Refresh Old Science Degree - Need Advice!!

Nontraditional Premed Discussion
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Hello there! I need some advice! I am a 28 year old lawyer, and I have realized that I made a mistake… i.e., going to law school instead of medical school (as I had originally planned). I have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, 3.98 GPA and a J.D. with a 3.4 GPA. I worked in medical offices throughout high school and college. Here’s the snag and my primary question: I received my Chemistry degree in 2001, and since I have been practicing law, I have not done anything with my science degree.


My question is two-pronged. First, I realize that some schools will not recognize coursework that is over a certain number of years old. Does anyone know where I can find a list of school’s admission requirements - so I can identify which schools may not recognize some of my earlier coursework? Second, my science is rusty, but I know it would be just like riding a bike for me. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations for programs/ ways to refresh the required science and math courses? I have been looking into some of the post-bacc programs, but none of them seem to really fit my needs.


Truth be told, ideally I want to accomplish three things so I can apply to medical school: (1) take the one or two prerequisite courses that were not part of my undergrad degree (I need one more semester of Biology and I would like to take a couple of advanced courses, anatomy, etc…); (2) refresh my science and math background (calculus, chemistry, physics); and (3) get some clinical experience, either in a hospital or in a clinic. Can anyone recommend a program/ course of action that would allow me to do these things? I would love to find a certificate or a degree program that I could apply to … but medical school is the ultimate goal.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much!

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Hey Tom,


Welcome to OPM

  1. on requirements for MD/Allopathic schools there is the MSAR


    http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/msa r.htm (look it up on amazon, its cheaper there)


    for DO/Osteopatic programs, there is free pdf download


    http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/c ib/Pages…

  2. Depending on where you are located there are some PostBacc programs that are designed with your situation in mind.


    Drexel http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/AcademicPrograms /Pro…


    Georgetown http://smp.georgetown.edu/


    these are but a few and all postbaccs are listed http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

  3. With your excellent chemistry and law degrees I think it may serve you well to simply take courses at a local college. I would also take a MCAT course and see how much chemistry and physics comes back

  4. there is no hard and fast rule on how old course can. It varies by school and frankly by applicant.
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Richard,


Thank you so much! That is really helpful information, especially about the particular post-bacc programs. I will look into them and keep you posted on what I decide to do.


Oh, and my name is Amy, not Tom… I guess jdtomd does have “tom” in it… I was trying to be clever… jd to md… get it oh well… I tried!


Thanks again!


Amy

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And my apologies for mistakenly calling u Tom, I was presumptive and assumed far too much. Also I have been reducing my typing to text-speak that the word “to” no longer exists, just the numeral


What area ru located in?

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Thanks! I’m in the Tampa, Florida area. The more I think about it, I think that I may just go to USF and take the one or two courses I need and take an MCAT review course. What do you think?


I also applied to volunteer at a local hospital, but I am worried that I won’t get the “right” kind of experience or get a real taste of what medicine is all about. Do you have any advice about how to get valuable experience?


Thank you so much!