This fall, more than 112 College of Charleston graduates will enroll in medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy and nursing schools.
Students have been offered positions at the following medical, dental and veterinary colleges: Medical University of South Carolina, USC Greenville, USC Columbia, UNC Chapel Hill, East Carolina, Tufts University, Temple University, University of Virginia, Georgia Regents Health Sciences, University of Maryland, Boston University, University of Michigan, New York University, University of Southern California, Northwestern, Indiana University, George Washington University, University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Twenty-eight students have been accepted to nursing school, 15 to dental school and 11 to pharmacy school. Students will also be continuing their education in allied health professions including Physician Assistant (PA), Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OT), cardiovascular perfusion and health administration.
Logan Herbert is graduating with a degree in chemistry and is headed to medical school. He offers advice to those interested in the pre-health track, “Actually try to learn in every class, rather than just get the grade. It will make studying for the MCAT/GRE so much easier!”
There are approximately 700 students in the pre-health loop at the College of Charleston, including medical, veterinary, dental, pharmacy, nursing and allied health. Members of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Pre-health Honor Society, have spent the past year volunteering with local organizations,including the Ronald McDonald House and Hope Lodge. The Pre-Nursing Club, the Pre-Dental Club and the Pre-Vet Society have been involved in community outreach activities, fundraising and have offered professional development opportunities in CPR certification and standardized test prep. A growing number of pre-health students are getting EMT or CNA certified and gaining hands-on clinical experience prior to graduation.
Competencies for medical schools and standardized tests are being revised, and the College of Charleston is prepared to meet the challenges according to Karen Eippert, director of pre-professional health advising.
“As a liberal arts school with a strong science curriculum our students can choose from a wide range of courses and unique minors in areas like neuroscience and physics,” Eippert explains. “Dental students can take sculpture classes to combine their creative and academic interests; medical students can combine their study of science with philosophy, biomedical ethics and the arts. Majors in exercise science, public health and athletic training attract students with an interest in science who enjoy a more experiential academic program. Plus, a wide range of international opportunities are available that allow students to expand their worldview and gain a more global perspective of healthcare.”
Jomel Jacinto a 2014 graduate who will attend the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall, says, “It will be hard work from day one. As soon as you have your goal set in your mind and heart then there is no stopping you. And remember, there’s more to it than the science…it’s all about the people.