Student and Counselor Resource Page for Pre-Medicine

Becoming a physician is a noble and rewarding profession, but it is not for everyone. The choice to pursue a career in medicine should only be made after a careful self-examination of your abilities, determination, and personal qualities. Additionally, students should spend considerable time researching the many electronic and print resources that will assist you in making your decision. The pathway to a career in medicine is long and arduous and students should begin to plan their academic and extracurricular preparation as early as possible. This page will answer some of your preliminary questions and focus your attention on additional resources that will help you to explore the world of medicine while affirming your desire to be a part of it.

What would you like learn about?

What Should I Major In?

Medical schools do not require or recommend any particular undergraduate major course of study. Skyline and most transfer institutions do not even have a premedicine major. Therefore, you should pursue your own intellectual interest in an academic major, such as history, chemistry, biology, psychology, or some other field. In any number of majors, undergraduates may complete the preprofessional core courses while at the same time receiving a broad education and exploring other interests and careers. In this way, you leave open the option of pursuing an alternative career. Also, you are more likely to succeed at and benefit from subjects that interest and stimulate you. 

What Classes Should I Take?

Medical and dental schools, while not requiring or recommending any particular major, do stipulate that particular undergraduate courses be completed. Applicants must be able to perform well in science, to think like a scientist, and even to enjoy science to be a competent physician. Listed below are the Skyline science and math courses that meet minimum medical school requirements. Some institutions have specific requirements and/or recommendations in addition to those listed below. 

Students often feel that courses in anatomy, physiology, and/or microbiology are part of the required preparation for medical schools. While such courses may be helpful as electives, they may not be used to meet the biology requirements for medical schools. 

What Are the Admission Requirements for Medical School?

Medical schools evaluate an applicant's academic abilities and personal qualities through several factors:

College grade point average (both cumulative GPA and science GPA)
Scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Personal statement and interview
In-depth letters of recommendation
Practical volunteer experience in a health profession
Research experience in biological, medical, behavioral, or physical sciences
Extracurricular activities (student clubs and organizations, community involvement, athletics, etc.)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills in addition to the examinee's knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in each of the following areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Medical college admission committees consider MCAT scores as part of their admission decision process. The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS™) is a non-profit, centralized application processing service for applicants to the first-year entering classes at participating U.S. medical schools.

Career and Educational Resources for Medicine  

	Occupational information about the nature of the work, working conditions, training and/or educational requirements, job outlook, and earnings.
	Lists of graduate, professional, and other educational programs.
	Information of special interest to multicultural populations.

Medicine : [General]

Physicians Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

California Occupational Guide: Physicians and Surgeons California Labor Market Information Division

Careers in Preventive Medicine American College of Preventive Medicine

AAMC Student and Applicant Information Association of American Medical Colleges

So You Want To Be A ..Doctor The Black Collegian

Physician Monster.Com

Medicine and Health WetFeet

Medical and Health Sciences Research Guide Rutgers University

 

Medicine : Family Practice Physician

Facts About Family Practice American Academy of Family Physicians

 

Medicine : Medical Specialties

Pediatric Career Informtion American Academy of Pediatrics

Medical Career Listing Healthcare Career Information

Careers in Aging The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

 

Medicine : Osteopathy

Welcome to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine AACOM

Osteopathic Medicine American Osteopathic Association