HEALTH CAREER PATHWAYS
Medical
Medical doctors perform health assessments, run diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, create treatment plans and provide health and wellness advice to patients. Doctors can specialize in specific areas of health. They might also perform surgery. Doctors work in hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, community health centers or private group physicians’ offices.
- Allopathic Medicine (MD): Allopathic medicine refers to a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation or surgery.
- Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine. Emphasizing a whole-person approach to treatment and care, DOs are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well.
Timeline
Length of Medical Education: On average, 3-4 years of medical school after undergraduate studies plus additional years for clinical, residency and fellowship.
Required Classes
- Health Professional programs generally do not accept AP credit (Advanced Placement), IB credit (International Baccalaureate credits) or CLEP credit (College Level Examination Program) to satisfy their required science courses.
- Health Professional program traditionally do not accept international credit taken outside the United States. The required courses must be taken at an accredited institution in the United States.
- Please note that most professional programs will not accept required courses after ten years.
- Check with specific schools you wish to apply for their policies regarding the above policies.
Principles of Chemistry (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 1211K - MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212K - MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) or taken concurrently.
- CHEM 1211K (Principles of Chemistry I) (4 Hours)
- CHEM 1212K (Principles of Chemistry II) (4 Hours)
Principles of Biology (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2107/L - CHEM 1211K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2108/L - BIOL 2107/L with a C or better.
- BIOL 2107 (Principles of Biology I) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2107L (Principles of Biology I lab) (1 Hour)
- BIOL 2108 (Principles of Biology II) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2108L (Principles of Biology Il lab) (1 Hour)
Organic Chemistry (with labs)
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2400 – CHEM 1212K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2410 – CHEM 2400 with a C or better.
- CHEM 2400 (Organic Chemistry I) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2410 (Organic Chemistry II) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2100 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I) (2 Hours)
- CHEM 3110 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II) (2 Hours)
- *Please note the organic labs at the Perimeter campus do not equate to the Atlanta campus’ organic labs.
- CHEM 2400L and 2410L from Perimeter College is equivalent to CHEM 2100 at the Atlanta campus.
Biochemistry
Total 5 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 4600 - Chemistry 2410 with a C or better.
- CHEM 4600 (Biochemistry I) (5 Hours)
Highly recommended
Physics (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1111K – MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) with a C or better.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112K – PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
- PHYS 1111K (Introductory Physics I – General) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 1112K (Introductory Physics II – General) (4 Hours)
Or
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211K – MATH 2211 (Calculus of One Variable I) or MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212K – MATH 2212 (Calculus of One Variable II) or MATH 2202 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
- PHYS 2211K (Principles of Physics I – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 2212K (Principles of Physics II – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
Additional Required Courses
Medical
Total 3 Hours
- MATH 1401 (Elementary Statistics) (3 Hours)
MATH 1401 (Elementary Statistics) is required for ALL students applying to the Medical College of Georgia.
Recommended Courses
- BIOL 3800 (Molecular Cell Biology) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 3880 (Microbiology) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 3900 (Genetics) (3 Hours)
- SOCI 1101 (Introduction to Sociology) (3 Hours)
- PSYC 1101 (Introduction to General Psychology) (3 Hours)
Additional Resources
Testing Information
MCAT - (Medical College Admission Test)
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking and knowledge of natural, behavioral and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
Cost: $330.00
More information about fees
Length of Test: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Score Range: 472 to 528
Test/Retest Policy:
- You can only register for ONE seat at a time,
- Single Testing Year: The MCAT can be taken up to three times,
- Two Consecutive-Year Period: The MCAT can be taken up to four times,
- Lifetime: The MCAT can be taken up to seven times in a lifetime.
- Voids and no-shows count toward your lifetime limit.
CASPer - (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics)
Required for Medical College of Georgia
The Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) is a situational judgment test that seeks to measure attributes such as ethics, communication, empathy and professionalism. CASPer is being used by medical schools as a supplement or instead of the medical school interview.
Cost: $85
Length of Test: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Score Range: Quartile
Test/Retest Policy:
- CASPer test scores are only valid for a single admission cycle,
- The CASPer test changes each year, making test scores untransferable between admissions cycle.
To register, begin by creating an Acuity Insights account with the following:
- Government-issued photo ID (English/French)
- Valid email address,
- Working webcam,
- Working microphone,
- Desktop or laptop computer,
- Reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth speed of at least 2 megabytes per second.
