Warning! Your browser is extremely outdated and not web standards compliant.
Your browsing experience would greatly improve by upgrading to a modern browser.
Visit Apply Contact

< Back to Programs

Pre-Medicine

Contrary to popular belief, there is no one “right” major in preparation for going to medical school. Students often select a course of study that is somewhat related to the professional area, such as biology, chemistry or physics, but there really are no limits as long as the necessary prerequisite course work is completed prior to entering medical school.

Traditionally, students pursue a medical degree after completion of the bachelor’s degree. A medical school candidate should follow an undergraduate curriculum that is broad, yet comprehensive, in preparation for a very people-oriented profession. Candidates are urged to take advantage of academic opportunities in history, art, literature, creative writing, philosophy, social sciences and communications.

Admission to the College of Medicine is competitive and based on undergraduate academic performance, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), participation in health-related experiences (such as clinical, research, community service or leadership), faculty recommendations and a personal interview.

Degree Level:

Pre-Professional Prep

Program Type:

Major

Format:

Full Time, In-Person

Program Catalog Visit Apply Contact

Why Grand View?

  • Research opportunities and assistance in pursuing internships
  • Highly individualized advising
  • Small classes taught by faculty who are recognized as accomplished teachers and researchers
  • State-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation
  • Cadaver lab for BIOL 420 Gross Anatomy

Student Testimonials

Dr. Bonnie Hall

“Dr. Hall helped me get back to Grand view.” - Blaze Kahikina

“I have been struggling with multiple health issues throughout this semester. Dr. Hall has gone above and beyond to make accommodations for me and to look out for me academically, physically, and emotionally. She is constantly pushing students to get the very best out of their education and creates inspiration in the daunting field of biochemistry. Because of Dr. Hall I have a greater love for biochemistry and for research. She has introduced me to multiple wonderful opportunities to help me grow and become a better scientist. Dr. Hall is a true inspiration to me and I can't describe in words how appreciative I am for all of her help and support. Thank you for being such an amazing mentor!” - Alli Rupert

“Dr. Hall helped me with my academic processes, like my class scheduling, change of major when I needed to, critical advising about biochemistry, and many more.” - Abubakar Barau

“She encouraged me and gave me confidence to get things done when I didn't think I could do it. She understood me, but also didn't let me take the easy way out.” - Grant Weldon

“She talked me through it when I felt lost in what major I wanted to pursue. She was honest and supportive of what I wanted to pursue and helped me feel at peace with my decision. She also helped by writing a recommendation for a scholarship. I really appreciate everything she has done for me and she really deserves to be recognized for it!” - Alexa Pinos

Jori Avery

“Jori always takes the time to listen to my concerns and help develop a plan of action. She is knowledgeable and loves to share her wisdom. She was recently a student herself so she relates well to students here at GVU.” - Allyssa Angle

Dr. Corbin Zea

“Dr. Zea is always willing to help with more than just classes and is very easy to get along with and talk to. He gets to know students on a personal level rather than just as another student.” - Tyler Henze

“Dr. Zea is my advisor but has also been my professor for multiple classes. He always makes time for me even outside of his office hours. He is also one of the most enthusiastic professors I know.” - Sunnie Baumgartner

“Dr. Zea brings a whole other level of enthusiasm to his classes that you don't see from other professors. This makes classes more enjoyable and easier to learn.” - Elma Omanovic

Program Details

Recommended Courses

The prerequisite courses required by most medical schools include:

  • ENGL 101 - English Composition, SPCH 126, plus two other ENGL classes
  • CHEM 111, 111L, 112, 112L - General Chemistry (8 hours with lab)
  • BIOL 101, 101L, 102, 102L - General Biology (8 hours with lab)
  • CHEM 321, 321L, 322, 322L - Organic Chemistry (8 hours with lab)
  • PHYS 131, 131L, 132, 132L - General Physics (8 hours with lab)
  • CHEM 351 - Biochemistry
  • MATH 241 or 261 - Statistics, or MATH 231 - Calculus
  • PSYC 101 - Intro to Pscyhology, PSYC 212 - Human Development and other PSYC courses (such as abnormal psychology), SOCS 101 - Intro to Sociology, an ethics and/or philosophy course

The following courses are highly recommended, but not required:

  • BIOL 360 - Genetics
  • BIOL 335 - Physiology
  • BIOL 380 - Cell Biology
  • BIOL 410 - Histology
  • BIOL 420 - Gross Anatomy
  • BIOL 444 - Immunology
  • CHEM 452 - Advanced Biochemistry

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should my GPA be in order to go to medical school?
The average GPA of students admitted into Medical School in the United States in 2016 was 3.76 (range 2.31-4.0), as reported by the AAMC.

When should I begin my pre-medical coursework?
All pre-medicine students should begin their coursework as early as possible in their academic career.

Are there any organizations at Grand View available for pre-med students?
At Grand View, you can participate in PreSOMA. The purpose of the PreSOMA club is to provide information and knowledge about osteopathic medical schools and what they have to offer to students planning to pursue a medical degree after Grand View. PreSOMA is an undergraduate student organization affiliated with SOMA at DMU. SOMA stands for Students of Osteopathic Medicine Association.

How long does it take to finish medical school?
Four years, plus residency.

Alumni Success Story

Taylar AntolikWhile at Grand View, Taylar participated in many activities on and off campus including: volleyball, track, Presidential Ambassadors, ChromoZone, Resident Assistant, Tri-Beta Honor Society, Writing Center Tutor, tutor for various other science courses, INTS 101 Peer Mentor, Anatomy and Physiology Teaching Assistant and Commencement Speaker for her graduating class.

At Grand View, and in the Biology department specifically, "I gained not only an education, but also a family," Taylar says. In fact, Taylar is genuinely thankful for her time at Grand View and believes, "If it weren't for my time at GV, I most definitely would not be where I am today. All of my professors took a personal interest in me, not only as a student, but as a person outside of the academic classroom. They pushed me to grow and become the best version of myself possible."

After graduating from Grand View, Taylar went on to medical school at Des Moines University. She chose to attend DMU because like Grand View, it provided her with excellent academics, but also a feeling of family that is hard to find in the medical profession.

While at Grand View, Taylar majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and LOGOS. In her own words, Taylar says, "My faculty advisor challenged me to pursue medicine and I am so grateful that I took her advice. She opened my eyes to a world of possibilities that I had never considered and truly was not sure were possible. The support I received at Grand View continued long after my graduation day and I have created lifelong friendships that I will always cherish."

Furthermore, "I would recommend Grand View to students wanting to pursue pre-med," Taylar says. "Not only will you be able to complete the prerequisites necessary to be eligible for medical school, but you will gain a support system that will work tirelessly to ensure your success."

 

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

Get an early estimate of your financial aid and costs by entering some basic information. The more accurate your inputs, the more reliable your estimate will be. Keep in mind that these figures are approximations. Your actual financial aid package will be determined based on the details provided in your FAFSA.

Calculate It

Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

Compare Schools Cost Calculator

Use this calculator to compare your potential costs at Grand View to those of other colleges and universities. It is most useful after you've received your financial aid award letters.

Compare Now

Degree Combinations

Tuition

Visit

Apply