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Competencies

From Mercy to Medicine

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Core Competencies for Your Journey

As you prepare to apply to professional health programs, it’s essential to understand the core competencies that admissions committees seek in applicants. These competencies reflect the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary for success in health professions and are often used in holistic admissions reviews. 

At University of Detroit Mercy, our approach to preparing future health professionals is deeply rooted in our Core Values, which align closely with national expectations for professional readiness: 

Core Values

At University of Detroit Mercy, our approach to preparing future health professionals is deeply rooted in our Core Values, which align closely with national expectations for professional readiness: 

  • Educating the Whole Person: We promote academic excellence and holistic well-being
  • Cultivating a Diverse Community: We foster inclusion and belonging
  • Embodying Mercy & Compassion: We act with radical hospitality and dignity for all
  • Fostering Faith & Justice: We encourage reflection and action for a more just world
  • Serving & Leading in Detroit: We collaborate with our community for the common good

These values are not only central to your education at Detroit Mercy, they are also reflected in the competencies expected by professional schools across the health disciplines. 

Reflecting on Your Growth: Telling Your Story

Developing competencies is only part of the journey. Equally important is your ability to reflect on your growth and articulate how your experiences have shaped you. Admissions committees want to understand who you are, how you’ve evolved, and why you’re ready for the next step. 

Throughout your undergraduate years, you’ll gain exposure to healthcare, serve your community, and face challenges that help you grow. Take time to reflect on these moments: 

  • What did you learn about yourself? 
  • How did you grow in empathy, resilience, or leadership? 
  • What experiences confirmed your commitment to a healthcare career?


Being able to clearly express this growth—in personal statements, interviews, and application essays—will help you stand out as a thoughtful, self-aware, and mission-driven candidate. 

Tips for Reflection and Articulation: 

  • Keep a journal or portfolio to track your experiences and insights. 
  • Use the core competencies as a framework to evaluate your progress. 
  • Practice telling your story with mentors, advisors, or peers. 
  • Seek feedback on how well you communicate your growth and goals. 
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Strengthen Your Competencies

Want to strengthen your competencies for your specific pre-health path?
Explore these resources and tools to support your growth. 

Build Your Foundation
for a Health Career

Office of Pre-Health Advising
Engineering Bldg. RM# 125
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Kia Hart
(313) 993-1928
hartkl@udmercy.edu  

Schedule with a Pre-Health Advisor

Helpful Links

Looking for one-on-one advising? Need help planning your academic path?

From exploring Pre-Health careers to applying and accelerating your program, we are here to advise you every step of the way.
Connect with Pre-Health Advising