AAMC Preview Professional Readiness Exam
Required for Morehouse School of Medicine and Mercer School of Medicine
The AAMC PREview professional readiness exam is a standardized exam created to evaluate examinee’s understanding of effective pre-professional conduct across eight core competencies for assimilating into medical school.
Cost: $100
Length of Test: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Score Range: Quartile Ranking AND 1 – 9 Score
Test/Retest Policy:
- There is only one attempt per year,
- Terminated exams are considered an attempt,
- At its sole discretion, the AAMC may offer a retake of the exam depending on the outcome of its investigation.
Register for AAMC PREview Exam
Medical Schools in Georgia
Emory School of Medicine – Atlanta, GA
Medical College of Georgia – Augusta, GA and Athens, GA
Mercer School of Medicine – Macon, GA and Columbus, GA
Morehouse School of Medicine – Atlanta, GA
Philadelphia School of Osteopathic Medicine – Suwanee, GA and Moultrie, GA
Application Process
Medical- MD Application Process
The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is the AAMC’s centralized medical school application processing service. AMCAS simplifies the medical college application process by enabling users to complete one standardized application rather than multiple individual applications.
Medical - DO Application Process
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) is the centralized application service for applicants to osteopathic medical school programs. AACOMAS enables users to submit a uniform application with all supplemental documentation to the applicant’s designated colleges.
Early Decision Program
The Early Decision Program gives medical school applicants the opportunity to secure an acceptance from one Early Decision Program-participating medical school by October 1 while still allowing sufficient time to apply to other schools if you are not accepted.
To apply through the Early Decision Program, applicants must follow these guidelines:
- Apply to only one U.S. medical school by the stated deadline date (August 1 for schools that participate in AMCAS);
- Not to apply through the Early Decision Program if they have already submitted an initial or secondary application (AMCAS or non-AMCAS) to a U.S. medical school for the current entering class.
- Attend only this school if offered a place under the Early Decision Program to familiarize yourself and comply with the school-specific Early Decision Program policies and agreements of the program to which you were accepted, including any school-specific impacts if you decide to change program types and apply to other medical schools.
If these guidelines are met, applicants will be notified of the school's admission decision by October 1. If not accepted under the Early Decision Program, applicants will automatically be placed in the regular applicant pool by the school and may then apply to additional schools. Early Decision Program regulations apply to both AMCAS and non-AMCAS participating schools. Not all medical schools offer admission through the Early Decision Program; check medical schools' admission requirements to verify a school's participation. Since most participating schools only admit a small portion of their entering class through the program, only applicants with an excellent chance of admission to a particular school should apply under this program.
Early Decision Programs that GSU students are eligible for in Georgia:
Dental
Dental practitioners, known as DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine), are responsible for preventing, treating and maintaining the oral health of their patients. Instrumental in the early detection of oral cancer and systemic conditions that manifest in and around the oral cavity. A successful dentist is artistic, easy to talk to, a leader and likes to work with their hands. Dentistry can appeal to those looking for a flexible career.
- Difference between DDS and DMD: The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or a DDS have the same education. It is up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees meet the same curriculum requirements.
- Research-Based: Serve as the forefront of new developments in dental implants, computer-generated imaging and cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Advances in dental research, including genetic engineering, the discovery of links between oral and systemic diseases, the development of salivary diagnostics and the continued development of new materials and techniques, make dentistry exciting.
Timeline
Length of Dental Education: Average 4 years of dental school after undergraduate studies plus any additional time if dental specialties are pursued.
Required Courses
- Health Professional programs generally do not accept AP credit (Advanced Placement), IB credit (International Baccalaureate credits) or CLEP credit (College Level Examination Program) to satisfy their required science courses.
- Health Professional programs traditionally do not accept international credit taken outside the United States. The required courses must be taken at an accredited institution in the United States.
- Please note that most professional programs will not accept required courses after ten years.
- Check with specific schools you wish to apply for their policies regarding the above policies.
Principles of Chemistry (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 1211K - MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212K - MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) or taken concurrently.
- CHEM 1211K (Principles of Chemistry I) (4 Hours)
- CHEM 1212K (Principles of Chemistry II) (4 Hours)
Principles of Biology (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2107/L - CHEM 1211K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2108/L - BIOL 2107/L with a C or better.
