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Pre-Medical Program
If you want to be a doctor someday, the Pre-Medical path is for you. But here’s what’s interesting—taking the Pre-Med route doesn’t mean you have to be a doctor. Pre-Med can provide unique opportunities for a successful career in healthcare, research, tech, science, and more. If you want to learn how you can help people in the medical field while also applying your Christian worldview to your work, it’s time to look into a Pre-Medical path at Dordt.
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Program Overview
The comprehensive training you'll get at Dordt can pave your way to medical school. At Dordt, you’ll get the personal assistance you need. You’ll work closely with faculty as you develop expertise in your field. And you’ll develop an understanding of how God wants to use your unique skills and abilities for his glory.
Students accepted into medical programs today should have strong academic backgrounds, know about solving complex problems, understand good relationships, act with integrity and honesty, and be involved in their communities. These characteristics are best developed at an institution where a core curriculum provides an education with breadth. Dordt's Core Program and Christian perspective will give you a framework and a solid knowledge base for your professional studies.
What can I do with a degree in pre-medical program from Dordt University?
Pre-Medical at Dordt will help you prepare for a career in or related to the medical field. This foundation will set you up for success, whether you pursue further education through medical school or you enter the workforce upon graduation. You may enjoy a career as a doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or even a veterinarian. Whatever you choose to do professionally, Dordt’s Pre-Medical program will prepare you for the next steps.
Many of our graduates have been accepted at regional medical schools such as the University of Iowa, University of Minnesota (both Twin Cities and Duluth), Des Moines University, and the University of South Dakota. Others have gone to universities in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Wisconsin, Alberta, and Ontario.
Medical Doctor (M.D.)
Physicians are trained to provide acute and preventative care to patients, including diagnosing disease, supervising care, prescribing and delivering treatment. There are 24 different specialties within medicine, including the more generalist areas of internal medicine, general pediatrics, and family practice.
Physician Assistant (P.A.)
Physician Assistants are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Within the physician/PA relationship, P.A.s exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. P.A.s are generalists in medicine, emphasizing primary care. P.A.s are qualified to: take medical histories, order laboratory tests, diagnose and treat illness, give medical advice, counsel patients, perform physical exams, assist in surgery, and set fractures.
Podiatry
Podiatry medicine is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2024 Career Outcome Rate was 99.3%! “The entire campus is engaged in the work of discipleship,” said Amy Westra, Director of Career Development. “Providing a Christian education focused on Christ-centered renewal is owned by all faculty and staff.”
Pre-Medical Program
You may choose any major. Although many pre-med students major in biology or chemistry, fields such as psychology, English, or history are also appropriate. Chief Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Joseph Keryakos will help you meet application deadlines, choose your courses, select the appropriate medical school, and write recommendations for you. Dr. Keryakos stays up-to-date on new developments in admission procedures to professional schools.
Studying science alongside history, English, communication, philosophy, psychology, and the arts—all taught in the light of God's Word—will help you understand how the world fits together and give you additional ways to serve in the medical field. The knowledge you gain in your courses will open your eyes and heart to the needs and concerns of others, and prepare you to help and heal them through your work.
- Dordt will give you an excellent science education. Smaller class sizes mean that you'll get more attention from professors and they will be able to write you more personal recommendations.
- Dordt's program teaches you to treat whole people, not just their injuries, giving you a foundation for growing as a capable, loving, just, and ethical caregiver.
- Dordt is large enough to offer a wide variety of ways for you to get involved and small enough to make it easy to do so. Explore journalism, theatre, athletics, music, volunteering, student government, and more.
- At Dordt you will get the personal assistance you need and will work closely with faculty as you develop expertise in your field.
- Opportunities exist for students to conduct collaborative research with Dordt faculty during the school year or during the summer.
The Pre-Health Professions Club (PHPC) will help you get to know other pre-med students. Members help each other with course planning, MCAT preparation, and medical school applications. The club brings in practicing doctors, current medical school students, and medical school recruiters to learn more about the profession and give helpful advice. It also organizes field trips to pre-med conferences and regional medical facilities.
Pre-Medical Students are encouraged to meet with the Chief Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Joseph Keryakos, each semester, as well as join and attend regularly the Pre-Health Professions Club (PHPC) events. PHPC’s events are geared toward students in the Pre-Health Professions Program including pre-medical students. This club provides students with additional skills and experiences that will enhance their preparedness for medical school. PHPC aspires to create a strong community amongst the pre-health students based on love and understanding, that seeks to lift one another up and give each other much-needed support in the confusion and uncertainty of pre-requisite courses and applying to health professional programs. This club is focused on collaborative healthcare and interprofessional development across pre-health students by planning and supporting activities that showcase teamwork and collaboration in healthcare. For more information, please contact PHPC@dordt.edu.
Ready to take the next step?
Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
Science and Technology Center
While studying pre-medical, you'll have the opportunity to spend time in Dordt's Science and Technology Center. Informally known as the "Science Building," the Science and Technology Center is home to Dordt's 180-seat lecture hall.
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Student Stories
Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
Connect with us
Submit your information to request more information about Dordt and this program. We'll also use this information to connect you with your admissions counselor!
Plus, we'll send you our e-book, "Top Things to Consider in a Pre-Medical Program." 🙌
Related Program Options
Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
