2021 Health/Medical Prep Programs Degree Guide
If you know you would like to be in the medical profession, consider participation in a Health/Medical Prep Program.
This program includes prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math in order to learn about the medical field and prepare students for the MCATs and medical school. Although participation in these programs does not guarantee you a medical school position, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead you towards a career in a specific medical field.
Students may choose programs in everything from medicine or dentistry, to veterinary studies, nursing, pharmacy and more.
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Health/Medical Prep Programs Degrees Decreasing
In 2018-2019, health/medical prep programs was the 91st most popular major nationwide with 11,279 degrees awarded. This represents a 4.7% reduction in medical prep degrees awarded over the prior year's total of -11,807.
There are 255 schools offering degrees in health/medical prep programs in the United States. This year's Best Colleges for Health/Medical Prep Programs ranking compares 26 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom medical prep rankings further below.
Requirements for Getting a Degree in Health/Medical Prep Programs
Health/Medical Prep Programs are based in science, making a strong background in biology and chemistry necessary. You will take classes in multiple subdivisions of these areas and must use your critical and analytical skills to preform experiments, analyze data, and study complex concepts. Students in this field are heading towards a career in the medical profession, making strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary as you will eventually be working closely with patients and other medical professionals.
Participation in a Health/Medical Prep Program is the first step in becoming a doctor or another medical professional. Medical careers are fulltime positions that may require long hours. You may be on call or have to work night and weekends when performing procedures or dealing with emergencies. Professionals often work in hospitals, doctors' offices, health clinics, and other medical centers.
If you are interested in a medical profession, it is recommended that you pursue an internship, summer job, or participation in a summer field program to gain experience and learn more about the field. You will be able to work closely with doctors and get hands-on experience.
Prior Education for a Medical Prep Program
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most medical prep degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific medical prep careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Types of Health/Medical Prep Programs Degrees
There are various different levels of medical prep degrees. Health/Medical Prep Programs programs offered by schools range from a associate's to a research/scholarship based doctorate, which is the highest medical prep degree you can get. Depending on the health/medical prep programs degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
---|---|---|
Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
Medical Prep Careers
Students who pursue a degree from a Health/Medical Prep Program go onto other schools to earn an advanced degree and pursue careers as nurses, doctors, vets, physical therapists, chiropractors, optometrists, and other types of medical professionals. You will have an introduction to your field of study, but you will not be able to practice until you attend a graduate program. Students who earn their advanced degree should be able to find jobs after graduation.
Medical Prep Degree Salary Potential
Recently graduated health/medical prep programs students earned an average of $33,843 in 2017-2018. Earnings can range from as low as $10,900 to as high as $123,800. As you might expect, salaries for medical prep graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

Top Ranking Lists for Health/Medical Prep Programs
Study Areas in Health/Medical Prep Programs
Health/Medical Prep Programs is one of 34 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.
Most Popular Related Majors
Related Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Nursing | 305,309 |
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 99,641 |
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 93,192 |
Allied Health Professions | 86,697 |
Health & Medical Administrative Services | 82,868 |
View All Medical Prep Related Majors >
References
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Image Credit: By Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
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