4 answers
Niha
Student
Doha, Qatar
1
Question
Updated
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I am currently doing BSc in Business Management and Information Systems. What are the possibilities of doing MD after? Read below.
I am doing Coursera courses and specializations. I am gaining as much knowledge as I can. I am planning on doing GRE chemistry and GRE psychology (as I want to go into psychiatry). I know it’s very hard but I am doing whatever I can. Any recommendations or anything at all (what do you think?) How do I prepare for the MCAT without taking any medical courses in undergraduate studies?
Also, I am doing my bachelor's at the University of Aberdeen and here we don't have electives.
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4 answers
Shay H
Auditor
5
Answers
Updated
Shay’s Answer
If you want to go into psychiatry, why are you majoring in Business and Information Systems? That seems like a great major if you want to go the business route and possibly more technology focused. (Doesn't seem like it based on the question)
You will need core knowledge in biology and chemistry to do med school. This may actually be a requirement for acceptance. My advice would be to look at what future jobs you want and then look at what experience is required for that job. That way you aren't wasting time and money for a degree that won't help you get where you want to go.
Also look at med schools you would want to apply to and see what is required. Some schools may require a bachelor's with a certain major or at a minimum a certain number of biology and chemistry classes. Most pre-med students seem to major in biology.
If you just want to be in the psych field, you could also look at applying to PhD programs in psychology.
Look up med school requirements
You will need core knowledge in biology and chemistry to do med school. This may actually be a requirement for acceptance. My advice would be to look at what future jobs you want and then look at what experience is required for that job. That way you aren't wasting time and money for a degree that won't help you get where you want to go.
Also look at med schools you would want to apply to and see what is required. Some schools may require a bachelor's with a certain major or at a minimum a certain number of biology and chemistry classes. Most pre-med students seem to major in biology.
If you just want to be in the psych field, you could also look at applying to PhD programs in psychology.
Shay recommends the following next steps:
Cynthia Goss
paramedic
3
Answers
Worcester, Massachusetts
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Hi Niha,
Business management can be useful if you want to run your own clinic or work on your own as a physician, especially if you can do coursework in healthcare business. However, it won't offer any courses you need to get into medical school. To get into medical school in the U.S. you'll need to take, preferably at a university (some schools still don't consider community colleges as rigorous as 4 year schools, unfortunately):
1 year of general chemistry, 1 year of physics (this will require you take math through precalculus/trigonometry), 1 year of organic chemistry, 1 year of English, 1 year of biology, and 1 semester of biochemistry. Many schools additionally require statistics and psychology or sociology. These requirements are a bit flexible, with some medical schools requiring a course more or less in any area. It is extremely unlikely that you'll be admitted without this coursework. If you're too far in to change your major, once you graduate you can do a post-bacc program in either a formal or informal program, or DIY, which means not enrolled in a program. These allow you to do your required courses in either a typical or abbreviated time frame depending on the program.
You will need to take the MCAT, with the exception of a very limited number of schools that will consider you based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores- offhand I can only think of one that is not a Caribbean school (LECOM). Sure, I guess you can potentially find a way to score incredibly well on the MCAT without taking the coursework, but you would be competing for a small number of spots against a whole lot of people who meet the standards. Why put yourself at a disadvantage?
Your other option is to do a long program at one of the medical schools that offer it. A limited number allow you to do a 5 or 6 year program (instead of the standard 4) where you take your prerequisite courses while enrolled but prior to starting your first year of true medical school.
You will also need volunteer experience, experience in healthcare (through work or volunteering), and to shadow a physician. If you're not able to do the coursework at this point in time, maybe you can get some volunteer experience in to help progress towards your goal.
Go to AAMC.org and ChooseDO.org to learn about the requirements for becoming a physician (MD/DO)
Start looking for a way to volunteer or work in the healthcare field, especially within your area of interest- like scribing, acting as a sitter for patients, PCA, or volunteering at a hospital or clinic.
