Pre-Medicine

A pre-medicine degree is a preparatory program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to apply to medical school. It focuses on core subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, along with courses in social sciences and humanities, essential for a well-rounded medical education.

A pre-medicine degree typically takes four years to complete as an undergraduate program. It is usually pursued alongside a major in a related field such as biology or chemistry, with coursework tailored to meet medical school admission requirements.

While some general education and science courses may be available online, pre-medicine programs often require in-person lab work and hands-on experiences that are difficult to replicate in an online format. Therefore, the full degree is rarely offered entirely online.

A pre-medicine degree is worth it for students committed to pursuing a career in medicine. It helps prepare for medical school admissions and provides a strong foundation for various healthcare careers. However, the path to becoming a doctor is long and challenging, so it’s important to be dedicated to this field. 

A pre-med degree obtained at University of the Cumberlands could help you meet certain academic requirements for entry to medical school, while also equipping you with knowledge and skills that will be vital to success as a med school student. Our advisors understand the challenging process of applying to – and getting accepted into – top-notch medical schools, so they will be great resources for you when you begin that admissions journey. While medical school is challenging no matter who you are, being prepared makes a big difference. 

While the primary goal of a pre-medicine degree is to prepare students for medical school, graduates can also pursue other careers in healthcare, such as medical assistant, clinical researcher, physician assistant, or even non-medical fields like natural sciences management.

To get a pre-medicine degree, apply to a university that offers a pre-med program or a related major like biology or chemistry with a pre-med emphasis. Complete the necessary coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math, and prepare for the MCAT, which is required for medical school applications.

Majoring in pre-med is challenging due to the rigorous science coursework and the pressure of maintaining a high GPA for medical school admissions. Students must also prepare for the MCAT and participate in extracurricular activities, such as shadowing doctors or volunteering, to strengthen their medical school applications.