Pre-Med (MD / DO)
What future doctors usually study in college, how to get ready in high school, and what the career looks like today. Every fact below names its source.
You become: a Physician (MD or DO). Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. [1]
Last checked:
What it is
Physicians and surgeons typically need a bachelor's degree plus either a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. [1]
Medical school takes an additional 4 years after the bachelor's degree, and, depending on the specialty, physicians also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs. [1]
DOs practice in all medical specialties; they complete four years of osteopathic medical school, followed by internships, residencies and fellowships that last three to eight years. [2]
Osteopathic medicine is a philosophy and practice of physician care in the United States, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is the therapeutic application of manual pressure or force. [3]
No specific undergraduate degree is required to enter an M.D. or D.O. program, but applicants usually have studied subjects such as biology, physical science, or healthcare and related fields. [1]
Health professional schools do not prefer any specific major, and Cornell does not offer a "pre-health" major. [4]
Typical college course sequence
Premedical coursework varies at each college but generally requires at least one year of biology, one year of physics, one year of English composition and two years of chemistry. [5]
Typical pre-medical prerequisites are two courses each in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and general physics with labs, one course in biochemistry, one course in mathematics and one in statistics, two courses that emphasize English or writing, and two that emphasize social and behavioral sciences. [6]
Pre-med and pre-health prerequisites vary across schools and professions. [6]
MCAT test content draws from year-long courses in general chemistry and organic chemistry, among others, and from introductory courses in biochemistry, psychology and sociology. [7]
Course descriptions are written in our own words from each school's catalog. The Penn courses are one named example; course names and numbers differ at every college.
| Course | Status | What it covers (example: Penn catalog) | Comes after |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry I and II, with labs | Generally requiredSchools generally require at least two years of chemistry; according to Penn Career Services, general chemistry is two semesters with lab. [5] [8] | At Penn, Introduction to General Chemistry I (CHEM 1011) covers atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases and the forces between particles, and Introduction to General Chemistry II (CHEM 1021) covers thermodynamics, phase changes, equilibrium, acids and bases, and reaction rates; the labs are separate half-unit courses (CHEM 1101 and 1102). [9] | At Penn, the second term requires the first term plus a qualifying math course. [9] |
Get ready with these topics: Atoms and electron arrangement · Periodic table patterns · Ionic and covalent bonding · The mole and molar mass · Stoichiometry and conservation of mass · Acids and bases · Quantities, units and rates · Literal equations and formulas | |||
| Introductory Biology I and II, with labs | Generally requiredSchools generally require at least one year of biology; according to Harvard Medical School, all applicants must complete a full year of biology, with lab experience. [5] [10] | At Penn, Introduction to Biology A (BIOL 1101) covers the chemistry of life, cell and molecular biology and genetics, and Introduction to Biology B (BIOL 1102) covers evolution, physiology, development and ecology. [11] | At Penn, Biology B requires Biology A. [11] |
Get ready with these topics: The molecules of life · Cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes · The cell membrane and transport · Cellular respiration · From DNA to protein · Meiosis, mutations and genetic variation | |||
| Organic Chemistry I and II, with labs | Varies by schoolSome medical schools require a full year of organic chemistry; Harvard Medical School includes organic chemistry in its required two-year chemistry sequence. [4] [10] | At Penn, Principles of Organic Chemistry I and II (CHEM 2410 and 2420) study the structure of organic compounds and the mechanisms of organic reactions. [9] | At Penn, organic chemistry comes after both terms of general chemistry. [9] |
Get ready with these topics: Ionic and covalent bonding · Lewis structures and molecular shape · Forces between particles and bulk properties · Organic chemistry basics · Acids and bases · Reaction rates and collision theory | |||
| Biochemistry | Varies by schoolBiochemistry is part of its required chemistry sequence; Johns Hopkins advising lists one course in biochemistry as a typical prerequisite. [10] [6] | At Penn, Biochemistry (BIOL 2810) covers protein structure, enzymes and how they work, cell membranes, metabolism and how cells capture and convert energy. [11] | At Penn, it comes after introductory biology and Organic Chemistry I. [11] |
Get ready with these topics: The molecules of life · Enzymes and how reactions happen in cells · Cellular respiration · From DNA to protein · Chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle · pH and neutralization | |||
| Physics I and II | Generally requiredSchools generally require at least one year of physics; according to Harvard Medical School, all applicants must complete a full year of physics, and lab experience is desirable but not required. [5] [10] | At Penn, General Physics (PHYS 0101 and 0102) covers motion, forces and Newton's laws, energy and momentum, fluids, oscillations and waves, then electricity and magnetism, light and optics, relativity, and quantum and nuclear physics. [12] The calculus-based sequence (PHYS 0150 and 0151) is another option. [8] | At Penn, the calculus-based option asks students to have taken Calculus, Part I (MATH 1400) before or at the same time as the first term, and Calculus, Part II (MATH 1410) before or at the same time as the second. [12] |
