Advisor: Dr. Wanda Schroeder
wschroeder@wesleyancollege.edu
Physicians assess, diagnose, and treat patients of all ages using a biological approach to healing and maintenance of good health. They perform examinations, analyze medical histories, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop treatment plans. Physicians work in a variety of settings including hospitals, industry, private practice, and government. Completion of medical school, followed by residency and in some cases, subspecialization training, is required.
There is no single, "correct" path to medical school. Some people start planning for it before they start college, others don't pursue it until after they graduate. Students should complete a bachelor's degree in a field of their choice along with necessary prerequisite courses (see below); attaining a competitive undergraduate GPA (at least 3.6 overall and in science courses, no grades less than C) is essential for successful applications, as is a competitive score on the MCAT. After earning an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school (attaining a medical doctor, MD degree) followed by on the job training (residency) which lasts 3-8 years is common. Subspecialization is accomplished through fellowships which can last several more years. MDs and DOs (doctor of osteopathic medicine, a related career) must pass a state licensing exam and must also pass board exams for certification in specialty areas.
The general requirements for medical school include the following courses. Some medical schools may have different requirements for coursework, so make sure to check with the medical school of your choice. You do not have to major in biology or chemistry, but you must have the requisite biology/chemistry courses in order to fulfill the requirements for admission. Consult the pre-Medical Advisor, Dr. Wanda Schroeder, for assistance with coursework and timeline.
Course and Semester Hours
*Science Courses Strongly Suggested: genetics, cell & molecular biology, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, histology
Other Recommended: statistics, psychology
YEAR ONE Fall Semester | YEAR ONE Spring Semester |
---|---|
BIO 110 | BIO 112 |
CHM 101 | CHM 102 |
Gen Ed Electives/PSY 101 | Gen Ed Electives |
WISE 101 | MAT 220 |
YEAR TWO Fall Semester | YEAR TWO Spring Semester |
CHM 221 | CHM 222 |
BIO 203 | Gen Ed Electives |
Gen Ed Electives/ENG 111 | Major Coursework/Foreign Language |
Major Coursework/Foreign Language | - |
YEAR THREE Fall Semester | YEAR THREE Spring Semester |
PHY 115 | PHY 116 |
BIO 311 or BIO 320 or BIO 340 | BIO 318 |
PDE /Major Coursework/Gen Ed Electives | Major Coursework/Gen Ed Electives/ PDE |
YEAR FOUR Fall Semester | YEAR FOUR Spring Semester |
Major Coursework | Major Coursework |
Gen Ed Electives | Gen Ed Electives |
*This plan presumes a minimum SAT score of 600 MAT/CR, entering as a first year traditional student
Please note that as mentioned above, medical schools differ in their criteria and in the weight given to each of the following. Make sure that you are familiar with the criteria used by the school to which you are applying. The following is a general consensus of what most schools are using to evaluate applicants, listed in the order of importance:
The resources below are helpful for students preparing for a career in medicine. Wesleyan's Center for Career Development can help students with deciding if this path fits them, as well as with strategic career planning, creating resumes/CVs, writing personal statements, and more.
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