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Pre-Medicine Major

Preparatory track for medical school combining science coursework with medical experience.

Entry: $200,000
Mid: $300,000
Senior: $500,000
Growth: 3% (average)

Overview

Pre-medicine is not a major but a preparatory track that can be combined with any major. Students complete required coursework for medical school admission while gaining healthcare experience and developing the skills needed for medical practice.

Pre-med students typically major in biology, chemistry, or other sciences, but can choose any major while completing prerequisites. The track emphasizes scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and commitment to serving others.

Pre-med students pursue admission to medical school, dental school, veterinary school, or other health professional programs. Success requires excellent academic performance, healthcare experience, and demonstration of service commitment.

Career Prospects

Physician (MD)
Physician Assistant
Medical Researcher
Public Health Official
Healthcare Administrator
Medical Writer
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Biomedical Scientist
Healthcare Consultant
Medical Device Developer

Top Universities for Pre-Medicine

1

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • 3.5% acceptance rate
US News
#3
2

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • 6.7% acceptance rate
US News
#10
3

Duke University

Durham, NC • 5.4% acceptance rate
US News
#8
4

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • 3.6% acceptance rate
US News
#4
5

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • 5.9% acceptance rate
US News
#6
6

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO • 9.5% acceptance rate
US News
#26
7

Yale University

New Haven, CT • 4.6% acceptance rate
US News
#5
8

Columbia University

New York, NY • 65.0% acceptance rate
9

University of California-San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • 55.0% acceptance rate
10

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • 5.7% acceptance rate
US News
#19

Popular Courses

General Biology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Calculus
Statistics
Psychology
Sociology
English/Writing

Admissions Requirements

  • Excellent GPA (3.7+ preferred)
  • Strong MCAT scores
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
  • Significant healthcare experience
  • Research experience
  • Volunteer service
  • Strong letters of recommendation
  • Leadership experience

Essential Skills

Scientific reasoningCritical thinkingCommunicationEmpathy and compassionProblem-solvingAttention to detailStress managementLeadership

Work Environments

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Private practice
  • Research institutions
  • Public health agencies
  • Academic medical centers
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Medical device companies

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Pre-Medicine major?

A Pre-Medicine major opens doors to careers in physician (md), physician assistant, medical researcher, and many other fields. The skills you develop in scientific reasoning, critical thinking, communication are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Pre-Medicine graduates?

The job growth for Pre-Medicine related careers is projected at 3% (average), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $200,000, with potential to grow to $500,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Pre-Medicine programs?

Most Pre-Medicine programs require excellent gpa (3.7+ preferred) and strong mcat scores. Additionally, many programs look for completion of prerequisite courses and significant healthcare experience.

Which universities have the best Pre-Medicine programs?

Top universities for Pre-Medicine include Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.