Methodist College will roll out a new Bachelor of Science in Medical and Life Sciences degree in the spring semester of 2021.
A team of administrators and faculty designed the new baccalaureate program to provide preparatory education in the areas of Biology, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Physician Assistant.
Methodist College Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Eileen Setti said the new degree will open new doors for students to enter a more wide variety of health care positions.
"I think most people think about careers in healthcare as either I can be a doctor or nurse," Setti said. "And while there are lots of opportunities to be a specialized doctor or a nurse in a specialty area, we have all these other professions that support the healthcare industry."
Dr. Setti said this new program offers flexibility for students looking for a non-traditional route of study.
"I think what is so exciting about this program is it offers flexibility for people who don't want to be or can't be on campus as a traditional college student," she said. "This is a great opportunity for folks who are already working, for people who maybe want to come to school part-time. We can really bring you the best of both worlds."
Setti said the program pushes for central Illinois students to study locally and to use their newly-gained talents to support their own community.
"We have outstanding individuals in our community who can become the greatest biologists, or doctors, or physicians. And we want them to stay here and be part of this community for a long, long time," Setti said. "Rather than recruiting from outside the community, we want to grow our own and use our own talents to serve our community through healthcare."
Setti said students wanting to apply to the program before the deadline of December 11. Classes for the program will begin the second week in January.
For more information about the program, click here.
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.
