College of Science and Health

Pre-Medicine

Launch Your Medical Journey at BenU

At Benedictine University, we understand that pursuing a career in medicine is a calling that demands not only academic excellence but also a holistic understanding of the healthcare field. Our pre-med program is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences you need to thrive in the competitive world of medicine.

We believe that every aspiring medical professional deserves personalized attention and guidance. That’s why our pre-med program goes beyond traditional academic advising. You’ll have access to professional advising specifically tailored to your pre-med aspirations, ensuring that you’re on the right track to achieve your goals.

Our rigorous liberal arts curriculum provides you with a solid foundation in science, humanities, and social sciences, preparing you to become a compassionate and culturally sensitive physician. Through our extensive partnerships with healthcare providers across the Chicagoland region, you’ll have ample opportunities to gain valuable clinical experience through shadowing, volunteering, and internships.

Benedictine University is a vibrant community of pre-med students who share a passion for medicine. You’ll find a supportive network of peers, dedicated professors, and healthcare professionals who will guide you along your journey to becoming a successful medical professional.

With Benedictine University’s pre-med program as your launchpad, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the demanding yet fulfilling world of medicine. We invite you to join us and embark on a transformative journey towards becoming a compassionate and impactful healthcare provider.

The BenU Difference

Why Study at BenU?

Gain Hands-on Research Experience
Benedictine University’s Pre-Med program provides students with exceptional opportunities to become engaged in investigative and applied research. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your knowledge of the medical field but also prepare you for future research endeavors in medical school and beyond.

Immerse Yourself in Clinical Experiences
Our strong connections with clinical partners in the Chicagoland area give you the opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience. These experiences will allow you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world patient care settings, deepen your understanding of various medical specialties, and demonstrate your commitment to the medical profession.

Volunteer at Diverse Clinical Sites
Benedictine University partners with a wide range of clinical sites in the greater Chicagoland area, providing students with diverse opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the healthcare community. These volunteer experiences will not only allow you to make a positive impact on patients and the community but also expand your professional network and gain valuable insights into different healthcare settings.

What is “Pre-Med”?

Declaring yourself to be “pre-med” simply means that this is your career aspiration. To get there, you must meet specific requirements, and these can vary from medical school to medical school. Before applying to any medical school, students must first complete a bachelor degree program that incorporates specific prerequisite course requirements. However, medical schools are also looking for applicants that demonstrate commitment to the profession, community engagement, a well-rounded education, and leadership skills.

What is the best major?

Medical professional schools do not require that you study a specific academic major. Many students choose health science or biology because there is significant overlap of major courses and pre-med prerequisites. However, we recommend that if you have a passion in another area, you can and should major in that area. Graduates who do this find they can incorporate this area of passion into their professional life for a more satisfying career.

Students Who Care

Health profession schools look for evidence of a sincere commitment to healthcare. Medical school admissions staff look at how long a candidate volunteered and what the work entailed. In addition to volunteering at hospitals, working at clinics, supervised homes for physically or developmentally disabled people, and nursing homes are great opportunities to demonstrate your commitment, and learn more about what healthcare providers do and how to interact with patients. Working as a Medical Scribe or Medical Assistant is a great way to get hands-on experience. Students who want to be able to more actively participate take steps to become a more distinguished volunteer by obtaining EMT or nurse’s aide certification.

What Our Graduates Have Done With This Degree

Pre-Medicine Alumni

Our graduates are highly sought after by top-tier medical, dental, and other health professional schools, including the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Texas, New York University, Saint Louis University, Loyola University Chicago, and Midwestern University. After completing their studies, our alumni have gone on to work at renowned institutions such as Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine, Edward-Elmhurst Health, and Mayo Clinic. In fact, Benedictine alumni have a strong presence in clinical settings across the region.

What type of doctor will you be?

Allopathic Medicine (MD)

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Naturopathic Medicine (ND)

Science Courses

  • General Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • General Physics

Mathematics Courses

  • Calculus
  • Statistics

Other Recommended Courses

  • English
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Ethics

Program

9

Pre-Medicine – Lisle

9

Pre-Medicine – Mesa

Optional Minor

9

Spanish

Location

9

Lisle

9

Mesa

Discover your future at BenU