Health Professions Advising Program
Including Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental and Pre-Veterinary Studies
Introduction
The Health Professions Advising Program at Cedar Crest College offers guidance, information, and assistance to students interested in pursuing advanced medical education after graduation.
Whether you are definitely interested in medical education, or are still deciding whether a medical career is for you, it is important that you make contact with the Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Amy Reese(e-mail: ajreese@cedarcrest.edu). Dr. Reese maintains an e-mailing list that will keep you up-to-date.
Health Professions Committee
The Health Professions Committee advises students, writes letters of recommendation for qualified students, and determines policies regarding pre-health professions studies.
Faculty Members
- Dr. Amy Reese, Health Professions Advisor, Biology
- Dr. Kent Fitzgerald, Biology
- Dr. John Griswold, Chemistry
- Dr. Brian Misanko, Biology
- Dr. Carol Pulham, Humanities
Requirements
The following Cedar Crest College courses fulfill the undergraduate course requirements for most medical, dental, or veterinary schools:
| BIO 121, 122 | Principles of Biology |
| CHE 111 | Chemical Principles |
| CHE 112 | Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis |
| CHE 205, 206 | Organic Chemistry I & II |
| PHY 101, 102 | Introductory College Physics |
| MAT 141, 142 | Calculus I & II |
| ENG | Two courses (including composition) |
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 course work, such as Genetics, Cell Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Biochemistry.
Professional schools seek students with a demonstrated record of academic achievement. The Health Professions Advisor can assist students in evaluationg their academic record to determine thir competitiveness for particular schools and programs.
Students should also seek out experience in research, exposure to clinical practice, and volunteer service opportunities. Pre-dental students should have a high degree of manual dexterity.
Because of the required courses in science, most health professions students choose to major in biology, chemistry, or a related field. However, it is not necessary to major in science. Cedar Crest does not have pre-health professions majors. The best major is the one you that interests and excites you; enjoy it and be prepared to work hard in it!
Admissions Tests
Students should plan to take appropriate admissions tests in the spring of the junior year. The college offers a prep course for the the appropropriate admissions test free of charge to students who meet certain requirements.Pre-Medical
Medical schools require applicants to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is given in April and August.
Pre-Dental
Most U.S. dental schools require the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is administered at computerized testing centers.
Pre-Veterinary
Veterinary 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.
