Pre-Medicine (M.D. & D.O.) & Pre-Podiatry

Is this career right for you?

  • Do you enjoy science and the study of the human body?
  • Do you enjoy researching information and solving problems?
  • Are you comfortable with making decisions when the answer is not clear?
  • Are you comfortable with both leader and team player roles?
  • Do you have the communication and interpersonal skills to advise and educate patients?

Doctoral Degree of Medicine

Students wanting to pursue a career in medicine can choose to pursue one of two doctoral programs to become a medical doctor: aÌýDoctor of Medicine (M.D.)Ìýor aÌýDoctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).ÌýThere is also the DPM degree, which is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

DOs and MDs use the same tools, treatments, and technologies to practice medicine.ÌýÌýuses a holistic approach in working with and diagnosing patients. Students will apply to their desired doctoral programs one year before they hope to begin.

After graduating from ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder, medical school training is an additional 4 years, followed by specialized training in a residency.

Medical Schools in Colorado

  • Ìý(MD, MD/PhD)

  • (DO)

Recommended Courses

Medical schools seek applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a strong history of service and leadership, and who have done well in their coursework. They do not require specific majors and, contrary to popular belief, you do not need to choose a science major, although it is fine if you do. The best major to choose is one you will find interesting and challenging.

On your path toward medical school, you will engage in many facets of development. Medical schools are seeking well-rounded, compassionate, creative, bright, service-minded individuals. You must develop and demonstrate personal attributes that will enable you to be an effective healthcare provider. Make sure to review theÌý.

Your academic preparation is still extremely important. The courses listed below meet the requirements for most medical schools, however, there is variability among school policies.

You are responsible for verifying the prerequisites for each of the schools that interest you.

This section includes recommended pre-requisite courses for three different medical areas: allopathic (MD), osteopathic (DO), and podiatric medicine (DPM).

OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can help answer complex quesitons regarding pre-requisites; however, OPHA generally recommends retaking AP/IB credits that are part of the course requirements for health professional schools. Because many schools do not accept AP/IB credits for prerequisite requirements, this helps students keep their options open when it comes time to apply as each school can differ in their exceptions.

Medical schools typically require grades of at least C or higher for all prerequisites.ÌýMost of the content within the courses below are tested on the MCAT and require mastery of the material. If you do not receive satisfactory grades in required courses, we highly recommend you retake to ensure mastery of content and competitiveness of application. You may want to repeat any courses where you earn a grade of less than a B.

There is a lot of variability and nuance when it comes to pre-requisites. OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can assist you in determining what courses you need to be most competitive and for which schools.

Chemistry

Generally two courses with associated labs in General (inorganic) Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, and at least one course in Biochemistry.

  • Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 1021)Ìý4 creditsÌý- Recommended, but optional to provide foundational knowledge
  • General Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114), 5 credits
  • General Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHEM 1133 and CHEM 1134), 5 credits
  • Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHEM 3311 and CHEM 3321), 5 credits
  • Organic Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHEM 3331 and 3341), 5 credits
  • Biochemistry (BCHM 4611),Ìý3 credits (Note: Pre-requisite for Biochemistry is Organic Chemistry I Lecture)

If you are CHEM or BCHM major, be sure to talk to your Pre-Health Advisor, who can help you find the appropriate chemistry courses.

Biology

Generally two courses with associated labs of general biology are required. Lectures and labs should be equivalent to 8 semester hours. There are multiple options to fulfilling this requirement.

Option 1:

  • General Biology 1 and Lab (EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1230), 4 credits
  • General Biology 2 and Lab (EBIO 1220 and EBIO 1240), 4 credits

Option 2:

  • Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (MCDB 1150), 3 credits
  • Principles of Genetics (MCDB 2150), 3 credits
  • One of the following labs (to complete the 2 credit lab requirement)
    • From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Lab (MCDB 1161), 2 credits
    • Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens (MCDB 1171), 2 credits
    • Biological Probiotic/Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens (MCDB 1181/IPHY 1181), 2 credits
    • Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens 2 (MCDB 2171), 2 credits

Additional courses in Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy (lecture and lab), Physiology (lecture)Ìýmay be required on a school specific basis. Always check individual schools for requirements and talk with your Pre-Health Advisor.

