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Pre-Med Class

Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Pre-Medicine Emphasis

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Pre-Medicine: Lifechanging Care

It takes a special kind of person to choose the medical profession—a person with a heart to serve others and to care for their bodies and souls. And because this essential field can often deal with life-or-death situations, it is imperative to begin the journey into medicine based on a solid foundation.

At Pensacola Christian College, the pre-medicine emphasis focuses on producing a well-rounded student capable of gaining acceptance to and successfully completing medical school. With a liberal arts education grounded in biblical truth, PCC equips students by prioritizing character, integrity, and ethics. Courses such as English, history, Bible, speech, and more aid critical thinking, strengthen communication, and enhance patient interaction. Core science classes—such as microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, anatomy and physiology, and Sociology for Health Professionals—are challenging yet manageable, empowering students to pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). By graduation, you will have received valuable skills and confidence to touch lives for Christ through medicine.


Faith-Based Pre-Medicine

In a field filled with ethical dilemmas, you can be poised and prepared to honor the Lord in your decisions because of your strong science training permeated with biblical values. As PCC graduates tend to patients with compassion, honesty, and integrity, they earn respect for the ethics and moral standards established since the beginning of their preparation.

Students in lab

Pre-Medicine Emphasis Learning Outcomes

As a pre-medicine graduate, you will be able to

  • demonstrate your understanding of key concepts necessary to solve problems in science and mathematics or explain life processes,
  • apply standard scientific conventions to present logical conclusions based on novel research data and the research of others,
  • use the biblical worldview to critique scientific claims and conclusions,
  • apply biblical principles to support decisions regarding ethical issues, and
  • demonstrate proficiency in entrance requirements for medical school.
Pre-Medicine Emphasis Course Schedule

Program Highlight

Abnormal Psychology

In the course Abnormal Psychology (PS 409), students gain a solid introduction to the psychopathology to be applied in medical school and other clinical disciplines. While learning to think holistically about mental illness, students gain a biblical understanding of the human condition and explore practical ways to demonstrate compassion to those who are suffering.

Your Pre-Medicine Future

What can you do with a pre-medicine emphasis?

PCC graduates achieve a high level of success in medicine, have been accepted into over 70 medical schools, and have completed advanced degrees such as M.D., D.O., P.A., Ph.D., D.C., O.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., and more. Because pre-medicine is a pathway to so many career options, PCC provides a broad program that prepares students for the rigor of more specified advanced medical studies and a future in medicine.

Here are a few of the countless career opportunities available to you.

  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Biophysicist
  • Chiropractor
  • Dentist
  • Lab Technician
  • Medical and Scientific Equipment Sales
  • Nutritionist
  • Optometrist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Physician
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Researcher
  • Science Teacher

Here are a few of the grad schools our pre-medicine alumni have attended.

  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
  • MSIH Ben Gurion, Israel
  • St. James School of Medicine
  • Texas A&M University
  • Texas Heart Institute
  • Texas Tech University, Health Sciences Center, El Paso
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Texas, McGovern Medical School
  • University of Texas, Medical Branch

Here are a few of the many places that our pre-medicine alumni have worked.

  • Cartersville Urgent Care (GA)
  • Case Western University Hospital (OH)
  • Children’s GMP, LLC
  • Fairway Eye Center (KS)
  • Givens Pursley, LLP
  • Integrity Family Dentistry (WI)
  • Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (VA)
  • Lehigh Valley Health Network (PA)
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Penrose Hospital (CO)
  • Presence Covenant Medical Center (IL)
  • Providence Alaska Medical Center
  • University of South Florida College of Medicine
  • U.S. Air Force
  • Waverly Health Center (IA)

Faculty Highlight

Elijah Spencer

Dr. Elijah Spencer

B.S., Pensacola Christian College
M.D., Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Mexico

“My original motivation to become a physician was to demonstrate compassionate care to patients as a reflection of Christ’s love for us. I have seen dozens of my students go on to become medical doctors, physical therapists, dentists, pharmacists, and other health care providers. Each of them takes at least a small influence from me into their clinical practice, and it motivates me to know that I’m touching countless patients that way. In each of my classes I point students to putting God first in their careers—it becomes easier to serve others when we have this perspective.

