keith Young '86 is chair of the Medical Professions
Advisory Council, a member of the CMU Board of Trustees, and
practices psychiatry in California
Dr. Deborah Sellmeyer '87, also a member of MPAC and the Board of
Trustees, is on the faculty at the University of California-San
Francisco School of Medicine
Dr. Richard Wyatt '64 is Executive Director of the NIH Office of
Intramural Research and Rear Admiral of the US Public Health
Service Commissioned Corps. |
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Other Items to Note |
CMU has four early admission partnerships with professional
schools.
 Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience (KCUMB)
Through this program the student applying to medical school
obtains entry to medical school after three years at CMU, and
receives both BS or BA from CMU and DO degree from KCUMB. In
addition through the Early Admission Partnership, the student
does not have to take the MCAT.
Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine
The student attends CMU for three years and then goes on to earn
a master’s degree in public health at Tulane, thus obtaining
both BS/BA and MS in five years.
University of Missouri-Columbia School of Physical Therapy
The outstanding student has an opportunity to enter the UMC
program after three years at CMU, thus earning both BS/BA and
DPT in seven years.
Southwest Baptist University School of Physical Therapy
Through this partnership CMU students are given preferred
admission to the SBU program. |
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Our Graduates... |
“My courses at CMU really prepared me well…thank you so much for
what you do.”
Laura (Hobbs) Kingsley, CMU ’98, pharmacist
“CMU offers students a very unique college experience. I spent
part of my college career at a very large university, so I know
first hand the advantages of a Central Methodist
education…(including) the close relationships students develop
both with their professors and their peers. The science
professors are so dedicated to each student’s success.”
Mattie Allen, Pre-Med student |
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