Pre-Med at Concordia

Concordia University, Nebraska’s pre-medical program provides students with a liberal arts background in chemistry, biology and the physical sciences that gives them a solid foundation to succeed in medical school. Concordia’s program allows students to have firsthand lab experience and opportunities to intern and job-shadow with local physicians.

In addition to these experiences, Concordia students pursuing a healthcare major who have met the minimum high school academic prerequisites may be eligible to apply for Concordia’s Micah Scholars. This program offers more hands-on experiences working in healthcare, fosters community between like-minded students and helps prepare students for graduate or professional school. Students in this program also receive an annual scholarship for up to five years while attending Concordia.

Concordia also has a Pre-Med Club. This student-run organization prepares students for graduate studies by establishing a network to help students prepare for the MCAT, complete applications to medical and other graduate schools, and reviewing graduate school requirements.

Concordia alumnus Dr. Elizabeth Wooster-Pierson graduated from the pre-med program in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in cellular molecular biology. When asked about her experience in the program, she said that the smaller class size was an asset because it allowed professors to form real relationships with the students. For students in pre-professional programs who need letters of recommendation to apply for further education, closer relationships allow for better and more insightful letters of recommendation.

Pierson also stated that Concordia’s program prepared her well academically for graduate school. She attended Creighton University and studied with many students from larger programs such as UCLA and Florida State, but she was just as well-prepared as any of them. Concordia’s pre-med program features classes like general biology, anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, general physics and medical terminology.

 “One of the best things about the program is that all of your professors are Christian. Being able to weave Christianity into a field that is known for being anti-religion and having that Lutheran involvement helps strengthen the faith but also helps you become a better physician. I’m able to see Christ in all my patients, and it allows me to treat them better.”

When asked if her time at Concordia strengthened her faith, Pierson responded, “Absolutely. Science points to Christ in all different ways. Having professors who were able to talk about that and point out how things were designed so perfectly that there is no other explanation than a divine creator gave me a new perspective on science and the medical field.”

Concordia’s commitment to a Christ-centered education is more than just an asset to the academic offerings. It’s also a guiding force that shapes how the students learn, serve, and lead. In the pre-med program, students are not just studying science for the sake of learning, but also as a way to understand and learn how to care for God’s creation. This integration of knowledge and faith gives graduates a unique approach to healthcare that emphasizes compassion, purpose and ethical responsibility.

Pierson stated, “One of the best things about the program is that all of your professors are Christian. Being able to weave Christianity into a field that is known for being anti-religion and having that Lutheran involvement helps strengthen the faith but also helps you become a better physician. I’m able to see Christ in all my patients, and it allows me to treat them better.”

The supportive environment created by Concordia’s faculty allows the students to pursue excellence in medicine while also deepening their relationship with Christ. Concordia University’s pre-medical program prepares students to go out and serve the church and world with compassion and understanding.

At Concordia University, Nebraska, you will receive a liberal arts background in chemistry, biology and the physical sciences needed to succeed in medical school. As a pre-med student at Concordia, you’ll get hands-on lab experience, cadaver dissection and mentoring from expert science faculty. You’ll also have the opportunity to intern and job-shadow with local physicians. Learn more here.