Pre-Medicine

Opportunities for medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs) are diverse. Besides the variety of areas in which a physician may specialize, there are also numerous job possibilities. Most physicians provide direct patient care in private practices, clinics, or hospitals.

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However, physicians may also work at universities, either teaching or doing research. In industrial settings, they may conduct medical research and help with the invention and testing of medical products. Employment opportunities also exist in government organizations (e.g., The Centers for Disease Control or as public health officers).

Why Study Pre-Med at Goshen College?

If you are interested in medicine, Goshen College can provide a strong background for entry into medical school and related professions. As one of the best undergraduate schools for pre-med, Goshen College offers many unique opportunities for medical experience prior to entering medical school. Goshen College students find many opportunities for academic studies and research; pre-medical students can also gain experience in programs linking GC with local health-care providers.

Academic Excellence

Per capita, Goshen College alumni have the second highest rate of PhD completion in Indiana. The five year average acceptance rate to medical school typically falls between 80-100 percent. Other noteworthy statistics can be found via these links (Amazing Outcomes, Rankings and Lists). Goshen College is a liberal arts college, providing students with a grounding not only in their major, but each of the traditional academic disciplines. A liberal arts education pushes students to think critically in all aspects of life and exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking. Small class sizes foster the most productive interactions between students and professors. Additionally, Goshen College premedical students learn about and volunteer in healthcare systems across the globe as they practice communicating across cultures in the Study Service Term (SST) program.

Excellent Facilities

The Science Building and Schrock Annex provide modern laboratory and research facilities. The comfortable and safe research labs are spacious, well-ventilated, and well-equipped for basic research in the genetic, cellular, molecular, vertebrate, aquatic and marine areas.

Opportunities to Work Closely with Faculty

Students can interact personally with the science faculty in classes, labs and research activities.

• The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, giving students the opportunity to interact directly with their professors.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in various undergraduate research projects directed by faculty members. Faculty Research
• Many students work with professors as teaching and lab assistants.
• Pre-medical students are encouraged to participate in Goshen College’s Pre-Health Club which provides support and information to students interested in medicine. Events typically include visiting a medical school, hearing from visiting physicians, and organizing volunteer events in the community.

Opportunities to Gain Experience

Students will find many opportunities to gain valuable experience (paid or volunteer) in and around GC.

• Most Goshen College students spend a semester abroad in GC’s unique Study-Service Term (SST). Most pre-medical students spend their six-week period of service volunteering in a health-related assignment, such as a hospital or clinic.
• Students are encouraged to shadow a physician or volunteer in the emergency room at Goshen Hospital (across the street from GC). Students may also seek employment at Greencroft, a large nursing home/ assisted living center (within walking distance of GC) or Oaklawn, a psychiatric hospital (a 10-minute drive from GC).

Applying to Medical School

Many students choose to complete their premedical courses by April of the junior year before taking the MCAT and applying to medical school. Interviews would then typically occur in the fall of senior year. However, many students choose to take a gap year to engage in other activities, such as completing a post-baccalaureate research program, before entering medical school. Goshen College continues to support its premedical students after graduation so you can tailor your career path to your needs and interests.

Suggested Pre-Med Plan of Study

The following courses meet prerequisites for almost all medical schools.

• Biology Core classes – Ecology & Evolution, Organismal Biology, Cell Biology & Genetics
• Advanced Cell Biology & Advanced Molecular Genetics
• Calculus I
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• General Physics
• Developmental Biology and/or Vertebrate Physiology
• General Psychology
• Principles of Sociology

Plan carefully to complete your required courses on time. This suggested schedule ensures that the students will complete all the required courses before taking the MCAT.

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

* Take the math placement exam prior to beginning classes.
**Because of the need to finish required courses before taking the MCAT, it is usually advisable to take SST during the summer after the student’s sophomore year.

Goshen College offers many other beneficial courses for students entering the medical field. Among other recommended courses are:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Economics
• Epidemiology (new!)
• General Zoology
• Global Health (new!)
• Health Care Ethics
• Healthcare in Diverse Communities (new!)
• Human Nutrition
• Microbial Biology

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