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Is there a major that fulfills most medical school requirements without being a pre-med program?
I'm unsure if I want to attend medical school in the future, but I’d like to be prepared—while still earning a degree that leads to a good job if I choose a different path.
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Doc’s Answer
Vi there is no specific pre-med major prerequisite for medical school in the U.S. While science majors are certainly more common, medical schools stress their interest in well-rounded students with broad-based undergraduate backgrounds. Although, if you're taking a gap year between college and medical school, you can still take the MCAT after graduation. Note your MCAT scores are only valid for 3 years. If you're applying to medical school after a longer gap, your MCAT scores might become invalid, requiring you to retake the exam. The most common and successful pre-med majors include those in the biological and physical sciences, such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics. However, many other majors, including those in the social sciences, humanities, and even mathematics, can also be excellent choices, as long as the student takes the necessary pre-med coursework.
BIOLOGY MAJOR
A degree in biology can lead to many diverse careers, five popular options are biomedical engineer, medical scientist, biologist, environmental scientist, and forensic science technician.
• BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER — Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to healthcare, designing medical devices and systems. This could involve developing new drug treatments, designing artificial body parts, or creating medical imaging equipment.
• MEDICAL SCIENTIST — Medical scientists conduct research to understand diseases and develop new treatments and diagnostic tools. They work in labs, often studying human physiology and disease processes.
• BIOLOGIST — Biologists study living organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the processes that sustain life. They can specialize in various areas, including ecology, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.
• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST — Environmental scientists investigate and address environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and resource management. They may collect data, analyze samples, and develop solutions to protect ecosystems and human health.
• FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIAN — Forensic science technicians assist in criminal investigations by collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence. They may specialize in areas like DNA analysis, trace evidence, or toxicology.
PHYSICS MAJOR
physics degree also can open doors to diverse careers. Here are five popular and impactful options: Research Scientist, Aerospace Engineer, Medical Physicist, Data Scientist, and Renewable Energy Specialist.
• RESEARCH SCIENTIST — These professionals conduct research to expand knowledge in various fields, often in labs, universities, or government agencies.
• AEROSPACE ENGINEER — Aerospace engineers design and develop spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace systems.
• MEDICAL PHYSICIST — Medical physicists apply physics principles to diagnose and treat diseases, particularly in areas like radiation therapy and imaging.
• DATA SCIENTIST — Physics provides a strong foundation for data analysis, making physics majors well-suited for roles in data science and machine learning.
• RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIALIST — These professionals work on developing and implementing renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
Hope this was helpful Vi
BIOLOGY MAJOR
A degree in biology can lead to many diverse careers, five popular options are biomedical engineer, medical scientist, biologist, environmental scientist, and forensic science technician.
• BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER — Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to healthcare, designing medical devices and systems. This could involve developing new drug treatments, designing artificial body parts, or creating medical imaging equipment.
• MEDICAL SCIENTIST — Medical scientists conduct research to understand diseases and develop new treatments and diagnostic tools. They work in labs, often studying human physiology and disease processes.
• BIOLOGIST — Biologists study living organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the processes that sustain life. They can specialize in various areas, including ecology, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.
• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST — Environmental scientists investigate and address environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and resource management. They may collect data, analyze samples, and develop solutions to protect ecosystems and human health.
• FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIAN — Forensic science technicians assist in criminal investigations by collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence. They may specialize in areas like DNA analysis, trace evidence, or toxicology.
PHYSICS MAJOR
physics degree also can open doors to diverse careers. Here are five popular and impactful options: Research Scientist, Aerospace Engineer, Medical Physicist, Data Scientist, and Renewable Energy Specialist.
• RESEARCH SCIENTIST — These professionals conduct research to expand knowledge in various fields, often in labs, universities, or government agencies.
• AEROSPACE ENGINEER — Aerospace engineers design and develop spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace systems.
• MEDICAL PHYSICIST — Medical physicists apply physics principles to diagnose and treat diseases, particularly in areas like radiation therapy and imaging.
• DATA SCIENTIST — Physics provides a strong foundation for data analysis, making physics majors well-suited for roles in data science and machine learning.
• RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIALIST — These professionals work on developing and implementing renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
Hope this was helpful Vi
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Nursing. When you finish undergrad should you pass your exams you'll have a degree that leads to a job that is in high demand. The bigger thing is that Med school is a long process especially if you are going to be a physician. Things have to go near flawless for you to make it all those years and eventually become one. The good thing about a nursing degree is that should something happen you can still work in the healthcare field and make good money. You might even be able to work picking up a PRN shift on breaks as I've been told some people do.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
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Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Vi,
Yes, there are several majors that can fulfill most medical school prerequisites while also offering good career prospects if you decide not to pursue medical school. One of the most versatile options is Biology or Biological Sciences, which covers essential subjects like general biology, genetics, and biochemistry, preparing you well for med school while also leading to jobs in research or biotechnology. Biochemistry or Molecular Biology is another strong choice, as it combines chemistry and biology coursework that med schools require, while also being valuable in lab and pharmaceutical careers. Public Health is a great alternative, as it covers epidemiology, health policy, and some biology, leading to roles in healthcare administration or public health education. If you’re interested in technology and healthcare, Biomedical Engineering is highly practical, combining physics, biology, and math, and preparing you for roles in medical device development. Neuroscience can also be a good fit, especially if you’re intrigued by the brain and nervous system, and it can lead to careers in research or mental health services. Chemistry, while more science-focused, also meets many med school requirements and opens doors to careers in chemical analysis or pharmaceutical development. Lastly, Health Sciences and Psychology are also viable if supplemented with the necessary science courses, allowing you to explore healthcare roles while keeping the option of medical school open. The key is to pick a major that interests you while strategically adding any additional prerequisites to maintain flexibility in your career path. Let me know if you’d like help deciding which major fits you best!
Yes, there are several majors that can fulfill most medical school prerequisites while also offering good career prospects if you decide not to pursue medical school. One of the most versatile options is Biology or Biological Sciences, which covers essential subjects like general biology, genetics, and biochemistry, preparing you well for med school while also leading to jobs in research or biotechnology. Biochemistry or Molecular Biology is another strong choice, as it combines chemistry and biology coursework that med schools require, while also being valuable in lab and pharmaceutical careers. Public Health is a great alternative, as it covers epidemiology, health policy, and some biology, leading to roles in healthcare administration or public health education. If you’re interested in technology and healthcare, Biomedical Engineering is highly practical, combining physics, biology, and math, and preparing you for roles in medical device development. Neuroscience can also be a good fit, especially if you’re intrigued by the brain and nervous system, and it can lead to careers in research or mental health services. Chemistry, while more science-focused, also meets many med school requirements and opens doors to careers in chemical analysis or pharmaceutical development. Lastly, Health Sciences and Psychology are also viable if supplemented with the necessary science courses, allowing you to explore healthcare roles while keeping the option of medical school open. The key is to pick a major that interests you while strategically adding any additional prerequisites to maintain flexibility in your career path. Let me know if you’d like help deciding which major fits you best!
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
That's a great question to ask! Yes, you can choose from several majors that fulfill most, if not all, medical school prerequisites while also opening up exciting career paths outside of medicine.
Here are some popular options:
Biology or Biochemistry:
These majors cover nearly all med school science requirements and can lead to careers in research, lab work, biotech, or healthcare.
Chemistry:
Excellent for med school preparation, with job opportunities in pharmaceuticals, chemical industries, or lab research.
Biomedical Sciences:
Designed for both pre-med students and those interested in direct healthcare or lab careers.
Neuroscience or Psychology:
Both include necessary science prerequisites and can lead to careers or further studies in research, therapy, or healthcare.
Public Health:
Covers some science requirements and prepares you for roles in community health, health education, or policy.
Tip:
No matter what you choose, work with your school advisor to pick electives that fill any gaps, like physics or math. Having a flexible science degree means you can easily change direction if you decide med school isn't for you later on!
Here are some popular options:
Biology or Biochemistry:
These majors cover nearly all med school science requirements and can lead to careers in research, lab work, biotech, or healthcare.
Chemistry:
Excellent for med school preparation, with job opportunities in pharmaceuticals, chemical industries, or lab research.
Biomedical Sciences:
Designed for both pre-med students and those interested in direct healthcare or lab careers.
Neuroscience or Psychology:
Both include necessary science prerequisites and can lead to careers or further studies in research, therapy, or healthcare.
Public Health:
Covers some science requirements and prepares you for roles in community health, health education, or policy.
Tip:
No matter what you choose, work with your school advisor to pick electives that fill any gaps, like physics or math. Having a flexible science degree means you can easily change direction if you decide med school isn't for you later on!
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
Hi Vi,
As others have pointed out, any major can be "pre-med" so long as you take your required medical school prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, and calculus). Most of the med students and doctors I've worked with have been science majors, but I have met a few rare ones who majored in English, Spanish, Theater, etc.
I don't have much to add besides what the other commenters have put in. Engineering, while not necessarily an easy road, will meet your prerequisites while offering good career opportunities if medical school doesn't work out. If you like problem solving, this is a great way to go. Just remember to be flexible in your thinking.
Alex
As others have pointed out, any major can be "pre-med" so long as you take your required medical school prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, and calculus). Most of the med students and doctors I've worked with have been science majors, but I have met a few rare ones who majored in English, Spanish, Theater, etc.
I don't have much to add besides what the other commenters have put in. Engineering, while not necessarily an easy road, will meet your prerequisites while offering good career opportunities if medical school doesn't work out. If you like problem solving, this is a great way to go. Just remember to be flexible in your thinking.
Alex