I have a degree in exercise sport/science but i want to become a doctor. Can i still pursue a masters degree in exercise physiology or exercise biochemistry if my overall goal is to get into medical school? Or should i pursue a masters in a biomedical sciences or some type of biochemisty, mollecular biology program? Right now i am looking to apply to three graduate schools for a masters in biomedical sciences. These are UMDNJ, Boston University, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. They all have masters programs that are geared towards individuals whose primary goal is to become doctors but might need another two years to strengthen science knowledge. They are kind of like stepping stone programs. Since i have more an "exercise sport science" background i was wondering if it was ok to still apply to some schools for exercise physiology or exercise biochemistry and still put myself in position to achieve my medical school goals. Any advice would be appreciated.
Medicine - 3 Answers
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1 :
You don't need to have a masters degree to get into medical school. You only need to have a bachelors degree and to take pre-med courses. Many schools offer post baccalaureate programs for medical school. If your primary goal is medical school, getting a masters degree is extra schooling that you don't need. If you already have a degree, just look up the prerequisite courses that you need to take. Its usually one year of general chemistry and general biology, a year of organic chemistry and a year of physics (which requires calculus.)
2 :
I would advise you to avoid graduate school if at all possible. I am about to graduate from medical school this year and graduated from undergrad with a BS in math. I don't think there is any program out there that can really "prepare you" for what you will encounter during your first two years. I don't know if you have already applied to medical school in previous years. If you have a descent MCAT and descent grades during your undergraduate career, you should simply apply to medical school and see what happens. If you have a poor MCAT score, you might try taking a review class like the one offered by Princeton Review. If you do apply to medical school and are not succesful, I would take some post graduate classes before actually signing up for a masters program. Most medical schools will require you to complete a program before accepting you if you have already started it. Finally, if you are getting a masters simply for the experience and because you feel it is something that will help you in your career, I might recommend the MD/PHD program. It allows you to get your PHD in 2-3 years following your second year of medical school. I know a few people who started in this program and then dropped out of it because they decided it wasn't worth it. If you try to get a masters first you won't have this option nor will it be as valuable to you as a PHD.
3 :
I wouldn't get a masters in exercise physio bc it looks like that's what you want to do, not become a doctor. They'll question your intent, remember med schools want people 100% committed to medicine. Do the post bacc programs - BU, UMDNJ, PCOM - it will be clear from those you want to become a doc. Drexel and Georgetown also have them BTW. If you are planning on applying allopathic you need to do it at BU, Drexel or Georgetown I think. Osteopathic, do it wherever. I think those programs are great, helped me get in (I did the BU one) and I also got an MPH. Good luck!!
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