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What is PreMed Studies?

PreMed is the educational track for students pursue prior to becoming medical students.  A common list of activities for Pre-Medicine and Pre-Medical Studies that prepare students for medical school include: volunteer experience, pre-med coursework, research, and clinical experience.

At many colleges and universities in the United States, a student on a Pre-Medicine and Pre-Medical Studies path can elect virtually any undergraduate field of study with the stipulation all core courses are met for pre-med.  Core courses will likely entail introductory and intermediate level work in: biology, neuroscience, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, calculus, statistics, immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best PreMed Studies Degree

As a member of the Ivy League, Harvard University is committed to research and education. This is an institution of higher learning that can stimulate students' critical thinking.   Harvard Medical School offers various Pre-Med courses that rank top in the nation for rigorous studies and cutting-edge thinking in the medical field.  Students can choose their own major based on the university degree they are pursuing. The pre-medical courses offered include physiology, immunology, genetics, and biochemistry.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Since its establishment in 1890, the University of Chicago has been one of the most prestigious research universities in the state. It is committed to adopting open and free inquiry methods in teaching to stimulate the interest of scholars.  Its Pritzker School of Medicine offers various Pre-Med degrees for the students’ preference. It provides basic/translational sciences, clinical research, health services & data science and community health. It also has a medical education track, which aims to provide students with a strong medical education foundation.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Georgetown University is a Jesuit research institution that believes that individuals are more than just their thoughts. They believe that students have passion, dreams, and talents. It offers different degrees for pre-medical courses.  Its top ranked Pre-Med program includes adult geriatrics emergency care practitioners, advanced biomedical sciences, aging and health, biochemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, biohazard threats and emerging infectious diseases, biophysics, and others. It also provides biology, global health biology, biomedical science policy and advocacy, cell biology, and chemistry.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Northwestern University is a specialized higher education institution dedicated to promoting research innovation and promoting intellectual and personal growth. It promises to maintain a multidimensional and collaborative learning environment to help students have a positive impact on the community.   The preparatory students can choose any of the majors offered and take basic science courses to supplement their premed course content. Some of these courses include research, clinical experience, as well as involvement in the local community and in the campus. The school also provides pre-medical scholar programs for students with outstanding academic performance.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic higher learning institution. It is at the forefront of providing undergraduate studies, scholarships, and research.  It provides pre-health supplementary majors, and students can study any major in its College of Arts and Letters, while acquiring the skills, experience and education required by a qualified pre-med graduate school or engaging in any health major. Students will take science elective courses in the upper grades to obtain the science credits required by the medical school. Amongst the electives are vertebrae physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, embryology, and microbiology.

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The mission of Washington University in St. Louis is to protect the freedom of inquiry and spread knowledge through teaching, learning and research. From the perspective of its institutions, it provides an environment conducive to discovery, exploration, and learning.  Students of the Washington University pre-med program can choose a broad-based education and have a solid academic foundation, which is indispensable for a health professional career, and can choose to major in other subjects. Its pro-health community provides resources and consultations to help students plan their paths and identify volunteers and research opportunities even in the first year. Its health field options include occupational therapy, sports training, genetic counseling, psychology and brain science, and public health.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

John Hopkins University is an institution that encourages research, develops individual scholars, and motivates students to achieve excellence in their fields. Its mission is to make scholars smart, strong, real, and useful.  The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine offers pre-medical courses in health, patient care, and research. Its research program inspires discovery and excellence, while its patient care trains students to deliver the medicine’s promise. Graduates with any medical doctorate are eligible to study medicine at Johns Hopkins Medical School.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Southern California is a premier private research university. This is a community of diverse cultures, races, and beliefs. There are many options for the University of Southern California foundation course.  Students can study biochemistry, biological sciences, biophysics, chemistry, chemical biology, chemistry (chemical nanoscience, chemical research, cognitive science, human biology, neuroscience, physics, and physical sciences). Its counseling program has a group of counselors to help students choose the right major for medical preparation.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Tufts University is a pioneer in providing higher education in the United States. It excels in research and stands out in providing the best experience to students.   Tufts University offers a variety of degrees for pre-medical courses. For as long as the prerequisites for the coursework are met, their medical school will not distinguish between specific medical degrees. It offers biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced degrees.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

