FAQs · Concordia Continuing Studies

Program FAQs

Review our FAQs to understand the details, requirements, and expectations for the program. Please contact our admission team if you have additional questions.

Program Information

How long is the program?	The program begins with a summer session in June. Program duration depends on the student’s chosen health profession, academic path and the customized course schedule designed to meet their goals. Typically, the Pre-medicine track takes 12-15 months to complete. Review individual Program Tracks to see required courses.
How many students are accepted each year?	The program is based on a cohort model with approximately 12 students in each course.
Who is the program intended for?	Our program is for career changers taking all prerequisite coursework for the first time in preparation for standardized tests and application to medical and other professional health programs. Students have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution in a major and/or minor outside the sciences with an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or greater. Additionally, students may have professional experience outside the field of medicine and have developed the passion and determination to pursue a career in medicine or another healthcare specialty.
What courses will I take?	Each student’s curricular plan is designed to fulfill their academic goals. Students will work with the program director to customize a schedule based on previously taken undergraduate courses and their chosen health profession. If selected to interview, your curriculum options will be discussed to give you a general idea of your curricular plan. Please see the Program Tracks page for more information.
Do students take courses with undergraduates?	Summer courses are for program students only. During the academic year, students are co-enrolled with undergraduate students.
I took science classes 10 years ago. Do I need to repeat them?	Students completing coursework five or more years ago may be encouraged to repeat courses to refresh their knowledge of the subject. However, this is not mandatory.
Is Calculus I required?	We highly recommended that students have Calculus I prior to applying for medical school. This course could be completed following your program. However, the course could be taken as part of the program.
I took classes at several universities. Do you need every transcript?	Yes, transcripts are required for every college-level course you have taken, including study abroad courses and/or college in high school course work. Your official transcripts must be requested from each institution’s Registrar Office. Students request transcripts through PostBacCAS as part of the application process.
May I take other courses beyond the program requirements?	Once you are admitted to the college and enrolled in the program, you may take any courses offered by Concordia.
Besides a strong academic record, what are you looking for in a candidate?	In addition to a Bachelor's degree with strong GPA, we look for applicants who excel in other areas such as writing, international experience, public health and community service. We also seek students who have shown a significant interest in the medical field. We are interested in applicants who will thrive in a personal academic setting with an interactive, hands-on approach. Applicants should possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, confidence, and motivation to excel in the program.
What are my chances of being accepted?	The program is quite competitive. We encourage all applicants to clearly articulate their healthcare career goals in the required personal statement. The admissions team thoroughly reviews each application for completeness. We highly recommend applying early as students are accepted to the program in the order applications are reviewed.
Will there be an orientation prior to the start of the program?	Prior to the first on-campus summer course, students will participate in orientation. This is a wonderful way to get to know other students in the program and familiarize yourself with Concordia’s campus. We want to make your transition to campus and the Fargo-Moorhead area as welcoming as possible by providing meaningful information about the campus and community. Dates and times for orientation activities will be provided to incoming students following enrollment.

Admission & Application

What is the application deadline and timeline?	The application cycle opens in mid-September for the program beginning the following summer in June. We highly recommend applicants complete the application process early. Applications are reviewed and interviews scheduled in the order of submission. The admissions team begins application review and notifications in January.
What are the admission requirements?	General admission requirements: U.S. citizen or permanent resident Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year U.S. institution A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 (minimum 3.0 in science coursework) Good academic standing at previous institutions Pre-calculus or equivalent must be completed before starting the program Volunteer or work experience in healthcare is desirable
Do you require ACT, SAT or GRE scores?	We require ACT or SAT scores (GRE scores are not required). Standardized test scores are an indicator of a student's ability to take a rigorous exam, such as the MCAT. The MCAT will be used by medical schools to determine how well students will perform on national board exams required for licensure.
Besides the application, what additional information is required?	Completed application using PostBacCAS $139 application fee Current resume Official college transcripts from all institutions attended SAT or ACT scores Essay detailing how your experiences have contributed to your decision to pursue a career in healthcare Two letters of recommendation from former professors, academic advisors or supervisors
Can I take my pre-calculus course at Concordia?	Depending on when you apply, you may be able to take pre-calculus at Concordia before the program begins. Contact PostBaccPremed@cord.edu to learn more.
Is the MCAT or other health professions exams required to apply?	No, these exams are neither required nor encouraged. The purpose of the program is to prepare you for these exams; therefore, they should not be taken before completing the program. However, if you took them for a previous medical or professional school application, you are required to submit them as part of your application.
Can any undergraduate major apply?	Yes, any undergraduate major can apply. Our program is designed for career changers to take most, if not all, prerequisite science courses to take standardized tests for acceptance into medical school.
Am I eligible to apply for admission if I am an out-of-state resident?	Yes, Concordia is a private college, which means Minnesota residency is not a factor in admissions, program cost or financial aid criteria.
I retook courses. Do I have to report both sets of grades?	Yes. All attempts must be calculated into your GPA. This is the process used by PostBacCAS.
What types of volunteer or work experience should I have before applying?	Medical and other health professions school admission committees are looking for applicants who are able to provide evidence of their commitment to bettering the lives of others. Some examples could include Big Brother/Big Sister, Habitat for Humanity, America Reads, AmeriCorps, community volunteering at homeless shelters and food banks. Work experience would include any form of direct patient care such as nurse assistant, direct support professional, personal care assistant, EMT/first responder.
Do I have to wait to graduate from my undergraduate university to apply?	No, you can begin your application with your current transcripts. Once you complete your degree, you will request final transcripts showing the degree and date conferred. All application material may be completed in the meantime. The admissions team will not review your application until the final transcript is attached to your application and verified.

