What are some important classes to take in college for a medical career?

Course Requirements
Most medical and dental schools have a standard set of required course requirements for admission. These courses typically cover the subject matter tested on both the MCAT and DAT (The DAT does not include a physics section). Students are encouraged to complete this course work by their junior year. It is recommended that students take the MCAT/DAT in the spring of their junior year.

purple stethoscope Medical School
Although most medical schools require the same core list of required course work, individual medical or dental schools may have additional requirements (i.e. calculus, biochemistry). It is a good idea to consult each medical/dental school to which you are interested in applying for confirmation of their requirements. Information on individual admission requirements of medical schools is covered in the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) published annually by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Dental admissions requirements are updated annually in the Official Guide to Dental Schools published by the American Dental Education Association.

The required course work along with the LSU equivalents is listed below. Honors versions of the specific courses are acceptable.

Requirement LSU Equivalent
1 year of General Biology with Labs BIOL 1201/1208, 1202/1209
1 year of General Chemistry with lab

CHEM 1201. 1202 & 1212 lab
1 year of General Chemistry with lab CHEM 1201. 1202 & 1212 lab
1 year of Organic Chemistry with lab CHEM 2261, 2262, 2364 lab
1 year of Physics with labs PHYS 2001/2108, 2002/2109
6-9 hours of English ENGL 1001, 1002, 1 other course

purple tooth (dental school)Dental School
The LSU Dental School requires a total of 12 hours of biology course work. Effective 2005, LSU Medical School-Shreveport requires two additional semesters of Biological Sciences course work. Although not required by every school, the following courses are strongly recommended:

Requirement LSU Equivalent
Genetics BIOL 2153
General Microbiology BIOL 2051
Biochemistry BIOL 4087
Developmental Zoology BIOL 3156
Histology BIOL 4104

Other course work that students may find helpful include the following:

Professional Ethics (PHIL 2018)
Bioethics (PHIL 2025)
Interpersonal Communication (CMST 2010)
Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 2000)
Drugs and Behavior (PSYC 4035)
Neuropharmacology (PSYC 4037)\
Nutrition in Health (HUEC 2010)
Human Nutrition (HUEC 4010)
Sociology of Medicine (SOCL 4451)
Business courses (ACCT, MKT, MGT, ECON, etc.)
Dental students may wish to take course work to develop their manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination skills. Some examples are:

Basic Jewelry/Metalsmithing (ART 2655)
Sculpture (ART 1761 or 1762)
Introduction to Ceramics (ART 1661)
Some of these courses have prerequisites. Consult the LSU General Catalog to determine your eligibility for any course prior to scheduling.
http://www.lsu.edu/science/student_resources/advising/premed-predental/crs-reqs.php

I would also include biochemistry courses and psychology courses. I concur that pre-med programs at major colleges and universities specify the course sequence so that students are well prepared to take the MCAT's in their junior year. In addition to course work, it is very important to develop relationships with faculty members so that they can write strong letters of recommendation for you. GOOD LUCK.

Biology, anatomy and chemistry