Pre-Med

With solid preparation in the required science courses, Randolph’s pre-med program prepares you for your future in many health-related fields, whether you want to become a doctor or dentist, an occupational or physical therapist, or a physician’s assistant.

Intellectual Rigor

Randolph College provides a challenging, engaged academic experience which prepares students for the intense learning environments of medical, veterinary, and graduate schools. Our classes are interactive, encouraging discussion.

As a student of the liberal arts, you will be well versed in the humanities as well as the sciences. The global perspective which permeates Randolph academics will help you understand the human element of medical care, while our Honor Code promotes a life of integrity in all your endeavors.

In short, Randolph produces compassionate medical professionals of the highest intellectual and ethical caliber.

Get Practical Experience

Internships

Randolph’s pre-med students get real life experience in an area rich with internship opportunities.

Lynchburg serves as central Virginia’s regional health services destination, with more than 330 physicians, three hospitals, and numerous clinics, nursing homes and assisted care facilities. Recent internships have included:

• Radiology Department, Virginia Baptist Hospital
• Oncology Department, Virginia Baptist Hospital
• Neonatal Intensive Care, Virginia Baptist Hospital

Research & Scholarship

Randolph students engage in graduate level research in partnership with their professors. Recent projects include work on DNA, environmental lead toxicity, developmental psychology, and more.

Medical School Admissions

• You can major in anything. The choice of major is not a factor in medical school admissions decisions. However, most pre-med students major in biology or chemistry.
• Good grades in science are important. Medical school applications are extremely competitive. A minimum 3.0 is required for application to most medical schools, but the average accepted GPA is around 3.5. Tutoring services are available through Lipscomb Library.  The Ethyl Science and Mathematics Center provides valuable resources to help Pre-Med students excel.
• Excellent preparation makes the difference. A personal interview is a prerequisite to admission at all medical schools. Randolph’s liberal arts education provides you with a strong foundation in communication skills, and the Career Development Center offers you practice in “mock” interviews. We also recommend that you take a course in public speaking.
• The Health Professions Advisory Committee will assist you with a committee recommendation, based on endorsements from faculty and professionals, and a committee interview, which can enhance your application.
• The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required by most medical schools. This test draws on the knowledge gained in the required courses and should be taken at the end of your junior year.
• Most medical schools use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This project will occupy part of the summer before your senior year.

Academic Requirements

• Required courses in science
  • Biology
    • Introductory Genetics and Molecular Biology
    • Zoology
    • Physiology
  • Chemistry
    • General chemistry
    • Organic chemistry
    • Biochemistry
  • Mathematics (as preparation for physics)
  • Physics (calculus-based or noncalculus-based)
  • Psychology
• Related areas of study
  • Bioethics
  • Writing and rhetoric courses

More Information

For more information on preparing for a career in medicine, veterinary sciences, or health professions at Randolph College, please contact the Office of Admissions or Health Professions Advisor Ann Fabirkiewicz, professor of chemistry, 434-947-8495.