The Career
Merriam-Webster defines medicine as the “art of dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation or cure of disease.” Those seeking a medical career have many employment options along those lines as physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists and the like.
These professionals first need a strong science-based education starting at the undergraduate level. ECC’s medical science degree successfully prepares students in this way so that when they graduate, they are ready to enter into a baccalaureate program as a junior.
Employment Opportunities
The number of medical science positions are increasing at a faster-than-average rate, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specific career paths (requiring advanced degrees and licensure) include:
- Chiropractor
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Orthodontist
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Podiatrist
- Surgeon
- Veterinarian
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in medical science should:
- Care about the public’s health and well-being
- Have solid interpersonal, communication and listening skills
- Be trustworthy, ethical and able to keep confidences
- Have the emotional stability to cope with suffering, emergencies or other stresses
- Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Pay close attention to details
- Be able to direct and supervise others
The Program
Students at East Central College who express an interest in a medical science career have several course options and electives available. Assuming appropriate placement scores, it is a two-year transfer degree, with flexibility to customize the program to the student’s chosen career.
Medical science consists of the 43-credit hour general education core plus the necessary electives in biology, chemistry and physics. The academic program’s strong science emphasis readies students to complete a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-veterinary or related bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. In addition, ECC provides various student activities, organizations and practicum experiences related to the discipline.
Admissions Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and universities. These decisions are made solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution, not ECC.
Students seeking to transfer should communicate often with their faculty advisors and the East Central College transfer advisor. They should also make early contact with the four-year institution of their choice regarding the transferability of ECC credits and coursework.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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