University of Nebraska Medical Center Logo University of Nebraska Medical Center

Address: University of Nebraska Medical Center, 42nd and Emile Streets, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

Phone: +1 402-559-4000

Email: unmc@unmc.edu

Website: www.unmc.edu


The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has specific language requirements for students whose first language is not English. These requirements are designed to ensure that students can successfully complete their coursework, engage in clinical environments, and interact with patients and peers in an English-speaking setting.

General Language Proficiency Requirements:

  1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

    • UNMC generally requires a minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 79. However, specific programs (such as the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program or other graduate health-related programs) may have higher score requirements.

  2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

    • An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher is generally acceptable. Some programs may require a higher score.

  3. Other Accepted Tests and Criteria:

    • UNMC may also accept other English proficiency tests such as PTE (Pearson Test of English) or Cambridge English exams. Applicants should check with their specific program for details on score thresholds.

  4. English Proficiency Waivers:

    • Some students may be eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement if they have completed certain levels of education in English-speaking institutions. This may include:
      • A degree earned from an accredited U.S. institution or other institutions in English-speaking countries.
      • Completion of a U.S. high school diploma.
      • Other specific academic qualifications as determined by the program.

Program-Specific Requirements:

  • Different programs at UNMC (such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health) may have slightly varying language proficiency standards. Students should consult the specific program's admissions website or contact the admissions office for precise requirements related to their area of study.

If you are applying to a program at UNMC, it's crucial to verify the language proficiency requirements for that particular program, as they can vary. Additionally, achieving a high English proficiency score is important, not only for admission but for success in clinical and classroom environments.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is renowned for its comprehensive medical, healthcare, and life sciences programs. Below are some of the course specialties and academic areas of focus at UNMC:

1. Medicine and Healthcare:

  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.): The flagship medical program at UNMC, preparing students to become physicians with a strong focus on clinical skills, patient care, and research.
  • Nursing: Programs include Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
  • Physician Assistant Studies (PA): The PA program at UNMC is highly regarded and prepares students to work alongside physicians in various healthcare settings.
  • Dentistry: The College of Dentistry offers Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programs along with dental hygiene degrees.
  • Pharmacy: The College of Pharmacy offers both Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and PhD programs.
  • Public Health: Graduate degrees in public health through the College of Public Health, including a Master of Public Health (MPH) and PhD.

2. Health Professions:

  • Physical Therapy (DPT): The Doctor of Physical Therapy program trains students in rehabilitation and movement science.
  • Occupational Therapy (OT): The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program focuses on enabling students to treat patients with diverse physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Clinical Laboratory Science: Programs in medical laboratory science and cytotechnology, training students in diagnostic laboratory work.

3. Life Sciences and Biomedical Research:

  • Biomedical Sciences: UNMC offers graduate programs, including Master’s and PhD programs in various branches of biomedical sciences, such as cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry.
  • Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology: Specialized research programs in areas such as gene therapy, biotechnology, and genomics.
  • Regenerative Medicine: A cutting-edge program focusing on stem cell research and tissue engineering.

4. Research and Clinical Training:

  • Clinical Research: The UNMC Clinical Research Center provides training in clinical trials and research ethics, allowing students to engage in groundbreaking clinical research.
  • Cancer Research: UNMC has a renowned Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, where students and researchers can engage in cancer research and treatment development.

5. Interdisciplinary and Dual Programs:

  • MD/PhD: A combined program for students who want to pursue both medical and research careers, focusing on both clinical practice and scientific innovation.
  • PharmD/MPH: A dual degree program for students interested in combining pharmacy with public health expertise.

6. Veterinary Medicine (New Program Development):

  • UNMC has also launched discussions about expanding into veterinary medicine, collaborating with various healthcare organizations to develop programs focused on animal health and biotechnology.

7. Dual Degree Programs:

  • UNMC offers several dual degree programs, including MD/PhD, MD/MBA, and other specialized combinations for students wishing to broaden their expertise and career options.

Research Focus Areas:

  • Cardiovascular and Neuroscience research
  • Infectious Diseases: UNMC is known for its biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) lab, which studies the most dangerous pathogens.
  • Cancer Research: Particularly through the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which leads research in treatment and cancer prevention.

UNMC is one of the leading institutions in the U.S. for healthcare education, offering cutting-edge programs that combine patient care, scientific research, and education. It is also renowned for its partnerships in medical innovation, biotechnology, and global health initiatives.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has a number of esteemed faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields, though none are Nobel laureates. However, there are several professors at UNMC who are highly regarded for their contributions to medical research, education, and healthcare.

Here are some notable areas where UNMC professors have made significant contributions:

1. Dr. Howard Liu – Psychiatry and Behavioral Health

  • Position: Chair of the Department of Psychiatry.
  • Contributions: Dr. Liu is recognized for his work in psychiatry and mental health advocacy, focusing on improving mental health care access and mental health policy. His leadership has brought recognition to the department at a national level.

2. Dr. Brian K. Canvasser – Oncology and Cancer Research

  • Position: Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine.
  • Contributions: Dr. Canvasser is an expert in oncology, particularly in the development of cancer therapies. He has worked on targeted cancer treatments and immunotherapy strategies, which have contributed to groundbreaking cancer care innovations.

3. Dr. Ali S. Khan – Infectious Disease and Biodefense

  • Position: Dean of the College of Public Health.
  • Contributions: Dr. Khan is known for his work in biodefense, particularly in response to infectious disease outbreaks such as Ebola and Zika. He has been involved in international efforts to improve global health security and disease surveillance systems.

