Pre-Medicine
ºÚÁϳԹÏ’s pre-professional track for medicine is a sequence of courses and advising that will give you a solid foundation for your applications to competitive medical schools around the country. The pre-medicine track should accompany a major—most often , , or —where you’ll gain a foundational knowledge of life sciences and the human body.
Advising
Pre-medicine students are advised by faculty in the Biology Department. The director of health professions advising is Kristine Aronsson, who has served in the medical field in hospitals and other institutions throughout Illinois for over 25 years.
Advisors speak with you about your particular interests in medicine and help you stay on track throughout your program at ºÚÁϳԹÏ. Because of small class sizes at ºÚÁϳԹÏ, your professors and Kristine will get to know you, your professional goals and interests, and work with you one-on-one to find the best courses and experiences to help you reach those goals. Our Pre-Health Advising Committee—a group of faculty in the Division of Life and Physical Science and the director of health professions advising—will work with you to make sure you are prepared for your applications and interviews for medical school.
Course Sequences and Activities
We recommend you take the following courses alongside your major and requirements to prepare for medical school and a career in healthcare. These courses meet the prerequisite requirements for most medical programs. However, you should investigate programs you’re interested in to make sure you complete any other specific requirements. Some courses may also meet major/Core Curriculum requirements. For full course descriptions and major requirements review the academic catalog.
Medical School Admission Prerequisites
- Introduction to Human Anatomy
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Additional Advanced Level Biology
- Introduction to Chemistry I
- Introduction to Chemistry II
- Organic Chemistry I
- Organic Chemistry II
- Biochemistry
- Introductory Physics I
- Introductory Physics II
- Introductory Statistics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
Other Recommendations
- Students typically take the MCAT in the summer following the third year. Medical schools also typically look for internship and/or research experience on their applications. Your faculty advisors will work with you to find opportunities that fit into your schedule and align with your goals.
Alumni Profile
Dr. Calla Holmgren graduated from North Park in 1995 with a BS in biology. Now an obstetrician specializing in maternal-fetal medicine and safe labor practices, she vividly remembers her faculty advisors mentoring her through her pre-medicine track and encouraging her learning and creativity. Along with her medical practice, Dr. Holmgren volunteers as a physician with Medical Team International. She has remained close to North Park through the years by volunteering on our Board of Trustees and regularly recommending students to the University because she believes that the best preparation for a career in the sciences is the liberal arts.
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The Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life
ÌýThe Johnson Center is North Park’s new 101,000-square-foot facility equipped with 30 state-of-the-art labs and technology-enhanced classrooms for our science and pre-professional students. The biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and mathematics departments are housed in these new learning spaces. Built to meet LEED-certification standards for environmental responsibility in construction and operation, the Johnson Center is a hub of scientific life at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï and a stunning addition to the campus community.