It was Thomas Jefferson who inaugurated the University of Virginia Main Campus in 1819. It became a prestigious public university designed to cultivate human knowledge, educate future leaders, and inspire a knowledgeable community of citizens.   Students who wish to pursue a professional path in medicine may benefit from pre-health consultation. The pre-med consultant will guide students to prepare for any health courses at the university. Choices include occupational therapy, dentistry, physical therapy, medicine, and veterinary medicine.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Boston University educates students from over 130 countries. It has more than 300 programs and three campuses. It designs pre-medical courses to guide students to improve their medical practice capabilities.  Its foundation courses come from different colleges, including liberal arts colleges such chemistry, physics, biology, and biochemistry. There is also the college of health and rehabilitation sciences with majors such as human physiology, physical therapy and behavior and health to name a few. From the college of engineering, students may take on biomedical engineering which will enable students to comply with the requirements of pre-medical education.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Founded in 1926, Scripps College is one of the few institutions dedicated to training women for life, dedication, and participation. Its programs are designed to champion the qualities of spirit and mind for women’s vital role in the society.  Its post-baccalaureate premed program is available to women and men who already obtained their bachelor’s degree in any fields other than a pre-health. Its premed program provides an opportunity to complete students’ prerequisite science courses to be eligible for a career in medicine. Scripps College is a famous leader in the post-bac curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

32

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Lehigh University is among the United States’ most prestigious research universities. It is a private higher education institution that inspires entrepreneurial thinking and provides learners with opportunities for cooperation.  Those students who are interested in pursuing a medical profession can benefit from a health professional advisory committee composed of teachers and professional consultants. There are faculty members from different scientific fields who can provide academic and career counseling. At the same time, they work closely with students from the first year to applying for professional schools. Majors include medicine, optometry, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and podiatry.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Case Western Reserve University has a commitment to innovation. Its facilities are world-class, and its course selection and design are designed to help students succeed in entrepreneurship or career after graduation.   It has one of the most prestigious medical communities in the United States. There are several nationally ranked hospitals that are near the campus. Some of the available preparatory courses include biochemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, cognitive science, chemistry, and physics.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Bryan Mawr College is an esteemed all-women’s college. Its preset program is one of its sources of pride and integrity.  BMC is an exceptional academic institution with a sterling reputation for community and academic excellence.  Its post-baccalaureate medical courses is especially for students who do not have any preparatory course education background but want to complete a full-time intensive course in a medical school or dental school. The post-bac premed can be completed in a year.

Acceptance Rate

33.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Maryland is the flagship of the state university and one of the few top state research universities in the United States. It fosters an environment where knowledge is discovered and shared.   Some of the preparatory courses offered by the University of Maryland include biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, and neuroscience. These premed courses are a limited enrolment program, and each requires competitive admission criteria other than the school’s general requirements. Space is also limited so UM recommends qualified students to apply early.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Mount Holyoke College commenced as a female seminary. Today, it is among the few learning institutions that accept the challenges brought by the digital age; therefore, it has innovated to maintain its competitiveness.   Its top rated premed program offers the chance to students who aspire to pursue graduate training and engage in clinical professions like dentistry, veterinary, human medicine and nursing. There are also courses, which allow students to explore and pursue non-medical professions and public health such as occupation or physical therapy. Those who have the heart to tread on the field of health may even take on PhD and be qualified for academia or research.  

Acceptance Rate

38.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a nonprofit private institution located in Troy, New York and provides a large number of program options for students. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a yearly student enrollment of nearly 6,700. Students may choose from many areas of study, including but not limited to:

  • Engineering
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Computer And Information Sciences
  • Engineering Technology
  • Architecture
  • Communications And Journalism
To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit school transcripts, which are then reviewed by the admissions committee. The most common exam scores among students accepted to RPI are in the range of 26 - 30 on the ACT, or 1870 - 2170 on the SAT exam. Approximately 40% of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 21% of those admitted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found at rpi.edu. The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $47,000, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's net price calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. Student housing is available for students, which costs about $7,500 for the year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Red Hawks participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs, within the NCAA organization. Available sports offered may include the following:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
  • Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Students can take a look at the school's http://www.rpi.edu to see additional information.

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

When it comes to leadership, it comes to George Washington University. It is a bastion of ideas and innovation.   Its School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers preparatory courses. It has the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, which offers two academic-intensive preparatory courses: medical school or biomedical science courses. Tailor-made programs can not only enhance the competitiveness of applicants from medical schools, but also enhance the transition of graduate students in the biomedical field.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

As a private, community-based, non-profit, student-led higher education institution, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science is committed to training leaders in the field of healthcare. Embedded in its plan is health equality and social justice.  Its enhanced post-bac certificate program for pre-sale students is comprehensive and structured and aims to guide students who are both GPA enhancers and career changers into medical school. This program is specially designed for outstanding students who are keen to become physician leaders. Its faculty, facilities and resources complement its mission of commitment to health equality and social justice, especially to marginalized sectors.

Acceptance Rate

31.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Connecticut is the United States’ leader in state-funded research universities. It pursues innovation as a driving force in motivating students to pursue knowledge.  Students can work in any field they are interested in, whether it is business, science, engineering, or humanities. It has a pre-arranged office to guide students to apply at the UConn medical school in an effort to positively affect a students learning trajectory in the sciences.   

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The American University in Washington guides, supports, and challenges students throughout their growth on its campus and even beyond. It values thoughtful participation, human dignity, and integrity.  It offers post baccalaureate premed certificate and undergraduate premed program. The post-bac is crafted for students to complete the basic requirements to be eligible for admission to health professional schools. Its undergraduate premedical program is not about having a major, but a program. Sciences required by the student’s professional school will be taken as an elective during the undergraduate studies.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Clemson University inspires students to change their perception, their lives, and the world through education. It is a Carnegie R1 research institute with an exceptional academic reputation in a crowded field of top-tier institutions. It recommends philosophy as a preparatory major for students interested in pursuing a career in health. According to the medical school admission requirements, the acceptance rate for philosophy majors is the highest among medical schools. Graduates with philosophy are well-educated and well-rounded.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The purpose of Baylor University was to educate future world leaders and cultivate the value of community service to them. It combines outstanding academic achievement with Christian dedication.  Its foundation courses offer special courses that students must meet to qualify for medical school. The course has no major, but it provides students with the opportunity to learn their preferred major. The medical school admits students with scientific and non-scientific subjects.

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Tulsa cultivates inquisitiveness & exigent intellectual curiosity. It ceaselessly encourages students in self-discovery to ignite opportunities and personal development.  For more than 60 years, it has provided students with extraordinary preparations for the healthcare industry. Premed students may major in any of its sciences or they may also major in any discipline. The curriculum may be tailored to complement the student’s pursuit.

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Your Path to a PreMed Degree

The path to launch a career as a doctor or physician will typically start with a premed program from an accredited college or university. Med schools will often require students to take classes in physical and life sciences along with general education courses.

Liberal arts classes and general education courses such as English composition, sociology, philosophy, psychology, communications, economics, and creative writing provide a basis for developing a set of holistic thinking skills used to think critically about the world. Core classes in physical and life sciences will include an array of programs that will include variations of biology, chemistry, and physics.

According to the BLS, the path to becoming a doctor does not always start with med school. In fact, the top undergraduate degree program for premed students is biology not medicine. The chart below breaks down the number of degrees conferred by area of study prior to doctors and surgeons entering a premed or medical school program based on the most recent information available:

Major Degrees Conferred

  • Biology 346,114
  • Medical 102,241
  • Physical Science 100,469
  • Psychology 46,683
  • Engineering 27,312
  • Social Science 25,473
  • Business 11,536
  • Mathematics 11,536
  • English 10,951
  • Foreign Language 10,121

How to Become a Med School Student

To become a premed student, you will need to meet the requirements of a med school.  Typical requirements include meeting the grade point average for the program, graduating with an approved undergraduate degree, taking sufficient science-based classes, being involved with extracurricular activities, taking the MCAT, providing school transcripts, writing a personal essay, proving letters of recommendation, completing the school’s application, and shadowing a doctor.

According to data collected by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) there were nearly 54,000 applicants to medical school programs across the country.  Of those students, just over twenty-thousand were accepted and matriculated in an accredited medical school program.  In other words, about 40% of applicants to a medical school program were accepted and enrolled in a medical program.

PreMed Degree Options

After acceptance into an accredited program, students will need to select a medical degree track.  The two primary types of medical degrees are the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and the Medical Doctor (MD).   The primary difference between the MD and DO designation is the philosophy and emphasis on how to practice medicine.