4. Dr. James L. Sherwood – Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

  • Position: Director of the Cardiovascular Medicine Program.
  • Contributions: Dr. Sherwood is renowned for his expertise in cardiology and cardiovascular health, focusing on heart failure, cardiovascular diagnostics, and innovative treatments. He has led research efforts in heart disease prevention and treatment innovations.

5. Dr. Sarah H. Gollan – Neuroscience and Neurology

  • Position: Associate Professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences.
  • Contributions: Dr. Gollan specializes in neuroscience and has made substantial contributions to research in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. She is known for her work on neurobiology and advancing treatments for neurological disorders.

6. Dr. Christina M. Gurney – Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Disease

  • Position: Professor in Pediatrics.
  • Contributions: Dr. Gurney’s work in pediatric infectious diseases has earned her recognition in the field, especially in vaccine research and the management of childhood diseases. She has been a leading voice in the development of pediatric health policies.

These professors are leading experts in their fields, contributing to clinical innovations, cutting-edge medical research, and the training of future healthcare professionals. Their work in medical fields such as oncology, infectious diseases, and cardiology directly influences the development of healthcare practices and policies, making them highly respected figures at UNMC and within the broader medical community.

For a more comprehensive list of top professors in specific departments, UNMC's official website or each department's faculty page would provide further details on faculty accomplishments and their research areas.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has had a notable role in medical research and health sciences, but it does not have a direct affiliation with a Nobel Prize winner. However, researchers and faculty at UNMC have contributed to significant advancements in medical and scientific fields, and the university's work in areas like infectious diseases, biodefense, and cancer research has been recognized nationally and internationally.

Nobel Prize-Related Contributions:

While UNMC itself may not have Nobel laureates among its faculty, its involvement in cutting-edge research, such as Ebola and Zika virus studies, has contributed to broader scientific discussions that align with the goals of Nobel-winning work in medical and health-related fields. For example, UNMC researchers have contributed to advancements in vaccines, public health, and treatment protocols, which have the potential to influence future Nobel Prize-winning discoveries.

In general, Nobel Prizes in the field of medicine often go to groundbreaking work in areas like genetics, immunology, and infectious diseases, which align with the kind of research being conducted at institutions like UNMC.

If you are interested in specific faculty members who have worked on Nobel-related research or have ties to notable discoveries, UNMC’s various departments and research centers may provide more details about collaborations or related breakthroughs.

Founded in 1869, the University of Nebraska Medical Center is a non-profit public specialized higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Omaha (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Nebraska. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 3,000-3,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 155-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UNMC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is famous for several reasons, primarily due to its significant contributions to healthcare education, medical research, and clinical care. Here are some key factors that contribute to its national and international reputation:

1. Medical and Healthcare Education Excellence:

  • World-Class Medical Training: UNMC is known for its high-quality medical education programs, including the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program, which is recognized for producing highly skilled physicians and healthcare professionals.
  • Strong Health Professions Programs: UNMC is a leader in healthcare training, offering top-ranked programs in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. It has earned a reputation for training leaders in various medical fields.

2. Cutting-Edge Medical Research:

  • Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center: UNMC is renowned for its cancer research and treatment. The Cancer Center is one of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. Researchers at UNMC focus on personalized cancer treatments and groundbreaking therapies.
  • Infectious Disease and Biodefense Research: UNMC is home to one of the few biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) laboratories in the United States, where dangerous pathogens such as Ebola are studied. This has made it a leader in infectious disease research and biodefense.
  • Regenerative Medicine: UNMC is at the forefront of stem cell research and tissue regeneration, which promises advances in treating a wide variety of conditions, including spinal cord injuries and heart disease.

3. Global Health Impact:

  • Global Health Initiatives: UNMC has a long history of involvement in global health, particularly in combating infectious diseases and public health issues in underserved regions around the world. Their work includes providing training and resources for medical professionals and public health experts globally.
  • Response to Global Health Crises: UNMC's Global Center for Health Security has been involved in global health response efforts, such as the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a hub for critical healthcare research and management during times of crisis.

4. Collaboration with Industry and Innovation:

  • Partnerships with Healthcare Systems: UNMC is strongly connected to Nebraska Medicine, the state's largest health system, and this collaboration allows students and researchers to work in cutting-edge healthcare settings.
  • Entrepreneurship and Medical Innovation: UNMC has fostered a culture of innovation, especially through the UNMC Innovation Campus, where new healthcare technologies and biomedical devices are developed. Their partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies help bring research from the lab to the clinic.

5. Specialized Programs and Facilities:

  • Biosafety Level-4 Laboratory: One of the few such facilities in the U.S., this lab allows researchers to study highly dangerous pathogens in a controlled, safe environment. UNMC has been pivotal in research around diseases like Ebola and Zika.
  • Simulation and Training: The Simulation in Motion program at UNMC trains medical professionals using advanced technology and real-life scenarios, providing hands-on learning experiences.

6. Exceptional Faculty and Alumni:

  • UNMC boasts a strong faculty of medical professionals, researchers, and clinicians who are often leaders in their fields. Many faculty members hold prestigious positions in national and international medical organizations.
  • Alumni Success: Graduates of UNMC programs go on to become leaders in their fields, whether in healthcare practice, research, or academia.

7. Impact on Healthcare in Nebraska:

  • UNMC plays a critical role in improving healthcare across Nebraska and the surrounding region. As the state's primary medical institution, it trains much of the healthcare workforce and influences the delivery of medical services throughout the area.

8. Community Service and Care:

  • The university also serves the local community through various outreach and healthcare programs. The UNMC College of Public Health is deeply involved in public health education, policy development, and community health improvement.

UNMC's reputation is built on its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, advancing medical research, and producing highly qualified healthcare professionals who go on to make significant contributions in medicine, public health, and research worldwide.