Biology & Pre-Medicine
After doing research at NASA, service in the Himalayas, and being honored with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, Aaron Lacy ’14 says seeking experiences beyond his comfort zone has shaped him.
Preparing today to improve lives tomorrow
Studies unique to your professional interests.
Founded in science and reason, Mount Mercy's pre-medicine curriculum prepares students for the rigorous requirements of medical school admission. Mount Mercy graduates have been accepted into medical school at rates above the national average.
Pre-professional programs are undergraduate tracks that prepare you for a professional degree after your bachelor's. These aren't academic majors, they're a set of specialized courses that are typically required before you can be accepted into your next program. Your advisor will help you decide the best major to pair with your pre-professional program and prepare you for your career goals.
Students interested in pre-med typically choose to major in biology or chemistry, which offers a popular biochemistry track. Double majors or combinations of a major and minor are easy to accomplish with a well-planned schedule and steady academic progress.
I am not sure I would have gone on to medical school if I had gone to a large school for undergrad. Mount Mercy helped me realize that medicine was the career field I wanted to pursue.
Internships and experience
Gain experience through community collaboration.
Students accrue valuable patient-contact hours through clinical experiences such as working as a phlebotomist or through volunteering at the Community Free Health Clinic. Students also have the opportunity to shadow local physicians.
Student research guided by award-winning faculty helps students hone their critical thinking skills—the same skills essential for success in all professional programs. Our faculty take pride in supporting students in their academic growth, helping prepare application materials and coaching students in studying for professional placement exams.
Melanie Giesler-Spellman '01
Biology
After Melanie Geisler-Spellman soon found herself facing opportunities she never knew she would have after coming to MMU.
Dr. Jessica (Mueller) Dean '05
Biology
MMU's curriculum and resources helped Jessica (Mueller) Dean prepare for grad school and accomplish her dream profession.
Careers in pre-medicine
A solid foundation to grow a career upon.
Mount Mercy graduates have been accepted into medical school at rates above the national average. Our students have been admitted to several medical schools including:
- University of Iowa – Carver College of Medicine
- Des Moines University
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
- AT Still University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Ross University School of Medicine
- University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth
- Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
What are the next steps?
Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.
We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.
Learn more about:
- Federal and state grants and loans
- MMU-offered scholarships
- Tuition reimbursement from employers
- 10% tuition discount for employees of partner organizations
- Veterans benefits
We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.
- Create your application
- Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
- Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:
Mount Mercy University Admissions
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.