- BIOL 2107 (Principles of Biology I) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2107L (Principles of Biology I lab) (1 Hour)
- BIOL 2108 (Principles of Biology II) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2108L (Principles of Biology Il lab) (1 Hour)
Organic Chemistry (with labs)
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2400 – CHEM 1212K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2410 – CHEM 2400 with a C or better.
- CHEM 2400 (Organic Chemistry I) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2410 (Organic Chemistry II) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2100 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I) (2 Hours)
- CHEM 3110 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II) (2 Hours)
- Please note the organic labs at the Perimeter campus do not equate to the Atlanta campus’ organic labs.
- CHEM 2400L and 2410L from Perimeter College is equivalent to CHEM 2100 at the Atlanta campus.
Biochemistry
Total 5 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 4600 - CHEM 2410 with a C or better.
- CHEM 4600 (Biochemistry I) (5 Hours)
HIGHLY recommended.
Physics (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1111K – MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) with a C or better.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112K – PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
- PHYS 1111K (Introductory Physics I – General) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 1112K (Introductory Physics II – General) (4 Hours)
Or
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211K – MATH 2211 (Calculus of One Variable I) or MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212K – MATH 2212 (Calculus of One Variable II) or MATH 2202 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
- PHYS 2211K (Principles of Physics I – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 2212K (Principles of Physics II – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
Recommended Courses
- BIOL 2251K and 2252K (Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II*) (8 Hours)
- BIOL 3880 (Microbiology) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 3900 (Genetics) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 3800 (Molecular Cell Biology) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 4074 (Developmental Biology) (4 Hours)
*Previously BIOL 2110K & 2120K
Additional Resources
Testing Information
DAT - (Dental Admission Test)
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a multiple-choice standardized exam taken by potential dental school students in the United States and Canada. All dental schools require applicants to take the DAT as part of the comprehensive admissions process.
Cost: $525.00 for one-time registration
Length of Test: 5 hours, 15 minutes (inclusive of the pre-, post- and mid-break times)
Score Range: 1 to 30
Test/Retest Policy:
- Candidates must wait 60 days between testing attempts on the DAT, with a maximum of four (4) such administrations permitted during any 12-month period,
- Candidates with three (3) or more attempts on the DAT must apply for permission to test again, providing proof of recent application to dental school with each subsequent application to test
- After the candidate’s fifth DAT attempt, the candidate may retest only once per 12-month period.
The DAT is offered year-round.
To register for DAT, start by reading the Official DAT Candidate Guide.
Once you have read the Guide, apply for the exam with your DENTPIN. Your DENTPIN acts as your unique identifier. If you have not previously applied to a dental program, request your DENTPIN. After your application has been processed, you will receive an eligibility letter that permits you to schedule your testing appointment.
Note: Prospective dental students should take the DAT during the second semester of their junior undergraduate year or during the summer between junior and senior years. Make sure you have taken the subjects covered by the test, especially organic chemistry.
Dental School in Georgia
Application Process
Dental Application Process
The ADEA (American Dental Education Association) Associated American Dental School Application Service (ADEA AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service)) is the centralized dental school application processing service. ADEA AADSAS simplifies the medical college application process by enabling users to complete one standardized application rather than multiple individual applications.
Note: Applicants wishing to apply to dental schools in Texas will use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
Dental & Medical – Texas
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) is the application service for medical and dental schools of participating institutions in Texas. TMDSAS enables users to submit a uniformed application with supplemental documentation to participating institutions of the application service.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy, known as PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy), is a licensed doctoral health profession that prepares medications by reviewing and interpreting physician orders; detecting therapeutic incompatibilities. They dispense medications by compounding, packaging and labeling pharmaceuticals and control medications by monitoring drug therapies and advising interventions. They also supervise the work of Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants.
Pharmacists work in various healthcare settings: retail, hospitals, government and military facilities, research labs, clinics and other patient care settings, consultant and pharmaceutical sales.
Timeline
Length of Pharmacy Education: Average 4 years of pharmacy school after undergraduate studies.
Required Courses
- Health professional programs generally do not accept AP credit (Advanced Placement), IB credit (International Baccalaureate credits) or CLEP credit (College Level Examination Program) to satisfy their required science courses.
