Pre-Health Programs
Your path to a career in healthcare, medicine and dentistry.
Detroit Mercy programs in science, technology and information systems pave your way to transformative careers in high-growth fields such as:
For any questions about UDM's pre-health programs, please reach out to us.
Future students contact:
Office of Admissions
Student Union, 1st Floor
admissions@udmercy.edu
313-993-1245
Current students contact:
Kia Hart, Pre-Health Advisor and Program Coordinatorhartkl@udmercy.edu
313-993-1928
69%
of Detroit Mercy Science students are accepted into at least one health professional school.
The national average for medical school is 45% and dental school is 59%.
UDM Pre-Health Advantage
Pre-health is a structured pathway designed to prepare students for admission to professional healthcare programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Studies, Veterinary Medicine and more. Students who identify as “Pre-Med,” “Pre-Dental,” “Pre-PA” or another pre-health designation select a major and complete the degree requirements along with the specific prerequisites for the professional schools and programs they intend to apply to.
Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry are among the most popular majors for pre-health students at UDM because these programs include many of the prerequisite courses required by graduate health programs. These majors also help students build a strong foundation in the sciences and prepare for entrance exams like the MCAT, DAT, OAT or GRE.
Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation are essential when applying to professional schools. With our small class sizes, professors will be able to communicate the unique attributes and academic achievements of each student. Learn more about the Committee Letter Process
Research Opportunities
Students will take part in hands-on projects beginning their freshman year. These projects can lead to resume-enhancing opportunities like presenting at national conferences and getting published in scholarly journals. Find out more about research.
Specialized Advisors
From day one, our pre-health advisor works closely with students to ensure they are well-positioned for professional school admission. The advisor will provide career path options, MCAT/DAT and admission interview preparation and special event opportunities so that students are current on the latest topics in healthcare.
Leadership & Service
Our Jesuit and Mercy frameworks call for service, justice and solidarity. We aim to prepare our students to lead and serve with critical minds and compassionate hearts. Learn more about our humanistic approach to education.
Free! Kaplan Test Prep
Preparing for entrance exams like the MCAT, DAT, OAT or GRE can be costly. That’s why Detroit Mercy offers free Kaplan test prep resources to pre-health students. These tools help students build confidence and improve scores, without the financial burden. Discover how we support your success.
Guaranteed Interview with PA Admissions Committee
Detroit Mercy graduates who meet academic and professional criteria are eligible for a guaranteed interview with the Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee. This opportunity offers Detroit Mercy graduates a significant edge in the competitive PA admission process. Learn more about our PA program advantage.
Holistic Development
At Detroit Mercy, we believe that preparing for a career in healthcare means more than mastering science. Our programs emphasize ethical reasoning, communication and leadership, helping students grow into compassionate professionals who serve with purpose. Our goal is to shape well-rounded healthcare leaders who think critically, act ethically and serve with compassion.
Urban Campus Experience
Located in the heart of Detroit, our campus offers students access to diverse patient populations and real-world healthcare environments. Through community-based learning and volunteer opportunities, students gain valuable experience working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Explore how our location enhances your education.
"The professors have each and every students best interest at heart and always keep their doors open for students to come in to discuss personal or academic matters without appointments."
— Laial Baltaji, Biology Major
Pre-Med Early Assurance and Acceptance Programs (EAP)
MSU College of Human Medicine
The EAP offers a better opportunity for admission to medical school for premedical students. Preference for EAP admission will be given to those who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- First generation college student.
- Graduate of a low-income high school as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Eligible for, or a recipient of, an undergraduate Pell or institutional need-based grant.
- Graduate from an underserved (health professional shortage) urban or rural area.
- Demonstrates interest in a high-need medical specialty or practicing in a medically underserved community.
Students who excel at Detroit Mercy may apply to the MSU College of Human Medicine during their junior year. If accepted, they will be assured of admission and begin a relationship with MSU College of Human Medicine during their senior year.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
Detroit Mercy is an “undergraduate affiliated college” with both the College of Medicine and the School of Podiatric Medicine at LECOM. The advantages include:
- EAP assures students that they will have a seat in either LECOM’s College of Osteopathic Medicine or School of Podiatric Medicine after meeting the undergraduate requirements at Detroit Mercy.
- EAP students enter either LECOM's College of Medicine or School of Podiatric Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree at Detroit Mercy.
- High School seniors and current Detroit Mercy students may apply through LECOM for EAP consideration.
- Additional requirements must be met for final acceptance to LECOM including, interviewing, maintaining a minimum GPA and activity engagement.
Where our graduates go
"As a Detroit Mercy student I was granted opportunities that helped me stand out among my peers and make me a noticeable applicant for medical school.
The University’s value of service has and will continue to make a huge impact on my career and life goals. In my medical career, it has given me a unique perspective on how to approach patient dilemmas."
—Bianca Yaldo '16
Medical Student at Michigan State College of Human Medicine
"Detroit Mercy gave me the opportunity to explore career paths outside of the typical pre-med/pre-dental pathways. I was able to do research in the lab under Professor Mio, take summer internships and attend international conferences. This, along with mentorship that professors provide, lead me to where I am today.
The curriculum was well-rounded; this paired with several years of research at Detroit Mercy really helped me succeed in graduate school."
—Steven Jones '12
Senior Medical Scientist for Kite Pharma