The need for medical professionals is growing, not only in New Jersey but across the country. Removing barriers and helping students better navigate the educational road to becoming a doctor or veterinarian is the goal of the Pathways program now offered through a partnership between Georgian Court University (GCU) and St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada.
“Through this partnership with SGU, we can provide a growing number of students interested in medical and veterinary school a clear integrated path into an accredited, reputable medical school with a strong track record for residency placement in the U.S.,” explained Dr. Janice Warner, Provost of Georgian Court University.
Many students want to become physicians or veterinarians, but the competition is formidable, and the prerequisite undergraduate requirements can vary by institution. Students who qualify for the GCU/SGU pre-medicine or pre-veterinary option will have their entire process mapped out and have access to a dedicated team of GCU faculty advisors to mentor and counsel students through the entire process.
“St. George’s is thrilled to partner with Georgian Court University and to offer their most qualified students multiple pathways to a degree in medicine or veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, Vice Chancellor of St. George’s University.
The Pathways program offers these options:
4+4 Program: After completing four years of pre-medicine or pre-veterinarian studies at GCU, students who meet the requirements will be granted admission to SGU’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine to continue their studies.
3+4 Program: Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology or biomedical sciences will complete three years at GCU, students who meet the requirements will be granted admission and transition to the SGU School of Medicine campus after the third year. This option is only available to medical science students.
To be eligible for the SGU School of Medicine, students must maintain a 3.4 grade point average, a 3.2 grade point average in the sciences, and score within five points of the average for entering students on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
For the SGU School of Veterinary Science, students must maintain a 3.3 grade point average at GCU and complete 500 hours of animal experience alongside a veterinarian or animal care professional.
According to a U.S. News & World Report article “early assurance” programs, like Pathways, can save students time, minimize their financial burden, and help reduce stress: “…these students can devote more undergraduate time to other activities and studying more subjects of their choice because they do not have to participate in the costly and time-consuming process of applying to multiple med schools.”
The need for programs like Pathways is evident as demand for doctors and veterinarians continues to outpace supply. The American Association of Medical Colleges reported an estimated shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033. The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges stated that thousands of jobs remain unfilled each year and, “Significant shortages of veterinarians exist across all sectors of professional activity and at all levels of specialization.” In New Jersey, the State Assembly introduced a bill (A323) to provide a loan redemption program to address the shortage of veterinarians, particularly those who treat livestock and other large animals.
The SGU School of Medicine works with a network of more than 75 hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, offering clinical and ambulatory training. The School of Veterinary Medicine offers clinical training at over 30 affiliated institutions in six countries.
Dr. Warner noted, “Georgian Court University has always been committed to creating educational opportunities that help students excel academically and provide the guidance and support they need to achieve their career goals.”
“We look forward to empowering GCU students to pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor or veterinarian,” said Dr. Liebowitz.
For more information about how to apply for the pathways program visit our website, or contact Tracy McCarthy, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Georgian Court University, at (732) 987-2759, or tmccarthy@georgian.edu.
