Elon University - Health Professions

Preparation

Pramote (Ter) Malasitt ‘05: Despite my late decision to pursue medicine and being a computer science major, the Health Professions Advisors encouraged me to become a physician. They gave me very helpful guidance and support throughout my application process. Elon education has given me a strong foundation and made me feel well prepared for the MCAT and the workload in medical school. Without Elon Health Professions Advisors and Elon professors, I would not be in medical school today

A Flexible Curriculum is possible!

Health Professions students may choose any major, but should meet with a Health Professions advisor and start planning a course of study as soon as possible. If you are interested in a medically related career, you should anticipate beginning your coursework during your first semester (depending on your major). Elon's Health Professions advisors can assist you in selecting the course of study that can help make you a strong candidate for professional school and can prepare you for the rigors of study once you are accepted.

Students should select a major and obtain a baccalaureate degree in an area that is of greatest interest to them, keeping in mind that the minimum requirements for individual professional schools must be met. Health Professions students should obtain the specific requirements of the schools to which they anticipate applying. Although a science major may not be required for most health professions, the requirements listed below are typical for many programs and generally fulfill the minimum entrance requirements of medical, dental and related schools.

Two semesters each (8 semester hours) of the following:

General Biology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics (calculus is highly recommended; required by a few schools)

Admission to programs in the health professions is highly competitive. Success involves being committed to your career goals and:

A high grade point average (overall and in science and math)
A high score on the appropriate professional exam (e.g., MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc.)
Faculty recommendations
Outside activities that demonstrate altruism and knowledge of the health profession (campus, work and internship experiences)
An interview with the professional school admissions personnel
Excellent communication skills.

Get Real-World Experience

Health Professions students have many opportunities to gain valuable experience through service learning, individualized internships and study abroad. Contacts are made on campus, locally or through hometown health professionals. Opportunities have included:

Volunteering and working at local clinics
Assisting in an emergency room
Serving as a pharmacy technician
Working with the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity
Other opportunities through the Kernodle Center for Service Learning.

Health Professions students are encouraged to pursue research projects and present their findings at institutional, regional and national conferences such as Elon's Student Undergraduate Research Forum and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Students can join the Lincoln Health Professions Society (named for a pathologist benefactor) in order to meet other students interested in a variety of health professions and participate in programs such as:

Visits by representatives of various health profession programs
Trips to local medical schools
Practice Medical College Admissions Tests (MCAT) and assistance preparing for professional tests
Guidance and information on the application processes
Assistance with individualized internships
Assistance with interview and writing the personal statement.