New Cal U program aims to grow numbers of students headed to medical school
Observer-Reporter
California University of Pennsylvania is offering qualified students a pathway to medical school through its pre-professional biology degree program.
Photo courtesy of Braun-Bostich & Associates
Braun-Bostich & Associates has relocated to 1600 Ashwood Drive, Suite 1601, Canonsburg.
California University of Pennsylvania’s biology program could become a springboard for certain students who want to get an early jump on becoming a doctor, dentist or pharmacist.
The university has approved early acceptance program agreements with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine creating pathways to careers in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy or dental medicine for Cal U biology students.
Under the agreements, a Cal U undergraduate in the B.S. in Biology: Pre-professional program can be assured of provisional acceptance – in essence, a reserved seat – in LECOM’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy or School of Dental Medicine, providing the student completes a successful interview and meets all academic requirements.
Students can apply for the early acceptance program as soon as their senior year of high school, or until the start of their third year in the biology program at Cal U, depending on their desired program track:
- Eligible osteopathic, pharmacy or dental students may choose a “4+4” program that assures them a seat in a four-year LECOM program once they successfully complete the four-year, 120-credit pre-professional biology program at California.
- Highly motivated osteopathic or pharmacy students may select an accelerated “3+4” program. This option allows qualified students to enter LECOM’s medical or pharmacy school after completing just three years (90 credits) at California; Cal U accepts the first 30 credits in LECOM’s four-year medical/pharmacy program toward completion of the B.S. in Biology degree.
Cal U spokeswoman Christine Kindl said the new program with LECOM follows the university’s long-term association with providing students with academic and clinical preparation for careers in health care, particularly nursing.
It introduced an RN/BSN program in the fall of 1983, adding a cooperative nursing education program with Community College of Allegheny County in 1999. It also offers a variety of nursing programs including an online RN-to-BSN program an MSN in nursing administration and leadership, an MSN in nursing education and an MSN-MBA dual degree and several post-masters degree certificates.
LECOM is the nation’s largest medical college, with campuses in Erie, Greensburg and Bradenton, Fla. U.S. News & World Report ranks LECOM among the top five medical colleges for graduating primary care physicians, and its College of Osteopathic Medicine receives more applications than any other medical school in the country.
Program director Dr. Ed Zuchelkowski, of California University’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, said in a news release there are tangible benefits to having a reserved seat in medical, pharmacy or dental school.
“Medical schools are highly competitive,” Zuchelkowski said. “Through the early acceptance program, students in Cal U’s pre-professional biology program take rigorous courses that prepare them to do well in their graduate-level studies. And they largely bypass the intense competition for (medical school) seats.
“LECOM’s tuition is lower than many other medical, pharmacy or dental schools, and students enjoy a considerable savings because they don’t have to apply to multiple schools or travel for multiple interviews. With early acceptance, they can focus totally on their studies during their senior year in college.”
To qualify for admission to the programs, students should have a high school grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, with an SAT score of at least 1240 or an ACT score of at least 26. The entrance exam for medical school (known as MCAT) or pharmacy school (PCAT) is not required, but the entrance exam for dentistry school (DAT) is required.
Zuchelkowski said there are other universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education that have similar agreements to help their students advance to medical careers. He said Cal U is hoping the new program will attract more students who want to pursue a medical career.
“Typically, we average about two students being accepted into medical schools each academic year,” Zuchelkowski said. “We are hoping that this program will attract an increased number of qualified students to Cal U, since application to the program can be made during the senior year of high school.”
Applications are being accepted now for Cal U’s fall 2018 classes. Students who are interested in joining the Early Acceptance Program should notify Cal U when they apply (or as soon as possible) in order to meet program deadlines. Current Cal U biology students, as well as transfer students, will be considered for the Early Acceptance Program if they meet the requirements.
For more information, contact Dr. Ed Zuchelkowski, the Biology: Pre-professional program director, at zuchelkowski@calu.edu, or email Cal U’s Office of Articulation and Transfer at transfer@calu.edu.
n
For the 12th consecutive year, Handyman Matters has earned the Home Service Industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of customer service to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2017.
Randy McMahon, president of Handyman Matters, said the company received the Super Service Award in nine categories for 2017: Handyman, Carpentry – Woodworking, Electrical, Drywall, Doors, Plumbing and Remodeling of Baths, Remodeling of Basements & General Remodeling. Currently the company employs seven craftsmen who have 15 to 20 years of experience each in the trades of drywall, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, flooring, windows & doors and more. The service area includes the South Hills, Washington, Canonsburg, Mon Valley, White Oak and Uniontown. Additional information can be received at the following numbers: 412-851-1104; 724-222-0105; or 724-258-4884. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Photos of work and and other information is available at www.handymanmatters.com/south-pittsburgh/
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2017 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. They must also be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.
Braun-Bostich & Associates, formerly affiliated with Ameriprise Financial, and now an independent Registered Investment Advisory, has moved and expanded its workplace footprint at 1600 Ashwood Drive, Suite 1601, Canonsburg.
CEO Amy Braun-Bostich said BBA made the transition to a fiduciary model to provide more direct service to its clients. “Unlike the broker/dealer model, we receive no commissions, no bonus money for selling insurance products or for hitting any other production hurdles. We work tirelessly for our clients to create a better future for them & their families,” she said.
In addition to expanding its physical footprint, Braun-Bostich said BBA has also deployed leading edge tools and technology that allow their advisors to have more client-face time.