Get ready with these topics: Physics skills: units, vectors and graphs · Describing motion: position, velocity and acceleration · Newton's second law: net force, mass and acceleration · Conservation of energy: modeling energy in a system · Electric current, voltage and resistance · Waves: frequency, wavelength and speed · Radians and the unit circle | |||
| English and writing | Generally requiredAll applicants must complete one year of coursework that features expository writing; according to AACOM, schools generally require one year of English composition. [10] [5] | At Penn, each Critical Writing Seminar (WRIT) explores a scholarly question in one field and teaches that field's types of reasoning, evidence and citation practices. [13] | — |
Get ready with these topics: Writing a precise, significant argument · Evaluating and integrating sources · Drafting and documenting the research paper · Rhetorical appeals and devices | |||
| Calculus | Varies by schoolAll applicants must complete a one-year mathematics sequence that includes calculus and statistics, with one semester of statistics required and biostatistics preferred; Cornell advising lists one semester each of calculus and statistics. [10] [4] | At Penn, Introduction to Calculus (MATH 1300) covers functions, derivatives and maximum and minimum problems, curve sketching, and integrals with the fundamental theorem of calculus. [14] | At Penn, it lists no prerequisite and is aimed at students with little or no previous calculus. [14] |
Get ready with these topics: Functions: domain, range and composition · Exponential and logarithmic models · Identities and trig equations · Limits from graphs and tables · Limits algebraically and continuity · The tangent line problem | |||
| Statistics | Varies by schoolAll students, including those using AP credit for calculus, should take statistics. [8] | At Penn, Introductory Statistics (STAT 1110) introduces probability, estimation, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for science and medicine. [15] | At Penn, the course description says knowledge of high school algebra is required. [15] |
Get ready with these topics: Measures of center · Measures of spread · The normal model · Conditional probability and independence · Confidence intervals for a proportion · Significance and p-values | |||
| Psychology and sociology | Varies by schoolTypical prerequisites include two courses that emphasize social and behavioral sciences principles. [6] | At Penn, Introduction to Experimental Psychology (PSYC 0001) covers the biological, cognitive, and individual and group bases of behavior, and Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 1000) studies how social structures and cultures are created and changed and how they affect people's lives. [16] [17] | — |
Get ready with these topics: Research methods: experiments, correlation and ethics · Neurons and neurotransmitters · The brain and nervous system · How memory works · Development: infancy and childhood · The sociological perspective · Culture and its components | |||
Typical high school preparation
Only what a cited source states is listed here.
- High school students should take as many math and science classes as they can. [18]
- If IB or AP courses aren't available, students should select the more rigorous and challenging courses, and talk to their guidance counselor about what is offered at their school and in their community. [18]
- Classes in English, humanities, government, history and social studies give students experience in writing and presenting. [18]
- Students should learn how to study and manage their time. [18]
- Students can look for part-time jobs or volunteer positions at hospitals, community organizations or health clinics, and can ask their pediatrician or another doctor if they can spend a day with them. [18]
- AP courses may allow students to place out of basic requirements and move directly into more advanced courses. [18]
- Many medical and dental schools do not accept AP credit for prerequisite requirements. [4]
Fill the gaps before college
Some college courses state what should come first. Here is what the Penn catalog says for the courses in the table above.
- College courseGeneral Chemistry I and IIWhat the catalog says comes firstAt Penn, Introduction to General Chemistry I (CHEM 1011) is intended for students with less preparation in high school chemistry and mathematics, and General Chemistry I (CHEM 1012) is presented for students with high school chemistry and calculus. [9] At Penn, the second term requires the first term plus a qualifying math course. [9]
- College courseIntroductory Biology I and II
- College courseOrganic Chemistry I and IIWhat the catalog says comes firstAt Penn, organic chemistry comes after both terms of general chemistry. [9]
- College courseBiochemistryWhat the catalog says comes firstAt Penn, it comes after introductory biology and Organic Chemistry I. [11]
- College coursePhysics I and II (calculus-based option)What the catalog says comes firstAt Penn, the calculus-based option asks students to have taken Calculus, Part I (MATH 1400) before or at the same time as the first term, and Calculus, Part II (MATH 1410) before or at the same time as the second. [12]
- College courseCalculusWhat the catalog says comes firstAt Penn, Introduction to Calculus (MATH 1300) lists no prerequisite and is aimed at students with little or no previous calculus. [14]
- College courseStatisticsWhat the catalog says comes firstAt Penn, the course description says knowledge of high school algebra is required. [15]
Pre-Health Foundations: coming soon
The career today
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, setting and experience. This is not a promise of pay or a job.
