Frequently Asked Questions about Premed Courses Online

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about premed courses online.

Will medical schools accept premed courses online?

Every medical school will have a different policy regarding the acceptability of online transfer credits. Normally, if you completed the coursework at an accredited learning institution, other schools will accept it for transfer. However, some medical schools may have exceptions for online prerequisite courses. Before you sign up for premed courses online, make sure you contact the medical schools to which you intend to apply to ask about the acceptability of the classes.

How do labs work with online premed courses?

The lab portion of your coursework will also be conducted online or via CD-ROM software. Technology has allowed educators to design accurate simulations of important lab experiments for students. For example, anatomy and physiology students who take the lab online might complete a virtual dissection using the course website or software. Though the labs are completed using your computer, the amount of time you spend on lab work will be comparable to traditional premed classes.

What are the prerequisites for premed courses online?

To enroll in an online premed program, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED with most online schools. You may also have to complete a few college courses before you can take certain premed classes. For instance, you will have to take organic chemistry as one of your premed courses, but this class requires you to take general chemistry first.

Which classes do medical schools require?

Again, every medical school will have different admission requirements, so the specifics will vary. However, all medical schools tend to require at least one year of biology or zoology with lab, one year of general chemistry with lab, one year of physics with lab, and one year or organic chemistry with lab. Many schools have additional requirements in the areas of biochemistry, English and composition, and mathematics. For more information about recuired classes, read the page we have provided about required pre-med courses online.

Do I need a college degree to get into medical school?

As long as you complete your core premed courses and earn a certain number of post-secondary credits, a college degree isn't necessarily required for admission to medical school. However, it is strongly recommended. Usually, most health professional schools require that applicants have taken at least 90 credit hours in order to be eligible for admission.

Why should I take premed courses online?

Premed classes online are typically easier for students to fit into their schedules. Students who work or have families may not have the time to commute to a campus every day. For these students, online pre-med courses provide the flexibility to attend class at any time and in any place.

Are there any drawbacks to taking pre-med courses online?

Completing your premed coursework online could have several drawbacks. First, the medical schools to which you apply may reject the classes. Some schools may prefer that students complete their core pre-med classes in a traditional learning environment. Secondly, you might miss out on valuable hands-on experiences in the classroom and lab. For example, performing dissections on an actual animal in anatomy and physiology may prepare you better for med school than a virtual dissection in an online lab.