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Pre-Medicine Program

Non-Degree Program

In Bethel’s pre-medicine program, you’ll gain the skills to become a compassionate medical professional driven by your faith and values.

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Become who you're meant to be. In Bethel’s pre-med program, you’ll prepare for medical school while developing specialized knowledge in your primary major. You’ll pursue your calling in a community that excels at preparing students like you for a wide range of healthcare careers through diverse majors, endorsements, and minors. You’ll learn in a Christ-centered community committed to academic excellence and personalized support as you pursue a career that makes a difference in the world.

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Why should I study pre-medicine at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the biological sciences department, with additional courses in chemistryphysics, and more. In all your classes, you’ll learn alongside skilled professors and scientists who will help you integrate your passion for medicine with your faith.

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character, nature, and being through the study of His creation. Your professors will model how to be excellent scientists and faithful Christians.

  • Personalized advising
    Pre-medicine isn’t an official major at Bethel, but you’ll work closely with your academic advisor and our pre-healthcare advisor to select a major and courses that align with your career goals. Our advisors will help you craft a personalized plan for success, including pre-medicine course plans.
  • Strong success in graduate and medical schools
    Bethel’s strong science programs prepare students for careers that require medical or graduate degrees, and graduates have high acceptance rates into prestigious medical programs. You'll be known for your critical thinking, communication skills, and faith-driven values.

  • Hands-on learning
    In all Bethel’s science programs, you’ll learn in state-of-the-art facilities in the Nelson-Larson Science Center and Barnes Academic Center. And you’ll have numerous opportunities to conduct research and complete strong internships.

  • Support every step of the way
    Pre-medicine is an interdisciplinary focus at Bethel, supported by faculty and student groups like the Pre-Med Club. You’ll find a robust network of support throughout your journey.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

In Bethel’s pre-med program, you’ll develop essential skills and complete all prerequisite courses needed for medical school. Your interdisciplinary coursework will span fields like biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and more. You’ll also gain practical experience and personalized support as you prepare for a successful healthcare career.

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Laboratory skills

You’ll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, where you’ll practice advanced microscopy, molecular biology techniques, and chemical analysis while developing the technical expertise needed for medical research and diagnostics.

Research and collaboration

You’ll have opportunities to participate in research projects alongside Bethel faculty. This experience will sharpen your ability to work collaboratively, develop strong research methodologies, and present findings at conferences, all key to success in healthcare fields.

Communication and writing

Effective communication is critical in healthcare. You’ll hone your skills in reading, writing, and presenting scientific information—allowing you to clearly convey complex ideas to both medical professionals and patients.

A strong scientific foundation

As you study the sciences and the scientific principles that govern the human body at Bethel, you’ll gain the strong foundation needed to excel in medical school and your future career.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience by studying abroad or completing amazing internships. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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State-of-the-art labs

Explore science in human cadaver and biotechnology labs, neurosciences labs, a cellular/molecular biology lab, a greenhouse, environmental science labs, and 247 acres of outdoor laboratories. In all our labs, you’ll grow accustomed to modern instruments and equipment.

Research opportunities

As you engage in cutting-edge work, you’ll have opportunities to conduct research alongside professors, and you could receive a summer scholarship or present your findings at regional and national scientific conferences. You can also work in the department as a teaching assistant.

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Clubs and organizations

Engage with your classmates and build connections through the Pre-Med Club, Creation Restoration Club, and Tri-Beta National Biology Honor Society. Some clubs also sponsor networking events that bring alumni and potential employers to campus.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with pre-med preparation?

As a student in Bethel’s pre-medicine program, you'll be equipped to continue medical school or graduate school as you pursue a career in healthcare, medical education, and related fields. Our graduates are highly successful in gaining acceptance to top medical programs and pursuing meaningful careers.

Medical school

With strong academic preparation and personalized advising, you'll be a competitive applicant to medical schools, including programs in allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, and other specialized healthcare fields.

Graduate school

Along with medical school, the pre-med pathway will prepare you for Ph.D. programs or research-based master's programs in healthcare-related fields.

Healthcare professions

While most students go on to medical school, the pre-med program is a great way to prepare for careers in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic medicine, or as a physician assistant.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying in our department lounge.

Department of Biological Sciences


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 128

Contact

Amy Dykstra

Amy Dykstra

Amy Dykstra

Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Melissa Cordes

Melissa Cordes

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

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Ellis Doan

Ellis Doan

Professor of Biological Sciences

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Brent Hoernemann

Brent Hoernemann

Laboratory and Safety Coordinator

Bio >

Brian Hyatt

Brian Hyatt

Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Abbie Marten

Abbie Marten

Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Brittany Nairn

Brittany Nairn

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

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Jeffrey Port

Jeffrey Port

Professor of Biological Sciences

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Paula Soneral

Paula Soneral

Professor of Biological Sciences

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Jackie Towner

Jackie Towner

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

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Sara Wyse

Sara Wyse

Professor of Biological Sciences

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Beth Keister

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Ann O'Neill

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Faith Schumann

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Leann Snow

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Jim Stern

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Jeffrey Winter

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

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Brandon Burbach

Adjunct Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences

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Andrew Steward

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Bryan Anderson

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Teresa DeGolier

Teresa DeGolier

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita

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Gregg Johnson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Ian Johnston

Ian Johnston

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Patricia Paulson

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita

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Kenneth Petersen

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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James Reynhout

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Timothy Shaw

Timothy Shaw

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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245

acres of on-campus outdoor ecosystems

15

students awarded undergraduate research grants in last 6 years

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements