Required Premed Courses Online
Every medical school will have different admission requirements, but almost all medical schools at least require these premed courses online. Find out here what basic classes you must complete before applying to med school.
- One year of biology with lab. Obviously, a strong grounding in the biological sciences is imperative for a career in the health professions. For this reason, you will need to complete two semesters of biology (or zoology, in some cases) with lab. With most schools, one year of biology translates into eight credit hours.
- One year of general chemistry with lab. Much of the body's functioning is based on chemical reactions that are introduced in general chemistry. General chemistry will lay the groundwork for organic chemistry, which is also a required premed course. The topics of general chemistry include stoichiometry, thermochemistry, bonding, solutions, acids and bases, and more.
- One year of physics with lab. Physics is often one of the premed courses online that students most strongly object to taking. Many pre-med students fail to see the connection between the subject matter of physics and medicine. Though students will most likely not use physics in medical school or their careers in the health professions, the class teaches important critical thinking and problem-solving skills that physicians must have to succeed.
- One year of organic chemistry with lab. Organic chemistry is typically the most challenging of all premed courses online. The concepts require higher-level thinking that takes a great deal of commitment and practice. Medical schools require organic chemistry because it is the basis of biochemistry, which is heavily emphasized in medical school.
- One year of English or composition. Health professionals must have the skills requisite to communicate effectively with other professionals, patients, etc., which is why most medical schools require one year of English coursework. English premed courses online are usually only three credit hours because they do not include any lab work.
One semester of biochemistry with lab (only required by select schools). The most prestigious medical schools tend to require at least one semester of general biochemistry with an accompanying lab. Biochemistry labs lend themselves particularly well to premed courses online because they can be performed via simulation and other technology-based methods.- One year of calculus (only required by select schools). As with physics, medical schools require calculus to expose pre-med students to a level of academic rigor comparable to that they will experience in medical school. The most competitive schools require two semesters of calculus premed courses online, which range from three to five credit hours each.
If you think this sounds impossible, its really not. You just have to put fourth some effort. In fact, we have given some tips to help you survive pre-med coursework.
