Due to personal circumstances, I'm considering an online college for pre-med. Do any of you have suggestions for reputable online colleges that offer solid pre-med courses? Thanks for your help!
While it's understandable that personal circumstances may make an online college attractive, it's important to note that online degrees for a pre-med pathway are somewhat rare and may not be as comprehensive as their on-campus counterparts. Many important aspects of pre-med education, such as labs and patient interaction, require a hands-on approach.
That being said, if an online degree is necessary for your situation, there are a few schools offering solid online programs in health-related fields that could serve as good groundwork for a future medical degree:
1. Arizona State University: ASU offers a variety of online undergraduate science degrees, such as in Biological Sciences and Health Sciences. These degree programs include many of the math and science prerequisites you'll need for a pre-med track. ASU is renowned for its innovation in higher education, especially in the online sphere.
2. Oregon State University: OSU offers an online degree in Biology with a focus on Pre-medical/Medical. This program is specifically designed for aspiring medical and healthcare professionals.
3. University of Colorado Denver: UCD’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers an online degree in Public Health. Such a program will provide you with a strong foundation for a career in health-related fields.
4. Penn State World Campus: One of the leaders in online education, the Penn State World Campus offers various degrees in health-focused areas, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Policy and Administration.
Remember, though, that medical schools will still expect students to have experiences that aren't typically covered in online programs, like research, patient care experience, and physician shadowing. Even with an online degree, you'll need to find ways to gain this essential experience separately.
Lastly, it's crucial to verify that the courses you take are recognized by the medical schools you wish to apply to. Be sure to reach out to those admissions offices to ascertain their policy on recognizing online degrees. The competitive nature of medical school admissions means it's essential to thoroughly planned and executed academic pathway.
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