Pursuing a Pre-Med Degree With
Pathways to Admission
500+ SCHOOLS VISITED
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Earning a “pre-med degree” is a misused term that can be confusing for those looking into a career in the medical field. Keep in mind that if you’re thinking about going pre-med, it is not a major in itself, but rather a declaration and professional track toward earning your medical degree.
Someone interested in the pre-med professional track should be prepared for many hands-on learning labs, a heavy science-based course load, and continuing education after their Bachelor’s degree.
It is also worth noting that pursuing the pre-med track also applies to those interested in becoming pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, physician assistants, or physical therapists.
While working toward your medical degree involves a lot of hard work, it’s a very rewarding career path with many different areas to specialize in.
Is becoming a doctor your dream job? Pathways will cover all the pre-med essentials so you can start preparing for your desired career now.
How to Choose a Pre-Med Major
First, you’ll need to decide on a major that will best prepare you for the rest of your necessary medical schooling. The first step in your pre-med career path is to complete your Bachelor’s Degree directly related to an area of the medical field.
These pre-med majors often include:
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Biology (most common)
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Neuroscience
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Chemistry
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Biochemistry
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Psychology
If you’re not sure which major makes the most sense for you right now, Pathways is here to help you make an informed, stress-free, decision.
Pre-Med Classes & Career Path
Regardless of which science-based major you decide to pursue, most medical schools will require a similar set of prerequisites. Your pre-med major should encompass the following courses and labs to ensure you’re able to apply for medical school following your undergrad years.
Pre-med classes and requirements typically include:
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Two semesters of physics (with lab)
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Two semesters of organic chemistry (with lab)
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Two semesters of general chemistry (with lab)
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Two semesters of biology (with lab)
In addition, you will often take a handful of social science courses such as psychology as well.
How Pathways Will Help You Begin Your Pre-Med Career Path
We will help you:
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Determine the best pre-med undergraduate path for you
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Review requirements/prerequisites for accredited medical school programs
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Transcript will be reviewed along with academic advising
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Assist in developing top-choice and secondary-choice college lists
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Determine application timeline and completion
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Essay preparation
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Letters of recommendation
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Interview Prep (if required)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything that goes into working toward a medical degree, don’t worry. Pathways is designed to help prepare students, making the process as easy to navigate as possible.
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What is nursing?According to the American Nurses Association: “Nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in need of care, nurses work tirelessly to identify and protect the needs of the individual. Beyond the time-honored reputation for compassion and dedication lies a highly specialized profession, which is constantly evolving to address the needs of society. From ensuring the most accurate diagnoses to the ongoing education of the public about critical health issues; nurses are indispensable in safeguarding public health. Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity and an intuition for a patient’s needs. This is supported by the mind, in the form of rigorous core learning. Due to the vast range of specialisms and complex skills in the nursing profession, each nurse will have specific strengths, passions, and expertise. However, nursing has a unifying ethos: In assessing a patient, nurses do not just consider test results. Through the critical thinking exemplified in the nursing process, nurses use their judgment to integrate objective data with subjective experience of a patient’s biological, physical and behavioral needs. This ensures that every patient, from city hospital to community health center; state prison to summer camp, receives the best possible care regardless of who they are, or where they may be.”
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What does a BSN nurse do?A BSN nurse is a registered nurse who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. BSN nurses provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They work with physicians to assess patient health, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans. BSN nurses also provide education and support to patients and their families, and assist in the management of care for individual patients.
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Is there a difference between a BSN and RN?A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree program that prepares students to become a registered nurse (RN). An RN has completed either a two-year associate degree program or a three-year diploma program. The BSN degree provides a broader foundation of knowledge, which includes courses in leadership, research, and public health. BSN programs also offer more clinical opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience.
Ginny is a warm and knowledgeable professional! As a former high school college counselor and pediatric nurse, she really understands how to relate to young adults. In addition, she knows the nuances of nearly every college and has relationships with many admissions counselors. This is a stressful time and having her navigate the path to a successful college match was invaluable. I recommend her highly.
