At the University of Kentucky, pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Pre-Professional Advisors offer support and guidance to University of Kentucky students, from all majors, interested in applying to medical school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, Pre-Professional Advisors also direct students to University programs, such as UK Education Abroad or the Center for Community Outreach, that foster well-rounded medical school applicants.
Students planning to attend medical school should meet with a pre-med advisor at least twice during their freshman and sophomore years and at least three times during their junior and senior years. Students can contact the Stuckert Career Center at ukcareercenter@uky.edu to schedule an appointment with an advisor or find out about pre-medical information sessions, learn about internships and job shadowing opportunities, and receive assistance with personal statements. Students with a major in the College of Arts & Sciences may also contact ASAdvisingCenter@uky.edu to schedule an appointment with a pre-health advisor.
Medical science and practice involve complex relationships between physical, biological, psychological, cultural, and environmental aspects of human behavior. In the preparation for medical school, fundamental undergraduate college training in biology, chemistry, physics and English is essential. Minimal requirements are satisfied with the following or their equivalent:
Prerequisite course work must be taken for grade options and not pass-fail. Courses in mathematics, psychology, sociology and the humanities also provide excellent preparation for medical study. Non-science majors should try to include several upper-level courses in biology, chemistry or related disciplines. Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation at the College of Medicine.
In order to be well prepared for MCAT, we strongly recommend that prospective applicants complete courses in cell biology, statistics, psychology, and sociology.
The College of Medicine strongly recommends that students obtain a bachelor's degree before entering medical school. All prerequisite course work must be earned at colleges and universities recognized by one of the U.S. Regional Accrediting Agencies. If you have questions about whether a particular course meets the prerequisite requirement you should consult with your premedical advisor. Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation.
The University of Kentucky recognizes examinations of the College Board Advanced Placement Program offered by high schools throughout the nation. The Admissions Committee has adopted the following policy regarding use of Advanced Placement (AP) credit for required prerequisite courses for medical school:
Additional information: aamc.org -or- aacom.org
If you are interested in learning more about potential careers in healthcare, please visit this link to explore.
Explore Healthcare CareersThe Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking and knowledge of science concepts and principle prerequisites to the study of medicine. Pre-med courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics should be taken prior to taking the MCAT. For a list of required and suggested pre-med coursework, see reverse side.
Join the University of Kentucky pre-med listserv to stay connected with pre-med announcements and information sessions. To subscribe to the listserv, send an email message to listserv@lsv.uky.edu and type “SUBSCRIBE PRE-MED-L” in the body of the message.
At the University of Kentucky (UK), pre-professional programs are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Successful medical school applicants come from a variety of majors and backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While philosophies among the nation’s medical schools differ, all recognize the importance of a broad education with a strong foundation in the sciences blended with the social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to work with their Pre-Med Advisor to explore their options.
Pre-Professional
Stuckert Career Center
859-257-2746
