Seven graduates of Lubbock Christian University (LCU) began their journey into medical school as a part of the same cohort in the fall of 2023—the same year in which three-quarters of LCU applicants to medical school were accepted, a rate 79% above the national average.
This August, Carson Price Cooper (’21), Blake Cunningham (’23), Hannah Curtis (’21), Luke Darter (’21) Kailin Davis (’20), Amanda Ellis (’06), and Cade McDowell (’23) began the first semester of medical school at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC).
“LCU has a long history of preparing students well for medical school and the accomplishment of this class is one recognition of our growing success,” shared Dr. Toby Rogers, Dean of the B. Ward Lane College of Professional Studies. “This represents the largest class of LCU students to matriculate to medical school at TTUHSC in the same year in LCU’s history. We are very proud of each of these former students and are confident they are well prepared and will thrive in medical school and their chosen path in medicine.”
This class perfectly embodies the success of graduates from LCU’s pre-health programs, which boasts student outcomes far above the national average.
Over the last 10 years, nearly three out of every four LCU graduates applying for dental school were accepted, 34% more often than most graduates nationwide. In addition, LCU graduates are more than twice as likely as graduates from other universities to be accepted to physician’s assistant school, and 84% of students seeking admissions into physical therapy school are accepted, compared to only 61% nationwide. Even in fields notoriously difficult to continue study, like veterinary medicine in which only 1 in 10 students are accepted, LCU boasts a staggering 76% acceptance rate—over seven times the national average.
In 2023, every single LCU graduate who applied to dental school, occupational therapy school, and pharmacy school were accepted—and that perfect trend of 100% acceptance to dental school students continues for the third straight year and extends a seven-year streak for occupational therapy school.
In addition to a top-tier classroom experience, much of the reason for the success of these LCU students stems from the rigorous preparation and resources provided by the LCU Office of Health Professions (OHP), which is helmed by Michaela Yandell.
“The Mission of the OHP is to streamline access to opportunities, services, and resources for students aspiring to enter various health professions,” she explained. “Those resources include mock interviews, study tools for professional exams, and 1-on-1 mentoring so that each student receives the help they need to propel them toward their future career goals. I am here to help students navigate the intense process of applying for professional school because I truly believe that LCU prepares students well to be successful in their future aspirations.”
“The OHP was established in 2017 with support from a significant grant from the LCU Foundation Board,” added Dr. Rogers. “Since its inception, professional development and mentoring opportunities have grown for all pre-health professions students. This personalized support and attention has improved our ability to help students accomplish their career aspirations in healthcare. It has also fostered networking opportunities with alumni and encouraged students to think more deeply about what it means to be a Christian in various healthcare professions. LCU very intentionally walks with students on their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.”
To learn more about beginning your journey into the health professions at LCU, visit the Office of Health Professions pages or contact an admissions advisor.