Interdisciplinary Pre-Med Program

To maintain the integrity and excellence of the LSUA Interdisciplinary Pre-Med Program, the following academic requirements have been established:

Academic Standards

• GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.600 or higher, which aligns with competitive medical school applications.
• Coursework: Candidates must complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of 'B' or higher:
  • Biology: BIOL 1202
  • Chemistry: CHEM 1201 + CHEM 1301 (Lab component)
  • English: ENGL 1001
  • Mathematics: MATH 1021

Program Participation

• Information Session: Prospective students must attend at least one pre-med informational session to understand the program's scope, commitments, and the medical school application process.
• Enrollment Status: The program is open to full-time and part-time students committed to pursuing their pre-medical education with LSUA.
• Residency Requirement: Enrollment is exclusive to on-campus students to ensure full access to our facilities, faculty, and collaborative learning opportunities.

Application Period

• Enrollment Windows: Eligible students are encouraged to apply once they meet the above requirements. Applications are accepted during the fall and spring enrollment periods.

*Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To apply for admission, interested students must fill out an electronic application, which can be found on this page. Students should also review the “Requirements for Admission” section of this page and be prepared to answer questions pertaining to their interest in pursuing a career in medicine.

Application

Admitted students must fulfill the following requirements each semester, with a progress assessment conducted at the end of each term.

Pre-med Students in the IPP must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.600 or higher.
• Attend a minimum of two Total U sessions per semester.
• Attend at least one campus activity per semester that is approved by the Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Access.
• Complete a minimum of five hours of community service per semester. Please note that if you are an Honor’s Experience student, you may not count the same service hours for both programs.
• Participate in IPP-hosted events, such as seminars or advising panels, when offered. *
• Schedule and complete an advising appointment with a PMAC faculty member each semester.
• Complete supplemental enrichment sections of select courses when offered. *

Pre-med Students in the IPP are strongly encouraged to:

• Engage actively in campus activities, particularly leadership roles, student organizations, and/or athletics.
• Embrace opportunities for involvement in research and scholarly pursuits such as presenting at Scholar Day, publishing an article in The Oak Leaf, and presenting research at conferences outside LSUA.
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of the daily facets of medicine through hands-on experience, either through employment or volunteering in healthcare facilities such as hospitals or clinics.
• Consider shadowing physicians to gain valuable insights, with the PMED 3801 and PMED 4801 courses specifically designed to offer such opportunities. Exploring shadowing experiences beyond the scope of these courses is also recommended.

*If the events, advising panels, or supplemental sections are not offered in a semester, these requirements will not be assessed that semester.

LSUA provides comprehensive preparation for students aspiring to pursue professional schools in various medical fields. The primary focus is the conventional medical degrees, namely M.D. (allopathic medicine) and D.O. (osteopathic medicine). Admission into medical schools is highly competitive, favoring motivated, self-starting individuals committed to realizing their professional goals early in their college journey.

Prospective pre-medical students at LSUA can pursue undergraduate degrees in diverse fields, with a common trend being majors in the natural sciences, such as biology or chemistry. To cater to this diversity, the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee (PMAC) at LSUA recommends specific courses to equip students for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). This standardized test is typically taken at the end of the junior year, assuming a standard four-year graduation path.

Required Course Work

Recommended Course Work

*Certain medical schools may have additional requirements. Please review the requirements listed for each school in which you are interested in applying.

Membership in the LSUA Interdisciplinary Pre-Med Program (IPP) is a privilege. Students who are accepted into the LSUA IPP have a unique opportunity to enhance their readiness for the medical school application process.

Pre-med Students in Good Standing must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.600 or higher.
• Attend a minimum of two Total U sessions per semester.
• Attend at least one campus activity per semester that is approved by the Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Access.
• Complete a minimum of five hours of community service per semester.
• Participate in IPP-hosted events, such as seminars or advising panels, when offered. *
• Schedule and complete an advising appointment with a PMAC faculty member each semester.
• Complete supplemental enrichment sections of select courses when offered. *

These requirements are evaluated every Fall and Spring semester. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in the pre-med student being placed on probation.

*If the events, advising panels, or supplemental sections are not offered in a semester, these requirements will not be assessed that semester.

A pre-med student placed on probation will complete a LSUA PMAC Probationary Agreement upon notification of their probationary status. All the benefits mentioned on page 2-3 of this handbook are suspended during the student’s probationary period. To return to good standing, students on probation must still complete the requirements listed above. These benefits will be reinstated upon retaining good standing in the pre-med program.

An LSUA pre-med student will be removed from the pre-med program and will lose all the benefits if ANY of the following situations occur:

• A student remains on probation after one semester.
• A student fails to meet the requirements outlined in the LSUA PMAC Probationary Agreement.
• A student is not in good standing with the University either for academic reasons or for violations of behavioral conduct.
• A student is caught plagiarizing work, regardless of whether that work is for the pre-med program or not.

Embarking on the path to becoming a physician is a journey that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. Pre-med students find enrichment in joining pre-medical clubs, and among these, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) stand out as influential organizations dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare professionals.

Within the comprehensive framework of the interdisciplinary pre-med program, there is a strong recommendation for all students aspiring to enter the healthcare profession to align themselves with a pre-professional organization. Among the myriad benefits, admitted students enjoy the privilege of priority consideration for leadership roles within the chapters of these professional organizations. This strategic involvement not only fosters personal and professional growth but also establishes a solid foundation for future success in the field of medicine.

AMSA: American Medical Student Association
Established as the oldest and largest physician-in-training pre-med club in America, AMSA has evolved into a national organization focusing on career development, advocacy, and elevating medical training across the nation. AMSA offers pre-med students unparalleled access to a vast network of medical students, pre-medical students, interns, residents, and practicing physicians nationwide. This network serves as a valuable resource for mentorship, guidance, and insights into various medical specialties. Recognizing the importance of leadership skills in future physicians, AMSA provides opportunities for pre-med students to engage in leadership training programs. Additionally, the organization actively promotes community service initiatives, fostering a sense of social responsibility among aspiring medical professionals. For a nominal annual fee of $75, pre-medical students gain entry into AMSA's realm of opportunities, including leadership training, community service participation, and access to an extensive professional network.

HOSA: Health Occupations Students of America
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a student-led organization that prioritizes leadership development and the promotion of best medical practices, providing pre-med students with opportunities for career development, scholarships, and extracurricular education. HOSA distinguishes itself by offering members access to scholarships and various career development opportunities. These benefits not only ease financial burdens but also empower students to actively shape their professional development from an early stage. Recognizing the value of extracurricular education, HOSA organizes workshops, conferences, and seminars to supplement formal academic learning. With annual dues ranging from $15 to $25, HOSA ensures that its valuable resources and opportunities remain accessible to all pre-med students.

AED: Alpha Epsilon Delta
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) adds another dimension to the pre-med club landscape, being a prestigious pre-med honor society with a strict acceptance policy, making it a renowned organization in the medical community. As a member of AED, pre-med students gain access to scholarships, conventions, and a broad network of esteemed medical practitioners. With a one-time, nominal fee of $75, AED provides a cost-effective way for students to benefit from its prestigious network and resources. The prestige associated with AED membership becomes a valuable asset on any medical school application. For pre-med students aiming to enhance their chances of acceptance into medical schools, AED stands out as an organization that not only offers practical benefits but also elevates the perceived caliber of its members.