The UT Martin Pre-Medical Plan is designed to prepare students for application to medical school. The courses listed in the plan meet the minimum requirements for admission to medical school as outlined by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). By following the Pre-Medical Plan recommendations, students will be eligible for admission into most allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) medical schools; however, students are strongly encouraged to review the requirements for their school(s) of choice.
Please note: the Pre-Medical Plan is not a major and does not fulfill the requirements for a baccalaureate degree at UT Martin. The courses listed below are recommendations and are not required for degree completion unless also listed under the student’s chosen major.
What does a physician do?
Physicians are involved in the care and management of our health. They work in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, urgent care centers, and private offices. They work with people of all ages, from birth to death. Physicians can specialize in areas such as cardiology, pediatrics, family and general medicine, internal medicine, and gastroenterology. Their duties include diagnosing illnesses; prescribing and administering treatment for people suffering from injury or disease; examining patients; obtaining medical histories; ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests; and counseling patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.
Is there a demand for Physicians?
YES! According to the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2026.
What degree to do I need to become a physician?
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?
There really aren’t that many differences. Their education and training is very similar; both require four years of general medical education followed by several years of specialty training. They both use drugs and surgery to treat illnesses and injuries and both practice in primary care settings as well as specialized settings.
The main difference is philosophical. D.Os believe that the different parts of the body are connected and that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. These beliefs lead to a philosophy of holistic patient care. Furthermore, D.O.s have a focus on the musculoskeletal system and, in addition to the regular medical curriculum, are also trained in osteopathic manipulations related to the musculoskeletal system.
Is the preparation for D.O. school different from the preparation for M.D. school?
No. The pre-med plan is designed to prepare students for application to either an M.D. or a D.O. school. As with any of the HSPP plans, students are encouraged to look at the requirements for specific schools as they can vary.
How many accredited M.D. programs are there in Tennessee?
Four: East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
How many accredited D.O. programs are there in Tennessee?
One: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
What is the typical length of the professional program?
4 years of medical school plus 3-8 years of specialty training
Are there any required admissions tests?
Yes, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
What application service do I use to apply to medical school?
For M.D. programs: American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
For D.O. programs: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS)
When should I apply?
Applications to medical schools should be submitted in the summer or fall of the year preceding the desired admission date. For most students, this means that they will apply the summer after their junior year.
Do I have to have a bachelor’s degree to get into medical school?
Not necessarily; however, the majority of students entering medical school have a bachelor’s degree.
What kind of grades do I need to get into medical school?
Academic performance is crucial. A GPA of 3.7 or higher is needed to be a competitive applicant. Moreover, most medical schools require that all prerequisite classes be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
What kind of medical experience do I need?
You don’t necessarily have to have work experience in the medical field; however, most M.D. and D.O. programs require direct observation of the field prior to admission. That direct observation can be gained through volunteering, shadowing a physician, or working in a physician’s office. It is a good idea to do at least some observation in a primary care setting because the first four years of medical school focus on primary care, regardless of which specialty a student is considering.
How many hours of direct observation do I need?
There is no magic number for how much shadowing/observation you have to have. It is a good idea to observe as many different clinical settings and populations as you can.
Will I be a pre-med major?
No. The Pre-Medical Plan is not a major and does not fulfill the requirements for a baccalaureate degree at UT Martin. The courses listed in the plan are recommendations and are not required for degree completion unless also listed under the student’s chosen major.
What should I major in?
As a pre-med student at UT Martin, you can major in any area you choose. The best major is the one in which you are the most interested and the most likely to succeed. The most common majors for pre-med students at UT Martin are Biology – Cellular and Molecular Concentration,
B.S. in Chemistry major, and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.C.H.) because many of the classes required by the medical schools are also required by those majors.
What are the minimum requirements for medical school?
The majority of medical schools require the MCAT and the minimum requirements recommend by the AAMC for preparation for the MCAT are:
What classes at UT Martin should I take as a pre-medical student?
While not an exhaustive list, the following courses are strongly recommended for students considering applying to medical school. Students should always check with their advisor and/or school(s) of choice before deciding which classes to take.
Where can I find out more about the field of medicine?
Where can I find out more about the MCAT?
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