The Pre-Health Advisors are:
Please scroll down, or choose the following links if you need information concerning pre-requisites, becoming an MD physician, becoming a DO physician, veterinary, dental, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, public health , podiatry, or other health-related professional schools.
Pre-Health Mentorship Program
Pre-Health Student Information Meeting Handout – Fall 2022
Student Timeline for Application to Medical or Dental School
Suggested Resume Template, by Nicholas Slater
Presentation about Admissions to MUSC’s School of Medicine
Presentation about MUSC’s College of Dental Medicine
Learn Which Profession is Right for You:
Occupational Outlook for Various Health Professions
Explore Health Care Career Options
Learn about Careers in Global Health
Health Care Job Growth
Prepare for Interviews:
What is an MMI Style Interview?
Pre-Med Handbook from Atlantis – has good interview prep advice, see pp. 40-52.
Interview Resouces
Practice your Interview via the Career Center: Look under Online Resources for “Interview Stream”
Learn about the interview questions used by various schools. Choose a school, under “Interview Feedback” choose “View Survey Results” then scroll down to the bottom of the survey data and choose “Questions”
Writing a Personal Statement:
For Dental School
For PA School (tips apply to other applications too)
Tips for Writing your Personal Statement What to Avoid and What to Include
Tough Love for Your Personal Statement: Advice from a Medical School Dean
Letters of Recommendation:
How To Choose Your Referees Wisely
What is a Committee Letter of Recommendation? Is it required?
Pre-Dental? Info for you from ADEA; Info for your letter writers: Info from ADEA
Pre-Med?
Info from AMCAS
Info from AACOMAS
Using Interfolio to Submit Letters to TMDSAS
AAMC Guidelines for Letter Writers
Pre-Health Professions Committee (PHPC): Requesting Committee Letters from The Citadel PHPC or from other Referees
Obtaining a committee letter of recommendation from The Citadel
Applying In-State vs. Out-of-State Most private schools give no preference to in-state students, but many public schools accept very few from out-of-state. Criteria for in-state classification vary by institution, sometimes even within the same state. If you are not sure what is required by a particular college to be designated with in-state residency, you must consult their web site or contact their “Residency Officer.” Having an in-state driver’s license and voter registration card is a good start.
Volunteer and Enrichment Opportunities for now or for a “Gap” year after graduation:
Project Horseshoe Farm – Project Horseshoe Farm is a 501(c)3 community based non-profit organization in Greensboro, Alabama.
Looking for clinical and shadowing experience? MUSC’s CARE free health clinic in Mt. Pleasant is looking for volunteers. Contact Matt Holt (holtm@musc.edu) for more information.
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Master of Science in Medical Sciences at MUSC – one year program designed to prepare students for Medical, Dental, and other Professional Schools
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Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at MUSC – two year program
How do I shadow a doctor?
Pre-Health Mentorship Program NEW: find a health professional to serve as your mentor.
SCRUBS Healthcare Mentor Program at Roper Hospital in Charleston
Tips for students who want to shadow doctors
Link to list of summer enrichment opportunities
Become a Medical Scribe
MUSC Hospital
MUSC HealthLinks
MUSC SURP (Summer Undergraduate Research Program)
Pre-Dental Volunteer for Dental access Day
Veterans Hospital
Volunteer in the Greenville Health System
Johns Hopkins Post-Bacc Health Science Intensive One-Year Masters Program
Dream Center Clinic in North Charleston
Free Health Clinics in the Charleston Area
Volunteer at a Dental Clinic
Local Dental Clinics
Become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Learn more about CMA programs
Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or https://www.cnabuzz.com/
Learn about the EMT Course offered at The Citadel
Biomedical Research at NIH (after graduation)
Summer Medical and Dental education Program (SMDEP)
Biomedical Research in Norfolk, VA
Pre-Dental Opportunities
MedEx Academy at Greenville Health System: explore health careers and gain clinical experience. Apply
Master’s in Medical Humanities Program
Volunteer for the American Red Cross
Find a Summer Research Opportunity
Pre Veterinary Students: Volunteer at Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital (3422 Shelby Ray Ct. | Charleston, SC 29414). Contact Marshall at 843.769.6784
Take a Course in CPR and First Aid from the American Heart Association
Earn a Masters Degree in Medical Science in one year. – this is just one example, other such Masters Programs exist all over the coutry; to find others, simple do an internet search for “Master in Medical Science” and/or “Master in Biomedical Science.”