Look up what is covered on the MCAT
Business management can be useful if you want to run your own clinic or work on your own as a physician, especially if you can do coursework in healthcare business. However, it won't offer any courses you need to get into medical school. To get into medical school in the U.S. you'll need to take, preferably at a university (some schools still don't consider community colleges as rigorous as 4 year schools, unfortunately):
1 year of general chemistry, 1 year of physics (this will require you take math through precalculus/trigonometry), 1 year of organic chemistry, 1 year of English, 1 year of biology, and 1 semester of biochemistry. Many schools additionally require statistics and psychology or sociology. These requirements are a bit flexible, with some medical schools requiring a course more or less in any area. It is extremely unlikely that you'll be admitted without this coursework. If you're too far in to change your major, once you graduate you can do a post-bacc program in either a formal or informal program, or DIY, which means not enrolled in a program. These allow you to do your required courses in either a typical or abbreviated time frame depending on the program.
You will need to take the MCAT, with the exception of a very limited number of schools that will consider you based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores- offhand I can only think of one that is not a Caribbean school (LECOM). Sure, I guess you can potentially find a way to score incredibly well on the MCAT without taking the coursework, but you would be competing for a small number of spots against a whole lot of people who meet the standards. Why put yourself at a disadvantage?
Your other option is to do a long program at one of the medical schools that offer it. A limited number allow you to do a 5 or 6 year program (instead of the standard 4) where you take your prerequisite courses while enrolled but prior to starting your first year of true medical school.
You will also need volunteer experience, experience in healthcare (through work or volunteering), and to shadow a physician. If you're not able to do the coursework at this point in time, maybe you can get some volunteer experience in to help progress towards your goal.
Cynthia recommends the following next steps:
Elizabeth Lambert
Dentist Biology BS, DDS
55
Answers
Burton, Ohio
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Absolutely! A typical major is a Biology degree. Having a different degree may set you apart from the competition. But you may end up prolonging your college years. You will however have to take 1 year of Biology, Chemistry, Organic chemistry and physics. These classes are required and prep you for the entrance exam or MCAT. There are also prep books and classes you can take as soon as uouve taken these core classes. You will not need the GRE nor will you need medical classes in college. Once in medical school you will need to focus on how to get into the specialty you choose. After medical school you go into the residency that will train you in your specialty.
That business degree may help you after med school too.
Good luck to you!
That business degree may help you after med school too.
Good luck to you!
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
86
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hey Niha,
I noticed you haven't received an answer yet but I did find a similar question from a past student that you might find helpful while you wait for responses: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/467165/how-do-i-prepare-for-mcat-as-a-business-student
Some of the suggestions include:
- Taking core science classes at a local community college (in person or online) which will save you money in comparison to taking it at your current school.
- MCAT books and free material is available online. I'd look through the MCAT subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Mcat/) to see what other people are using
- Focus on the subjects you know will be tested. You're off to a strong start with taking Chem/Psych GREs but be sure to refresh on the other topics too (biochem, bio, sociology, research methods, REASONING, etc)
- PRACTICE TESTS ARE KEY! Practicing will tell you your strength and weakness and give you a starting point as to where to focus
Wishing you the best of luck!
I noticed you haven't received an answer yet but I did find a similar question from a past student that you might find helpful while you wait for responses: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/467165/how-do-i-prepare-for-mcat-as-a-business-student
Some of the suggestions include:
- Taking core science classes at a local community college (in person or online) which will save you money in comparison to taking it at your current school.
- MCAT books and free material is available online. I'd look through the MCAT subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Mcat/) to see what other people are using
- Focus on the subjects you know will be tested. You're off to a strong start with taking Chem/Psych GREs but be sure to refresh on the other topics too (biochem, bio, sociology, research methods, REASONING, etc)
- PRACTICE TESTS ARE KEY! Practicing will tell you your strength and weakness and give you a starting point as to where to focus
Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you so much for the help :)
Niha