Bachelor of Medical Science
This program provides an ideal balance of academic rigor and personal support to prepare students for success in professional or graduate school in the health sciences. For both career changers and career enhancers, it is a flexible curriculum perfectly tailored to fit their needs. Students earn a second bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor of Medical Science, or BMS.
A flexible curriculum customized to each student
The Post-Baccalaureate Medical Studies Program is designed as an academic bridge for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and intend to pursue graduate study in the medical sciences. The program offers all prerequisite coursework—as well as distinctive upper-level experiences—to assist students toward entering medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs and other master’s- and doctoral-level programs in the medical sciences. Students work with expert faculty advisors to develop a course of study tailored to their professional and personal goals. In small classes, students work side-by-side with medical professionals with decades of experience as practitioners in a range of health care disciplines. This is the only program in the country that leads to the BMS degree.
More ways to learn, on campus and beyond
Practical experience is built into the curriculum. Our students complete research projects with academic or clinical departments and present their findings at local symposia. They enjoy myriad service opportunities—not only in the Chicago area but also around the country, through our affiliation with the national MEDLIFE program. Our Clinical Preceptorship affords students the chance to shadow health care professionals in busy urban settings. Students have opportunities for leadership and service through our campus chapters of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS).
Josh Nelson
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program
“Dominican gave me the freedom to create my own unique academic path. There was no cookie-cutter plan of study for all students to follow. With quality advising I was able to find my niche and explore the arts and other branches of science that added substance and character to my experience.”
Prepare for a life of meaning and achievement
Academic advising is the greatest strength of the BMS program. Your advisors will be caring, experienced and dedicated physicians and clinicians who are expert at helping students achieve their professional goals. Our faculty maintain strong working relationships with many professional and graduate schools. More than 95% of our students either successfully matriculate into medical or dental school, enroll in a specialized master’s program, or achieve a high-level research or clinical position in their chosen field. Our graduates are highly trained, open to new ideas, skilled in the lab and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the health-care profession.
Olivia Mesdijian
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program
“I came into the program as a career changer, and I was able to choose courses and pursue research opportunities that reflected my experiences and moved me efficiently toward meeting my goals. It was wonderful to have professors who were genuinely invested in my success.”
For questions about the Post-Baccalaureate Program, please check back frequently for updates.