What is Pre-Med?
To be "pre-med" means you are embarking on a course of study aimed at preparing you for application to a medical school.
What is Naturopathic medicine?
According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical colleges (AANMC), naturopathic medicine “utilizes the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies to treat illness and to promote wellness by viewing the body as an integrated whole” and “above all, it honors the body’s innate wisdom to heal.”
Naturopathic physicians (NDs) are primary health care practitioners and are trained in the conventional tools of diagnosis and in the use of natural therapeutics. According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, NDs treat all medical conditions; conditions that are commonly treated include but are not limited to allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, heart disease, and cancer. NDs can perform minor surgery and are trained to utilize prescription drugs, though the emphasis in naturopathic medicine is on natural healing.
What type of education is required?
An undergraduate degree followed by a four-year professional program.
What should I major in at NDSU, if I want to go to medical school?
Please be aware that pre-med is not a major. The students are encouraged to select a major based on their area of interest. Most medical schools seek applicants with a strong foundation in the natural sciences and have completed the pre-requisites for admission.
What do medical schools look for in applicants?
- Cumulative GPA
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for some schools.
- The personal statement and/or interview.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Motivation through experiences
Coursework required for most medical schools*
- 1 Year Intro Biology- BIOL 150/L, BIOL 151/L
- 1 Year General Chemistry- CHEM 121/L, CHEM 122/L
- 1 Year Organic Chemistry- CHEM 341/L, CHEM 342/L
- 1 semester of General Physics- PHYS 211/L
- 1 semester of College Algebra - MATH 103
* Although this coursework will meet the requirements for many schools, students should check for additional requirements of the schools to which they hope to apply. Most schools want the applicant to have completed the required courses prior to applying. Also, note that many schools will accept AP credit in lieu of the required courses.
Recommended courses
- Statistics- STAT 330
- Biochemistry - BIOC 460
- Human Anatomy & Physiology- BIOL 220/L, BIOL 221/L
- Botany - BIOL 414, BIOL 472
- English- ENGL 110, ENGL 120, COMM 110
- Philosophy- PHIL 110
- Psychology - PSYC 111
- Ethics - PHIL 111
- Cell Biology- BIOL 370
- Genetics - BIOL/PLSC 315/L
- Immunology- MICR 470
- Business and/or Marketing
- Public Health
Experiences
Applicants should consider volunteering at a local hospital or clinic to gain practical experience in naturopathic medicine. A well-rounded sampling of extra-curricular activities or work experiences, both related and unrelated to medicine, will help broaden an applicant's knowledge and development.
Pre-med students are encouraged to participate in student organizations at NDSU such as the Pre-Med Club and American Medical Student Association and Allied Health (AMSA). These organizations are run by students with similar career goals and provide an opportunity for others to discuss career plans and gather details about the professions they are interested in.
What are the AANMC school application procedures?
Standard application requirements may include an application, letters of recommendation, essay and/or prerequisite coursework. For complete information on application processes and deadlines, visit
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