Pre-Professional Studies in Health Sciences
At Lindenwood, pre-professional studies in the health sciences include pre-medicine, pre-nursing, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-dentistry, and pre-optometry programs, all of which are designed to specifically meet professional school requirements and prepare students to take mandatory entrance exams. More than ever before, health professions schools are placing value on personal characteristics, including intellectual curiosity and a sense of altruism in the selection of successful applicants. Nevertheless, performance on the entrance exams, cumulative undergraduate GPA, science and math GPA along with experience (work related or voluntary) in the desired field are still important criteria in obtaining admission into the desired health profession. Some factors which bear serious consideration by the student prior to his/her decision to enter any of the professional studies are personal motivation, realistic assessment of the demands of clinical training and practice, and working with the ill and infirm.
Students should also realize that admission into health professions schools is highly competitive. With regard to undergraduate curriculum, specific course requirements may vary among medical/veterinary/dental/optometry schools, but all schools realize the value of a broad education, with demonstrated ability in the sciences, well-developed verbal and written communication skills, and a background in the humanities and social sciences. To perform above the national norms, students should finish certain courses before appearing for the entrance exam in their chosen profession.
Students should review the coursework-related information on specific schools in the admissions requirements books that are published annually in the various disciplines by the professional associations.