The median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $275,930 in May 2025. [1]
Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. [1]
The typical entry-level education is a doctoral or professional degree, with internship or residency as on-the-job training. [1]
Getting licensed
All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed, and requirements vary by state; to qualify, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty, and licensure requirements include passing standardized national exams. [1]
Board certification in a specialty is not required, but it may increase employment opportunities; candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty certification exam from a medical certifying board. [1]
Staying licensed: continuing education
National: board certification
- The 24 Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) assess and certify physicians and specialists, and continuing certification has four components: professionalism, lifelong learning, assessment and improvement. [19]
- Each Member Board's continuing certification program is developed by practicing physicians and specialists, and lifelong learning combines self-assessment, continuing medical education (CME) and other practice-relevant activities. [20]
- Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) has four components: an active license, lifelong learning through the CME credits each specialty board requires in its CME cycle, passing proctored examinations, and practice performance assessment and improvement. [21]
State license renewal: examples
- For specific state information about licensing, contact your state's medical board. [1]
- Physicians must complete a minimum of 50 hours of approved CME during each biennial renewal cycle, and most California-licensed physicians must also complete a one-time CME course: either 12 CME hours in pain management and the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients, or a one-time 12-hour course on the treatment and management of opiate-dependent patients. [22]
- Physicians need at least 48 credits of CME every 24 months; at least half must be formal Category I or 1A courses, including at least 2 hours of medical ethics and/or professional responsibility, at least 2 hours on pain management and the prescribing of opioids, and a course in human trafficking prevention. [23]
Find your state medical board (FSMB directory) → [24] FSMB
As of November 4, 2026. Rules change; confirm with your licensing board.
Exams on this path
Overview only. For dates, registration, rules and scoring, see each test maker's own site.
MCAT® (before medical school)
The MCAT is a standardized, computer-based exam with content divided into four multiple-choice sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills; Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. [25] [7]
Total content time is 6 hours and 15 minutes, and total seated time is about 7 hours and 30 minutes, not counting check-in. [7]
Most medical schools in the United States, and many in Canada, require applicants to submit recent MCAT scores. [7]
USMLE® (MD students and graduates)
The United States Medical Licensing Examination is made up of three examinations, called Steps, for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine, and it is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). [26]
COMLEX-USA (DO students and graduates)
COMLEX-USA is a three-level, national standardized licensure examination (Level 1, Level 2-CE and Level 3) on the pathway to osteopathic medical practice and licensure in the United States, and each level must be passed before the next is taken. [27]
MCAT® is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges. USMLE® is a registered trademark of the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners. COMLEX-USA is a trademark of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. None of these organizations is affiliated with or endorses UpOnly Learning.
Questions people search
Chosen from our search-question research. Every answer is cited.
What classes do you need for pre-med?
Premedical coursework varies at each college but generally requires at least one year of biology, one year of physics, one year of English composition and two years of chemistry. [5]
Typical prerequisites also include organic chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics and statistics, writing, and courses in the social and behavioral sciences, and these prerequisites vary across schools. [6]
Is pre-med a major?
Health professional schools do not prefer any specific major, and Cornell does not offer a "pre-health" major. [4]
No specific undergraduate degree is required to enter an M.D. or D.O. program, but applicants usually have studied subjects such as biology, physical science, or healthcare and related fields. [1]
What is the best major for pre-med?
There is no required major for entrance into a health professions school. [6]
Health professional schools do not prefer any specific major, and Cornell does not offer a "pre-health" major. [4]
How long does it take to become a doctor?
Medical school takes an additional 4 years after the bachelor's degree, and, depending on the specialty, physicians also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs. [1]
Subspecialization adds a fellowship of 1 to 3 years, and some medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 to 8 years. [1]
What is the difference between an MD and a DO?
Physicians and surgeons typically need a bachelor's degree plus either a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. [1]
DOs practice in all medical specialties; they complete four years of osteopathic medical school, followed by internships, residencies and fellowships that last three to eight years. [2]
The USMLE is used in granting the initial license to practice medicine; according to the NBOME, COMLEX-USA is the pathway to osteopathic medical practice and licensure in the United States. [26] [27]
What high school classes should I take to become a doctor?
High school students should take as many math and science classes as they can. [18]
If IB or AP courses aren't available, students should select the more rigorous and challenging courses, and talk to their guidance counselor about what is offered at their school and in their community. [18]
Classes in English, humanities, government, history and social studies give students experience in writing and presenting. [18]
Does AP credit count for medical school prerequisites?
Many medical and dental schools do not accept AP credit for prerequisite requirements. [4]
Policies on AP and IB credit are inconsistent across medical schools, and most students must complete additional coursework even if they have AP or IB credit on their transcript. [6]
Harvard Medical School accepts AP credits only with a score of 4 or 5, and AP credits cannot be used to satisfy its biology requirement. [10]
Do doctors need continuing education to stay licensed?
