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Pre-Medical Program

Curriculum

Students preparing to apply to medical and/or osteopathic medical schools may select any major, including a non-science major. Pre-medical students are expected to complete a core curriculum (courses required by nearly all medical/osteopathic medical schools) and are encouraged to complete additional courses that are either recommended or required by most schools.

The core curriculum consists of

  • General (or inorganic) chemistry, 2 semesters with laboratory (Chemistry 113-114)
  • Organic chemistry, 2 semesters with laboratory (Chemistry 211-212)
  • Physics, 2 semesters with laboratory (Physics 109-110 or Physics 111-112)
  • Biology, 2 semesters with laboratory (in general, Biology 112 and either Biology 119 or Biology 210)
  • Calculus, 1 semester (either Mathematics 170 or Mathematics 106-166)
  • English, 2 semesters (Writing 100 or Learning in Common 101 and one literature course chosen from English 101-105)

Among the additional courses, biochemistry is strongly recommended. In general, some additional biology courses, statistics, introductory courses in sociology and/or psychology, and medical ethics are recommended, regardless of major. Individual schools may have specific requirements.

Advising

Moravian College maintains a Health Professions Office which offers advising and resources. Premedical students are encouraged to register with the Health Professions office and to begin meeting with the health professions advisor during their first year at Moravian College. This will help ensure that all necessary courses are taken and properly sequenced and that students receive up-to-date information on preparing for medical school, including opportunities to gain clinical and research experience as well as advice on how to build a strong application.

The Health Professions Advisory Committee

The Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) is responsible for providing the institutional letter of recommendation for students applying to medical school. The HPAC interviews students who request an institutional recommendation letter; reviews each student’s application credentials, determines the recommendation level, and identifies specific issues to be included in letter. Pre-medical students who wish an HPAC letter must be registered with the Health Professions Office.

Pre-Health Professions Club

The Pre-Health Professions Club is an engaging and motivating campus organization which encourages students preparing for any of the health professions to join. The Pre-Health Club typically meets every other week and participates in a variety of activities throughout the year. Meetings may host health care practitioners as guest speakers or focus on issues of broad interest, such as preparing for the MCAT and similar exams. Club members may visit health professions schools and exhibits, as well as participate in community service projects. Meetings are primarily student organized and led, with guidance from the health professions advisor, Stephen U. Dunham.

St. Luke's Pre-Med Observer Program

Moravian College pre-med students have an opportunity to be involved in this internship experience directed by St. Luke's Hospital. Students must be of junior or senior year standing with an overall GPA of at least 3.2 to participate in the program. Students shadow physicians in obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, and surgery. They learn how the various departments contribute to the overall hospital system. Students develop essential skills of professionalism as well as an appreciation for the demands of pursuing a career in the medical field. All interested students should speak with Virginia O’Connell in the Department of Sociology to apply for these competitive field study opportunities.

Temple-St. Luke’s Early Assurance Program

Qualified Moravian College pre-medical students who wish to attend medical school in the Lehigh Valley have an outstanding opportunity through the Temple-St. Luke’s Early Assurance program. Students admitted to this program will spend the first year of medical school at the main Temple University Medical School campus in Philadelphia, then return to the Lehigh Valley where they will take their second-year classes and third- and fourth-year clerkships at the new Temple-St. Luke’s Medical School. Interested students should see the health professions advisor, Stephen U. Dunham, for details.