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While the MD degree is the primary goal of this program, which includes four years of medical school in addition to the pre-med year of study, RMSP students (both graduates and undergraduates) have additional academic credit options:
RURAL MEDICAL SCHOLAR DEGREE OPTIONS
1. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in chosen field of study
2. Bachelor of Science - Health Professions Option
3. Master of Science in General Studies in Human Environmental Sciences (Rural Community Health Specialization)
OR
Earn the Certificate of Rural Community Health
From The College of Community Health Sciences
Successful completion of five core courses (listed in italics in the curriculum information below) results in the awarding of a Certificate of Rural Community Health regardless of degree option.
In the pre-med year of the 5-year RMS Program, Rural Medical Scholars who are undergraduates are required to complete all prerequisites for UASOM (University of Alabama School of Medicine) and obtain their baccalaureate degree. Graduate students are most often enrolled in the master’s degree program in Rural Community Health. Other options exist and may be approved at the discretion of the program directors. Rural Medical Scholars who seek a master’s degree take the courses listed below. Courses marked by the asterisk are required for students receiving the Certificate of Rural Community Health designation. Students who need to complete specific preparatory coursework or prerequisites for entry into medical school may request an individualized curriculum based on their particular needs.
Master of Science Degree
General Studies in Human Environmental Sciences
Rural Community Health Track
Purpose This degree program track is designed to provide the tools necessary for future rural Alabama physicians to become community health leaders. It will prepare physicians who can lead in the development and maintenance of community health center practices. Rural Medical Scholars are chosen based partly on their commitment to serve in Rural Alabama. Your goal of becoming a primary care physician in a rural area of the state allows you to take a space reserved for a future rural physician, a doctor desperately needed across Alabama. We are counting on your sincerity in awarding you admission to RMSP.
Admission
Admission is restricted to students who are admitted to the Rural Medical Scholars Program (RMSP) in the College of Community Health Sciences. In addition to RMSP requirements, the student must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Students with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework, or a GPA of 3.0 in a master’s degree program are not required to submit standardized test scores.
Required Courses for Master of Science degree (30 hrs)
*HHE 500 – Rural Environmental & Occupational Health (3 hrs)
*HHE 521– Epidemiology (3 hrs)
*CHS 522 – Community Clinical Process I (3 hrs)
*HHE 526– Biostatistics (3 hrs)
CHS 532 – Community Clinical Process II (3 hrs)
HHE 542 – Practical Issues in Behavioral Medicine (3 hrs)
*HCM 573 – Advanced Issues in Health Care Management (3 hrs)
BSC 550 – Biochemistry/Molecular Biology I (3 hrs)
CHS 590 – Clinical Correlations in Biochemistry (3 hrs)
HHE 585 – Laboratory and Field Experience (1 hr)
*These CORE courses constitute a 15-hour Certificate in Rural Community Health from the College of Community Health Sciences.
Evaluation
Students will complete degree requirements following Plan II (without thesis). A grade of “B” or higher must be earned in all courses and a final evaluation must be completed as determined by departmental guidelines. |
