VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

• English and Composition: 6 semester credit hours • A minimum of 9 additional biomedical science semester credit hours at the 200 level or above, which prepare the applicant for medical school. These include: o Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, virology, genetics, or other equivalent biomedical science courses as deemed appropriate by VCOM.

Students should be aware that they must be able to use a keyboard and will have timed testing situations.

Courses with equivalent content to those listed above will be considered. When reviewing courses for course equivalency in the application, special consideration may be given for courses taken by Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Pharmacists, and Doctors of Physical Therapy. For special considerations, course review is conducted by the Director of Admissions and the Campus Dean. VCOM follows the AACOMAS definition of science courses to determine science GPA and science hours. See the AACOMAS website for more information. When required courses were completed prior to the last five years, if the applicant has earned a recent biomedical or pre-medical graduate degree, the Dean and Director of Admissions will review the transcript for course equivalency and special consideration. 3. Must achieve a minimum of a 3.4 science and cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 90 hours of their baccalaureate/master’s degree. VCOM places emphasis on the last 90 credit hours and the science GPA when reviewing competitive applicants. Applicants who complete the Bluefield University/VCOM collaborative Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) degree program will receive an interview with the MABS-to-DO Admissions Committee if they earn a MABS GPA of 3.5 or higher and achieve an MCAT score of at least 496, regardless of prior GPA. Applicants who earn a MABS GPA of 3.75 or higher may be considered for an interview with an MCAT score below 496 on a case-by-case basis. 4. Must submit current scores from the MCAT that are less than four years old prior to the date of matriculation. The applicant’s MCAT score is balanced with the applicant’s GPA and other factors as outlined by the minimum requirements for interview and admission. The average MCAT score of those accepted falls between 500 and 506 and a score greater than 496 is generally required. The MCAT score is always balanced with the GPA, along with non-cognitive factors of the applicant that are tied to the profession and the mission of VCOM. 5. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident. Once matriculated, students must maintain the requirements for their permanent U.S. resident visa status as set forth by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. 6. Must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment. All students must read carefully and affirm that they meet the technical standards for admission and continued enrollment. Any falsification or misinformation regarding the ability to meet technical standards is a reason for dismissal.

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