Enrichment Opportunities Abroad: Please read the guidelines below before participating in mission trips and health outreach abroad. Pre-Health students are not licensed practitioners, and it is unethical and unsafe for them to practice medicine in another country, even if that country does not restrict medical practice.
Dental Guidelines for Serving Abroad
Learning Safely and Ethically While Abroad
International Dental Volunteer Opportunities
Unite for Site: Volunteer Abroad with the Global Impact Corps
Citadel Study Abroad Experience for Pre-Health Students
Pre-Health Shadowing in Africa
Project Okurase: scroll down
FIMRC
Scholarship Opportunities
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
HPSP Air Force Scholarships for Medical School – More info on Air Force HPSP
HPSP Army Scholarships: SFC Owens, Cell number: (404) 808-7021, Office number: (843)5777-3425, Email: anthony.d.owens.mil@mail.mil . The MCAT score for automatic acceptance into the HPSP program is currently set at 507
HPSP Navy Scholarships: Contact Lt. Deskin at 843-412-6721 or 919-835-5820, and she can answer your questions
National Guard Scholarships
Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Student Scholarship Osteopathic Medical School Scholarship for African-American; Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian; mainland Puerto Rican, or Hispanic Students
Indian Health Service Scholarship Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives provides financial support in exchange for a minimum two-year service commitment within an Indian health program in your chosen health professional discipline.
NHSC Scholarship Program Non-military scholarships for health-professional students who want to go into primary care and are willing to serve in a high-need community. The program pays tuition and fees and provides a living stipend to students enrolled in accredited medical (M.D. or D.O.), dental, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or physician assistant training.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program (LRP) offers fully trained primary care physicians (M.D. or D.O.), family nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, and certain mental health clinicians $60,000 to repay student loans in exchange for two years serving in a community-based site in a high-need HPSA that has applied to and been approved by the NHSC as a service site.
Applications: Centralized Application Services for Various Health Professional Schools
You have done great things; make sure to describe your activities well when you apply. The selection committee needs to know what your awards and positions entailed. Take time to explain your leadership roles. Polish all written resposes the way you polished your brass as a knob; make them shine. If you are applying to Uniformed Services University, be sure to emphasize your military experience here at The Citadel, and wear your uniform when you interview there.
Medical School, MD: AMCAS Application Instructions
Medical School, DO: AACOMAS Application Instructions
Medical or Dental School, Texas Schools Only: TMDSAS Instructions
Dental School: Application Manual and AADSAS Instructions
PA School: CASPA Quick Start Guide
Veterinary School: VMCAS
Postbaccalaureate Programs to take missing prereqs and/or improve GPA
Science and Math Pre-Requisites to Take Before Applying:
Table of common pre-requisite courses for various pre-health programs.
Pre-Vet Pre-Reqs
Recommended Pre-Med Curriculum for Biology Majors
Most medical schools require or recommend the following undergraduate science and math courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Calculus, and Biochemistry. Some additional coursework may be required for some medical schools; check with each school to get its exact list of prerequisites.
Pre-Requisites for the Four SC Medical Schools:
MUSC – “Although no prerequisite courses are required, most successful applicants to this medical school complete two semesters of the following courses prior to matriculating: general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Other courses that have been shown to be of value are: anatomy, cell biology, embryology, genetics and physiology.”
USC SOM (Columbia)
USC SOM-Greenville
VCOM-Carolinas (This is a DO school in Spartanburg)
Post-Baccalaureate Programs offer students who were able to complete all prerequisites in college the opportunity to take the required science courses prior to applying to medical school or to other Pre-Health Graduate Programs. Graduates of Post-Baccalaureate Programs typically enjoy high success in Medical School admissions. You can search available programs by various criteria at this AAMC web site: Search Postbac Programs. Also, if you want to be enlisted in the military, this is a good option: Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2)
For Reapplicants: If you need to Boost your science GPA or improve your MCAT scores, many schools now offer one-year Masters in Biomedical Science programs that are designed to help students transition into medical/dental/veterinary school. Just search “masters biomedical science” to find a program suited to you.
