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Sam
Student
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What are the best medical related courses to take in high school?
Hi! My name is Sam and I want to go into the medical field later in life, I was wondering what courses I should take in high school to help me prepare better.
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5 answers
Audrey Eakman
MS-2, Biochemistry BS
37
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Hi Sam,
In the medical field, some of the subjects that are most useful are your core sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as the associated math classes for basic science: algebra, calculus, and statistics. Other subjects that might be helpful, depending on if your school offers them, are classes like anatomy or psychology. On the MCAT to get into medical school, there are four major subjects: Biology and Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics, Psychology and Sociology, and the last is Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. So, not only are your science and math classes important, but pre-medical students are tested on the kinds of critical analysis skills you would learn in an English or history class when studying and analyzing texts, which is a very useful skill in medicine, although most of the texts in medicine are obviously nonfiction. If your school offers any English/Language Arts classes that focus on nonfiction or rhetoric specifically, I highly recommend those.
When I was in high school, I took AP classes. I really recommend doing AP or dual credit classes in high school if you have the opportunity because it makes college easier when those basic subjects are out of the way. I was able to really lighten my schedule by getting AP credits for calculus, physics, English, economics, government, and history classes so I could focus on my more advanced biology, chemistry, and biochemistry science classes when I was an undergraduate.
I hope this helps!
In the medical field, some of the subjects that are most useful are your core sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as the associated math classes for basic science: algebra, calculus, and statistics. Other subjects that might be helpful, depending on if your school offers them, are classes like anatomy or psychology. On the MCAT to get into medical school, there are four major subjects: Biology and Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics, Psychology and Sociology, and the last is Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. So, not only are your science and math classes important, but pre-medical students are tested on the kinds of critical analysis skills you would learn in an English or history class when studying and analyzing texts, which is a very useful skill in medicine, although most of the texts in medicine are obviously nonfiction. If your school offers any English/Language Arts classes that focus on nonfiction or rhetoric specifically, I highly recommend those.
When I was in high school, I took AP classes. I really recommend doing AP or dual credit classes in high school if you have the opportunity because it makes college easier when those basic subjects are out of the way. I was able to really lighten my schedule by getting AP credits for calculus, physics, English, economics, government, and history classes so I could focus on my more advanced biology, chemistry, and biochemistry science classes when I was an undergraduate.
I hope this helps!
Thank you so much! I look forward to trying out these courses! :)
Sam
Murph, Erlis
Academic Advisor
37
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Murph,’s Answer
Because many of the initial courses (premed) will be heavy on the sciences and math, I would make sure your Biology, Chemistry and Physics backgrounds are strong. These are also the weed-out courses that many first and second year students take that separate those that want to be in the field and those that need a plan B. These courses go superfast, go over materials that you may not have covered and are generally huge lectures. Don't be intimidated by the size. But if you really want to get ahead, take your science and math courses at a 2 year college before entering college? Why? Because they do a better job of teaching the courses and once you enter college, the material will be fresh in your brain. AND some of these courses can transfer to your college. Prepare for what you want to do by learning what you need to learn before you step foot on your college campus.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Sam
Amil Ijaz
Dentist
2
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Amil’s Answer
Hey! Well the subjects you opt for in high school should include basic sciences majorly and a strong base of these subjects will definitely prove its significance once you start your med life. The basic science you should focus on is biology and chemistry as these are the two that help you in first year of med school.
Bio & Chemistry - Got it! Thanks for the info! :)
Sam
Murph, Erlis
Academic Advisor
37
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Murph,’s Answer
Because many of the initial courses (premed) will be heavy on the sciences and math, I would make sure your Biology, Chemistry and Physics backgrounds is strong. These are also the weed-out courses that many first and second year students take that separate those that want to be in the field and those that need a plan B. These courses go superfast, go over materials that you may not have covered and are generally huge lectures. Don't be intimidated by the size. But if you really want to get ahead, take your science and math courses at a 2 year college before entering college? Why? Because they do a better job of teaching the courses and once you enter college, the material will be fresh in your brain. AND some of these courses can transfer to your college. Prepare for what you want to do by learning what you need to learn before you step foot on your college campus.
