Suggested Coursework & Experiences
Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine (MU CFVH) does not have specific prerequisite coursework or required experience. Applicants can demonstrate competency in six AAMC pre-medical proficiencies by completing suggested or example coursework and experiences listed below. Applicants are encouraged to submit additional coursework and experiences.
Living Systems
The ability to apply knowledge and skill in the natural sciences to solve problems related to molecular and macro systems.
- Coursework: biology or chemistry, especially those including labs.
- Experiences: clinical or laboratory research in biology or chemistry, medical scribing, medic/EMT/paramedic, nursing/CNA, surgical technician, clinical internships or shadowing, direct patient care, or public health.
Human Behavior
The ability to apply knowledge of the self, others, and social systems to solve problems related to the psychological, sociocultural, and biological factors that influence health and well-being.
- Coursework: social sciences such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
- Experiences: direct patient care, clinical shadowing, patient advocacy, end-of-life care, social work, education, working with diverse populations, assisting special-needs individuals, behavioral health experiences, etc.
Quantitative Reasoning
The ability to apply mathematics and quantitative reasoning to describe or explain phenomena in the natural world.
- Coursework: anything math-based, including economics and finance
- Experiences: quantitative reasoning, data analytics, statistics, finance, economics, actuarial work, teaching math-related subjects, or other areas that require mathematical thought.
Scientific Inquiry
The ability to apply knowledge of the scientific process to integrate and synthesize information, solve problems, and formulate research questions and hypotheses.
- Coursework and Experiences: those that allow curiosity, exploration, and development of scientific thought, such as research, engineering, teaching, community projects, medical or healthcare research and other projects, public health, epidemiology, etc.
Written Communication
The ability to effectively convey information to others using written words and sentences.
- Coursework: writing courses, especially scientific or technical, rhetoric courses, technical writing, etc. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses do not fulfill the Written Communications competency.
- Experiences: writing care plans, charting/medical documentation, writing case reports, composing reference letters, peer-reviewed journal publications, etc.
Critical Thinking
The ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Coursework and Experiences: high level of problem-solving, such as high-pressure environments, patient triage, medication reconciliation, root-cause analyses, interdisciplinary teamwork, or other fast-paced work.