Pre-medical students often choose degrees in Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry, but there is not one specific degree required. Some pursue psychology degrees. The important fact is to ensure the prerequisite coursework for the schools to which you are applying have been met. Students will need to ensure this on a case-by-case basis; TU is not able to do this for you.
Most pre-medical applicants take the MCAT at the end of their third year. It is for this reason that you may choose to accelerate science coursework. This is something to discuss with your advisor as soon as possible.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, most medical schools require the following courses, although this varies from school to school. Again, it is your responsibility to review the requirements of any post-bachelor's degree program.
- One year of biology
- One year of physics
- One year of English
- Two years of chemistry (through Organic)
The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
In April 2015, the AAMC launched a new version of the MCAT exam. Scores are reported in four sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Admissions Requirements for Medical School
Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine students often choose a degree in Biology, but the important fact is to ensure the prerequisite coursework for the schools to which you are applying have been met. Students will need to ensure this on a case-by-case basis; TU is not able to do this for you.
A common application is completed for veterinarian graduate school. See this website for a pre-requisite requirements grid for a majority of veterinarian graduate schools and for information on the common application process. The application is usually completed in September. Typically, the GRE is required although some schools will take the MCAT.
Prospective pre-vet candidates should review each school to which they intend to apply to ensure proper requisites are met, but typical coursework includes:
- Biology
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physics
- Math Statistics
- English Composition
- Humanities/Social Science
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses.
Veterinary College Application Services
The most common undergraduate majors among Physical Therapy students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology and psychology. In selecting a college major, consider how you will you satisfactorily complete the prerequisite courses for your designated physical therapist programs in addition to the college/university's degree and major requirements. Work with your academic advisor to plan your course schedule. For additional information about college majors for the most recent applicant pool, review the PTCAS Applicant Data Report.
A common application is completed for physical therapy graduate school. See this website for information on the common application process. The application is usually completed in September.
http://www.apta.org/ProspectiveStudents/Admissions/PTProcess/
Pre-PT students are required to take the GRE six weeks before admission deadline.
Typically required for PT school admission is volunteer and/or paid internship experience in a PT setting.
Prospective pre-physical therapy candidates should review each school to which they intend to apply to ensure proper requisites are met, but typical coursework includes the list below. Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses.
The most commonly required course prerequisites are below:
- Anatomy / A&P 1 with lab.
- Physiology / A&P 2 with lab.
- Biology 1 (not botany or zoology)
- Biology 2 (not botany or zoology)
- General Chemistry 1 with lab.
- General Chemistry 2 with lab.
- General Physics 1 with lab.
- General Physics 2 with lab
Physical Therapy Admission Process
Note: The physical therapist assistant (PTA) programs are NOT considered to be a stepping-stone to a professional physical therapist (PT) program. The PTA curriculum differs from that of the physical therapist and does NOT provide the needed prerequisites required for physical therapist education. Less than two percent of enrolled students were PTAs prior to enrolling in a PT education program.
Students seeking to attend Physician Assistant programs often choose a degree in Biology, but the important fact is to ensure the prerequisite coursework for the schools to which you are applying have been met.
According to the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), many graduate programs require the following courses, although this varies from school to school. Again, it is your responsibility to review the requirements of any post-bachelor's degree program. Prospective Pre-PA candidates should review each school to which they intend to apply to ensure proper requisites are met:
- Chemistry
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Microbiology
- Biology
Note: Many schools do not accept “survey” or “non-majors” courses and/or non-lab or online courses and require a central application. Many PA programs also require prior healthcare experience with hands-on patient care. In fact, most students have a bachelor’s degree and about three years of healthcare experience before entering a program. Healthcare experience can be gained by the following certification in (not an exhaustive list):
| Trainer | Nurse |
| Cardiovascular Perfusionist | Nursing Assistant |
| Military medical corpsman | Orthopedic Technician |
| Dental Hygienist | Patient Care Technician |
| Dietician | Pharmacist |
| Trained Caregiver | Physical Therapist |
| EMT/Paramedic | Physical Therapist Asst. |
| Exercise Physiologist | X-Ray Technician |
| Foreign Medical Graduate - Physician | Ultrasound Technician |
| Home Health Care Aide | Respiratory Therapist |
| Phlebotomist | Surgical Technician |
| Medical Assisant | Midwife |
Those interested in attending Florida State should consider taking PAS 2050 as a transient student. Students enrolled at FSU can take the course PAS 2050, Introduction to the PA Profession, to waive the 500-hour minimum requirement. This course is an intensive exploratory course designed for individuals considering a career as a PA. However, the intent is not for the applicant to have no patient care experience, but rather for the student who will not quite hit the 500-hour mark at the time of matriculation. Minimal patient care hours will likely reflect negatively on the applicant during the student selection process.
Become a Physician Assistant
