AU Creates Fast Track to Medical School
Aurora University’s School of Health Science has signed a series of new partnership agreements with medical professional schools, offering AU students an opportunity to gain an edge in the highly competitive process of pursuing a medical degree.
The agreements — which vary by school and require students to meet certain criteria — offer such features as early acceptance after three years of undergraduate work, guaranteed admission, or a guaranteed interview. They span a wide variety of health professions, including physician, pharmacist, dentist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor, public health professional, and veterinarian.
“These partnerships not only provide a clear path to professional schools for our students, but also solidify our combined missions to develop well-rounded healthcare practitioners who lead with compassion, integrity, and inclusivity,” said Sarah Radtke, dean of AU’s College of Health and Sciences. “We are excited to launch this new initiative and to work with so many outstanding medical schools.”
AU launched the School of Health Science last year with an updated curriculum, new faculty, and state-of-the-art equipment, including high-tech, lifelike synthetic human cadavers and an Anatomage Table that provides 3D, interactive digital images of anatomy. The school has built specific tracks so students looking to apply to medical school know what courses they need to take when. A dedicated pre-medical professions advisor also offers one-on-one guidance to help students map out their progression.
The partner schools include Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Loyola University, Midwestern University, National University of Health Sciences, and Rush University Medical College. An agreement with the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine is pending.
At Rush, faculty and doctors work hand in hand with AU faculty and advisors to demystify the medical school application process and educate students about the expectations of a successful medical school candidate. Students can participate in mock interviews, receive tips on writing personal statements for their applications, and take courses on preparing for medical school admission exams.
Meanwhile, since not all healthcare careers require medical school, AU also created a new course, Introduction to Healthcare, that educates students about the vast array of jobs in the health field, such as biotechnology research, diagnostic testing, and community health. AU also introduced a Healthcare Administration major for undergraduate students and a healthcare track within the MBA Plus One program that leads to a graduate degree in one year.
Partner Medical Schools
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Doctor of Dental Medicine - Loyola University
Master of Public Health, Master in Healthcare Administration, Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science - Midwestern University (coming in fall 2022)
All graduate medical programs, including Physician Assistant, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine - National University of Health Sciences
Doctor of Chiropractic - Rush University Medical College
Doctor of Medicine - University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine