Introduction
A medical degree is an essential step towards becoming a doctor, and any student graduating from medical school is sure to find a wide range of quality job prospects.
Students pursuing a medical degree will often take ‘pre-medical’ studies before moving on to medical school.
Pre-med is a very important step on the road to the medical profession, but what is pre-med exactly, and what does it look like? In this pre-med guide, we’ll answer your questions and show you how a pre-med application works.
What is Pre-Med?
Pre-med refers to a series of undergraduate courses that will prepare students for medical school after graduation.
These programs include classroom lectures and resumé-building activities such as shadowing professionals and conducting scientific research.
There are several majors for pre-med students, including physical sciences, social sciences and mathematics.
Table of Content
Pre-Med Pathway Coursework at UNF: What to Expect?
UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway Requirements: GPA, Exams, and Other Academic Requirements
Skills Every Pre-Med Student Should Develop
Extracurricular Activities at UNF That Strengthen a Pre-Med Profile
How does UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway Prepare You for Medical School?
How to Build a Strong Medical School Application with UNF?
Importance of Recommendation Letters
From UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway to Medical School: The Application Process
Pre-Med coursework at UNF: What to expect
Taking the Pre-Med Pathway, you’ll complete the first three years of your undergraduate degree at UNF before moving to one of our two partner schools.
During your pre-med program, you’ll complete a range of pre-med coursework. The following classes are core parts of pre-med programs:
- General Chemistry - two courses
- Organic Chemistry - two courses
- Biology - two courses
- Physics - one course
- Biochemistry - one course
- Math for biological sciences - one course
- English - one course
- Psychology - one course
There are also related courses in subjects such as Immunology, Genetics, and Anatomy. You can also apply for a voluntary role, job or internship in the health care industry.
UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway requirements: GPA, exams and other academic requirements
The following pre-med requirements are needed for students wishing to enrol in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (HBSc) program:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent credential)
- Six Grade 12 4U or 4M-level courses, including Ontario ENG4U (or equivalent) and any 1 4U Math
- Minimum average of 70% on the best 6 Grade 12 4U or 4M-level courses
- Must meet English Language proficiency requirements (if applicable)
The average GPA for pre-med students at UNF is 3.00 (on a 4.33 scale).
Skills every Pre-Med student should develop
To have a successful career in the medical industry, students should develop a range of skills during pre-med studies.
Vital skills that you should develop during pre-med include, but are not limited to, time management and organization, scientific literacy and critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, active learning and study strategies, adaptability and problem-solving and communication.
One of the most important skills a pre-med student can develop is empathy. By improving your empathy, you can work well with colleagues, connect with patients and navigate sensitive conversations.
The digital landscape is constantly changing, so professionals must be creative problem solvers who can adapt to new platforms, algorithms, and consumer behaviours.
Extracurricular activities at UNF that strengthen a pre-med profile
UNF also provides multiple extracurricular activities for pre-med that can strengthen your profile when preparing for medical school.
Laboratory training is a key part of pre-med, and comes packaged with your biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics courses. You’ll become familiar with laboratory work during your time at UNF through hands-on experience under the tutelage of professionals.
The importance of clinical experience and volunteering
One of the best things a prospective medical student can do is acquire hands-on experience in the field through clinical experience and pre-med volunteering.
Work-study programs will give you a clear picture of the day-to-day work being done in the industry, while you can also shadow a general practitioner or observe surgery or assist in scientific research.
Getting real-life experience is key to understanding what is involved with being a doctor and can give you a better idea of which field to work in. While completing UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway, you are encouraged to find volunteer opportunities for pre-med students.
How does UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway prepare you for medical school?
Through UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway, you’ll begin your undergraduate degree here, and after completing 90 credits of your HBSc Biomed degree program, you’ll progress directly into an MD program at Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) or Medical University of the Americas (MUA).
Once you’ve successfully completed two terms of your MD program, UNF will accept the completed courses towards the final 30 credits needed to complete your undergraduate degree.
This pathway is ideal for aspiring medical students as it allows you to bypass the final year of your studies and begin your medical career one year early.
How to build a strong medical school application with UNF
Applying to a medical school is a complex and time-consuming procedure that can feel daunting at first. However, UNF is committed to helping you on every step of the path to medical school, making it much easier to navigate.
The Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program will give you everything you need to build a strong medical school application. Upon acceptance into UNF, you will also receive a provisional acceptance letter from both partner medical schools, outlining pathway requirements and timelines.
Importance of recommendation letters
Recommendation letters are one of the most important parts of your medical school application, as they help paint a clear picture of your academic and professional accomplishments.
Acceptance into SUSOM or MUA requires two pre-med letters of recommendation. These letters can come from several individuals. You can ask professors, doctors you’ve shadowed, or research professionals that you’ve collaborated with.
From UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway to medical school: The application process
After three years with UNF, you’ll be able to apply for one of our two partner schools, Saba University School of Medicine and Medical University of the Americas.
Requirements for admission to SUSOM or MUA include:
- A complete application
- Official transcripts from UNF, including pre-med course requirements, showing a cumulative 3.0 GPA (75%) or higher
- Two recommendation letters
- A personal statement of 500 words or less
- Successfully completing an admissions interview
Citizens, nationals or permanent residents of the United States are also required to complete the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), while Canadian and international applicants can also opt to take the exam. To be admitted to medical school after your program, the best time to take the MCAT is in your junior year.
The application process can be daunting, but we’re committed to ensuring you have all the help you need. Joining the UNF’s Pre-Med Club will provide insight into the pathways to SUSOM and MUA, along with admissions guidance.
Conclusion
UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway is the perfect option for any student looking to begin their medical career. With personalized support, opportunities for hands-on experience and a partnership with Saba University School of Medicine and Medical University of the Americas, UNF will help you kickstart your path to becoming a doctor.
At the same time, your foundation in biomedical sciences ensures you’ll have multiple career options. Learn more about what you can do with a Biomedical Sciences degree and how it can complement your medical ambitions.
If you have any further questions about how to get into medical school through UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway, contact us today.
Frequently asked questions
Does UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway help with medical school?
UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway is an ideal option for students looking to apply for medical school. After completing three years of your undergraduate degree, you’ll have the option to apply for one of our internationally accredited partner schools. This means that you’ll be able to begin your medical career one year earlier.
Is it hard to get into UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway?
The minimum pre-med requirements and average pre-med GPA requirements listed above are sufficient for admission into the Pre-Med Pathway. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the application process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
How many years is medical school after the Pre-Med Pathway?
The Saba University School of Medicine and Medical Universities of the Americas MD programs feature two years (five semesters) of classroom and lab-based learning, followed by two years (five semesters) of clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centres in the US, as well as select elective rotation sites in Canada.
How long does the UNF’s Pre-Med Pathway take?
Through the Pre-Med Pathway, you will complete the first three years of your undergraduate degree at UNF, after which you will move to one of our partner schools. The first two terms of your MD program will count towards your undergraduate studies. This will complete your Biomed degree, and you will be on your way to becoming a practicing physician.
What happens after completing the Pre-Med Pathway at UNF?
After completing the first three years of your degree, you can move on to either Saba University School of Medicine or Medical University of the Americas to begin your MD program.
