Medicine

Physicians diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. They work in one or more of several specialties, including, but not limited to, anesthesiology, family and general medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and surgery.

There are two types of physicians: M.D. (Medical Doctor or Allopathic physicians) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). While both M.D.s and D.O.s may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, D.O.s place special emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine and holistic patient care.

Being pre-med is a journey of exploring whether a career as a physician is the right path for you while preparing to apply to medical school. Pre-med is not an official major; students are encouraged to choose a major that aligns with their interests and strengths.

Medical schools welcome applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds but typically seek students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences who have excelled in the prerequisite coursework. This preparation helps ensure students are ready for the rigor of medical school and a future career in medicine.

An undergraduate degree followed by a four-year professional program earning either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

Please be aware that pre-med is not an official major. Students are encouraged to select a major based on their area of interest. Most medical schools seek applicants with a strong foundation in the natural and physical sciences and have excelled in the pre-requisites for admission. This demonstrates preparedness for the medical school curriculum.

  • 1 Year General Biology - BIOL 150/L, BIOL 151/L
  • 1 Year General Chemistry - CHEM 121/L, CHEM 122/L
  • 1 Year Organic Chemistry - CHEM 341/L, CHEM 342/L
  • 1 Year General Physics - PHYS 211/L, PHYS 212/L
  • 1 year English - ENGL 120 and upper division writing course (ENGL 324)
  • 1 semester of Calculus - MATH 146
  • 1 semester of Statistics - STAT 330
  • 1 Semester Biochemistry - BIOC 460
  • 1 semester of Psychology - PSYC 111
  • 1 semester of Sociology - SOC 110

* Although this coursework will meet the requirements for many schools, students should check for additional requirements of the schools to which they hope to apply. Most schools want the applicant to have completed the required courses prior to applying. Also, note that many schools will not accept AP credit in lieu of the required courses (even if accepted by NDSU). The student must then substitute advanced science courses from NDSU for the traditional requirements satisfied with AP credits.

  • Genetics - BIOL/PLSC 315/L
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology- BIOL 220/L, BIOL 221/L
  • Cell Biology- BIOL 370
  • Microbiology- MICR 350
  • Vertebrate Histology- BIOL 444
  • Animal Physiology- BIOL 460
  • Immunology- MICR 470

  • Science and cumulative GPAs
  • MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
  • The personal statement and/or interview
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Genuine motivation to pursue a career as a physician through experiences and exposure to health care
  • Some programs may require or recommend the completion of a situational judgement test, such as Casper or AAMC PREview

Applicants should consider working at a local hospital or clinic to gain practical experience in medicine. A well-rounded sampling of extra-curricular activities or work experiences, both related and unrelated to medicine, will help broaden an applicant's knowledge and development. Job shadowing is recommended to explore their desired professions.

Pre-med students are encouraged to participate in student organizations at NDSU such as the Pre-Med Club and American Medical Student Association and Allied Health (AMSA). These organizations are run by students with similar career goals and provide an opportunity for others to discuss career plans and gather details about the professions they are interested in pursuing.

Review the medical school application timeline and admission process through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Pre-Health Professional Advising

Email: jill.loddegreives@ndsu.edu Phone: (701) 231-5093 Page Manager