Premedical Program (Pre-Med)

Rigorous — As a premed student at Cedarville, you will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum of core biology and chemistry courses, as well as a variety of upper-level electives, including Human Structure and Function, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases.

Human Cadavers — Your study of human anatomy will be enhanced through the use of dissected human cadavers, various anatomical models, and online software. Students excelling in anatomy may take an upper-level human dissection course where you’ll gain hands-on experience dissecting human cadavers (4:1 student-to-cadaver ratio).

Professional Development — A professional development course for incoming premed students fosters community and collaboration among classmates, and an upper-level professional development course prepares premed students for the medical school application process.

Research Opportunities — If you major in biology or molecular biology, you will obtain valuable research experience working with a faculty member (5:1 student-to-faculty ratio) over the course of at least one semester on a research topic within the faculty member’s field of expertise.

Most premed students are preparing for medical school. However, students on this track could also apply to dental, optometry, or physician assistant school.

Cedarville students perform well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), consistently scoring at or above the national average on all sections.

Cedarville students have gained acceptance to both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools throughout the country.

Allopathic Schools — Cedarville graduates have recently attended allopathic schools such as:

• Case Western Reserve University
• Commonwealth Medical College
• Marshall University
• Medical College of Wisconsin
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Michigan State University
• Oakland University William Beaumont
• Rowan University
• State University of New York - Syracuse
• Temple University
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Michigan
• University of North Carolina
• University of Virginia
• University of Wisconsin

Osteopathic Schools — Cedarville graduates have recently attended osteopathic schools such as:

• Campbell University
• Des Moines University
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Liberty University
• Midwestern University
• Ohio University
• West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

In addition to a high acceptance into medical school, Cedarville graduates feel well prepared once in medical school.

Many graduates have written back expressing appreciation for the rigor and focus of the premed curriculum because it prepared them to transition successfully from undergrad to medical school.

Chi Theta Pi — Cedarville’s premed student organization, Chi Theta Pi, creates a supportive community for Cedarville premed students, exposing students to medical opportunities and encouraging them in their pursuit of a medical profession.

Community Outreach Teams — Premed students are encouraged to develop attitudes of service. There are numerous  community outreach opportunities at Cedarville including some with a medical focus.

EMS Training —  EMS training is offered each semester by our local fire department. The class meets on Cedarville’s campus at a location convenient for our undergraduate students. This course provides an opportunity for premed students to gain practical hand-on medical training and to become EMT certified. Once certified, students have opportunity to join the university EMS squad and/or the local township EMS squad.

EMS Service Opportunities:

• Cedarville University Emergency Medical Service (CUEMS) was one of the first student-manned collegiate emergency medical service in the United States. All students who serve with CUEMS are certified professional EMTs. This EMS squad works closely with the Cedarville Township Volunteer Fire Department to service medical emergencies of the university.
• Cedarville Township Volunteer Fire Department (CTVFD) is located within one mile of campus and provides fire, ambulance, and emergency aid to Cedarville Township and to the surrounding area. Many premed students are dual members of both CUEMS and Cedarville Township, and some have special certifications in firefighting and advanced life support.

International Missions — Cedarville students serve in various countries and in a variety of ways. Students are encouraged to become involved in international missions through their local church, through national organizations, or as a part of a Cedarville missions team. Cedarville’s Global Outreach office facilitates about 30 trips each year, including some health care-related ones. Two teams specifically designed for premed students includes a dental/medical team to the Dominican Republic and a medical team to Paraguay.

• Dominican Republic — Since 2009, CU premed students have been invited to join a local Ohio dentist as part of a dental missions team to the Dominican Republic during spring break. This trip emphasizes the role of supporting and coming under Dominican pastors as we bring dental care to underserved areas within their country.
• Paraguay — Since 2009, Cedarville premed students have had opportunity to participate as interns with T.I.M.E. (Training In Medical Evangelism) under the direction of Dr. Jeff and Amy McKissick. The McKissicks are long-term SIM missionaries who, along with the rest of their SIM team, host premed students for this six-week summer internship. During this time, students gain hands-on clinic experience working with Dr. Jeff and participate in home-visits with Amy. They are also exposed to language study, community development, and discipleship training. This internship is frequently a life-changing experience for premed students, impacting their perspective of international medical missions.