Physics

Generally twoÌýcourses in physics with associated labs are required. At ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder, you have the option of taking an algebra-based sequence or a calculus-based sequence. The algebra-based sequence is usually most recommended, unless your major requires the calculus-based sequence.


Option 1 (Algebra-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 2010), 5 credits, lab included
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 2020), 5 credits, lab included

Option 2 (Calculus-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 1110), 4 credits
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 1120), 4 credits
  • Experimental Physics 1 (PHYS 1140), 1 credit

Math andÌýStatistics

Generally, one coures in statistics is required. The following is recommended:

  • Introduction to Statistics (MATH 2510), 3 credits OR
  • Data Science & Biostatistics (IPHY 3280), 4 credits OR
  • Psychological Science 1: Statistics (PSYC 2111), 4 credits

The following may be necessary for proper preparation for college chemistry and physics:

  • Precalculus (MATH 1150), 4 credits

Less than 8% of medical schools require calculus. If you choose to take calculus, we recommend:

  • Calculus 1 (MATH 1300), 5 credits

Writing/English Composition

Most schools require one to two semesters of writing or English Literature/Composition courses. Some schools specifically require one semester of each. This requirement can be fulfilled via any WRTG or ENGL course or a course on scientific writing offered through EBIO or IPHY.

    Other Subjects Tested on the MCAT

    You must learn these subjects for the MCAT, but most medical schools do not require college credit for them.

    • General Psychology (PSYC 1001), 3 credits
    • Introduction to Sociology (SOCY 1001), 3 credits

    Additional Classes to Consider

    Courses in additional disciplines that are of interest to you will provide you with a broad and relevant foundation for medical school. Consider enhancing your studies inÌý philosophy, global and public health, cross-cultural studies, and computer science. Talk to your Pre-Health Advisor to determine which are right for you and your journey.

    Entrance Exam

    The MCATÌý(Medical College Admissions Test) is the entrance exam required by US medical schools. A fee assistance program is available. Many schools will not accept scores more than 3 years old.ÌýÌý

    You will want to take as many of the required courses as possible before the test. Taking upper level classes may assist in developing problem solving and critical thinking skills.

    Take the exam when ready. Most students do so in the Spring semester of the year they are planning to apply to professional school.

    Courses Recommended for the MCAT:

    • General Biology I and II
      • Either the EBIO or MCDB sequence
    • Additional Biology Courses:
      • Genetics
        • If you took theÌýGeneral Biology I and II (EBIO 1210/1220) sequence, OPHA recommends taking geneticsÌý
      • Physiology
        • This subject is covered on the level that is taught in General Biology II (EBIO 1210/1220). If you took the MCDB sequence, you will want to either self-study or take the Physiology lecture courseÌýat ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder. (Note: Anatomy lecture is a pre-req for Physiology lecture).
    • General Chemistry I and II
    • Organic Chemistry I
      • Note: Organic Chemistry II is not tested on the MCAT, but is required for medical school. At ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder, only Organic Chemistry I is a pre-req for Biochemistry. Many pre-med students take Organic Chemistry I, followed by Biochemistry to prep for the MCAT and then take Organic Chemistry II to fulfill the requirement for medical school.
    • Biochemistry
    • Physics I and II
      • We recommend the algebra-based sequence for pre-med, but some majors calculus-based sequence
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Introduction to Sociology

    Other Desired Traits and Experiences

    Getting into professional school is about desiring to be a better person and better future professional. It is a complex process and OPHA's Pre-health Advisors are here to help you find out what experiences, like shadowing and direct patient interaction, are right for you. They can also help you build a comprehensive application, showcasing your unique skills that set you apart.

    UpdatedÌýMarch 2024