Pre-Med Programs

Healthcare is one of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields, and with demand for professionals in the industry on the rise, South Dakota Mines students are stepping up to meet that need. While pursuing their bachelor’s degrees with us, they also prepare for advanced studies in a variety of pre-medicine healthcare programs.

At South Dakota Mines, we offer four robust degree paths that provide the foundation for any healthcare career: Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Pre-Professional Health Sciences. Combined with our pre-professional programs, students are guided through the coursework needed to meet admission requirements for medical and professional schools. Their dedicated academic advisor and Career Services will help them gain valuable experience through local job shadowing, internships, research opportunities, and volunteering.

Research Opportunities at Mines

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Biology
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Chemistry
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Biomedical Engineering
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Health Sciences

With the addition of our pre-professional programs, students ensure they are taking the right classes to meet the requirements for the next step in their educational journey. Their academic advisor will also provide resources to gain experience through local job shadowing, research, internship, and volunteer opportunities.

Beyond the Classroom

Medical schools evaluate applicants holistically, meaning they consider a combination of factors, not just GPA. Hands-on experiences—like patient care, community service, research, and leadership—are just as essential as classroom success. Medical schools look for meaningful engagement, such as patient care roles like CNA, phlebotomist, EMT, or patient care technician. They also value activities that demonstrate a commitment to working with marginalized or diverse populations, emphasizing empathy and cultural competence.
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Healthcare-Related Organizations 

For a full list of student organizations, visit Organizations

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Research Opportunities at South Dakota Mines

Students interested in medical research can explore diverse fields like:

  • Biomedical Research
  • Molecular Biology/Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Nanoscience

For specific research opportunities, reach out to the relevant academic departments.

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Job Shadowing Opportunities

Students can take advantage of opportunities in the local community through partnerships with:

  • Monument Health System
  • Rapid City Medical Center
  • Black Hills Surgical Hospital
  •  Community Health Center of the Black Hills

For more information, contact the Career Services office.

Where Our Graduates Have Been Accepted

Our recent graduates have been accepted into prestigious professional healthcare schools, including: