11 Foundation and Pathway Courses Pre-Med Degree Programs

Study in pre-medical and pre-health to set the foundation for the challenges of medical or dental school, or other graduate-level education in the health professions.

Online PreMedical (PreMed) course aims to prepare applicants for undergraduate Medicine, Odontology, Veterinary Medicine, or Pharmacy programs by offering students general Biology and general Chemistry classes and seminars.

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown has a strong commitment to educating undergraduate students preparing for careers in medicine and health-related sciences. Many Pitt-Johnstown students are in degree programs in preparation for employment or further graduate study in nursing, medicine, rehabilitation, optometry, dentistry, podiatry, or veterinary medicine.

Xavier offers a 5.5-year program for students who wish to enter medical school straight out of high school. This gives students a 1.5-year jumpstart on pre-med courses that will accelerate their entry into Xavier’s medical program — upon completion, of course, of all other pre-med requirements.

When looking to pursue a career in medicine, there is no particular major that medical schools prefer. It is recommended that students pick a major that challenges and interests them so they can stand out in the classroom. While medical schools want students who have developed a strong foundation in the sciences, they also want students to seek out courses that will help develop skills in independent thinking and decision making. Physicians must be able to communicate effectively and have the skills to express their thoughts and ideas.

Students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree should major in Biology or Chemistry (with a Biology minor). For the best preparation, we recommend a double major in both Biology and Chemistry. Students should review the admissions requirements for the professional schools of their choice.

The Pre-Medical program was created for those students who do not meet the Admissions criteria of SMUFOM based on not completing the courses and credits required for Admissions into the MD Program.

The Pre-Medical curriculum is recommended for students who wish to pursue such careers as traditional human medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, or nontraditional medical arts that require intensive undergraduate preparation in biology and chemistry.

Drury University has excellent programs for students interested in allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) medicine. Both types of medical schools require applicants to take the MCAT. The time required to graduate from medical school is the same. Both types of medical students are eligible for the same internships and residencies. Unlike a traditional allopathic doctor, osteopathic doctors are trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and have a holistic approach to training.

Through its curriculum, AICASA provides all the necessary resources for prospective MDs and other health science professionals to get their education on track.

Tufts’ Post-baccalaureate Premedical Program is designed for students who already have an undergraduate degree and need to complete prerequisite coursework in order to apply to health professions graduate schools. It is designed for “career changers” and for students who need to complete all or most of their prerequisites for graduate school.