More than 100 College of Charleston students have been accepted to medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy and nursing schools for fall 2012. A total of 41 students have been offered positions at the following medical schools: Medical University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Drexel University, Harvard University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Boston University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, University of California Davis, University of Connecticut, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Marshall University, Mercer University, New York Medical College, State University of New York, Georgia Health Sciences University, Tulane,University of Pittsburgh, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, University of Virginia, Stanford University and Mayo Clinic.

Twelve students have been accepted in dental programs at the following schools for the coming year: Medical University of South Carolina, Ohio State University, University of Maryland, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Temple University and Tufts University. Other outstanding College of Charleston graduates will be headed for clinical programs in veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiovascular perfusion and nursing.

There are approximately 700 students in the pre-health loop at the College of Charleston, including medical, veterinary, dental, pharmacy, nursing, allied health, and health administration. Alpha Epsilon Delta, the CofC Chapter of the National Health Preprofessional 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, Hope Lodge, the Charleston Miracle League and Camp Happy Days. 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 the behavioral sciences. Dental students can take sculpture classes to combine their creative and academic interests, medical students can combine the sciences with philosophy, biomedical ethics and the arts. Majors in exercise science and health and human performance attract students with an interest in science, but 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.”

During the past year, a growing number of College of Charleston alumni have been seeking motivated undergraduates for enhanced internship and mentoring opportunities in the Charleston area.

For more information, contact Karen Eippert at 843-953-6460.