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Pre-Med and Pre-Health

Imagining a healthcare career? Physician? Physician assistant? Pharmacist? Dentist? Norwich University can start you on that path.

We offer foundational math and science courses, such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and calculus, that fit these career tracks and are taught in small classes by top-flight faculty. We offer research opportunities to complement your studies, which could include presenting your findings at regional and national conferences. 

Norwich's small size allows you to build individualized relationships with faculty, who love to mentor you as much as you love to learn. And, once you’ve chosen a career path, our mentorship can help you understand how to best prepare. On this page, you’ll find links to pre-health coursework for each field of study and information about people who will be devoted to your success.

Learn how Norwich can help you pursue a rewarding career in healthcare.

Pre-Health Track Requirements & Courses

Q: Can Norwich University prepare me for medical school?

A: Absolutely. Norwich students have been accepted to top medical schools throughout the United States. Our rigorous preparatory coursework, research, and mentorship opportunities prepare exceptional candidates for a broad range of professional programs.

Q: Where is the Pre-Med major at Norwich University?

A: Pre-Med is more a track than a major. We have the foundational “BCPM” courses to help you down this track — biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics and mathematics — along with common complements —  social sciences like psychology and sociology all offered in our small-class, high-touch environment.

Medical schools increasingly want well-rounded students devoted to their genuine interests. As Dr. Nathaniel Morris wrote in Scientific American, “Students who study the injustices of socioeconomic disparities, the intricacies of music theory or the beauty of poetry can also make great physicians.”

Because there is no “best” or “right” major for medical school, we encourage you to follow your passions. Our Pre-Health, Pre-Med adviser, Dr. Ethan Guth, can help you chart the path you need to get to medical school or postgraduate training, helping you choose the courses to move you toward a career as an M.D. (doctor of medicine) D.O. (doctor of osteopathic medicine), dentist or veterinarian.

Q: What should I major in?

You should major in a field that authentically interests you. Medical schools are looking for well-rounded applicants with a passion for learning and a strong academic background in science. The following majors provide most of the prerequisite coursework as part of their standard curriculum and are popular with students who are interested in medical school:

  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Health Science
  • Neuroscience

Q: Does Norwich have extracurriculars to help my pursuit of medical school or postgrad medical training?

A: Many. Our Center for Civic Engagement can connect with Norwich University Emergency Medical Services, a division of Northfield Ambulance. NU EMS helps provide medical coverage on the ambulance, the Crash Rescue unit, and the Off-Road Rescue unit which provides medical standby details for student clubs, ROTC detachments and the Corps of Cadets.

Medical professionals promise to serve others; Norwich shares this same commitment to service: it is ingrained in everything we do and who we aspire to be. There are many activities at Norwich that can help you gain the skills and experiences that will help you succeed not only in medical school or postgrad medical training, but in a healthcare career. The Center for Civic Engagement can help you join Norwich University Emergency Medical Services (NU EMS), a division of Northfield Ambulance. This student-led organization provides medical coverage for ambulance services, the Crash Rescue unit, and the Off-Road Rescue unit. These units routinely support both campus and community organizations, including other student clubs, ROTC units and training events, and the Corps of Cadets. In addition to NU EMS, the Center for Civic Engagement offers numerous other healthcare-related volunteer opportunities, including at Mayo Healthcare, an assisted living center; the Veterans’ Place, a transitional home for U.S. armed forces veterans; the Northfield Police Department; and the Boys & Girls Club.

 

Q: Are there research opportunities to prepare me?

A: Yes. Our Office of Academic Research lets you connect one-on-one with research professors, many in science. Recently, students have researched cancer treatments and early detection signals for the novel coronavirus.

Q: I want to go to medical school and I’m interested in Norwich University but I’m confused as to what to do next. Is there someone who can help me?

Yes! Norwich University has a dedicated Pre-Med / Pre-Health Professions adviser who can help you understand the process and answer your questions:

Ethan Guth, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Director of Pre-Health Advising
Norwich University
Northfield, VT 0563
802-485-2475
eguth@norwich.edu

Pre-Med and dedication to serve

Dedication to service

Dedication to service is a Norwich hallmark; our students thrive in civic efforts bigger than themselves. They've delivered disaster relief after Tropical Storm Irene, designed life-improving devices for veterans and built homes for people with special needs.

Our Center for Civic Engagement can connect you with volunteer opportunities promoting public service, including Norwich University Emergency Medical Services, a division of Northfield Ambulance. NU EMS helps provide medical coverage on the ambulance, the Crash Rescue unit, and the Off-Road Rescue unit which provides medical standby details for student clubs, ROTC detachments and the Corps of Cadets.

Other volunteer chances near our campus include work with Mayo Healthcare, an assisted living center; the Veterans' Place, a transitional home for U.S. armed forces veterans; the Northfield Police Department; and the Boys & Girls Club.

Research and cross-disciplinary coursework

Our Office of Academic Research lets you strengthen your academic portfolio and broaden your understanding with research. Our students have studied early detection signs of the novel coronavirus and possible treatments for cancer.

Also cross-disciplinary coursework will get you thinking broadly. For example, Narrative Medicine, a course in our Norwich Humanities Initiative, gets students thinking of the importance of listening and storytelling.

The world needs your strength, talent, grit and compassion more than ever.

Next Steps: The Admissions Process

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  1. Visit Campus

    From seasonal open houses to leadership training weekends and summer camps, Norwich offers personalized events for you to get the full Norwich experience.

    • Learn about our academic programs from renowned faculty
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    • Tour the campus and talk with current students about life at Norwich University

    Schedule a campus visit to meet students and see Norwich in action. 

You've been accepted to Norwich University. Congratulations, you are on your way to being part of an exclusive tradition and forging your own path within our noble history of service. 

  1. Scholarships

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    Note: FAFSA will open on or before December 1st, 2024 per the U.S. Department of Education.

    www.usa.gov/fafsa

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