- Health Professional programs traditionally do not accept international credit taken outside the United States. The required courses must be taken at an accredited institution in the United States.
- Please note their most professional programs will not accept required courses after ten years.
- Check with specific schools you wish to apply for their policies regarding the above policies.
Principles of Chemistry (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 1211K - MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212K - MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) or taken concurrently.
- CHEM 1211K (Principles of Chemistry I) (4 Hours)
- CHEM 1212K (Principles of Chemistry II) (4 Hours)
Principles of Biology (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2107/L - CHEM 1211K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2108/L - BIOL 2107/L with a C or better.
- BIOL 2107 (Principles of Biology I) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2107L (Principles of Biology I lab) (1 Hour)
- BIOL 2108 (Principles of Biology II) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2108L (Principles of Biology Il lab) (1 Hour)
Organic Chemistry (with labs)
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2400 – CHEM 1212K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2410 – CHEM 2400 with a C or better.
- CHEM 2400 (Organic Chemistry I) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2410 (Organic Chemistry II) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2100 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I) (2 Hours)
- CHEM 3110 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II) (2 Hours)
- Please note the organic labs at the Perimeter campus do not equate to the Atlanta campus’ organic labs.
- CHEM 2400L and 2410L from Perimeter College is equivalent to CHEM 2100 at the Atlanta campus.
Biochemistry
Total 5 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 4600 - CHEM 2410 with a C or better.
- CHEM 4600 (Biochemistry I) (5 Hours)
HIGHLY recommended.
Physics (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1111K – MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) with a C or better.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112K – PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
- PHYS 1111K (Introductory Physics I – General) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 1112K (Introductory Physics II – General) (4 Hours)
Or
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211K – MATH 2211 (Calculus of One Variable I) or MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212K – MATH 2212 (Calculus of One Variable II) or MATH 2202 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
- PHYS 2211K (Principles of Physics I – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 2212K (Principles of Physics II – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
Additional Required Courses
Pharmacy
(Total 18 Hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2251K – BIOL 2107K OR CHEM 1211K OR PHYS 1111K WITH A C OR BETTER.
Prerequisites: ECON 2105 OR 2106 – MATH 1001 OR MATH 1111
Prerequisites: MATH 2211 OR 2201 - MATH 1113 WITH A C OR BETTER.
- BIOL 2251K AND 2252K (Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II*) (8 Hours),
- SCOM 1500 (Public Speaking) (3 Hours),
- ECON 2105 or 2106 (Economics) (3 Hours),
- MATH 2211 or 2201 (Calculus I) (4 Hours).
*Previously BIOL 2110K & BIOL 2120K.
Recommended Courses
MATH 1401 (Elementary Statistics) (3 Hours)
Humanities Elective (e.g. history, languages, literature, philosophy, the arts or religion)
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
Additional Resources
Testing Information
PCAT- (Pharmacy College Admission Test)
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT®) is a specialized test that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges. It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education. The PCAT is constructed specifically for colleges of pharmacy.
Cost: $210.00
Length of Test: 4 hours
Score Range: 200 to 600
Test/Retest Policy: The PCAT can be taken up to five times.
To register for the PCAT - (Pharmacy College Admission Test)
*Some pharmacy schools allow GRE test scores for admissions.
Pharmacy Schools in Georgia
Mercer University, College of Pharmacy – Atlanta, GA
Philadelphia School of Osteopathic Medicine – Suwanee, GA and Moultrie, GA
Application Process
Pharmacy Application Process
The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) is a centralized application service for applicants to pharmacy degree programs. PharmCAS caters to first-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy programs. Applicants intending to apply into another pharmacy program must contact the institution directly.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants, known as PA’s and professionally as PA-C as Physician Assistant Certified, have a similar role to primary care doctors. They treat, diagnose and prescribe medication, but are under the supervision of a medical doctor. PA, on average, requires higher amounts of healthcare/patient contact hours and Physician Assistant programs award a master’s degree.
PA training on average includes up to 2000 hours of clinical training as part of the education. Rotations will take place in several different settings and specialties. PAs are trained to be able to change specialties without further training.
Timeline
Length of PA Education: Average of 27 months after undergraduate studies.
Required Classes
- Health professional programs generally do not accept AP credit (Advanced Placement), IB credit (International Baccalaureate credits) or CLEP credit (College Level Examination Program) to satisfy their required science courses.
