Rockhurst University | Learning, Leadership and Service in the Jesuit Tradition

Looking to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry? Rockhurst University has a program for you. Our liberal arts core curriculum, paired with a biology or chemistry major, meets all medical and dental school requirements.

Pre-medical and pre-dental students are assigned an academic adviser, who will ensure that you meet course requirements and assist in your transition into medical or dental school by providing catalogs, literature and guidance regarding school requirements. Your adviser will also counsel you on the MCAT (Medical College Aptitude Test) or the DAT (Dental Aptitude Tests) which are usually taken at the end of your third year at Rockhurst.

Rockhurst’s Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Advisory Committee will interview you during your junior year and write you an official letter of recommendation.

The Pre-Medical Scholars Program
By arrangement between Rockhurst University and Saint Louis University, students interested in attending Saint Louis University's medical school may obtain early acceptance into its MD program - normally after the end of their sophomore year. The student then continues at Rockhurst to complete their bachelor's degree (B.S. or A.B.).

To become a Pre-Medical Scholar, a student must have a strong high school academic record, strong letters of recommendation, and strong scores in the ACT (composite 30) or SAT (composite 1400 with 700 verbal). The Rockhurst University Pre-Medical Advisory Committee invites students into this program upon their entrance into the College of Arts and Sciences.

Pre-Medical Scholars Partners Program
By special arrangement between Rockhurst University and the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (formerly University of Health Sciences), students interested in Osteopathic Medicine may obtain early acceptance to KCUMB. The student must have an ACT score of 28 and by the end of their first year at Rockhurst have a GPA of 3.5. The student applies for the program at the beginning of sophomore year and, after an interview process, two students are selected each year for the program. After an interview, two students are selected each year for the program. The selected students transfer to KCUMB after their third year at Rockhurst, and graduate from Rockhurst after their first year at KCUMB. The student applies for the program at the beginning of sophomore year; the selections will be made that semester. This program gives special recognition to Rockhurst students of exceptional abilities. It is intended to reduce much of the stress and anxiety that pre-medical students often experience.

University of Missouri-Kansas City Medical Scholars Program
In partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Rockhurst University students interested in attending UMKC’s medical school may obtain early acceptance into its MD program their sophomore or junior year. Students who achieve early acceptance complete their bachelor’s degree at Rockhurst then transition to UMKC for medical school.

To become a Pre-Med Scholar, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in college coursework, no less than a B- in any college science course, and a 3.5 GPA for all college science courses. Applicants will be required to take the MCAT before matriculation and earn a score of 26 or higher.

Des Moines University Pre-Medical Scholars Program
Students interested in osteopathic medicine may obtain early acceptance to Des Moines University’s (DMU) College of Osteopathic Medicine, as part of a partnership between Rockhurst University and DMU. The student must have an ACT score of 26 or SAT of 1170, and complete their first year at Rockhurst with an overall GPA of 3.6, and a science GPA of 3.6.

Students apply and are selected into the program at the beginning of their sophomore year. Selected students transfer to DMU after their third year at Rockhurst, and graduate from Rockhurst after their first year at DMU.

This seven-year program leads to a baccalaureate degree from Rockhurst (after fourth year) and a D.O. degree granted by the DMU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Please contact laura.salem@rockhurst.edu for more information.