For specific state information about licensing, contact your state's medical board. [1]
Physicians must complete a minimum of 50 hours of approved CME during each biennial renewal cycle, and most California-licensed physicians must also complete a one-time CME course: either 12 CME hours in pain management and the treatment of terminally ill and dying patients, or a one-time 12-hour course on the treatment and management of opiate-dependent patients. [22]
Physicians need at least 48 credits of CME every 24 months; at least half must be formal Category I or 1A courses, including at least 2 hours of medical ethics and/or professional responsibility, at least 2 hours on pain management and the prescribing of opioids, and a course in human trafficking prevention. [23]
Each Member Board's continuing certification program is developed by practicing physicians and specialists, and lifelong learning combines self-assessment, continuing medical education (CME) and other practice-relevant activities. [20]
Your next step
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA). What is a DO? https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/what-is-a-do/. page last modified May 23, 2025. Checked .
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). About Osteopathic Medicine. https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/about-osteopathic-medicine. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
- Cornell University, Health Professions Advising Center. Academic Preparation. https://prehealthadvising.cornell.edu/academic-preparation. no edition stated (footer © 2026; refers to course changes effective Fall 2026). Checked .
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). Admissions Requirements. https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/apply-to-medical-school/admissions-requirements. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
- Johns Hopkins University, Office of Pre-Professional Advising. Prerequisites For Health Professions Schools. https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/preprofadvising/pre-medhealth/prerequisites/. no edition stated. Checked .
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). What's on the MCAT Exam? (The MCAT Essentials for Testing Year 2027). https://students-residents.aamc.org/whats-mcat-exam/publication-chapters/whats-mcat-exam. MCAT Essentials for Testing Year 2027. Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania, Career Services. Academic Planning for Medical School. https://careerservices.upenn.edu/academic-planning-for-medical-school/. page published Aug 22, 2019; modified June 16, 2025. Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Chemistry (CHEM) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/chem/. current catalog; no edition label shown on this page (the MATH, STAT, PSYC and SOCI pages show the 2026–27 Catalog). Checked .
- Harvard Medical School. Prerequisite Courses. https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-prerequisite-courses. no cycle year stated; the page says requirements are subject to change from one application cycle to the next (footer © 2026). Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Biology (BIOL) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/biol/. current catalog; no edition label shown on this page (the MATH, STAT, PSYC and SOCI pages show the 2026–27 Catalog). Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Physics (PHYS) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/phys/. current catalog; no edition label shown on this page (the MATH, STAT, PSYC and SOCI pages show the 2026–27 Catalog). Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Writing Program (WRIT) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/writ/. no edition shown in the text we read (the sibling CHEM/BIOL/PHYS pages show the 2026–27 Catalog). Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Mathematics (MATH) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/math/. 2026–27 Catalog. Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Statistics (STAT) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/stat/. 2026–27 Catalog. Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Psychology (PSYC) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/psyc/. 2026–27 Catalog. Checked .
- University of Pennsylvania. Sociology (SOCI) course descriptions. https://catalog.upenn.edu/courses/soci/. 2026–27 Catalog. Checked .
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Four Things a High School Student Can Do to Prepare for Medical School. https://students-residents.aamc.org/resources-k-12-students/four-things-high-school-student-can-do-prepare-medical-school. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
- American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). What is ABMS Board Certification? https://www.abms.org/board-certification/. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
- American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Staying Board Certified. https://www.abms.org/board-certification/staying-board-certified/. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
- American Osteopathic Association, Certification. Osteopathic Continuous Certification. https://certification.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-continuous-certification/. no edition stated (page metadata modified May 13, 2026). Checked .
- Medical Board of California. Continuing Medical Education (Physicians and Surgeons). https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensing/Physicians-and-Surgeons/Renew/Current-Status/Continuing-Medical-Education.aspx. no edition stated. Checked .
- Texas Medical Board. Physician CME Requirements (per biennium). https://www.tmb.texas.gov/apply-renew/physician/continuing-education-requirements-physicians. no edition stated. Checked .
- Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). Contact a State Medical Board. https://www.fsmb.org/contact-a-state-medical-board/. no edition stated. Checked (link only).
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The MCAT Essentials for Testing Year 2027. https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/publication/mcat-essentials-testing-year-2027. Testing Year 2027 (page states "Effective: October 2026"). Checked .
- United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), a program of the FSMB and NBME. About the USMLE. https://www.usmle.org/about-usmle. no edition stated (page footer © 1996–2026). Checked .
- National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). COMLEX-USA. https://www.nbome.org/assessments/comlex-usa/. no edition stated (page metadata modified May 19, 2026). Checked .
Format: Publisher. Page title. URL. Edition or catalog year. Checked date.