Pre-Health Requirements
Course Requirements
Most medical, dental, optometry, and podiatry schools have the same general requirements. They are listed in the chart below. Click on the appropriate link for more information regarding Veterinary, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Programs.
Please remember that we advise those interested in Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs on a very limited basis. Please use the requirement sheets as a guide and visit the Hunter College Physical Therapy Program Website for more information about their program.
| Course Title (credits) | Subject | Pre-requisites: must be taken prior to course | Co-requisites: must be taken with or prior to course |
|---|---|---|---|
| (6) | One Year of English * see major advisor about placement and English requirements | * | |
| BIOL 100 (4.5) |
General Biology I (includes lab) Only offered in Fall |
MTH 101 or appropriate score on math placement exam | |
| BIOL 102(4.5) |
General Biology II (includes lab) Only offered in Spring |
BIOL 100 | |
| CHEM 102(3) | General Chemistry I | MTH 125 | |
| CHEM 104(3) | General Chemistry II | CHEM 102 | |
| CHEM 106(1.5) | General Chemistry Lab | CHEM 104 | |
| CHEM 222 (4) | Organic Chemistry Lecture I | CHEM 104 | |
| CHEM 223(2.5) | Organic Chemistry Lab I | CHEM 106 | CHEM 222 |
| CHEM 224(4) | Organic Chemistry Lecture II | CHEM 222 | |
| CHEM 225(2.5) | Organic Chemistry Lab II | CHEM 223 | CHEM 224 |
| PHYS 110(4.5) | General Physics I (includes lab) | MTH 125 | |
| PHYS 120(4.5) | General Physics II (includes lab) | PHYS 110 | |
| MTH 125 (4) | Pre-Calculus *placement testing and transfer credit will determine if you need this course, or if you need to take another math course prior to pre-calculus | * | |
| MTH 150 (4) | Calculus | MTH 125 | |
| STAT 213(3) | Statistics | MTH 125 |
Students often assume they can complete courses in the summer, or in either the fall or spring semester - this is not always the case! Check carefully to see when courses are offered. Such a misstep could cost you an extra year, so do your research!
Special Course Notes:
Chemistry
Chemistry 106 - General Chemistry Lab is a one semester lab that satisfies health professions schools requirement for two 1.5 credit labs. Freshmen only (no post-baccalaureate or transfer students) can take Chem 111 or Chem 112 with labs instead of 102, 104, 106.
Physics
Physics 111 and 121 are acceptable in place of 110 and 120; however, this requires taking Calculus II (MATH 155). This option is not recommended unless you are very confident and comfortable with your calculus skills. Remember, the goal is a high GPA!
Biology
Biology 100 and 102 are never offered in the summer. BIO 100 is only offered in the fall; BIO 102 is only offered in the spring.
Other suggested coursework:
| Course title | Course Number |
|---|---|
| Controversial Issues in Health | ComHe 200 |
| BioChemistry (lecture/lab) | CHEM 376 |
| Cellular Biology I: MicroOrganisms (lecture/lab) | BIOL 200 |
| Cellular Biology II: Eucaryotic Systems (lecture/lab) | BIOL 202 |
| Biological Chemistry (lecture/lab) | BIOL 300 |
| Laboratory in Cell Structure (lab) | BIOL 390 |
| Topics in Genetics and Evolution (lecture) | BIOL 220 |
| Introduction to Biophysics (lecture) | PHYS 420 |
- Philosophy 103 is also suggested to help students prepare for the verbal section of the MCAT.
- Many courses have pre-requisites, so always check the course descriptions or check with the departments before registering.
Volunteer, Research, and Internships
Medical schools like to see students who give back to the community as well as students who have experience in health care. A minimum of 200 volunteer hours is suggested for those applying to Medical, Dental, Optometry and Podiatry schools. Paid experience is fine for those who are working/interning in the medical field. For more information, please see pages 13-14 in the Undergraduate Guide on the left.
Research for MD/PhD Students
Students who are pursuing MD/PhD programs must have at least 2 hands-on scientific research experiences from which they can get two separate recommendation letters. For more information, please see page 15 in the Undergraduate Guide on the left.