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Nov 26, 2024
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2004-2005 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Health Professions
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 Return to: Colleges and Programs
(Pre-medical and Related Pre-Professional Programs)
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-Professional 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, podiatrists, physician
assistants, and in related health professions.
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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. Dr. Mark Jackson, M.D., Director
of the University’s Cutler Health Center teaches this three-credit course. The
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-Professional 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. 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 group visits to medical schools and 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 Office of Health Professions 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 Office of Health
Professions 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/welcome.asp?Page=admissions 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. |
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