Pre-Med Certificate Programs Online – Overview
Pre-Med certificate programs online involve courses and activities needed for prospective medical students to get admission to medical schools.
The requirements are the same as those needed to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school.
Pre-Med certificate programs are a part of almost any undergraduate degree program; however, the major strength of students include those in an area of general science, such as zoology, biology, or chemical engineering.
There are no specific online pre-med schools; however, many schools offer programs that might also include volunteer activities and internships.
This may be challenging for online students, though persistence can help. Also, interested applicants for pre-med online courses must carefully consider the requirements and other factors.
Pre-Med Certificate Programs Online – Things to Consider
Before applying for a certain program, the applicant must consider the program’s criteria. It includes:
- Understanding if the program is fully online or hybrid. It must be confirmed if all the lab or practicum can be completed at off-site locations, or if it is necessary to be at campus.
- Is it possible to transfer in the credits if necessary when the program does not offer everything expected?
- Check if the program helps in MCAT exam preparation.
- Make sure that your chosen medical school accepts online pre-med classes/degrees.
Pre-Med Certificate Programs Online – Steps on Choosing a Program
Check out the step-by-step guidelines for choosing pre-med certificate programs online.
Step1 – Consider Potential Programs
The required pre-med study certificate programs can be uncommon and thus difficult to find online. Also, developing such programs require creativity.
Therefore, it is important to look into potential programs. It is also recommended to speak to academic advisors for different universities. This will allow you to ensure that the considered programs will work for you.
Step2 – Manage an Online Study Program
After making sure that the selected program will work in the future, prepare a study plan, setting specific goals for course completion. Incorporate support networks by communicating with professors, fellow students, and advisors.
Step3 – Assess Program Requirements
While signing up for pre-med classes online, an applicant must be very careful. Many of these classes have on-campus requirements; therefore, review them thoroughly as it might require going to campus for lab work.
Besides, check for the other things, including the length of the program, courses involved in each semester, etc. It will help to get into university education smoothly.
Step4 – Review the Available Online Options
Online programs in the sciences are rare; however, some can be found for medical school preparation.
Many schools offer Pre-med courses in the online format that consists of chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, math, and sometimes liberal arts topics.
Pre-Med Certificate Programs Online – Requirements and Planning an Online Study Program
An applicant looking for pre-med certificate programs online should know that all medical schools do not accept online pre-med credits. Classes that include on-campus labs are typically preferred.
Therefore, most of these programs are taught in a hybrid format offering the hands-on nature of science studies. During certain times of the year, intensive on-campus labs may be required.
Students with non-science backgrounds must have certain science credits to apply for medical school that can be earned through online classes.
Also, certain reasoning sections of the MCAT can be prepared by taking online sessions for English composition, literature, and logic. It helps in preparing for verbal reasoning and essay.
For online portions, a managed learning environment is offered to facilitate assigned projects, discussions, and lectures. Technical requirements include high-speed internet access, a computer, and e-mail access.
Pre-Med Certificate Programs Online – The Available Options
Pre-Med Certificate Programs Online can be found in different majors. Some of the available options include:
1. Bachelor of Science in Zoology
Zoology is basically the study of animals. It has a connection with general biology studies that include the study of animal evolution, behavior, structure, and function.
Zoology is a common degree choice for pre-med students. The course topics available online are Neurobiology, Ecology, Evolution, and Fundamental genetics.
2. Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Programs
Another choice for the pre-med degree is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. It applies biological and physical science to produce substances useful in nanotechnology, biomedical, aerospace, and other applications.
These programs are introduced in a hybrid format to assist lab studies, which may be taught on campus.
However, core online classes include Chemical engineering fundamentals, Elementary differential equations, Electrical engineering, Transport phenomenon, and Organic chemistry
3. Other Bachelor’s Degrees
A pre-med student could also obtain a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, or a Bachelor of Science in Social Science.
The aim is to take courses that are found in pre-med degrees. This includes biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, genetics and pathogenic bacteriology, immunology, etc.
Choose pre-med certificate programs online and build the right career path for growth and success. Good Luck!