Pre-Medical (MD, DO)
January 8, 2025 2025-12-05 13:45Pre-Medical (MD, DO)
Prepare for Medical School
Pre-Medical (MD, DO)
Gain the prerequisites for pursuing a career in medicine.
Pre-Professional Program in Medicine (MD, DO)
The Pre-Medical Advising Track is not a major — it’s a layer of specialized advising that supports you alongside whichever major you choose at the University of Lynchburg. Because medical schools accept students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, this track exists to help you make intentional choices about coursework, hands-on experience, prerequisites, and application preparation. Whether you major in biology, chemistry, public health, psychology, or something entirely different, the pre-med track ensures you receive tailored guidance that aligns with your long-term goal of entering medical school.
This advising track is ideal for students preparing to apply to MD or DO programs. You’ll receive assistance with planning a course sequence that satisfies medical school requirements, preparing for the MCAT, building a competitive academic record, and exploring clinical or research opportunities. You will also work closely with faculty advisors who are familiar with the expectations of medical schools, the competencies they look for, and the skills you’ll need to be successful in a health professional environment. Our goal is to help you feel confident, supported, and well-prepared as you work toward a future in medicine.
How to Declare a Pre-Medical Advising Track
To officially join the Pre-Medical Advising Track:
- Contact the Office of Academic Advising.
- Tell them you want to declare the Pre-Medical Advising Track.
- You’ll be paired with a faculty advisor who specializes in pre-med preparation.
Why declare? Declaring ensures you stay on track with prerequisites, receive personalized planning support, and gain access to updates and opportunities relevant to your professional goals.
Recommended Majors
Medical schools welcome applicants from almost any discipline. At Lynchburg, most pre-med students choose majors that cover the largest number of required science courses:
Students interested in humanities or social science majors can also pursue medical school, provided they plan their science prerequisites carefully. Your academic advisor and pre-med faculty mentors will help you build a four-year plan that fits both your major and your professional goals.
Prerequisite Courses for Medical School
Medical school requirements vary across institutions, but most expect applicants to complete the following courses:
Core Sciences
- Biology (2 semesters with lab)
- General Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Physics (2 semesters with lab)
Common Additional Requirements
- Biochemistry
- English (1 semester)
- Calculus
- Statistics / Biostatistics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Genetics (recommended)
Your advisor will help you map out these requirements based on your major and your timeline.
Recommended Lynchburg Courses
The original pre-medical program page recommends the following Lynchburg courses:
- BIOL 113, 114
- CHEM 111, 112, 221, 222, 320
- PHYS 161, 162 or PHYS 141, 142
- ENGL 123W
- Additional recommended electives include Cell Biology, Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology, Behavioral Sciences, and Microbiology.
These courses help ensure you meet standard prerequisites while building a strong foundation for the MCAT.
What Jobs Can I Get With Pre-Medical (MD, DO)?
Pre-medical graduates typically continue their education in medical school to become physicians. Job titles include:
- General Practitioner: $200,000
- Surgeon: $409,665
- Pediatrician: $183,000
- Cardiologist: $353,000
- Dermatologist: $350,000
- Neurologist: $280,000
- Psychiatrist: $220,000
- Anesthesiologist: $386,000
- Radiologist: $427,000
- Emergency Medicine Physician: $320,000
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
