Pre-Med Navigation & Resources
Preparing for a career in medicine is a rewarding yet rigorous journey. The field demands a serious educational commitment, typically requiring 11 to 16 years of higher education and training: 4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of residency. At Pacific Lutheran University, we help you map out an intentional academic and experiential path to navigate this journey successfully.
Is Medicine Your Vocation & Calling?
Getting into medical school is a significant commitment. It is expensive, time-consuming, and strenuous. Beyond academic prerequisites, prospective physicians must reflect deeply on their personal values, innate skills, and calling to serve. Ask yourself:
- Are you curious about science and human biology?
- Do you care about people, their lived experiences, and addressing health disparities?
- Are you an empathetic listener capable of making critical decisions under pressure?
- Are you committed to lifelong learning and intellectual growth?
- Does your sense of purpose align with the demands of patient-centered care?
PLU Pre-Med Pathway Insight: 100% of PLU students matriculating into medical school between 2021 and 2025 took at least one gap year. Taking gap time allows applicants to build sustained clinical experience, engage in research or service, avoid burnout, and present a fully developed portfolio.
Academic Preparation & Academic Rigor
Medical schools do not require or favor any specific undergraduate major. However, success requires mastery over advanced STEM concepts and strong social science foundations. Core subjects required for medical school and the 7.5-hour MCAT exam include:
| Core Field | Required PLU Coursework & Competencies |
|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | BIOL 225 & BIOL 226 (Molecules, Cells, Organisms, & Populations) |
| Chemical Sciences | CHEM 115 & CHEM 116 (General Chemistry), CHEM 331 & CHEM 332 (Organic Chemistry), CHEM 403 (Biochemistry) |
| Physics | PHYS 125 & PHYS 126 (General Physics with Lab) |
| Math & Quantitative | One College-Level Math Course (e.g., MATH 128, MATH 140, or MATH 151) |
| Social Sciences | PSYC 101 (Introduction to Psychology) & SOCI 101 (Introduction to Sociology) |
| Writing & Humanities | One Writing/English Course |
Pathways in Medical Education (M.D. vs. D.O.)
There are two primary doctoral degrees that qualify physicians to practice medicine in the United States. Both require 4 years of medical school, 3 to 8 years of residency, and rigorous licensing examinations.
Allopathic Medicine (M.D. – Doctor of Medicine)
Focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human disease through conventional medical practices, clinical research, and pharmacology. Learn more at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
Emphasizes a holistic philosophy of patient care, preventive medicine, the interrelationship of bodily systems, and hands-on osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Learn more at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).
Dual Degree Programs (M.D./Ph.D. & D.O./Ph.D.)
For students passionate about integrating clinical patient care with biomedical research and discovery, physician-scientist training pathways offer dual doctoral preparation.
Resources by Student Group
For Prospective Students
- Explore PLU’s high-impact interdisciplinary science majors and advising resources.
- Learn how the Pre-Health Sciences Scholars Program provides early structured milestones.
For Current Students
- Access the Pre-Med Coursework & Experiences Guide to track prerequisite progress.
- Review the MCAT Prep Timeline and schedule advising check-ins.
- Log clinical hours, community service, and shadowing experiences via the scholar activity log.
For Alumni & Applicants
- Review the AMCAS/AACOMAS Application Process Guide for timing and fee assistance information.
- Connect with advising staff for committee feedback, personal statement reviews, and interview prep.
Alumni Spotlights
Elizabeth Larios ’21
MD Candidate, UW School of Medicine (Matriculated 2026)
Returned to Namibia to conduct global health research on infectious diseases and teach marimba before beginning medical school.
Isaiah Banken ’21
MD Student, UW School of Medicine (Matriculated 2023)
Torrison Scholarship winner and active leader in Biology Club, Men’s Rowing, and PLU Natural Sciences Fellows.
Connect with Pre-Health Advising
Whether you are an incoming student or currently planning your application cycle, our advisors are here to help you build a compelling, well-rounded portfolio.