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Do I need to go to university before going to college of medicine??

I really wish to study medicine
But a friend of mine said I need to first go to university

Thank you comment icon Hi. I really appreciate your interest in attending med. school and I really wish you get through it and achieve your dream. The primary thing to do to get into a medical school is to do a 4 year pre-med undergrad degree in any relevant subjects like Biology. Shruti Chaitanya

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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Shelia’s Answer

Hi Maybelle,
James has suggested an excellent alternative for obtaining your undergraduate degree. It would be beneficial for you to investigate if there are any direct medical programs available in your vicinity. If such a program isn't feasible for you, then you'll need to earn your undergraduate degree.

A strategic choice could be to select a university that provides a biomedical sciences program. This course of study will introduce you to a wide range of subjects that you'll encounter in medical school. You'll need to excel in your academic pursuits, assume leadership positions, and accumulate hours of experience in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. My daughter, for instance, served as a medical scribe during her undergraduate studies. You'll also need to gear up for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and strive to achieve a score of 510 or above. It's advisable to apply to multiple medical schools. The application procedure includes crafting an outstanding personal statement, obtaining letters of recommendation, completing both a primary and secondary application, and nailing an interview. With luck, you'll be invited to multiple interviews where you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impression and distinguish yourself from others.

Upon acceptance into medical school, you'll devote two years to gaining comprehensive knowledge about the human body and mastering the art of diagnosing patients (actors). Subsequently, you'll spend the next 2 years on clinical rotations. You'll need to pass Step 1 to commence your third year and Step 2 for your fourth year. Clearing the medical boards is essential to launch your residency. A residency in general surgery lasts for 5 years. Here's sending you lots of positive vibes on your journey!
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Shelia’s Answer

Hi Maybelle,
James has provided a good alternate option to getting your undergraduate degree. You should research to see if there are any direct medical programs in your area. If this program is not an option for you, then you will need to complete your undergraduate degree.

A smart move might be to choose a college that offers a biomedical sciences program. This major will expose you to most of the diverse subjects you'll need to tackle in medical school. You'll need to shine in your studies, take up leadership roles and clock in hours at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. My daughter, for example, worked as a medical scribe during her undergrad degree. You'll also need to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and aim to score 510 or higher. It's a good idea to apply to several medical schools. The application process involves writing a top-notch personal statement, securing letters of recommendation, completing both a primary and secondary application, and acing an interview. Hopefully, you'll get multiple interviews where you'll have the chance to impress and stand out from the crowd.

Once you're accepted into medical school, you'll spend two years learning everything there is to know about the human body and how to diagnose patients (actors). Then, you'll spend the next 2 years on clinical rotations. You'll need to pass Step 1 to start your third year and Step 2 for your fourth year. Passing the medical boards is crucial to kickstart your residency. A general surgeon residency lasts 5 years. Here's wishing you all the best on your journey!
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Karissa’s Answer

Yes, you need a bachelors degree to get into medical school. You get a bachelors degree at a university and it will take four years.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Maybelle,

No, you do not necessarily need to go to a university before attending a college of medicine.

In the United States, the path to becoming a doctor typically involves completing a bachelor’s degree (which is often done at a university) followed by attending medical school. However, there are alternative routes to medical school that do not require completing a traditional four-year university degree.

One such alternative is known as “direct medical programs” or “BS/MD programs.” These programs allow students to be admitted to both an undergraduate institution and medical school simultaneously or with conditional acceptance into medical school pending the completion of specific undergraduate requirements. This means that students can potentially enter medical school without first completing a separate bachelor’s degree at a university.

Another option is enrolling in accelerated or combined undergraduate/medical school programs. These programs condense the time it takes to complete both degrees, allowing students to earn their undergraduate and medical degrees in less time than traditional paths.

It is important to note that admission requirements for medical schools vary, and some may prefer or require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree before applying. Additionally, prerequisites such as specific coursework in sciences and standardized tests like the MCAT are usually necessary for admission to medical school, regardless of whether you pursue a traditional or alternative path.

Ultimately, if your goal is to study medicine but you are unsure about whether you need to attend a university first, it is recommended that you research different medical school admission requirements and pathways to determine the best route for your academic and career goals.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - The AAMC provides comprehensive information on medical education in the United States, including resources on admission requirements for medical schools.

U.S. News & World Report - U.S. News & World Report offers rankings and insights on various educational programs, including medical schools and undergraduate institutions, which can help individuals make informed decisions about their academic paths.

American Medical Association (AMA) - The AMA is a reputable source for information on medical education and training, offering guidance on pathways to becoming a physician in the United States.

God Bless You, Richly, JC.
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Olive’s Answer

Undergraduate Education: Obtain a bachelor's degree with a focus on pre-medical courses (biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics).
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Take and pass the MCAT, which is a standardized examination for prospective medical students.
Medical School: Apply to and attend medical school, which typically takes four years to complete.
Residency: After medical school, complete a residency program in your chosen specialty, which can last between 3 to 7 years.
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Xiaojie Johan’s Answer

Hello,

You have to complete your undergraduate education before applying to medical school. You'll also need to take the standardized test to get into medical school, but also volunteering hours and other stuff before you apply.

Hopefully this helps!

Best regards,

Johan
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