PREMEDICAL AND OTHER
HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAM
The premedical and other health professions program at LMU is designed to prepare students to think independently, to acquire critical analytical skills, to develop the values and attitudes essential for members of the medical and other health professions, and contribute to the general needs of society. In addition to the academic curriculum, each student is strongly encouraged to participate in a variety of broadening experiences including research projects both on and off campus and internships in health care settings. Throughout this process our students are supported with academic and career counseling, pre-professional organizations and informal meetings of common interest groups.
As a part of LMU’s pre-medical and other health professionals program, you’ll develop a solid grounding in your technical discipline – and gain from first rate teachers, superb facilities, and strong connections to the industrial, environmental, and scientific organizations of Southern California.
Yet no LMU graduate is a narrow specialist. All have experienced the personal growth and enrichment that flows from Loyola Marymount’s core curriculum – an appreciation of the arts, sciences, philosophy, religion, and history that have shaped our world and its various cultures. And each has gained perspective from a university context which never loses sight of the moral and ethical values involved in science and technology.
If you choose to major in one of the sciences, you’ll be part of the LMU College of Science and Engineering. The College is described more fully in other publications, but here are a few essentials:
The College
FACULTY
Loyola Marymount has a gifted faculty, professionally active but dedicated to undergraduate teaching. What’s different about LMU is the degree to which teachers are directly involved with students and their work – advising and mentoring through hands-on projects. Most classes are small (classes of 20-30, labs of 12-18), and the professor’s door is always open.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Many undergraduate students work side-by-side with faculty on major research projects – in materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedicine, genetics, field biology, and other areas. Students present the results of their own research at regional, national, and even international conferences.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Southern California is a great area for undergraduate students to gain practical experience. The College helps to arrange internships at companies and other science and technology organizations. In addition to gaining valuable experience, students working as interns can sometimes earn money and/or credits toward graduation. Also, many juniors and seniors are hired each year to assist faculty with the many lab classes offered by the College. It’s an excellent way to reinforce what you’ve learned, build your resume and earn while you learn. Student interested in a specific health profession are strongly urged to acquire significant first-hand exposure to the career of interest.
PLACEMENT INTO MEDICAL AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS
In applying to medical schools, LMU students fare better than their counterparts at many of the largest and best known universities. Over the past five years, LMU applicants have gained entry to medical schools, at one and a half times the national rate, and virtually all applicants have been accepted for other health-related professional schools such as Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Physical Therapy, and Optometry. This success is the result of individualized attention and mentoring which allows students to build very impressive application portfolios.
The Science Curriculum
LMU science majors have won numerous awards and scholarships, gained admission to the top graduate and professional schools, and established themselves as successful leaders in industry and the professions. Their work ranges from genetic research through environmental and industrial science to aerospace, robotics, and microelectronics. If you’re aiming for medical school or its equivalent in one of the other health professions (dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, etc.) LMU has designed special curricula within the sciences and provides a health professions advisor and advisory committe to help guide the professional school application process.
The Pre-Medical and other Health Professions Program
LMU has special curricula designed for students interested in medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and public health. The basic program can be completed in conjunction with most academic majors in the University with proper guidance from the health professions advisor. One of the strongest aspects of the LMU curriculum is the Liberal Arts core required of all students. The successful completion of the core prepares our students extremely well for graduate professional schools and for the health care professions.
For more information or to arrange a tour, call
Rebecca K. Pazdral, D.Ed.
Director, Health Professions Advising
North Hall 103, MS 8160
Seaver College of Science and Engineering Loyola Marymount University
310-338-7704
http://cse.lmu.edu/healthprofessions