Pre-Medicine

The University of Jamestown offers pre-professional preparation for a number of health-related fields such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Traditionally, more than 85 percent of our science (biology and chemistry) majors pursue further study or professional degrees in the health professions, graduate research, and/or teaching. Note: Students preparing for health profession programs should obtain scheduling advice from advisors in biology or chemistry before registering for classes.

Pre-Medicine

Most American medical colleges select for admission only those applicants with a four-year college degree and prefer students with a well-rounded liberal arts education. Admission to medical school is strongly influenced by two measures: the student’s score on the nationally administered Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the overall grade point average (GPA).

University of Jamestown students historically have received excellent preparation for successful performance on the MCAT. We believe the key to this success is the availability of our instructors to help students. Students’ scholastic achievements and their successful attainment of career goals are important to us.

Pre-medicine students are not limited to a single set of courses. Students plan their programs in consultation with the pre-medical advisors. Medical schools usually require only a few basic courses. Beyond this minimum, courses may be chosen according to the student’s own interests. The majority of the University of Jamestown pre-medical students choose to major in either biology, chemistry, or biochemistry; but a major in a different area may be satisfactory. It should be noted, however, that the first two years of medical school consist of intensive coursework in biology and chemistry.

Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Osteopathy, Pre-Podiatry, Pre-Veterinary

Collegiate preparation for admission to schools of dentistry, optometry, veterinary, and other health professions is essentially the same as that for medical school. United States dental schools require that applicants take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and schools of optometry require the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).

Students interested in these fields should contact advisors in biology or chemistry to prepare a course program to meet their individual objectives. Also, professional schools may differ in what courses they desire applicants to have taken.

Pre-Pharmacy

The University of Jamestown traditionally has provided a strong background for students pursuing a degree in pharmacy. The Student Success Center and health professions advisors should be consulted when planning a pre-pharmacy schedule.