- Health Professional programs traditionally do not accept international credit taken outside the United States. The required courses must be taken at an accredited institution in the United States.
- Please note their most professional programs will not accept required courses after ten years.
- Check with specific schools you wish to apply for their policies regarding the above policies.
Principles of Chemistry (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 1211K - MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212K - MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) or taken concurrently.
- CHEM 1211K (Principles of Chemistry I) (4 Hours)
- CHEM 1212K (Principles of Chemistry II) (4 Hours)
Principles of Biology (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2107/L - CHEM 1211K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2108/L - BIOL 2107/L with a C or better.
- BIOL 2107 (Principles of Biology I) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2107L (Principles of Biology I lab) (1 Hour)
- BIOL 2108 (Principles of Biology II) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2108L (Principles of Biology Il lab) (1 Hour)
Organic Chemistry (with labs)
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2400 – CHEM 1212K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2410 – CHEM 2400 with a C or better.
- CHEM 2400 (Organic Chemistry I) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2410 (Organic Chemistry II) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2100 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I) (2 Hours)
- CHEM 3110 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II) (2 Hours)
- Please note, the organic labs at the Perimeter campus do not equate to the Atlanta campus’ organic labs.
- CHEM 2400L and 2410L from Perimeter College is equivalent to CHEM 2100 at the Atlanta campus.
Biochemistry
Total 5 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 4600 - Chemistry 2410 with a C or better.
- CHEM 4600 (Biochemistry I) (5 Hours)
HIGHLY recommended.
Physics (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1111K – MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) with a C or better.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112K – PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
- PHYS 1111K (Introductory Physics I – General) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 1112K (Introductory Physics II – General) (4 Hours)
Or
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211K – MATH 2211 (Calculus of One Variable I) or MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212K – MATH 2212 (Calculus of One Variable II) or MATH 2202 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
- PHYS 2211K (Principles of Physics I – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 2212K (Principles of Physics II – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
Additional Required Courses
Physician Assistant
Total 14 Hours
Prerequisites: BIOL 2251K – BIOL 2107K, CHEM 1211K OR PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
Prerequisites: BIOL 3880 - BIOL 2108K and BIOL 3800 with grades of C or higher.
- BIOL 2251K AND 2252K (Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II*) (8 Hours)
- BIOL 3880 (Microbiology) (3 Hours),
- MATH 1401 (Elementary Statistics) (3 Hours).
*Previously BIOL 2110K & BIOL 2120K.
Recommended Courses
- PSYC 1101 (Introduction to General Psychology) (3 Hours)
- MATH 2211 or 2201 (Calculus I) (4 Hours)
- SCOM 1500 (Communications/Speech Course) (3 Hours)
- Humanities Elective (e.g. history, languages, literature, philosophy, the arts or religion)
Additional Resources
Testing Information
PA-CAT - (Physician Assistant College Admissions Test)
The Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) is a specialized discipline-specific exam that is designed to measure applicant knowledge and application in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school.
Cost: $228.00
Length of Test: 4.5 hours
Score Range: 200 to 800
Test/Retest Policy: The PA-CAT can be taken every 6 weeks with a max of 3 times over the course of 12 months.
Testing Dates and Fees
The PA-CAT tests the following:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- General Biology
- Biochemistry
- General and Organic Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Genetics
- Statistics
August University’s Physician Assistant Program students can select between GRE and PA-CAT
Required For Morehouse School Of Medicine
GRE - (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a graduate-level admissions exam used by graduate level programs to uniformly compare all applicants irrespective of academic background or country of origin.
Cost: $220
Length of Test: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Score Range: 260 – 340
Test/Retest Policy:
Applicants may take the General Test:
- Once every 21 days
- Five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period
This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. The retaking of a test policy will be enforced even if a violation is not immediately identified (e.g., inconsistent registration information).
Testing Location and Testing Dates
To register for the GRE, visit: ETS | Educational Research, Assessments and Learning Solutions)
August University’s Physician Assistant Program students can select between GRE and PA-CAT
Physician Assistant Programs in Georgia
Augusta University – Augusta, GA
Brenau University – Gainesville, GA
Emory University School of Medicine – Atlanta, GA
Mercer University – Atlanta, GA
Morehouse School of Medicine – Atlanta, GA
Philadelphia School of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) – Suwanee, GA
Application Process
Physician Assistant Application Process
The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is the application service for applicants to physician assistant programs. CASPA enables applicants to submit all required documentation and sends them to the user’s selected programs.
