Diverse majors are acceptable for admission to schools for the healing professions. Demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, science, and liberal arts courses develop interpretive and critical abilities as well as a broad appreciation and understanding of the humanities. Such skills can be achieved through the pursuit of various disciplines as logic, ethics, literature, psychology and theology.
Most students attempt national examinations in the latter part of their junior year.
By that time they should have completed a minimum of one year of biology and physics, two years of chemistry, and one semester of calculus. It is recommended that students consult with members of the healing arts committee early in their career at Saint Mary's and that they work very closely with their academic advisor. Students may seek individual letters of recommendation from faculty or request a committee letter. Some medical schools prefer the latter, but it is not required. The healing arts committee bases its recommendations on the premise that medical school preparation should be grounded in liberal arts education and that our medical students should possess an exceptional level of ethical and moral concern to reflect Saint Mary's nature as a catholic university.