Course Requirements

Gettysburg College students considering a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other health profession are advised to schedule their courses carefully, not only to meet the admission criteria of these very competitive schools (cumulative and science grade point averages, scores on standardized tests*, demonstrated leadership skills, evidence of a willingness to help others, work or volunteer experience in a medical setting, letter of recommendation from the Health Professions Committee, and an interview at the medical or dental school), but to provide for other career options, as well.  This is the beauty of a liberal arts framework!

The following courses will meet the minimum entrance requirements for most health professions schools:

Biology 111 (or 101
Biology 112
Chemistry 107, 108
Chemistry 203, 204
Physics 103, 104 (or 111, 112)

While most students considering and pursuing entrance to health professions schools major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, or health sciences, with careful planning and consultation with their academic advisors and the health professions advisor, the requirements can and have been met by majors in most other subjects.

The Health Professions Committee meets with each student in the spring, preparing their letter of recommendation for admission to medical or dental school for summer distribution to the applicable schools.  The Guide for Premedical Students is available online or from the health professions advisor's office (Science Center 148B) and should be read very carefully and seriously.

If a student decides not to enter medical school immediately after college or is not accepted on his or her first try, it is not uncommon to apply successfully a few years after graduation from Gettysburg College.  These intervening years should, of course, be spent in meaningful activity that maintains or improves one's competitive standing - work in a hospital, additional course work, and/or the Pease Corps, for example.

Again, do not hesitate to speak with your academic advisor and the health professions advisor any time you have questions or concerns. If the Committee's administrative assistant may be of help, she is available also (jujones@gettysburg.edu; Masters Hall). Everyone concerned with your education and career choice wants to help in every way possible!

*MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or DAT (Dental Admission Test)