Optometry
Optometrists, known as Doctor of Optometry (ODs), evaluate a patient's overall vision health and examine, diagnose and treat patients for any conditions affecting vision. This includes prescribing corrective lenses such as glasses and contacts. Optometrists are independent primary health care professionals for the eyes. They are trained to evaluate a patient’s visual condition and determine the best treatment for that condition.
- Should NOT be confused with ophthalmologists or dispensing opticians. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, in addition to diagnosing and treating eye conditions. Dispensing Opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.
Timeline
Length of Optometry Education: Average 4 years of optometry school after undergraduate studies.
Required Courses
- Health professional programs generally do not accept AP credit (Advanced Placement), IB credit (International Baccalaureate credits) or CLEP credit (College Level Examination Program) to satisfy their required science courses.
- Health Professional programs traditionally do not accept international credit taken outside the United States. The required courses must be taken at an accredited institution in the United States.
- Please note their most professional programs will not accept required courses after ten years.
- Check with specific schools you wish to apply for their policies regarding the above policies.
Principles of Chemistry (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 1211K - MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212K - MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) or taken concurrently.
- CHEM 1211K (Principles of Chemistry I) (4 Hours)
- CHEM 1212K (Principles of Chemistry II) (4 Hours)
Principles of Biology (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2107/L - CHEM 1211K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2108/L - BIOL 2107/L with a C or better.
- BIOL 2107 (Principles of Biology I) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2107L (Principles of Biology I lab) (1 Hour)
- BIOL 2108 (Principles of Biology II) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2108L (Principles of Biology Il lab) (1 Hour)
Organic Chemistry (with labs)
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2400 - Chemistry 1212K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2410 – Chemistry 2400 with a C or better.
- CHEM 2400 (Organic Chemistry I) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2410 (Organic Chemistry II) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2100 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I) (2 Hours)
- CHEM 3110 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II) (2 Hours)
- Please note, the organic labs at the Perimeter do not equate to the Atlanta campus organic labs.
- CHEM 2400L and 2410L from Perimeter College is equivalent to CHEM 2100 at the Atlanta campus.
Biochemistry
Total 5 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 4600 - Chemistry 2410 with a C or better.
- CHEM 4600 (Biochemistry I) (5 Hours)
HIGHLY recommended.
Physics (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1111K – MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) with a C or better.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112K – PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
• PHYS 1111K (Introductory Physics I – General) (4 Hours)
• PHYS 1112K (Introductory Physics II – General) (4 Hours)
Or
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211K – MATH 2211 (Calculus of One Variable I) or MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212K – MATH 2212 (Calculus of One Variable II) or MATH 2202 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
- PHYS 2211K (Principles of Physics I – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 2212K (Principles of Physics II – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
Additional Required Courses
Optometry
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisites: MATH 2211 OR 2201 - MATH 1113 WITH A C OR BETTER.
- MATH 1401 (Elementary Statistics) (3 Hours),
- MATH 2211 (Calculus of one Variable I) OR MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) (4 Hours),
- PSYC 1101 (Introduction to General Psychology) (3 Hours).
Recommended Courses
- BIOL 3800 (Molecular Biology)
- BIOL 3880 (Microbiology)
Additional Resources
Testing Information
OAT - (Optometry Admission Test)
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a comprehensive exam that enables optometry education programs to assess the knowledge and preparedness of program applicants. OAT test results are accepted by all optometry schools in the U.S. and Canada. The four-part test is administered year-round by Pro-metric Test Centers in Canada and the U.S. and its territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Cost: $515.00
Length of Test: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Score Range: 200 to 400
Test/Retest Policy:
- Candidates must wait 60 days between testing attempts on the OAT, with a maximum of four (4) such administrations permitted during any 12-month period,
- Candidates with three (3) or more attempts on the OAT must apply for permission to test again, providing proof of recent application to optometry school with each subsequent application to test,
- After the candidate’s fifth OAT attempt, the candidate may retest only once per 12-month period.
To register, begin by reading the OAT Guide.
