PRE-MEDICAL
Program Options
- You may choose any major. Although many pre-med students major in biology or chemistry, fields such as psychology, English, or history are also appropriate. Regardless of your major, you will take introductory biology and chemistry courses in your first year.
- GPA and MCAT scores are important for acceptance into medical school, but they are not the only factor. Your college GPA should be 3.65 or higher, particularly in your science courses.
- There are a variety of medical professions you might choose to pursue. At Dordt, we have specific programs and advisors for M.D., osteopathic medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, chiropractic, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical technology. Which one you choose will depend on your particular interests and abilities. Many of the college-level requirements are similar, so it is possible to explore these options during your freshmen or sophomore year before focusing on a particular profession.
- A student-run Future Physicians Club sponsored by a local physician will help you get to know other pre-med students. Members help each other with course planning, MCAT preparation, and medical school applications. The club brings in practicing doctors, current medical school students, and medical school recruiters, to learn more about the profession and give helpful advice. It also organizes volunteer activities in which you can participate.
- An active pre-medical advisory committee will help you meet application deadlines, choose your courses, select the appropriate medical school, and write recommendations for you. Members of this committee stay up-to-date on new developments in admission procedures to professional schools.
- For an extensive summary of information you will want to know to prepare for a medical career, check the advising tips on our notes page.
- Make plans to visit campus and speak to our pre-medical advisor, Dr. Carl Fictorie, about your professional interests. He will work closely with you to plan your program. You can also call or email for more information: (712) 722-6283 or Carl.Fictorie@dordt.edu.