Outcomes & Support

What is the acceptance rate of students from Concordia into medical school?	In the last 10 years, 91% of students who applied to medical school were accepted into one or more programs.
Does Concordia College have any connections to medical schools?	Concordia has a very strong relationship with several local medical schools, including the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and the University of Minnesota in Duluth and Minneapolis.
What kind of academic advising and support will I receive?	Concordia has a formal Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) that works closely with both Post Bacc Premed and undergraduate students who want to apply to medical and other health professions schools. The progress of Post Bacc Premed students will be monitored closely throughout the program. The program director works individually with students to design a course schedule that fulfills the requirements of their intended program. Advising occurs consistently throughout the program to ensure students are on the path to their greatest success. Additionally, tutoring services are available through Concordia's Center for Student Success.
Will there be any opportunities to gain health care related experience?	The Fargo-Moorhead area is rich with opportunities in the healthcare field. With three large hospitals, numerous private clinics, and many long-term care facilities, it is easy to find volunteer or work positions in a health care setting. While this is not a requirement of the program, such opportunities are beneficial and recommended in the medical school application process.
Do you offer MCAT preparation?	We do not offer an in-house MCAT prep program. The curriculum of the Post Bacc Premed program is designed to cover most topics that will be tested on the MCAT. If additional preparation is desired, web-based programs are available through a variety of vendors. See the MCAT page for more details.
What kind of application support will I receive?	In addition to annual meetings preparing students for the medical school application process, the HPAC will work closely with students collectively and individually to cultivate the skills needed to write strong personal statements, interview confidently, assist with preparation for the MCAT, and provide the strategy needed to become a competitive medical school applicant. Workshops are offered on writing strong personal statements, and mock interviews are available through the Career Center.
Once I have completed the program, what is the timeline for applying to medical school?	It is anticipated that students will take their MCAT exam shortly after completion of the program in June. Once students receive their MCAT scores, generally 30 days following the exam, they may begin submitting medical school applications. Students wishing to delay their applications for an additional year to acquire further MCAT preparation or work/volunteer experience, may opt to take the MCAT exam later in the summer and submit applications during the next application cycle the following June. The program includes application service information, personal statement workshops, mock interview opportunities regardless of when students choose to take their MCAT exam. During the "gap year" that follows the program and precedes entry into medical school, students should develop non-academic components of their medical school application. Some examples are working in a healthcare facility as a CNA, technician, or medical scribe, or volunteer work with a service organization (e.g. AmeriCorps). Specific opportunities for gap-year healthcare and service experiences will be discussed further at appropriate times during the program. Learn more about the Gap Year.

Financial Information

How much does the program cost?	Each student’s tuition will vary depending on courses needed to meet individual student goals for their intended health profession. The cost per credit is $795. The Pre-Medicine track, for example, is comprised of 36 credits minimum and a tuition of $28,620 (not including student fees). Additional recommended courses may be added that would increase the tuition.
Are there any additional program costs?	There are fees for activities, labs and technology. Visit the Financial Information page for details. Upon admittance to the program, a non-refundable acceptance deposit of $300 is required to hold your seat in the program. This amount will be applied to your first tuition bill.
What financial aid options are available?	Students admitted to the program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans. Since eligibility varies, contact our financial aid specialists at finaid@cord.edu with your specific questions. No scholarships or grants are available.
Is housing available?	The Fargo-Moorhead community has a variety of housing options available. On campus housing is primarily for undergraduate students, however, there may be exceptions. If you have questions about housing, contact our admissions team.
Can I work while attending the Post Bacc Premed program?	The program is designed as a full-time (12 credits per semester) program. We understand you may choose or need to work while enrolled. We encourage part-time work in a healthcare field, if possible. This is an intense program, so allow yourself enough time for academic success.
Why do I have to pay a convenience fee to make a credit card payment?	Concordia contracts with a third-party service provider (TouchNet/Pay Path) to ensure compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) and Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) card association rules. The 2.85% rate charged by the service provider is collected and retained by the service provider and is non-refundable.
When are payments due?	Summer \| First time students \| July 15 Summer \| Continuing students \| June 15 Fall \| August 15 Spring \| January 15 Any subsequent charges are due by the 15th of the following month. Interest (8% per annum) is assessed on fee statement charges if not paid in full by the due date. Registration for future semesters and release of transcripts may not be allowed until outstanding fees are paid.
Who do I contact regarding financial aid?	Any questions regarding financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid at (218) 299-3010 or email finaid@cord.edu.
What is the Payment Agreement and Disclosure Statement?	This agreement is between the student and the College outlining how the student will pay their obligation to the school. It also outlines finance charges, use of Financial Aid and your billing rights. You must have a Payment Agreement and Disclosure Statement on file with the College before beginning courses.

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Program FAQs

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