Pre-Med Coursework

The following coursework satisfies the required and recommended courses for admission to medical school. Note this represents general guidelines and requirements vary from one school to the next. It is your responsibility to verify each institution’s requirements by visiting their websites.

The prerequisites for Washington medical schools are:

If you are a student currently enrolled at a community college and are considering transferring to PLU, we recommend that you consult the following  interactive equivalency guide to ensure that you are taking the correct courses for your intended major. For example, BIOL 211, 212 and 213 at Pierce College in Puyallup is equivalent to BIOL 225 and 226 at PLU.

Biology Courses

Take the following two required introductory biology courses:

  • BIOL 225: Molecules, Cells and Organisms
  • BIOL 226: Genes, Evolution, Diversity and Ecology

You might also consider some of the following upper division courses:

  • BIOL 330: Genetics
  • BIOL 341: Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 342: Microbiology
  • BIOL 352: Comparative Anatomy
  • BIOL 442: Cell Biology
  • BIOL 453: Human Physiology

Check the websites of those institutions you plan on applying and determine whether there are particular upper division courses that they require or recommend.

Physics Courses

PLU has two introductory physics series. Students interested in medical school should take the sequence that is required for their intended major. Students majoring in biology usually take the PHYS 125/126 series with accompanying labs, while those majoring in chemistry or physics must take the PHYS 153/154 series with accompanying labs.

English Courses

Most medical schools require applicants to take two English courses prior to matriculation. The English requirement is intended to demonstrate competency in grammar and composition as well as comprehension and analysis of written work. In general, the English requirement is met by taking courses that medical schools would recognize as writing or literature courses.

Chemistry Courses

Take the following two-course sequence in general chemistry:

  • CHEM 115 (General Chemistry I)*
  • CHEM 116 (General Chemistry II)

Take the following two-course sequence in organic chemistry:

  • CHEM 331/333 (Organic Chemistry I + laboratory)
  • CHEM 332/334 or 336 (Organic Chemistry II + laboratory)

Some medical schools require a semester of biochemistry so check the requirements for each school carefully.

Regardless, we recommend that you take CHEM 403 (Biochemistry I) given this subject matter is covered on the new version of the MCAT.

*Note the MATH 140 is a pre-requisite or co-requisite for CHEM 115.

Courses in the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Only a handful of medical schools have formal requirements for courses in social and behavioral sciences; however, virtually all recommend some coursework in these disciplines in order to develop an understanding of human behavior and society. The MCAT exam tests concepts from psychology and sociology in the Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the exam. In addition, the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section of the revised MCAT may include passages from cross-cultural studies (anthropology, communication and culture, etc.) and population health.

We recommend you take the following courses:

  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology
  • SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology

Mathematics Courses

Most medical schools require math and/or statistics at the college level. Most medical schools do NOT require calculus.

Professional Experiences

Clinical Experiences

Clinical experience is paramount to a successful medical school application. If you apply to medical school with little to no direct exposure to the practice, your case will not be very compelling to an admissions committee. You must get relevant experience in order to make an informed decision to pursue a career in medicine. It is important to note that medical schools evaluate each of your experiences by length/time of commitment; depth of experience and lessons learned from the experience. So just don’t go through the motions; consider long-term commitments.

Examples of clinical experiences include:
  • Physician Shadow
  • Volunteer in a Clinical Setting
  • Medical Scribe
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Medical Assistant (MA)*
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)*
  • Phlebotomist*
  • Medical Interpreter
  • Participant in Medical Mission Trips and International Experiences**

*Paid positions that may be good options for gap year students and graduates, that require condensed additional training

**While these trips are a wonderful experience, it is not recommended that this be your only type of clinical experience. Because you will primarily be practicing medicine in the US, it is important that you gain exposure to the US medical system as well.

To allow for further reflection on these experiences, we recommend that you journal or take notes about your experiences throughout. 

Finding Clinical Experiences

COPE Health Scholars Program –

  • A structured program that allows you to gain clinical experience in a hospital setting.
  • For a small fee, gain 30 hours of training plus 250 hours of clinical experience.
  • Earn a completion certificate from the Keck Graduate Institute.

Lute Link –

  • A resource to connect with PLU alumni, including physicians.
  • Reach out to PLU alumni for advice on finding a clinical experience and/or other insights into the medical profession.

Pre-Health Sciences Student Google Group –

  • Join using your PLU email address.
  • Learn about opportunities that are shared with us.

Community Engagement

In addition to clinical experience, medical schools prioritize applicants who demonstrate a commitment to service and working in communities different from their own. Consider some type of volunteer experience, such as helping out at a food bank or soup kitchen. There are endless opportunities for you to volunteer your time, many of which you can find out about through your university, local churches, community newspaper/bulletin, or personal acquaintances. Admission committees don’t have a specific list of “appropriate” volunteer opportunities – choose volunteer opportunities that are meaningful to you.

Academic Research

Academic research experience is not required by most medical schools, but it is certainly valued. Undergraduate research will undoubtedly enhance critical skills in communication, independent thinking, creativity and problem-solving.