Pre-Medical Partnership Program: Kansas City University

Purpose

This combined program with Kansas City University awards special recognition to exceptional current Rockhurst University freshman premedical students. Students applying to this program should have a strong interest in medicine in their freshman year at Rockhurst and show exceptional commitment to academics and extracurricular activities.

Interested in a direct-entry option from high school? Check out our freshman direct-entry accelerated seven-year medical program.

Program Description

Selection of the students into the Partners Program will be based on the following:

• ACT Score (minimum of 24)
• Freshman year academic performance
• Community service
• Undergraduate and high school activities
• Knowledge of and dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine.

Initial selection shall be made by the Rockhurst University Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advisory Group after their interview. The student will then be required to select an interview day at KCU where he/she will participate in a full interview day. The Director of Admissions and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs will conduct all on-campus interviews of Partner Program students and make a recommendation to the Admissions Committee.

During the summer after the student’s junior year and before matriculation into KCU, KCU shall conduct a Summer Learning Enhancement Program (SLEP). This program will include sessions on study skills, time management, medical terminology, the medical curriculum and basic science review. This program will run for three weeks and attendance is mandatory.

The MCAT will not be required for admission through the Partners Program.

Students selected for the Partners Program must have taken and completed the following courses with a grade of “C” or higher at their undergraduate institution:

• Biological sciences — 12 hours
• Genetics 3 hours — (in addition to the 12 hours of biological sciences)
• Chemistry — 13 hours
• Biochemistry — 3 hours (in addition to the 13 hours of chemistry)
• Physics — 8 hours
• English composition and or/6 hours Literature

Additional coursework in relevant topics offered by Rockhurst University and agreed to by KCU include Advanced Human Anatomy and General Physiology.

In order to remain in the program, students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 and a science coursework GPA of 3.5, both on a 4-point scale at their undergraduate institution. Failure to maintain the required overall GPA and science coursework GPA may disqualify the student from continuing in the program. Forfeited positions may be replaced by a joint decision between KCU and Rockhurst University.

All students selected for the Partners Program are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and are subject to the rules and standards of conduct set forth in the KCU Student Handbook.

Students selected for the Partners Program will matriculate into KCU as full-time freshman students following their junior year at Rockhurst University. They will receive their bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University following the successful completion of their first- year at KCU.

Students selected into the Partners Program must complete a minimum of 90 hours of coursework at Rockhurst University before matriculation into KCU.

Upon graduating with their bachelor’s degree, an official copy of the student’s undergraduate transcript must be provided to the KCU Registrar’s Office

Timeline for Partner Students

Fall of freshman year: identify yourself to Annie Lee, Ph.D., annie.lee@rockhurst.edu or Laura Salem, Ph.D., laura.salem@rockhurst.edu.

Late fall of sophomore year: Apply for an interview with the Rockhurst Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental advisory group (must have a science GPA and overall GPA of 3.5 at Rockhurst to qualify).

December of sophomore year (after first-semester sophomore grades are submitted): Interview with the Rockhurst Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental advisory group to receive a committee letter for KCU.

January/February of sophomore year: interview at KCU during their medical school interview days.

Summer after sophomore year:  Complete summer course work toward Rockhurst degree.

Junior year:  Complete coursework at Rockhurst, fill out the degree application form

Senior year:  Will be completed at KCU.

In addition, shadowing, long-term volunteering and demonstrating leadership ability are extremely important for KCU. Students should shadow at least one D.O. before their interview.

Curriculum

The seven-year program leads to the baccalaureate degree awarded by Rockhurst University (after the fourth year) and the D.O. degree granted by the KCU. Students have much flexibility in choosing a bachelor's degree and are encouraged to study in an area of their choice. During the first three years of the curriculum, students will spend 100 percent of their time in coursework related to the bachelor’s degree, which includes 42-46 semester hours of natural and physical science, and 3 to 4 semester hours of mathematics. The program usually requires attendance at one summer school session. After the third year, the student transfers to Medical School. There are strict GPA requirements to remain in the program: a Science GPA of 3.5 and an overall GPA of 3.25. The remaining four years focus on achieving the D. O. degree.

Third-year courses will depend on the student’s choice of an academic major area. Each semester must include at least 16 credit hours. This must include at least one semester of Biochemistry. Consult the Rockhurst University Catalog for the specific courses needed for each major area. Approximately 16-18 credits will be transferred from KCU to be credited toward Rockhurst graduation. A minimum of 90 hours must be completed at Rockhurst.

The student’s schedule will be modified in consultation with the program director. We will tailor each student’s schedule to one’s individual needs and preparation. Please consult before considering “AP” or “CLEP” examinations in any science.

For additional information contact Annie Lee, Ph.D., in the chemistry department at 816-501-4071 or annie.lee@rockhurst.edu.  Her office is located in the St. Ignatius Science Center, room 330.