HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS
http://www.hiram.edu/health/pre-health-advising
Health Science Board:
Bradley Goodner, Chair; Professor of Biology; Edward J. Smerek Endowed Chair of Mathematics, the Sciences, & Technology; Director of the Center for Scientific Engagement
Heather Balas, Director of Career and Academic Development
Cara Constance, Associate Professor of Biology
Nick Hirsch, Associate Professor of Biology
Brian Knettle, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Erin Lamb, Associate Professor of Biomedical Humanities
Sandra Madar, Professor of Biology; Director of Strategic Academic Initiatives
Carol Shreiner, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Connie Stopper, Director of Nursing, Professor of Nursing
Introduction
Hiram believes that the best training in the health professions is obtained through rigorous, specialized study within the context of a broad liberal arts background. Hiram College students can prepare for post-baccalaureate study in medicine and other health science fields through several courses of study.
Students interested in health science are strongly advised to discuss their interest with a member of the Health Science Board. A variety of health sciences catalogs and literature are on file in the Career Center office.
Pre-Medical Studies
Medical schools usually seek students with broad backgrounds in the liberal arts, excellent work in a core of science courses, and a strong concentration in one academic area. The major field need not be in the sciences, although it frequently is. Indeed, statistics supplied by the Association of American Medical Colleges indicate that a student majoring in the humanities has as good a chance of being accepted by a medical school as a student majoring in the sciences. However, both must take a specified minimum number of courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Students considering a career in medicine will usually take the MCAT exam in the spring of their junior year. Before this time, students will need to complete the following courses: Biology 15100, 15200; Chemistry 12000, 12100, 22000, 32000; and Physics 21300, 21400 (or 11300,11400). Mathematics 19800 and 19900 are prerequisites for the calculus-based Physics courses. The Board urges that all serious candidates for medical school complete at least one of the following course sequences during their first year at Hiram: Biology 15100, 15200, Chemistry 12000, 12100.
Before the end of the first year, the student is advised to meet with a member of the Health Science Board to discuss and plan course work for subsequent years. Along with the courses listed above, some medical schools require additional courses in chemistry and biology. Hiram graduation requirements in composition and literature meet the English requirements of most medical schools. Some admissions committees may require courses in the humanities. Students should consult the catalogs of specific medical schools to determine which additional science and non-science courses are required for admission.
Students interested in preparing for medical and other health related professional programs may consider a major or minor in biomedical humanities. However, medical schools will accept students from any major, so students are encouraged to pursue majors aligned with their academic interests. We have had successful entrants to medical school from majors such as music and Spanish, in addition to the sciences. Our biomedical humanities program includes the basic science core required for most programs, as well as a strong liberal arts foundation stressing communication skills, diversity sensitivity, ethical development, and service learning. Students should consult the catalog description of the major or members of the Health Science Board for further information.
Other Pre-Professional Studies
Students preparing for doctoral-level professional programs in other medical areas, such as dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, podiatry, and veterinary medicine take the same First-Year courses as a pre-medical school student. The remainder of the student’s course work may vary considerably: therefore, early consultation with a member of the Health Science Board is imperative. It is occasionally possible to enter the professional school program after the junior year at Hiram. The remaining requirements for the B.A. degree can then be completed during the first year of the professional program.
Veterinary Medicine
Students interested in veterinary medicine must complete the following prerequisites before the end of the fall semester of their senior year in order to be considered for admission to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Biology 15100, 15200, 23000, 33800, 36500, 36600; Chemistry 12000, 12100, 22000, 32000; a Freshman Seminar Course; Mathematics 19800; Physics 11300, 11400; and basic courses in the liberal arts as determined by the graduation requirements of Hiram. Hiram's pre-vet advisor is Nick Hirsch, Associate Professor of Biology.
Pre-Law
John Koritansky (1970), Professor of Political Science
A.B., Cornell University;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Chicago
Hiram students are encouraged to seek advice about law school and the legal profession from Professor Koritansky of the Political Science Department. Hiram College does not identify any specific package of courses as preparation for law school because there are a variety of courses and fields of study through which students can acquire the skills necessary to achieve success in law. Advice can be very helpful, though, in assisting students who have set their sights on law school in planning their curriculum and preparing to take the law school application examination. Certain courses, for example American government or those in American constitutional law, are normally selected by the preponderance of law school candidates not only at Hiram but elsewhere. Professor Koritansky can also provide helpful advice towards a student’s deciding intelligently and realistically where to apply. At their own initiative and under the auspices of the pre-law advisor, Hiram students have formed their own pre-law club, which has the authority to request funds from student government in order to sponsor various activities. These include excursions to pre-law “caravans” at neighboring schools to meet representatives from law schools and on-campus gatherings with current law students and practicing lawyers, judges, and paralegals.
The offices of both Professor Koritansky and Heather Balas, Director of Career Center, serve as clearing houses for application forms, catalogues, handbooks, and other printed materials of use to law school candidates.