Pre-Medicine
No matter the type of medicine you want to practice—from being a physician or a surgeon—your main role of diagnosing, healing, and caring for patients will be consistent throughout your specialty. Depending on your degree of choice, you'll become a doctor that can provide direct patient care or concentrate on applied research, medical education, administration, or a combination of all areas.
Why Consider Med School?
Are you self-motivated, confident, and compassionate? Acceptance into medical school is competitive and you will spend many years studying and training to become a doctor, but if you have a strong desire to heal and prevent disease this is the right path for you!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 91,400 new jobs and 13-percent growth in employment—faster than the 7 percent projected for all occupations—for physicians and surgeons overall from 2016 to 2026, but all types are medicine are on the rise.
- Physician Assistants
- Internists, general
- Surgeons
- Pediatricians, general
- General Practitioners
- Neurologist
- Offices of Physicians
- Residential Nursing Homes
- Outpatient Care Centers
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- University Educators
- Self-employed
- Air Ambulance Services
- The Armed Forces
Explore: Medical Pathways
Become a student at USM and obtain the necessary requirements to apply to medical programs, with the guidance of our pathways expert!
| Undergraduate Credit Required | Bachelor’s degree |
| Exam Prep | MCAT |
| Professional Schooling Required | 4 years medical school; 3-8 years residency; M.D. or D.O. degrees |
| Professional Organization Websites | Association of American Medical College | Osteopathic Medicine |
There are two types of medical schools in the United States: Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Here are some of the local or surrounding area professional schools:
- University of Mississippi School of Medicine (M.D.) (Jackson, MS)
- William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) (Hattiesburg, MS)
- LSU Health Science Center New Orleans School of Medicine (M.D.) (New Orleans, LA )
- Tulane School of Medicine (M.D.) (New Orleans, LA)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine (M.D.) (Birmingham, AL)
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) (Dothan, AL)
Navigating the Application Process
Beginning early with the application process allows students to structure an academic plan of study and ensures you are on track. Medical programs have relatively similar requirements for admission that we can help prepare you for, including competitive scores from the nationally administered Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), clinical experience, research, the application process, and more!
We encourage you to contact our pathways expert to support you in your professional development endeavors.
Strategies for Success
- Find the curriculum, timeline, and requirements suggested and explained by our pathway expert.
MCAT Prep
- Take USM’s MCAT Preparation course (BSC 399).
Shadowing and Externship
- Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Hatten Externship (BSC 392), which is offered each Fall.
Practice Your Interview Skills
- Practice using UMMC Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) process.
- Prepare by using USM's online Perfect Interview TM portal.
- Sign-up for mock interviews through Career Services or Pre-professional Office.
What Should I Major In?
Medical schools do not require a particular major—pursue a major in which you feel the most comfortable with! Many students choose a major at USM in one of the sciences, but also look into the humanities or social sciences. Explore related majors:
