ABOUT PRE-MEDICINE

Pre-med students are those students interested in becoming a physician by going to medical school after completing their undergraduate degree. Of the sixteen medical schools in Texas, thirteen of these schools award the doctor of medicine (MD) degree and the remaining three award the doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. The academic and clinical training of MDs and DOs is quite similar, but there are differences in what is taught related to the philosophical approach to medicine. Allopathy is the traditional approach to the practice of medicine taught by MD schools and focuses on the use of medication or physical intervention to prevent or treat symptoms of disease. Osteopathy is a philosophical approach to medicine taught by DO schools that focuses on a more holistic approach to practicing medicine. All physicians (MD and DO) base diagnosis and treatment of disease on scientifically-based practices and procedures. MDs and DOs alike participate in 4 years of rigorous medical training, participate in residency programs after medical school, complete 3 levels of licensure exams, and are licensed to practice in all 50 states. Although both MDs and DOs are found in all medical specialties, DOs more typically enter primary care disciplines and are much more likely to practice in rural areas.

General Prerequisite Coursework For Medical School

Undergraduate prerequisite courses for Texas medical schools:

  • 14 hours biological sciences
  • 8 hours general chemistry
  • 8 hours organic chemistry
  • 3 hours biochemistry
  • 8 hours physics
  • 4 hours statistics
  • 6 hours of English
  • Additional advanced courses in STEM and social/behavioral science are recommended

    Note:
  • Prerequisite courses are courses that will count toward a science degree.
  • Out-of-state medical schools may have different prerequisite requirements.

A degree in Biomedical Science, Chemistry, or Mathematics provides the most direct path for completing prerequisite coursework in the context of a 120-hour degree. Other degrees outside of these are perfectly acceptable, however, be aware that you will need to complete all medical school prerequisites in addition to all other requirements for your major.

Admissions Exam

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the entrance exam required to apply to medical school. For a student on a typical track, this exam will be taken in the spring of the third year.  The exam is produced by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Students should become familiar with what is covered on this exam as soon as possible.

Experience

In addition to a strong academic record and competitive MCAT score, the successful applicant to medical school will demonstrate a passion for medicine as evidenced by experience and skills. A student should begin early developing core competencies of the entering medical student as identified by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Successful applicants to medical school typically have over 500 hours of health care related experiences evenly spread out over the pre-medical years in college.

Application Services

Medical school applicants in Texas will apply using one or more of three application services utilized by Texas medical schools. Of the 16 medical schools in Texas, 14 use the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS). TCU Medical School utilizes the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine utilizes the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). The sites linked above have valuable information you need to become very familiar with long before ever applying to medical school.

Early Assurance Programs

Early Assurance Programs are alternative pathways to medical school to which students apply early in their college career or even while still in high school. Although not a guarantee of admission, the programs are designed in such a way that if the student meets all program requirements, then admission will be granted. Tarleton participates in 2 early assurance programs: the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) and the Partnership for Primary Care (PPC). JAMP, a program of the state of Texas, is intended to help students from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background reach medical school. PPC is a program run through the Texas A&M System to help students from medically underserved communities reach medical school. Check these programs out while still in high school or early in your first year at Tarleton!