How many years does a pre-med program usually take?

Hi! I'm considering pre-med in college and I'm curious about how many years the program typically takes to complete. I know med school itself is another 4 years, but how long is the pre-med portion?

Hello! Pre-med is not a specific major or program, but rather a track that students follow to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school. These prerequisites usually include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, among others. The time it takes to complete the pre-med requirements varies depending on the institution and major you choose, but students typically complete the pre-med track within their 4 years of undergraduate education.

In some cases, students may be able to finish the prerequisites in less than 4 years if they have advanced standing through AP or IB credits, while others might take longer if they need to balance their major requirements, general education courses, and other interests. The most important aspect is to ensure that you complete all the necessary prerequisites with strong performance before applying to medical school.

Keep in mind that the pre-med track can be pursued alongside any major, so you can still explore your other academic interests. Many medical schools value applicants with diverse academic backgrounds, so don't feel restricted to only pursuing a science-related major if you have other passions. Good luck!