Medical careers are high profile, high pressure and highly paid, and OU's Medical Professions program prepares students for a career in this exciting field. This program gives students the foundation of skills and knowledge necessary to enter medical school. OU is one of the few universities in the nation to provide two full-time advisers to guide Medical Professions students through the process of completing prerequisite requirements, the MCAT and the medical school application process. A variety of workshops are also provided for Medical students, including a "Personal Statement and Interview Skills" workshop. These workshops prepare students to be stronger applicants to various medical schools across the country. Many graduates continue their education at the College of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Located in Oklahoma City, it is one of only four comprehensive medical centers in the nation with seven professional colleges.
Students may major in any academic area as OU undergraduates, as long as they take the prerequisite medical courses. Students are encouraged to maintain at least a 3.6 undergraduate GPA.
If part of your academic plan is to fulfill your requirements for medical school, you have a multitude of major choices that can compliment your pre-med designation. Declaring that you are “pre-med” simply means you intend to be a doctor or medical professional after you complete your undergraduate degree. There is no one major for pre-med students. Medical schools require a distinct set of prerequisite courses; in fact, these prerequisite courses may be met while pursuing many different majors, and which major you pursue is entirely dependent upon you. Visit our Pre-Med Major Options page to learn more about several options you may consider.
Students interested in Pre-Medical Professions typically receive a bachelor's degree, often in a biological science, before applying to medical school. Some students complete a Master of Public Health before medical school, which can be an asset in their medical career. Once admitted to a medical program, students typically graduate with a Doctor of Medicine degree. A combined Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy degree program is also offered through OU's College of Medicine.
Since Pre-Medical Professions students can choose to pursue an undergraduate degree in any major, their alternate career options are unlimited. Students are encouraged to diversify themselves by acquiring a minor in humanities or other areas of interest. Successful medical applicants have a proven academic record and are able to demonstrate commitment, communication skills, leadership, altruism and interpersonal ability.
There are a number of clubs on OU's Norman campus that help students prepare for a career in Medicine, including Pre-Med Club, which provides panel discussions with medical students, doctors and deans of admissions from various medical schools as well as assistance in preparing for the MCAT. Many of OU's undergraduate alumni currently attend some of the finest medical schools in the nation, such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins University and Mayo. OU graduates are highly regarded by medical schools and find that their undergraduate courses have prepared them for the rigors of graduate-level Medicine programs.
Most OU students interested in Pre-Medical Professions go on to the College of Medicine at the OU Health Sciences Center or other medical schools.
Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree.
The College of Medicine undergoes a rigorous accreditation process every eight years by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the accreditation authority of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association Council on Medical Education. Many of the OU undergraduate programs students interested in Medicine participate in are also accredited.
Pre-Medical Professions Program (Norman Campus)
Amber Demastus
Email: amber@ou.edu
Phone: (405) 325-1596
Website: advising/about_advising/pre-professionaladvising.html
OU College of Medicine (Health Sciences Center Campus)
Office of Admissions
Phone: (405) 271-2331
Email: adminmed@ouhsc.edu
Website: oumedicine.com