Optometry Programs
No Programs Offered in Georgia
Tennessee:
Southern College of Optometry
Alabama:
UAB School of Optometry – Birmingham
Application Process
Optometry Application Process
The Optometry College Application Service (OptomCAS) is the centralized application service for applicants to optometry schools. The purpose of OptomCAS is to simplify the optometry college application process by enabling users to complete one standardized application rather than multiple individual applications.
Veterinary
Veterinarians, known as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), diagnose, treat and research medical conditions of diseases of pets, livestock and other animals. Students interested in veterinary science have two graduate degree options. One path is the D.V.M. and/or a doctorate in veterinary medicine, also known as a Ph.D. Note, the difference is that one, DVM, is a veterinarian and the other, Ph.D. is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
- Veterinarians, D.V.M., study for four years and work in many kinds of environments, including zoos, clinics, hospitals, animal sanctuaries and research laboratories. D.V.M. programs offer both theoretical and clinical courses so that students have hands-on experience in treating real animal patients. Students can expect to focus on theoretical aspects of the fieldwork in the first two years, followed by a focus on clinical experience in the final two years.
- Doctor of Veterinary Science, Ph.D. programs offer a combination of a Ph.D. degree and D.V.M. degrees. These programs require the completion of DVM coursework followed by an independent research project in a particular area of veterinary medicine that is of interest to them. There are, however, universities that allow students to apply directly into Ph.D. programs after undergraduate studies. Ph.D. programs do not require students to take additional courses toward doctoral degree WHEN COMBINED with DVM. In stand-alone programs, there will be a requirement of two to three years of coursework in the field, similar to the theoretical courses offered in the DVM programs.
Timeline
Length of veterinary education: Average 4 years of veterinary medicine for D.V.M. The combination of Ph.D. and D.V.M. will vary in years of study based on programs.
Required Classes
Principles of Chemistry (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 1211K - MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212K - MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) or taken concurrently.
- CHEM 1211K (Principles of Chemistry I) (4 Hours)
- CHEM 1212K (Principles of Chemistry II) (4 Hours)
Organic Chemistry (with labs)
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2400 – CHEM 1212K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2410 – CHEM 2400 with a C or better.
- CHEM 2400 (Organic Chemistry I) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2410 (Organic Chemistry II) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2100 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I) (2 Hours)
- CHEM 3110 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II) (2 Hours)
- Please note, the organic labs at the Perimeter do not equate to the Atlanta campus organic labs.
- CHEM 2400L and 2410L from Perimeter College is equivalent to CHEM 2100 at the Atlanta campus.
Biochemistry
Total 5 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 4600 – CHEM 2410 with a C or better.
- CHEM 4600 (Biochemistry I) (5 Hours)
HIGHLY recommended.
Physics (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1111K – MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) with a C or better.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112K – PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
- PHYS 1111K (Introductory Physics I – General) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 1112K (Introductory Physics II – General) (4 Hours)
Or
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211K – MATH 2211 (Calculus of One Variable I) or MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212K – MATH 2212 (Calculus of One Variable II) or MATH 2202 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
- PHYS 2211K (Principles of Physics I – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 2212K (Principles of Physics II – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
Recommended Courses
- BIOL 3800 (Molecular Cell Biology)
- BIOL 3880 (Microbiology)
- BIOL 3900 (Genetics)
- MATH 2211 or 2201 (Calculus I)
- Humanities Elective (e.g. history, languages, literature, philosophy, the arts or religion)
Additional Resources
Testing Information
GRE - (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a graduate-level admissions exam used by graduate level programs to uniformly compare all applicants irrespective of academic background or country of origin.
Cost: $220
Length of Test: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Score Range: 260 - 340
Test/Retest Policy:
Applicants may take the GRE:
- Once every 21 days
- Five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period
This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. The retaking of a test policy will be enforced even if a violation is not immediately identified (e.g., inconsistent registration information).
To register for the GRE, visit: ETS | Educational Research, Assessments and Learning Solutions
Veterinary Programs in Georgia
Application Process
Veterinary Application Process
The Veterinary Medicine College Application Service (VMCAS) is the centralized application service for Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. VMCAS enables users to submit one application and all other required documentation through this service.
Podiatry
Podiatry Practitioners, known as Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), treat and diagnose foot disorders resulting from injury or disease. Practitioners usually specialize in a particular area of podiatric medicine, varying from surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatric care, pediatrics, orthopedics or primary care.