New Scholarship for Citadel Pre-Health Students: The Graboyes Family Scholarship provides scholarship awards ($4,000/year) to support a student or students believed to possess those attributes of ability, character, temperament, and personality that are in accord with the traditionally high standards of The Citadel. First preference is for a student or students who intend to pursue a career in medicine and who have demonstrated financial need. In the event that a recipient decides to pursue a different career, the scholarship may be continued until his or her graduation. This last consideration is to permit flexibility in career choice and to mitigate a recipient feeling compelled to pursue a career in medicine simply to continue receiving the scholarship. Contact The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to apply.
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Accelerated Entry to MUSC (3+4) Program: The Citadel Biology Department is excited to announce that we have officially entered into an agreement with MUSC for accelerated entry for Biology majors into medical or dental school.
The following web sites will provide you with information concerning these various health professions and what you will need to get in. Additional information is provided in two locations on campus: The third floor corridor of Duckett Hall houses a bookcase full of Pre-Health Information, and the third floor corridor of Bond Hall houses a bulletin board posted with important notifications and information. Apply early; many schools use rolling admissions, meaning that the earlier you apply, the better your chance of being accepted.
Applying to medical or dental school can be overwhelming. White Coat Strategists is a consulting firm that will mentor you through the entire process, so that you can put your best foot forward. Learn more here.
Reading for Enrichment:
Common Sense about Health Care in America
The Cost Conundrum
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
Memoir of a Debulked Woman
others on p. 42 of this great PDF
Programs for Disadvantaged Students:
AAMC’s Application and MCAT Fee Assistance Program
AACOMAS Fee Assistance Program
ADEA AADSAS Application Fees and Fee Assistance Program
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) – increase your chance of acceptance with this free program
Fossil Energy Research Internships for females and minorities
UNC School of Medicine’s MED Program
MUSC’s SM3 Program: Pre-Health Mentors for Minorities
Other Programs at MUSC for Disadvantaged Students
Minority Nursing Scholarships at Emory University
Zucker Pipeline Program
Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program in New York City for Pre-MD/PhD Students
For Native Americans:
Native Americans into Medicine (NAM)
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
University of North Dakota School of Medicine accepts a number of Native American students each year
University of Oklahoma’s College of Medicine accepts a number of Native American students each year
MD-PhD or DO-PhD Programs
Information on MD-PhD Programs from AAMC
To find the various DO-PhD Programs, simple search the web with the keywords “Do PhD Program”
The Gateways to the Laboratory Program is highlighted by the NIH as one of the top ten summer programs for underrepresented and disadvantaged students interested in MD-PhD dual degrees. Applications and more information for the Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program for Pre-MD-PhD students may be found here.
Pre-Medical Information
The AAMC’s “Pre-med Navigator” is a monthly e-newsletter that includes information, resources, tips, and important dates for pre-meds.
Average GPA and MCAT scores for MD School Matriculants (accepted students)
Average GPA and MCAT scores for DO Matriculants (accepted students)
The Cost of Applying
Compare the Four SC Medical Schools (compiled Nov. 2018)
Medical School to become an MD physician (Allopathic Medicine):
Compare MD and DO Programs
Medical School Admission Requirements Guidebook (MSAR)
Association of American Medical Colleges (see “Medical Schools” in left hand column for detailed information concerning medical schools in each state)
American Medical College Application Service
How to complete the online AMCAS medical school application
What is the Early Decision Program (EDP)? – choose “Early Decision Program” from the lefthand menu
Allopathic Medical School Requirements and Statistics (by Nicholas Slater)
Good news for Citadel Cadets: The MUSC College Of Medicine Admissions committee uses the Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges competitiveness rankings of undergraduate schools to adjust applicants’ undergraduate GPA. The Citadel is ranked as a ‘competitive school’ so graduates receive a GPA boost of .19. Graduates of The Citadel Honors College receive a GPA ‘boost’ of .34 to their overall GPA.