Thank you so much for answering my question! This helps a lot. :)
Sam
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4725
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Sam! 😊 If you've got your heart set on a career in medicine, getting a head start in high school with some relevant courses is a fantastic idea. It'll give you a solid base to build on and set you on the path to success. Here are some of the top courses related to medicine that you might want to consider:
Biology: This is a key course that will give you a strong grounding in life sciences. It covers topics like cell biology, genetics, and ecology, teaching you about the structure and function of cells, DNA, and how living organisms interact with their surroundings.
Chemistry: This course will familiarize you with the fundamental building blocks of life, such as atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions. You'll get to know the periodic table, chemical bonding, and chemical equations, which are all vital for understanding how drugs function and how the human body works.
Anatomy and Physiology: This course will give you a thorough understanding of how the human body is structured and how it works, covering the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. You'll learn about the different organs and organ systems, their functions, and how they work together to maintain balance in the body.
Physics: This course will introduce you to the basic principles of physics, including motion, force, energy, and matter. You'll learn about different types of waves, thermodynamics, and the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.
Math: Math is a key subject in the medical field, used for calculating drug dosages, interpreting medical data, and understanding statistical research. You'll need a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to excel in medical school and beyond.
Health Sciences: This course will give you a broad overview of the healthcare system, covering healthcare delivery, health policy, and medical ethics. You'll learn about different healthcare careers, the importance of patient-centered care, and how to navigate the healthcare system.
Medical Terminology: This course will teach you the language of medicine, including medical prefixes, suffixes, and root words. You'll learn how to read and write medical terminology, which is vital for communicating with healthcare professionals and understanding medical records.
Beyond these courses, you might also want to think about electives like psychology, sociology, or nutrition, which can give you a wider understanding of the social and behavioral aspects of health and wellness.
To help you in your studies, here are three highly recommended reference books:
“Human Anatomy and Physiology” by Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn
“Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry” by John W. Hill and David E. Thiem
“Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life” by Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece, and Lisa A. Urry
Remember, taking these courses in high school will not only prepare you for a future in the medical field, but they'll also give you a solid foundation for any other career path you might decide to follow. Best of luck, Sam! 💪
Take care,
James.
Biology: This is a key course that will give you a strong grounding in life sciences. It covers topics like cell biology, genetics, and ecology, teaching you about the structure and function of cells, DNA, and how living organisms interact with their surroundings.
Chemistry: This course will familiarize you with the fundamental building blocks of life, such as atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions. You'll get to know the periodic table, chemical bonding, and chemical equations, which are all vital for understanding how drugs function and how the human body works.
Anatomy and Physiology: This course will give you a thorough understanding of how the human body is structured and how it works, covering the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. You'll learn about the different organs and organ systems, their functions, and how they work together to maintain balance in the body.
Physics: This course will introduce you to the basic principles of physics, including motion, force, energy, and matter. You'll learn about different types of waves, thermodynamics, and the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.
Math: Math is a key subject in the medical field, used for calculating drug dosages, interpreting medical data, and understanding statistical research. You'll need a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to excel in medical school and beyond.
Health Sciences: This course will give you a broad overview of the healthcare system, covering healthcare delivery, health policy, and medical ethics. You'll learn about different healthcare careers, the importance of patient-centered care, and how to navigate the healthcare system.
Medical Terminology: This course will teach you the language of medicine, including medical prefixes, suffixes, and root words. You'll learn how to read and write medical terminology, which is vital for communicating with healthcare professionals and understanding medical records.
Beyond these courses, you might also want to think about electives like psychology, sociology, or nutrition, which can give you a wider understanding of the social and behavioral aspects of health and wellness.
To help you in your studies, here are three highly recommended reference books:
“Human Anatomy and Physiology” by Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn
“Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry” by John W. Hill and David E. Thiem
“Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life” by Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece, and Lisa A. Urry
Remember, taking these courses in high school will not only prepare you for a future in the medical field, but they'll also give you a solid foundation for any other career path you might decide to follow. Best of luck, Sam! 💪
Take care,
James.