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College of Arts & Sciences

Medicine (Pre)

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Why pursue a degree in pre-medicine at North Central College?

North Central College allows you to pursue your passions, while preparing for a career in
healthcare. Explore your interest in business or psychology, participate in theatre productions, and spend a semester studying abroad. Medical schools, other graduate programs, and employers are looking for well-rounded applicants who not only excel academically but also bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table. That’s why at North Central we encourage you to pursue both your passions AND your prerequisites.  

In addition, we will help guide you along the way to make sure you are prepared for the next step. As a pre-med student, you’ll work with faculty mentors and a dedicated health programs advisor, gain valuable experience with our student Pre-Health Organization, build your resume through research and job shadowing, and develop your personal plan to prepare for medical school. Our students thrive post-graduation because they have demonstrated the skills medical schools look for in future healthcare professionals – leadership,  a care for people, and meaningful life experiences.  
 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Diagnosing and treating illness and injury
  • Advancing evidence-based health care through research
  • Specializing in areas like pediatrics, radiology or emergency medicine

then a degree in PRE-MEDICINE might be for you.

Why study pre-medicine at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Biochemistry with a laboratory
  • One semester of calculus
  • One semester of psychology
  • One semester of sociology
  • One year (8 semester hours) of general biology with a laboratory
  • One year (8 semester hours) of inorganic chemistry with a laboratory
  • One year (8 semester hours) of organic chemistry with a laboratory
  • One year (8 semester hours) of physics with a laboratory

Beyond the Classroom

As a pre-med student, you can:

  • Access to research opportunities and extensive laboratory experiences with dedicated STEM faculty. 
  • Apply to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)’s early acceptance program (EAP).
  • Pursue your research interests by applying for a Richter Grant.
  • Present your original research findings at local, regional and national conferences such as the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research or North Central’s own Rall Symposium.
  • Attend seminars with doctors, other health professionals and medical school admissions experts.
  • Gain experience by shadowing doctors and volunteering.
  • Study abroad or apply for a Richter Independent Study Fellowship grant to conduct health-related research in a foreign country.
  • Work with a dedicated health programs advisor who will help you develop a personalized plan for college and beyond.
  • Gain valuable experience with our student Pre-Health Organization.
  • Apply to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)’s early acceptance program (EAP).

Early acceptance into medical school
North Central has an affiliation agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), one of the nation’s largest medical schools, to grant qualified students an opportunity for provisional early acceptance.

Applying to LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program (EAP) can occur as early as the student’s senior year in high school and up until the end of the second year at North Central College.

Your application to the EAP is separate from your application to North Central College. A student may apply for EAP consideration as a high school senior. Minimal qualifications to participate in the EAP are:

  • Unweighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • College admission GPA of 3.40 overall and 3.30 science 
  • Must have at least two years remaining as a full-time student at North Central
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (confirmed with LECOM)

The process to enroll in the EAP is to submit an inquiry at http://portal.lecom.edu. Students will receive an email from LECOM with username, password and instructions to complete the application.

Healthcare done differently
North Central College is a leader in healthcare education, with more than 38 undergraduate and graduate healthcare programs. Our focus is on developing excellent clinicians, educators, scholars and leaders who are driven not just by optimistic career outcomes, but also by a desire to serve. This is what makes North Central stand apart. 
Explore our healthcare programs

Wentz Science Center
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center, home to the lab science classes, labs and faculty offices.
Virtual Tour

Pre-Medicine Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead. Undergraduate students have summer research opportunities on campus as well as working alongside with faculty during the school year. 

Internships

  • Research intern, Edward Hospital, Naperville
  • Research intern, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA
  • Research intern, Loyola University Medical School, Maywood, IL
  • Neuroscience intern, Vilij ABA, Downer’s Grove, IL
  • Neuroscience intern, Heritage Professional Associates
  • Neuroscience intern, Konick & Associates

Medical Schools

Recent graduates have been accepted at:

  • Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago (MD and MD/PhD)
  • Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  • Rush Medical College
  • University of Illinois College of Medicine
  • University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
  • Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago
  • University of Texas John Sealy School of Medicine, Galveston (MD/PhD)
  • Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville
  • FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami
  • Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel COOM, Fort Lauderdale
     

What major should I choose at North Central College?

A degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or Neuroscience is recommended unless you have a strong interest in another major. Medical schools value intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, cultural competence, and an understanding of human behavior, along with courses demonstrating a strong natural science foundation. Courses in the liberal arts, basic and applied sciences, and advanced sciences are encouraged.

Will I need graduate education?
Yes. After earning your bachelor’s degree at North Central, becoming a physician requires four years of medical school to earn the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), which has additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment. For both MD and DO, at least three additional years of residency are required before you begin practice - even more in some specialties. The average GPA for students accepted to medical school is about 3.7 or higher.

What prerequisite courses do medical schools require?
Minimum course requirements for medical school admission are:

  • One year of General Biology with lab 
  • One year of General Chemistry with lab 
  • One year of Organic Chemistry with lab 
  • One year of Physics with lab 
  • One semester of Biochemistry

Many medical schools also require or recommend:

  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Calculus
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Social/Behavioral Science
  • Statistics
  • Additional English or Writing Intensive course

What else should I consider?
While a student at North Central, you will participate in activities that will help you develop into a competitive applicant for medical school. These include: observing in the medical field to demonstrate that you realize how a physician works and are comfortable in a clinical environment; research experience to understand how new knowledge is generated; leadership activities like lab assistant, serving as an officer in a student organization, or tutoring; and, a commitment to others demonstrated through significant volunteer service. The Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator will guide you in these activities, connect you with alum that have pursued this path, and advise you throughout the application process to medical school.
 

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

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