While there are many similarities between a DO and MD designation as both require a similar amount of training, schooling, and the ability to specialize in a particular field of study.  However, the differences in philosophy emphasis separate them from one another.  The summary below will help you understand the differences between the Medical Doctor and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees:

Medical Doctor (MD):  Medical Doctors view a disease or virus in terms of how it affects specific parts of the body.  A Medical Doctor will focus on treating a patient via a specific form of intervention with surgery and or medical therapy.  An MD will typically specialize in ailments such as infections, cardiovascular health, kidneys, and GI diseases.

They tend to follow a set of evidence-based medical and surgical guidelines along with pathological reports to treat patients.  Generally, MD’s believe medicine is an effective means to treat patients and help them return to normal functioning.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO):  A DO receives training in the muscular & skeletal systems and manipulation of those systems.  A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine views a patient’s health as a network of interconnected complex systems.  Training for a DO is rooted in a holistic view of health and preventative care.  This holistic approach provides latitude for DO’s to prescribe alternative approaches to treating diseases along with the conventional approach of medical prescriptions.

Both an MD and a DO require students to successfully complete 4 years of medical school in addition to a bachelor’s degree.  Students will allow surgeons and physicians to leverage similar treatment methods regardless of their philosophical differences in pedagogy.

What Classes are Taken in Med School?

Med school starts with preclinical studies that emphasizes physiology, science, anatomy, treatments, diseases, viruses, and pathologies.  During preclinical studies, students can expect a combination of lectures, labs, and experiential learning.  Additionally, students will often be assigned to a practicing physician to help blend academic and pragmatic theories.

Next, students will move on to an advanced medical education that involves a clerkship at clinics and hospitals.  Students will perform a variety of tasks with increasing levels of responsibilities including the possibility of rotations to better understand differing areas of specialty within a clinic or hospital facility.

At this juncture, students will begin to take a series of licensing examinations that include three distinct parts to become a physician or surgeon.  In most cases, students will need to pass the first two parts of the examination prior to graduating from med school.

The next phase of med school is obtaining proper licensure.  Medical students will need to continue training in a residency program prior to obtaining a license to practice.  Students will work under the direct supervision of a surgeon or physician in an approved clinic or hospital for three to seven years.  Residents will work a variety of shifts in differing fields of specialization to gain experiential knowledge about a hospital or clinic.

After successful completion of a residency program, students can apply for an unrestricted license to practice.  This license allows you to work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice.  Students may elect to enter into a fellowship program to learn specific techniques or research methods within a specific area of study.  Likewise, graduates may elect to earn a board certification in their area of specialty to enhance their professional portfolio.

Employment Information & Medical Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Pre-Medicine and Pre-Medical Studies, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from doctor, surgeon, post-secondary teacher, researcher, genomics, immunologist, toxicologist, virologist, biologist, biological technician, biomedical engineer, microbiologist, medical scientist, epidemiologist, food scientist, physician, veterinarian, epidemiologist, biophysics, and biochemist to name a few possible career tracks.

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Medical Fields

The job growth in the greater Pre-Medicine and Pre-Medical Studies domain are well above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for college professors is expected to rise 13% through 2024 and physicians a 14% growth rate is expected during the same period.  Given the broad nature of the Pre-Medicine and Pre-Medical Studies degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include physician, surgeon, teaching, research, genomics, immunology, radiobiology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, medical scientist, and microbiology.

Employment and Wages for Doctors

The BLS has provided data on a range of medical professionals to help students understand the span of employment possibilities after graduation.  The summary below represents a specific occupation, a projected employment growth over the coming decade, and the mean annual wages associated with that job.  Regional differences, job duties, experience, and employers will determine wages for a particular city or township but the summary below is a good starting point to understand where each discipline is heading in the future.

Occupation           Growth Projection       Mean Annual Wage

Physician                         15%                                 $210,170

Pediatrician                     18%                                 $184,210

Anesthesiologist             18%                                 $269,900

Psychiatrist                      13%                                 $200,220

Family Practitioner         16%                                 $200,810

Surgeon                           17%                                 $252,910

Internist                           17%                                 $201,840

Physicians                       13%                                 $205,560

Gynecologist                   18%                                 $234,310

Additional Resources for PreMed Students

  • American College of Surgeons (ACS)
  • Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
  • American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
  • Student Doctor Association (SDA)
  • American Medical Association (AMA)
  • American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
  • Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
  • Minority Association of PreMedical Students (MAPS)
  • American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)
  • American Medical Group Association (AMGA)
  • National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)

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