by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you know you would like to be in the medical profession, consider participation in a Health/Medical Prep Program.
This program includes prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math in order to learn about the medical field and prepare students for the MCATs and medical school. Although participation in these programs does not guarantee you a medical school position, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead you towards a career in a specific medical field.
Students may choose programs in everything from medicine or dentistry, to veterinary studies, nursing, pharmacy and more.
Health/Medical Prep Programs was the 104th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 9,210 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 5.3% increase in medical prep degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 8,718.
This year's Best Health/Medical Prep Programs Schools ranking compares 176 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom medical prep rankings further below.
Health/Medical Prep Programs are based in science, making a strong background in biology and chemistry necessary. You will take classes in multiple subdivisions of these areas and must use your critical and analytical skills to preform experiments, analyze data, and study complex concepts. Students in this field are heading towards a career in the medical profession, making strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary as you will eventually be working closely with patients and other medical professionals.
Participation in a Health/Medical Prep Program is the first step in becoming a doctor or another medical professional. Medical careers are fulltime positions that may require long hours. You may be on call or have to work night and weekends when performing procedures or dealing with emergencies. Professionals often work in hospitals, doctors' offices, health clinics, and other medical centers.
If you are interested in a medical profession, it is recommended that you pursue an internship, summer job, or participation in a summer field program to gain experience and learn more about the field. You will be able to work closely with doctors and get hands-on experience.
health/medical prep programs degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional medical prep certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of medical prep degrees. You can get anything from a in health/medical prep programs to the highest medical prep degree, a . The type of medical prep degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
Students who pursue a degree from a Health/Medical Prep Program go onto other schools to earn an advanced degree and pursue careers as nurses, doctors, vets, physical therapists, chiropractors, optometrists, and other types of medical professionals. You will have an introduction to your field of study, but you will not be able to practice until you attend a graduate program. Students who earn their advanced degree should be able to find jobs after graduation.
Health/Medical Prep Programs graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $28,109 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $8,889 to as high as $117,748. As you might expect, salaries for medical prep graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Health/Medical Prep Programs is one of 30 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | 4,010 |
| Pre-Nursing Studies | 2,489 |
| Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies | 2,010 |
| Pre-Physical Therapy Studies | 257 |
| Pre-Pharmacy Studies | 167 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 322,592 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 89,359 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 84,492 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 84,274 |
| Allied Health Professions | 82,308 |