Our program is definitely set apart by our emphasis on a higher purpose: to motivate our students to excellence because that brings glory to God. One of the practical ways in which we stand out is by personalizing our professional guidance to each student’s career goals and calling. Whether a student wants to be a medical doctor or a researcher, a therapist or a PA (physician assistant), a chiropractor or an optometrist, we help them get where they are going. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.”

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Alumni Spotlight

Jeffrey Cannon
Dr. Jeffrey Cannon ’17

Anesthesiologist
Case Western Reserve University

“The pre-medicine major at PCC prepared me to be a servant-leader. Strong coursework in science was necessary, and the liberal arts education made me well-rounded in terms of connecting with others outside my medical field. The emphases on good writing skills, critical thinking, and biblical philosophy prepared me well to survive the strenuous coursework of medical school and stand out as a servant to others through community outreach.

I feel that being able to communicate through writing is a necessary skill for being a professional of any kind. That has proven true: my abilities in writing have led to my being able to publish medical journal articles, work on projects, and be a valuable asset to different working groups by composing, copyediting, and publishing.

Being a physician is an incredible gift. When my patients are having the worst day of their life, I get the privilege to connect with them and earn their trust and confidence within just a few short minutes. Whether a ‘big’ or ‘small’ procedure, this is not a typical day for that patient. While I enjoy a lot of the clinical work and variety in the operating room, being able to comfort another human being and ensure they remain safe and well throughout their surgery is an honor that I will never take for granted.”

Read more about Dr. Cannon
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About the Pre-Medicine Emphasis

The purpose of the pre-medicine emphasis is to prepare students for admission to and successful completion of medical school.

Admission to medical school in the United States is very selective, admitting only students with excellent grades and admission test scores and skills necessary to excel in the profession of medicine. Personal qualities and commitment are also important. Entrance requirements vary from one medical school to another, so students are urged to consult the catalog of the medical school of their interest early in their undergraduate enrollment in order to be informed of exact entrance requirements.

Chemistry may be claimed as a minor by completing 3 additional 300- or 400-level chemistry courses.

Preparation for medical school demands much specific high school preparation. Ideally, the pre-medicine student should have a good understanding of the basic physical sciences, a highly developed ability in mathematics, and the competence to read rapidly and with comprehension. The minimum adequate preparation includes 2 units of algebra, 1 unit each of plane geometry, advanced mathematics (trigonometry and analytical geometry or precalculus), chemistry, and physics.

Students not prepared to enter directly into the pre-medicine curriculum will be able to make up certain deficiencies. In this case, time required to complete the pre-medicine emphasis could be expected to increase.

Students must have at least a “B-” in all biology, chemistry, and physics courses (seniors may appeal any particular course taken during their final year to the Chair of Natural Sciences).

PCC has partnered with Cedarville University to provide a pathway for students to receive a preferred admission review for the Master of Medical Science in PA Studies program by meeting conditions of the specific agreement. General eligibility requirements include minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA, a grade of “B-” or higher in all prerequisite courses, and 750 hours of paid (or 1,000 volunteer hours) of clinical patient care experience. Contact the Chair of Natural Sciences for specific requirements.

Pre-medicine students can apply for scholarships to receive financial aid.

Roger and Eloise Anderson Scholarship
Up to $3,000 scholarship awarded to a continuing sophomore with a business major, mechanical or pre-medicine concentration, or pre-law emphasis who has a financial need, to be applied in the 3rd, 5th, and 7th semesters of consecutive attendance.

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Career Fair

Pre-Medicine Career Support

With Career Services and Career Link, students can start making connections with employers while on campus during Career Fair events. These services provide tools and resources designed to empower you for a career in medicine.

Need help? Career Services staff are ready to assist you in researching employment opportunities, exploring job qualifications, and providing mock interviews and résumé support.

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