Different types of medical courses in college?

Hi all! I'm really interested in becoming a doctor someday, but I'm unsure of the different medical courses offered in college. Can someone give me a rundown of these courses and help me figure out what would be the best path to take? Thanks a lot!

Hello! It's great that you're interested in a medical career. There are several paths you can take in college to eventually become a doctor. Here's a quick rundown of some key medical courses and areas of study:

1. Pre-medical track: As an undergraduate, you can enroll in a pre-medical program or choose a major that fulfills pre-med requirements. This typically involves taking foundational science courses like biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and mathematics, along with specific pre-med courses such as biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology. Schools may also require humanities and social science courses as part of their pre-med curriculum.

2. Bachelor of Science (BS) in a specific discipline: You can also choose a major in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or neuroscience, which will likely cover many of the pre-med course requirements while providing more specialized knowledge.

3. Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a pre-med emphasis: Some students choose to major in non-science areas like psychology, sociology, or anthropology while taking the required pre-med courses. This can offer a broader perspective on the field and help you develop essential skills such as critical thinking and communication.

4. Combined programs: Some universities offer combined or accelerated programs that combine a bachelor's degree with a medical degree (MD). These programs often take seven or eight years to complete, rather than the traditional path of completing a bachelor's (four years) followed by medical school (four years).

5. Dual-degree programs: Another option is to participate in a dual-degree program, which allows you to earn two degrees concurrently, typically a Bachelor of Science and a medical degree (MD) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and medical degree (MD) from the same university. Examples include Brown University's PLME program and Northwestern's HPME program.

No single path is the best for everyone, as it depends on your strengths, interests, and goals. Speak with college advisors and medical professionals to help determine which path is right for you. Keep in mind that regardless of your course of study, you will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical schools after completing your undergraduate education. Good luck on your journey towards a medical career!