Pre-Professional Certificates

Overview

There is both state and national demand of practicing dentists.  A bachelor degree is not required for admission to most dental schools.  A formal minimum of two years of college study is required with generally acceptable minimum of three years.  The choice of a major is not critical as long as the basic course requirements are fulfilled.

Possible Majors for Pre-Dentistry Students

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Science
• Chemistry
• Dietetics
• Forensic Science
• General Studies
• Gerontology
• Natural Science
• Nutritional Sciences
• Psychology

Admission to D.D.S. Programs

Admission to dental schools is based on academic performance, the difficulty of the undergraduate curriculum, performance on the DAT, and letters of recommendation.  Applicants are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is offered daily at testing centers.  Clinical experience is encouraged.  An initial application is made to the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service in the spring of the year preceding admission.  The AADSAS forwards the application to the schools designated by the student.  There are 57 dental schools in the U.S., including two in Michigan.  A secondary application may be required, along with three letters of recommendation (one of which must come from a practicing dentist).  Interviews are then conducted with applicants being seriously considered.  A D.D.S. degree is earned after four years of study.  For additional information, consult www.adea.org.

Overview

Medical schools (which grant M.D. degrees) and Osteopathic schools (which grand D.O. degrees) do not require a bachelor degree before enrolling, although almost all students admitted by these schools have completed their undergraduate studies.  Students may select any Madonna major as long as the pre-medical prerequisite courses are completed.  Students planning application to either type of medical school must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).  This is a national standardized examination offered online several times a year.  It covers the material in the required courses and is typically taken during or after the junior year when the specified courses have been completed.  It is recommended that students have some patient care experience before applying to medical school (paid or volunteer work).  It is also important that students apply as early as possible, as medical schools usually fill their classes on a rolling basis.

Possible Majors for Pre-Medicine Students

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Science
• Dietetics
• Forensic Science
• General Studies
• Gerontology
• Long Term Care Administration
• Natural Science
• Nutritional Sciences
• Psychology

Admission to Medical School

Admission to medical schools is based on academic performance, with special emphasis on the science courses, performance on the MCAT, and letters of recommendation.

Admission to M.D. Programs

Applications are first submitted to the American Medical College Application Service, as early as June 1st of the year preceding enrollment.  This central service then forwards the application to the medical schools designated by the student.  If the school is interested, a secondary application (along with letters of recommendation) will be required, to be followed by an interview.  There are five allopathic (M.D.) medical schools in Michigan and 141 total in the United States.  Medical school curricula take four years to complete the M.D. degree, which is then followed by a hospital residency in the area of interest.  The residency will be of variable length, depending on the specialty.  Additional information may be obtained at www.aamc.org.

Admission to D.O. Programs

Applications are first submitted to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, as early as May 15th of the year preceding enrollment.  This central service then forwards the application to the osteopathic schools designated by the student.  If the school is interested, a secondary application (along with letters of recommendation) will be required, to be followed by an interview.  There are 30 osteopathic medical schools in the U.S.; one in Michigan.  A D.O. degree is earned after successfully completing four years of study, which is then followed by a hospital residency.  Additional information may be obtained at www.aacom.org.

Overview

Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye.  They prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and injuries of the visual system.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Statistics, job opportunities should be very good over the next decade.  Optometric careers offer many options and freedom in choosing a location to live and practice; optometrists generally work regular hours and have a minimum of emergency calls.  A minimum of three years of undergraduate study is required, and a bachelor degree is preferred.  A major in biology is recommended.

Admission to Optometry Programs

There are 21 Optometry schools in the United States, including one in Michigan.  All programs are four-year, followed by the taking of a licensure examination.  Among admission requirements are strong academic performance, good performance on the national Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), and knowledge of optometry gained through employment or volunteer work.  Further, a record of participation in extra-curricular activities is encouraged.  Schools and Programs vary in requirements for admissions.  Students should consult the Program advisor to become familiar with the exact requirements of the program(s) to which application will be made.  For additional information, consult www.opted.org.

Overview

Pharmacy schools (which grant the Pharm.D. degree) typically admit students who hold a bachelor degree in a science area.  Whatever the major, the science courses required by Madonna are specifically required for admission to a Michigan pharmacy school.  Students planning application to a pharmacy school must plan to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), a national examination offered online several times a year.  It is typically taken during or after the junior year when the specified science courses have been completed.

Admission to Pharm D. Programs

There are 118 pharmacy colleges in the United States, of which three are in Michigan.  Typically, the application deadline for admission is the end of October for fall-semester admission the next year.  Admission criteria are mainly based on (1) successful completion of prerequisite courses, (2) GPA and, (3) performance on the PCAT, typically taken before October of the year prior to application.

Career Options

• Community Pharmacy
• Home Health Care
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Industry Pharmacy (includes research, production, quality control, sales)
• Long Term Care
• Pharmaceutical Journalism
• Pharmacy Education
• Public Health

Overview

There is both state and national demand for physician assistants in our present health care system.  A Physician Assistant program is a master's degree which would typically require 26 months to complete.  The bachelor degree is required for admission to these programs.  The choice of a bachelor degree major is not critical as long as the basic course requirements are fulfilled.

Possible Majors for Pre-Physician Assistant Students

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Science
• Chemistry
• Dietetics
• Forensic Science
• Gerontology
• Long Term Care Administration
• Natural Science
• Nutritional Sciences
• Psychology

Clinical Experience Required

Prior to being admitted to a Physician Assistant master's degree program, the applicant must document health care experience in a clinical setting.  Depending on the program applied to, this requirement may vary from 100 to 2000 clock hours.  Your Madonna Pre-Professional advisor can discuss with you your options for fulfilling this requirement.

Admission to Physician Assistant Programs

There are 140 accredited schools in the U.S., including five in Michigan.  Among admission requirements are strong academic performance, performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), health care experience, and letters of recommendation.  For additional information, consult www.aapa.org.