“My EMU education taught me the value of relationships, to apply oneself and work hard at whatever task meets one’s hands, and that education should be more than a means to passing a standardized examination. In terms of my own journey, I feel that EMU prepared me well both for life and for entering the field of medicine.”
-EMU grad Rich Bryson is now a medical student at University of Maryland
course lists
Download the correct list of required courses for pre-medicine:
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“I can think of no better place to prepare for a career in medicine than EMU. I had a well-rounded scientific education and I am grateful for the relationships and faith development I gained before beginning the study of medicine.”
-EMU graduate Brian Roggie is studying at State University of New York, Stony Brook School of Medicine
Pre-Medicine Program
Character traits, such as humanitarian inclinations and motivation to help others , are important criteria for persons who want to enter medical careers. From a Christian Anabaptist perspective, helping others through loving and sacrificial service, is a characteristic of what it means to follow Jesus, who was the Supreme Servant. Through a career in medicine, one can embody the" way of Jesus ,"who went about healing the sick and doing good.
Any undergraduate major is acceptable for medical school, but the required science courses must be completed no matter a student’s major. (See list of medical schools EMU students are now attending.) It is, of course, easier to complete these requirements if one is a biology or biochemistry major.
Review the program’s mission and goals for students.
Clinical, Volunteer, and Practical Experiences
Students must demonstrate some level of involvement in medicine which may consist of shadowing a physician, volunteering at a clinic, or employment in a hospital or nursing home as a technician or nursing assistant. Involve yourself in some community volunteer work that relates to people. These experiences do not need to be “medical-related” but they should directly affect or influence people.
Choose to complete a collaborative research project with a faculty person. Research participation indicates your interest and involvement in the process of science and will enhance your critical and creative thinking skills. Extracurricular activities during the undergraduate years are important and are noticed. They indicate your broader interests and experiences. Active participation in the Preprofessional Health Science Society is a minimal expectation.
Liberal Arts Foundation
One of the important aspects in your education is the broad liberal arts exposure you receive at EMU.
EMU students uniquely have a strong cross-cultural component in their liberal arts experience which encourages development of relational skills with those of other ethic backgrounds and cultures.
The cross-cultural experience may validate ones involvement in liberal arts. Humanitarian values are an important selection criterion in gaining admission to medical school.
Gaining entrance into a medical school is a difficult process, but if you have the interest, aptitude, and resolve to work through the various steps, you can join the successful ranks of EMU students who have completed programs in medicine and are practicing as physicians in their chosen specialties.
Click here to learn more about available surgical assistant programs.