Health Professions (Pre), Veterinary/ Comparative (Pre) Medicine Emphasis Area, AS

The pre-professional health areas of emphasis are designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities associated with medical schools. The following program models provide students with the first two years of study and are reflective of the University of Nebraska and University of Nebraska Medical Center preparatory programs for the first two years of course work at those respective institutions.

It is important to note that the road to becoming a professional in any of these fields is a long one, requiring upwards of eight or more years of study. These programs are merely the beginning of that journey.

Program Outcomes

At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the mastery of course work considered fundamental to the training of a medical professional. Required competencies may include the accumulation of knowledge in general biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, physiology, ecology, genetics, evolution, chemistry, and physics.
• Research program requirements at transfer institutions and implement into the planning of their programs, courses and activities appropriate for transfer to four-year institutions to continue their chosen field of study.
• Demonstrate the ability to transfer into an equivalent program at a four-year institution specifically for continuation and study of a chosen field.
• Use knowledge of basic principles of medical science to summarize and support a critical analysis of current scientific advances (primary literature and popular accounts), legislative issues, environmental issues, biotechnological advances, and demonstrate knowledge of contemporary social and ethical issues related to science and the professional responsibilities of a medical professional.
• Understand the relationship between science and other subject areas, including interdisciplinary approaches to global issues and the relationship of core concepts from chemistry, mathematics, and other disciplines to scientific concepts.
• Demonstrate the ability to find, read, and critically evaluate appropriate scientific literature and resources.
• Be able to function successfully within laboratory and field settings, including use of basic equipment (microscopes, measurements devices, and computer technologies); developing and utilizing appropriate safety protocols; and putting into practice conceptual understandings of the research process illustrated by the scientific method.
• Utilize a variety of skills to communicate scientific information effectively, including gathering of data/information; oral and written communication skills clarifying concepts and confirming understandings; and utilization of computer resources including computer presentation.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the College’s general education requirements for the AS degree.

Notes

• Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university should consult their faculty and transfer advisors early in their WNCC career to determine a curriculum to best suit their transfer goals.
• Dependent upon the choice of electives, it is possible that the total credits earned for the AS degree will exceed 60 credit credits.
• Students should understand that the courses included in the lists of core requirements and recommended electives will be required by receiving institutions at some point in their journey to the bachelor’s or professional degree.

Veterinary/ Comparative (Pre) Medicine Emphasis Area

AS.5111C (66 credits)

This emphasis area provides students with the first two (2) years of the study required for admission to a college of veterinary medicine. The program is reflective of requirements from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

Students pursuing veterinary medicine will ultimately plan to transfer to Iowa State University, which has reciprocal residency agreements with University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The comparative medicine emphasis area can be completed through UNMC and focuses on animal research rather than preparations for a traditional veterinary medicine.