Biology (Pre-Medicine)

No Degree

This pathway prepares students who hold a bachelor's degree to complete medical school science admission requirements. Completion of this pathway prepares students to apply to medical school. Admission to medical school is selective and dependent on multiple factors. Students should carefully research target institution requirements and will need clinical exposure ...

This pathway prepares students who hold a bachelor's degree to complete medical school science admission requirements. Completion of this pathway prepares students to apply to medical school. Admission to medical school is selective and dependent on multiple factors. Students should carefully research target institution requirements and will need clinical exposure outside of coursework. 

Note: Students following this pathway do not earn a credential and will need to see an advisor to create a customized educational plan to earn an Associate's degree.
 

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
No Degree Full time : 8 118

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

118 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
21 UNITS
To-Do List
BIOL&211
Majors Cellular Biology
5 units
CHEM&161
General Chem W/Lab I
6 units
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
UGR294
Independent Research
5 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
21 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Check in for help with advising for creating an educational plan.
  • Research and develop a list of medical schools of interest.
  • Explore acceptance information and data through the AAMC.org (American Association of Medical Colleges).
BIOL&212
Majors Animal
5 units
CHEM&162
General Chem W/Lab II
6 units
MATH&142
Precalculus II
5 units
UGR294
Independent Research
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
21 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines and admission requirements for medical schools.
  • Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium.
  • Begin learning about the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).
  • Attend "Making Learning and Teaching Visible" campus event every spring.
  • Attend relevant career and transfer events.
  • Explore summer research opportunities.
BIOL&213
Majors Plant
5 units
CHEM&163
General Chem W/Lab III
6 units
MATH&151
Calculus I
5 units
UGR294
Independent Research
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your educational plan with help from an advisor.
  • Pursue clinical and volunteer experiences if needed for applications.
PHYS&114
General Phys I W/Lab
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
14 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Identify the best date and location to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
  • Ask instructors and others for letters of recommendation.
CHEM&241
Organic Chem I
4 units
MATH&152
Calculus II
5 units
PHYS&114 or PHYS&221
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
13 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Continue clinical and shadowing opportunities as needed. 
PHYS&115 or PHYS&222
Choose a course
5 units
CHEM&242
Organic Chem II
4 units
CHEM&251
Organic Chem Lab I
4 units
Quarter 7
To-Do List
17 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Study for the MCAT.
PHYS&116 or PHYS&223
Choose a course
5 units
CHEM&243
Organic Chem III
4 units
MATH&146 or MATH211
Choose a course
5 units
CHEM255
Biochemistry I
3 units
Quarter 8
To-Do List
7 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Take the MCAT keeping in mind application deadlines.
  • Submit applications for medical school through AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service).
CHEM&252
Organic Chem Lab II
4 units
CHEM256
Biochemistry II
3 units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2024-25.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

A Pre-medicine pathway can lead to various career opportunities once students apply, are admitted to, and finish medical school. Examples include: 

  • Physician
  • Surgeon

A Doctor of Medicine is required for the careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit www.bls.gov/oes.

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete the Pre-medicine pathway, additional education opportunities include: 

  • Medical Degree or a related field at a four-year college or university.
  • Continuation of preparation for professional programs such as pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-veterinarian, pre-pharmacy, physical therapy.

Note: This pathway assumes students have already obtained a Bachelor's degree. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find  programs in Washington state or around the country. 

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Program Contact

Biology Coordinator
Suzanne Schlador
email

Math & Science Division
Location
IB 2429

Division Contacts
(206) 934-3746
(206) 934-3748 (fax)

Mailing Address
NSC Math & Science Division
9600 College Way N
3N2429
Seattle, WA 98103

Dean
Vashti Bryant

Advising Contact

Contact the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Area of Study advisor.

Phone: (206) 934-3658