Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Optometry

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Few careers are as challenging or as satisfying as the practice of medicine or one of the related health professions (dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, and others). Admission to post-baccalaureate professional schools is highly competitive, but is a realistic goal for able students who plan their undergraduate programs carefully. Most professional schools value well-rounded applicants possessing a strong background in the liberal arts and solid preparation in the sciences. For this reason the University of Maine does not recommend one specific academic major for students planning to apply to medical or other professional schools. Instead, we advise students in any academic major who are interested in a health-professions career to pursue the minor in Pre-Medical Studies outlined below in addition to their major.

Here are some of the special advantages The University of Maine offers to students planning careers as physicians, optometrists, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists, physician assistants, veterinarians, and in related health professions.

Introduction to the Health Professions

The University of Maine offers a special course in the sophomore year for students thinking about a career in the health professions. The 4 credit course introduces students to the many different components of the modern health care system, and gives them practical, hands-on experience assisting professionals in the Cutler Health Center.

Minor in Pre-Medical Studies

The courses outlined below meet the entrance requirements of the majority of professional schools and colleges offering post-baccalaureate programs in the health professions. Students should plan these courses in addition to the specific requirements of their academic major. The Health Professions Career Specialist can help students research the admission requirements of specific schools.

BIO 100 - Basic Biology Credits: 4
BIO 200 - Biology of Organisms Credits: 4
BMB 322 - Biochemistry Credits: 3
BMB 323 - Biochemistry Laboratory Credits: 1
CHY 121 - Introduction to Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 122 - The Molecular Basis of Chemical Change Credits: 3
CHY 123 - Introduction to Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1
CHY 124 - The Molecular Basis of Chemical Change Laboratory Credits: 1
CHY 251 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 252 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 253 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
CHY 254 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
INT 200 - (BSC) Orientation to Health Professions Credits: 4
(this course is recommended but is not required for the minor)
MAT 126 - Calculus I Credits: 4
or
MAT 151 - Calculus for the Life Sciences Credits: 4
PHY 111 - General Physics I Credits: 4
and
PHY 112 - General Physics II Credits: 4
or
PHY 121 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists I Credits: 4
and
PHY 122 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists II Credits: 4

Health Professions Career Specialist

The University of Maine’s Health Professions Career Specialist provides wide-ranging support services to students planning to attend medical school or other professional schools. The Health Professions Career Specialist

advises students about the entrance requirements of professional schools
helps students schedule courses and entrance examinations
helps them prepare for admissions interviews
coordinates letters of recommendation and assists with the application process
arranges visits of medical school admissions officials to the University of Maine
provides support to the Health Professions Club
coordinates the Health Professions Mentor Program

The Health Professions Mentor Program

This program, offered in conjunction with Eastern Maine Medical Center, matches qualified undergraduates with physicians and other professionals in the Bangor area to job-shadow and learn first hand the challenges of a medical career. This kind of experience, coupled with a record of volunteer service in medically related fields, is very important for students applying to medical schools.

Undergraduate Research

The University of Maine offers qualified students outstanding opportunities to work with its research faculty in a wide variety of disciplines. Participation in research helps students to develop critical thinking skills and the habits of independent scholarship, and therefore is highly valued by medical and other professional schools. Students planning careers in the health professions should work with their academic advisors and the Office of Health Professions to identify research opportunities early in their undergraduate careers.

Three plus Four Medical School Program

The University of Maine and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) cooperatively offer a special program for the most capable students enabling them to be admitted to UNECOM after completing three years at the University of Maine as majors in Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology. Students accepted into this program by UNECOM earn their baccalaureate degree from the University of Maine upon completion of their first year of medical school at UNECOM. For more details and a complete UMaine curriculum, contact the Health Professions office at (207) 581-2587.

Three plus Four Optometry Program

This agreement allows highly qualified students to enter an accelerated program resulting in the OD (Doctor of Optometry). Accepted students become candidates for reserved slots in the New England College of Optometry program and may enter the four-year optometry program after three years of undergraduate study. Acceptance to the New England College of Optometry is contingent upon maintenance of an excellent undergraduate academic record while at UMaine as a biology major. Upon successful completion of the initial year at New England College of Optometry, students are awarded a baccalaureate degree from the University of Maine. The OD is awarded by New England College of Optometry upon successful completion of three additional years of optometry study. Interested candidates should contact the Health Professions office at (207) 581-2587.

Three plus Three Chiropractic Program

The University of Maine and Logan College of Chiropractic have joined together in order to offer students an opportunity to complete their undergraduate and doctor of chiropractic degrees in less time. Students complete 90 semester hours of credits at the University of Maine as a biology major. All students who successfully complete the pre-chiropractic program with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and meet all other admissions criteria shall be accepted at Logan College of Chiropractic. Upon completion of the first year of course work at Logan College of Chiropractic, students will be awarded a baccalaureate degree from the University of Maine. For more information, please visit the Logan College of Chiropractic website at: www.logan.edu or contact the Health Professions office at (207) 581-2587.

Dedicated Undergraduate Scholarships

Each year the University awards approximately $30,000 in scholarships to undergraduates planning careers in the health professions.

Gilbert Loan Fund

Each year the University of Maine makes low-interest loans totaling several hundred thousand dollars to its graduates who are in medical, dental or veterinary school, to help finance their professional studies. This program is made possible through a multi-million-dollar bequest to the University in the name of Charles E. Gilbert.