Medical School to become a DO physician (Osteopathic Medicine):
Compare MD and DO Programs
Important DO Links and Information
AACOMAS Application Guide
Free Online Course to Learn About Osteopathic Medicine
Find a DO to shadow – just fill in your zip code and the system will return a list of DOs to contact
Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
What is Osteopathic Medicine?
News and Events in Osteopathic Medical Education: Due to a new shared GME accreditation process, graduates from DO programs will use the same residency match system as those from MD programs.
Financial Aid Debt Management Modules for Osteopathic Medical School Students.
Statistics on Osteopathic Medical School Applicants and Matriculants (those who started medical school)
International Medical Schools: Generally we do not recommend students attend medical school abroad; however, there are a few International Medical Schools that qualify for Federal Student Aid and have fairly good records for students passing board exams and getting residency placements. When it comes to these schools our advice is “buyer beware.” Do your homework before you apply. A few of the better options are listed below.
The University of Queensland/Ochsner
UMHS, St. Kitts
American University of the Caribbean
Ross University, School of Medicine
Saba University School of Medicine
St George’s University, School of Medicine
Other Medical School Information:
Paying for Medical School: Helpful Tips
Medical School Application guidebook (MSAR)
Mentorship Program for Pre-Med Minority Students and Women
Medical University of South Carolina
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences web page; USUHS presentation; USUHS Programs and Degrees
University of South Carolina Medical School
University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville
MCAT Preparation:
What is on the MCAT Exam?
When should I take the MCAT?
U.S. MCAT Calendar, Scheduling Deadlines, and Score Release Dates
How should I study for the MCAT?
MCAT (registration information, purchase practice tests, etc.)
Full-length Practice Tests from AAMC
Free MCAT Prep from Khan Academy – There are 4 links to various types of practice questions at the top, and below that are links to lectures on the various “Foundational Concepts”
The WikiPremed MCAT Course offers free/open access online study materials with an option to purchase printed materials.
Kaplan The Citadel now has a contract with Kaplan for big discounts on MCAT prep courses. Instructions here.
Princeton Review
AnkiApp (flashcards on your phone)
ExamKrackers Test Prep
TestPrepPractice.net
Tutor the People MCAT Prep
Next Step MCAT Prep
AdeptPrep
Free Resources from Chegg
Firecrackers MCAT Prep and YouTube Sample – practice questions and links to content resources.
For $10/month you can rent access to books including Kaplan MCAT prep books
UWorld MCAT Prep Discount for Citadel Students: “UWorld” is an MCAT Prep company that offers an interactive question bank that has given many students improved MCAT scores. Dr. Imam has negotiated a discount price for Citadel students; the cost will be $279 for 360 days of access. (The normal cost is $319.)
Pre-Dental Information:
ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools contains requirements and stats for all US Dental Schools
Prerequisites
Dentist Occupational Outlook
Dental Application Fee Assistance Program
Dental Admissions Test, DAT
AADSAS Application Manual (PDF)
Helpful Hints for Pre-Dentals
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Pre-dental Student Organization that can help you prepare for dental school – ASDA
Videos about the Dental School Application Process
Dental School Virtual Fair
MUSC, Student National Dental Association’s Impressions Program is held each summer. Participants will learn about Dental School and the application process; they also participate in dental labs. For more information call Jami Cokley at 843-792-6874 or visit the SNDA Facebook Page.
Veterinary Medicine:
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) provides information and a central application service, the VMCAS. Not all schools use the central application service.
VMSAR: A Guide to Veterinary Medical Education
Veterinarian Occupational Outlook
Who Gets In?
