More than 130 College of Charleston students have been accepted to medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy and nursing schools for fall 2013. This is the largest number of students since 2010. Students have been offered positions at the following medical, dental and veterinary colleges: Medical University of South Carolina, USC Greenville, USC Columbia, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, East Carolina, Tufts, University of Louisville, Wake Forest, Tulane,University of Mississippi,Virginia Commonwealth, Temple, University of New England, University of Tennessee,Mercer, Georgia Health Sciences,University of Maryland, Boston University, University of Central Florida, Florida Health Sciences. Osteopathic schools included Edward via Virginia, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Forty-seven students have been accepted to medical school, 35 to nursing school, 13 to dental school and 11 to pharmacy school. Students will also be continuing their education in allied health professions including physician assistant (PA), physical therapy (DPT), occupational therapy (OT), cardiovascular perfusion and health administration.

There are approximately 700 students in the pre-health loop at the College of Charleston, including medical, veterinary, dental, pharmacy, nursing and allied health. Alpha Epsilon Delta, the CofC Chapter of the National Pre-professional Health Honor Society, has a membership in excess of 75 students who have spent the past year volunteering with local organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House and The Hope Lodge. The Pre-Nursing Club, the Pre-Dental Club and the Pre-Vet Society have been involved in community outreach activities, fundraising and have offered professional development opportunities in CPR certification and standardized test prep. A growing number of pre-health students are becoming EMS certified and gaining clinical exposure through the First Responder Program on campus.

As competencies for medical schools and standardized tests are being revised, the College of Charleston is well-staged to meet the challenges according to Karen Eippert, director of pre-professional health advising. “As a liberal arts school, with a strong science curriculum, our students can choose from a wide range of courses and unique minors in areas like neuroscience and physics. Dental students can take sculpture classes to combine their creative and academic interests; medical students can combine their study of science with philosophy, biomedical ethics and the arts. Majors in exercise science, public health and athletic training attract students with an interest in science who enjoy a more experiential academic program. Plus, a wide range of study abroad opportunities, for students to expand their worldview and gain a more global perspective of healthcare.”

For more information, contact Karen Eippert at 843.953.6460.