Pre-Health Programs

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Tougaloo offers preparation for students desiring to enter health professions. In recent years, increasing numbers of students have entered schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, medical technology, nursing, public health, cytotechnology, and pharmacy. There are now more than 200 health-related occupations which utilize training in sociology, psychology, art, and music, as well as science. For details on any particular career, consult the Pre-Health advisor.

All pre-medical or pre-dental students should endeavor to complete at least the minimum requirements for professional schools. While a student may, with careful planning, fulfill the requirements for medical or dental school within any major, we strongly suggest that students concentrate on their science and math courses and that they go beyond the minimum by enrolling in additional science coursework and shadowing medical professionals in the intended field. It is recommended that the courses below be completed at least one year before entering medical school or dental school.

Suggested Courses

Suggested courses for students interested in attending medical or dental school.

First Year

Fall

CHE 115 - General Chemistry I 3 Semester Hour(s)
CHE 117 - General Chemistry I Laboratory 1 Semester Hour(s)
BIO 111 - General Biology I 4 Semester Hour(s)

Spring

CHE 116 - General Chemistry II 3 Semester Hour(s)
CHE 118 - General Chemistry II Laboratory 1 Semester Hour(s)
BIO 112 - General Biology II 4 Semester Hour(s)

Second Year

Fall

CHE 225 - Organic Chemistry I 3 Semester Hour(s)
CHE 227 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 1 Semester Hour(s)
PHY 123 - Introduction to Physics I 4 Semester Hour(s)
or
PHY 223 - General Physics I 4 Semester Hour(s)
BIO 221 - Cell Biology 4 Semester Hour(s)

Spring

CHE 226 - Organic Chemistry II 3 Semester Hour(s)
CHE 228 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 1 Semester Hour(s)
PHY 124 - Introduction to Physics II 4 Semester Hour(s)
or
PHY 224 - General Physics II 4 Semester Hour(s)

Third Year

Fall or Spring

CHE 412 - Biochemistry 3 Semester Hour(s)
or
BIO 412 - Biochemistry 3 Semester Hour(s)
SOC 111 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Semester Hour(s) *
PSY 112 - General Psychology II 3 Semester Hour(s) *

Spring

BIO 300/400 x 2 Upper-level biology Spring 8 Semester Hour(s)

Fourth Year

Complete major and college requirements. Apply for professional school.

*Only needed by pre-medical students.

After the sophomore year, students should concentrate on developing testtaking skills for the MCAT or DAT. Throughout their college career, students should shadow a variety of health professionals to solidify their motivation and commitment to their profession.