GRE is the standardized test Pre-Vet students must take
Pre-Veterinary Student Club, APVMA
Click here to learn about what courses to take to prepare for Veterinary School
List of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine
Visit the VMCAS Facebook Page for Pre-Veterinary Students
Volunteer at Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital (3422 Shelby Ray Ct. | Charleston, SC 29414). Contact Marshall at 843.769.6784
Other Health-Related Professions:
Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP)
MUSC College of Health Professions: Information Sessions are held every semester in the College of Health Professions at the Medical University of South Carolina. Optional campus tours will begin one hour before the information session. The info sessions for the spring semester will be held on Thursday, February 19th at 5pm and Friday, March 20th at 2pm. The info sessions for the summer semester will be held on Friday, June 26th at 2pm and Thursday, July 16th at 5pm. Click here to register for a session.
Anesthesia for Nurses (CRNA) at MUSC
Cardiovascular Perfusion at MUSC
Health Administration at MUSC
Occupational Therapy at MUSC; OTCAS Application Service, Learn more about Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy at MUSC; PTCAS Application Service; Compare Program Admission Requirements
Physical Therapist Occupational Outlook
Physicians Assistants:
Become a PA
PA Occupational Outlook
Free PA Program Directory – Official resource from The Physician Assistant Education Association, contains pertinent information about all PA programs
The Army’s PA School
The Applicant Manual of PA Programs
MUSC’s Physician Assistant Program
ASPIRE – Pre-PA Students Society: Pre-PA SCAPA, benefits include: admission to “Becoming a PA” panel at our Annual Fall Conference • Quarterly newsletter, announcements, and events, full of information about entering our amazing profession (Download Brochure)
PA programs often require or recommend at least 1,000 hours of health care experience prior to admission.
Apply for a shadowing opportunity with a PA mentor.
Prerequisites for USC SOM PA Program
CASPA: Centralized Online Application Service for PA Programs
Nursing:
The Citadel now offers a 4-year BSN for cadets and an evening 2+2 BSN Program for non-cadets.
Paying for Nursing School:
The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program – a selective program of the U.S. Government that helps alleviate the critical shortage of nurses currently experienced by certain types of health care facilities located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Upon graduation, NURSE Corps Scholarship recipients work at these facilities for at least two years, earning the same competitive salary and benefits as any new hire.
ACTIVE NURSE CORPS PROGRAM
American Association of Colleges of Nursing look under the “Students” tab for helpful information
How to become a nurse from Marcia Boynton, Adrian College, Michigan
Standardized Test to enter Nursing School:Here is info about the TEAS V test: http://www.testprepreview.com/teas_practice.htm and http://www.atitesting.com/Solutions/pre-program/TEAS/study-guide.aspx
How to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree after graduating from The Citadel: Accelerated baccalaureate programs offer the quickest route to licensure as a registered nurse (RN) for adults who have already completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline. Fast-track/accelerated baccalaureate programs take between 11 and 18 months to complete, including prerequisites.
Master’s Level Entry to become a nurse after graduating with a non-nursing degree from The Citadel:
The University of San Francisco School of Nursing. Scroll down to “CNL OPTION FOR THE NON-NURSE WITH A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE”
Johns Hopkins
UCLA School of Nursing
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing (UIC CON)
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
Georgia Regents UniversityLinks to Others – Caution with these – avoid all “Online” programs, and make sure any program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
National Student Nurses Association
Scholarships for Nursing Students – this for-profit web service has some good links to scholarship information
Minority Nursing Scholarships at Emory University
Become a Nurse Practitioner
Become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Become a Family Nurse Practicioner (FNP) – after becoming a nurse you may take a fully online program at the University of Southern California
Optometry School: For information about Optometry School, you may visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).
Pharmacy:
Occupational Outlook for Pharmacy
MUSC’s College of Pharmacy
Campbell University
Podiatry:
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
Careers in Podiatry
Podiatric Medical College Admissions
Audiology:
Be sure to attend a CAA accredited program
Audiologist Occupational Outlook
Learn more about becoming an Audiologist
Public Health:
Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPPH)
USC’s Arnold School of Public Health
Genetic Counseling
How to become a Genetic Counselor
Chiropractics:
Be sure to apply to CCE accredited programs – The Council on Chiropractic Education
Chiropractic Occupational Outlook
Naturopathic Health Care:
A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD, but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician also studies clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. Additional information on naturopathic schools can be found on the American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges Web site.