Timeline
Length of Podiatry Education: Average 4 years in a college of podiatric medicine after undergraduate studies. Medical school is followed by a 36-month residency.
Required Classes
- Health professional programs generally do not accept AP credit (Advanced Placement), IB credit (International Baccalaureate credits) or CLEP credit (College Level Examination Program) to satisfy their required science courses.
- Health Professional programs traditionally do not accept international credit taken outside the United States. The required courses must be taken at an accredited institution in the United States.
- Please note their most professional programs will not accept required courses after ten years.
- Check with specific schools you wish to apply for their policies regarding the above policies.
Principles of Chemistry (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 1211K - MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212K - MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) or taken concurrently.
- CHEM 1211K (Principles of Chemistry I) (4 Hours)
- CHEM 1212K (Principles of Chemistry II) (4 Hours)
Principles of Biology (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: BIOL 2107/L - CHEM 1211K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2108/L - BIOL 2107/L with a C or better.
- BIOL 2107 (Principles of Biology I) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2107L (Principles of Biology I lab) (1 Hour)
- BIOL 2108 (Principles of Biology II) (3 Hours)
- BIOL 2108L (Principles of Biology Il lab) (1 Hour)
Organic Chemistry (with labs)
Total 10 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 2400 – CHEM 1212K with a C or better.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2410 – CHEM 2400 with a C or better.
- CHEM 2400 (Organic Chemistry I) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2410 (Organic Chemistry II) (3 Hours)
- CHEM 2100 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I) (2 Hours)
- CHEM 3110 (Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II) (2 Hours)
- Please note, the organic labs at the Perimeter do not equate to the Atlanta campus organic labs.
- CHEM 2400L and 2410L from Perimeter College is equivalent to CHEM 2100 at the Atlanta campus.
Biochemistry
Total 5 Hours
Prerequisite: CHEM 4600 - Chemistry 2410 with a C or better.
- CHEM 4600 (Biochemistry I) (5 Hours)
Highly recommended.
Physics (with labs)
Total 8 Hours
Prerequisite: PHYS 1111K – MATH 1113 (Pre-Calculus) with a C or better.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112K – PHYS 1111K with a C or better.
- PHYS 1111K (Introductory Physics I – General) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 1112K (Introductory Physics II – General) (4 Hours)
Or
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211K – MATH 2211 (Calculus of One Variable I) or MATH 2201 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212K – MATH 2212 (Calculus of One Variable II) or MATH 2202 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) with a C or better.
- PHYS 2211K (Principles of Physics I – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
- PHYS 2212K (Principles of Physics II – Calculus Based) (4 Hours)
Recommended Courses
- PSYC 1101 (Introduction to General Psychology)
- SOCI 1101 (Introduction to Sociology)
- MATH 2211 or 2201 (Calculus I)
Additional Resources
Testing Information:
MCAT - (Medical College Admission Test)
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking and knowledge of natural, behavioral and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
Cost: $330.00
More information about fees
Length of Test: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Score Range: 472 to 528
Test/Retest Policy:
- You can only register for ONE seat at a time,
- Single Testing Year: The MCAT can be taken up to three times,
- Two Consecutive-Year Period: The MCAT can be taken up to four times,
- Lifetime: The MCAT can be taken up to seven times in a lifetime,
- Voids and no-shows count towards your lifetime limits.
Podiatry Schools
No Programs Offered in Georgia
Kent State University – Kent, OH
Midwestern University – Downers Grove, IL
Application Process
Podiatry Application Process
The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS) enables applicants to submit one application and one set of transcripts to all eleven of the schools and colleges of podiatric medicine.
Contact Us
CAS Office of Academic Assistance
Our office provides pre-medical advisement for third-year, senior and post-baccalaureate students.
First-year and second-year students seeking pre-medical advisement receive support from the University Advisement Center.
Pre-Medical Advisement
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Pre-Medical Advisors
- All Post-Bacc Students: Lisa Shepard - [email protected]
- Last Names A-M: Donald "Beau" Harper - [email protected]
- Last Names N-Z: Natalie Everett - [email protected]
- Program Manager: Linda King - [email protected]
Our Office Address
25 Park Place, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30303
University Advisement Center
First-year through second-year students seeking pre-medical advisement receive support from the University Advisement Center.
25 Park Place, Suite 400
Atlanta, GA 30303