Attention all pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-vet students (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate): This is a notification of a change of policy regarding requirements for a committee interview and subsequent committee letter. This is effective as of September 2014. Students wishing to apply to medical, dental, or veterinary school during an upcoming summer cycle must demonstrate the following:

1. Demonstrate a cumulative GPA of 3.2. This includes ALL grades from any institution. It is up to you to calculate this and to be able to demonstrate it to the chair of the Pre-Medical and Health Professions Advisory Program. There are websites available to do this easily or you can use the GPA calculator spreadsheet available in the “forms” section of this page.
2. Demonstrate a BCMP (biology, chemistry, math, physics) GPA of 3.4. Again, this includes ALL grades from any institution.
3. Obtain at least one MCAT, DAT or GRE score:
   • An MCAT score must be at least a 25 or above the 45th percentile
   • A DAT score must be at least an 18 or at or above the 50th percentile
   • A GRE score (pre-vet students) of 150 verbal, 150 quantitative, and a 4.0 on analytical writing, or above the 50th percentile
4. Demonstrated clinical experience. The type and extent of your experience should be discussed with your pre-med, -dental, or -vet advisor well ahead of any interview process.

If any of these 4 criteria are not met, then you will not be granted an interview or committee letter from the Pre-medical and Health Professions Advisory Committee. Interviews will be given to any student meeting these requirements on Reading Day at the end of each spring semester. 

If you are scheduled to take the MCAT during the summer, there will be an opportunity to meet with the committee during the summer once a score is submitted. Requests for an interview or committee letter will not be accepted after September 1 of that particular application period.

Once you are accepted to participate in an interview, you must submit the following 3 weeks ahead of your scheduled interview:

1. All transcripts from any institution attended (These can be unofficial.)
2. GPA calculations as described above
3. MCAT, DAT or GRE scores as described above
4. At least 3 letters of recommendation, 2 of which must come from science faculty. The third letter can come from a faculty member who is not a science instructor, if desired. More than 3 letters are recommended, but the minimum number is 3. Any letters from employers or volunteer supervisors must be on top of the 3 academic letters. Forms and guidelines for writers can be found within the “forms” section of this page.
5. A substantial draft of your personal statement
6. Current resume
7. Questionnaire (also found in the “forms” section of this page)

You should be meeting with a member of the Pre-Medical and Health Professions Advisory Committee at least once per semester to make sure that you are on the right track to be competitive in your application to your chosen program.

This program is expected to meet the needs of students interested in medical, dental, and veterinary school as well as those interested in pharmacy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, and optometry programs. Each student’s history is evaluated and appropriate courses are advised based upon his/her specific needs. Students have access to Worcester State’s Pre-Medical and Health Professions Advisory Committee and, if necessary for a program, the recommendation letter process.

Students who complete 30 credits of the basic core sciences and/or other elective science courses at Worcester State University will receive a certification of completion of the program. Up to 8 transfer credits will be allowed to contribute to the 30-credit total. Students will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain eligible for the program.

This program is part-time and classes are offered primarily in the evening. It is designed for students who need the basic science curriculum either as new courses (career changers) or as repeat attempts (GPA enhancement). A GPA of 2.75 overall is required for admission into the program. Students wishing to take an advanced curriculum are advised to seek a second baccalaureate degree through the undergraduate school. The basic courses are offered throughout the academic year, primarily in the evening. Summer courses are also available.

Interested students should download the inquiry letter, complete the online application, contact the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, or email the program coordinator.

While there are not specific deadlines for admission, it is recommended that prospective students submit materials for admission prior to the pre-registration period for the starting semester. For a fall starting semester, admission packages should be completed by April 1, and for spring starting semester, the admission packages should be completed by November 1. There is a GPA requirement of 2.75 (overall) for admission into this program.

There is no financial aid available for this program. This is a federal restriction for any non-degree certificate program that does not lead directly to employment. All college transcripts, two faculty letters of recommendation, and a $30 application fee are required for a complete application.

Below is a list of the basic core courses and available electives. Since health professions programs differ in their requirements, students should contact Dr. Jennifer Hood-DeGrenier prior to registration to make sure they are taking the correct courses.

Basic Core Courses

CH 120 (General Chemistry 1, including lab) - 4 credits
CH 121 (General Chemistry 2, including lab) - 4 credits
BI 140 (Introduction to Organismal Biology, including lab) - 4 credits
BI 141 (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, including lab) - 4 credits
CH 201 (Organic Chemistry 1 lecture) - 3 credits
CH 202 (Organic Chemistry 2 lecture) - 3 credits
CH 203 (Organic Chemistry 1 lab) - 2 credits
CH 204 (Organic Chemistry 2 lab) - 2 credits
PY 221 or PY 241 (Physics 1, including lab) - 4 credits
PY 222 or PY 242 (Physics 2, including lab) - 4 credits

Math and Science Elective Courses

MA 200 (Calculus 1)
MA 201 (Calculus 2)
MA 150 (Statistics)

BI 203 (Genetics)
CH 410 (Biochemistry, including lab)
BI 161 (Anatomy and Physiology 1)
BI 162 (Anatomy and Physiology 2)
BI 204 (Microbiology)

• Association of American Medical Colleges
• American Academy of Physician Assistants
• American Medical Association
• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
• American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges
• American Podiatric Medical Association
• Bastyr University
• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
• Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
• University of Massachusetts Medical School
• Yale Physician Assistant Program