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• How to Become a Medical Researcher – 6 Steps You Must Take
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• Medical Field Careers

A medical researcher, sometimes referred to as a medical scientist, carries out scientific studies to enhance our understanding of medicine and how to treat illnesses better. Their work is crucial for pushing healthcare forward, leading to new treatments and technologies that save lives and improve the quality of care for patients.

Those passionate about making their mark in the medical field often find themselves working there. However, despite the rewards this career offers, it requires commitment. Understanding how to get into medical research as well as the steps to take is crucial for determining whether this career is for you. Read on to discover more!

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What is a medical researcher.

A medical researcher plays a crucial role in discovering new ways to improve our health. They conduct experiments to test new medicines or treatments, carefully analyze the results, and then share their findings through publications. This process helps the medical community learn more about diseases and how to combat them.

Medical research is vast and covers various fields. For example, clinical research focuses on testing new treatments or drugs directly on patients to see if they are safe and effective. Epidemiology is the study of how diseases spread and affect different groups of people, helping identify illness patterns and causes. Translational research bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world medical treatments. It aims to quickly turn scientific findings into practical solutions that can be used in healthcare. Together, these fields of medical research contribute to advancing our understanding of health and disease, leading to better prevention, diagnosis, and treatments.

What Does a Medical Researcher Do?

A medical researcher completes many important tasks. They design studies to answer specific health questions, collect data through experiments or observations, analyze the results to find patterns or answers, and then write research papers to share their findings with others. This process helps improve our understanding of diseases and health.

Medical research is a team effort. Researchers often collaborate with people from different fields, such as biology, statistics, and medicine, to get a well-rounded view of their study. They also collaborate with doctors and healthcare professionals to apply their findings in real-life settings. This teamwork strengthens medical research because it combines knowledge from various areas to tackle health problems more effectively.

How to Become a Medical Researcher?

Becoming a medical researcher is an exciting path for those who want to explore the mysteries of health and disease. The journey to getting there includes a mixture of education, subjects and practical work, ensuring you are equipped with all the skills necessary to succeed in this dynamic field.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry is like laying the foundation for future study. It gives you the basic knowledge and skills needed for a career in medical research or related fields. A strong GPA is important because it shows you understand the material well, which is crucial for tackling complex research problems. Also, getting involved in research during your undergraduate studies is a big plus. It gives you a taste of what medical research is like and helps you stand out when applying for further studies or jobs. Together, these steps prepare you for success in the scientific community.

Earn a Medical Degree

Choosing to pursue a medical degree, like an MD program (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), opens the door to becoming a physician-researcher. At this point, it’s crucial to know what makes a medical school application stand out and approach it strategically. This special path lets you both treat patients and conduct research to find new ways to improve healthcare. As a physician-researcher, you can apply your scientific discoveries directly to patient care, seeing firsthand how your work makes a difference. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey for those passionate about making a lasting impact on health and medicine.

Complete a Three-Year Residency

After earning their medical degree, physician-researchers must complete a residency program. This is a critical step where they work in hospitals or clinics for several years, gaining hands-on experience in treating patients under the supervision of experienced doctors. During residency, they learn a lot about different medical conditions and how to manage them. This period is crucial for building their clinical skills and medical knowledge, preparing them to be both excellent doctors and insightful researchers who can contribute to advancing medical science.

Get a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree

Obtaining a PhD in a field like biomedical sciences or public health means going deeper into studying and researching a specific area of medicine. This journey starts with taking advanced classes to build your knowledge. Then, the main focus shifts to doing your own research project. You’ll pick a unique question to explore, conduct experiments or studies to find answers, and finally, write a detailed dissertation about what you discovered. This process, which takes several years, prepares you to be an expert in your field, ready to contribute new knowledge to the world of medical research.

Pass the United States Medical Learning Examination (USMLE)

For physician-researchers in the United States, passing the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is a must to get a medical license. This series of exams tests your knowledge and skills in medicine to ensure you’re ready to provide high-quality care to patients. Part of the test, for example, is the USMLE Step 2 CK , where you will be tested on clinical science. At further stages, it will cover everything from basic medical science concepts to clinical skills. Passing this exam is a big step toward practicing medicine and conducting research that can improve patient care.

Obtain Licensing and Certification

Getting a medical license or certification is highly important for doctor-researchers, depending on what their job or the place they want to work requires. This license proves they have the knowledge and skills to treat patients safely and effectively. For research positions, especially those involving direct patient care, being licensed ensures you meet the high standards needed to conduct medical research ethically and responsibly. It opens doors to more opportunities, allowing researchers to make a more significant impact in both patient care and the medical research community.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Medical Researcher

Medical researchers need several key skills to be successful at their job, including:

• Analytical Skills : Ability to examine data and extract meaningful insights
• Attention to Detail : Noticing and considering every small part or fact to avoid errors
• Communication Skills : Clearly conveying research findings and ideas, both in writing and speaking, to a variety of audiences
• Teamwork : Collaborating effectively with other researchers, healthcare professionals, and possibly patients
• Critical Thinking : Evaluating information logically and creatively to make reasoned decisions and solve problems
• Problem-Solving Skills : Identifying issues within a study and finding effective solutions
• Ethics : Understanding and applying ethical principles to research involving human or animal subjects
• Time Management : Effectively managing one’s time to balance research, publication deadlines, and possibly clinical duties

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for medical researchers is bright, with a growing demand for skilled professionals. As we face new health challenges and continue to seek better treatments for diseases, the need for innovative research increases. According to BLS data , the need for medical researchers is projected to grow 10% in the following decade, meaning more opportunities to work in the field.

Salaries in this sector can vary widely. Factors like experience, education, and where you work (e.g., in a big city versus a rural area) can make a big difference in how much you earn. Generally, medical researchers can expect to earn up to $99,930 per year, a salary that reflects the importance and complexity of their work and offers many opportunities for advancement.

To become a successful medical researcher, you need a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, or a related field, followed by advanced training such as a PhD or medical degree. Essential skills include analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication. If you’re passionate about advancing healthcare, start by pursuing relevant education and seeking research opportunities. Dive into the world of medical research and contribute to life-saving discoveries!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can you still be a doctor and do research.

Yes, you can be a doctor and also conduct research. Many physicians split their time between seeing patients and working on research projects to advance medical knowledge.

Can you be a medical researcher without being a doctor?

Yes, you can be a medical researcher without being a doctor. Many researchers have PhDs in fields like biology, biochemistry, or public health instead of medical degrees.

If I want to go into medical research, is biochemistry a good major choice?

Biochemistry is an excellent major for going into medical research. It gives you a solid foundation in the sciences that underpin medicine, helping you understand the chemical processes behind health and disease.

How many years does it take to be a medical researcher?

Becoming a medical researcher typically takes about 8 to 12 years after undergraduate studies, including time spent earning a PhD or MD and gaining additional research experience.

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The Guide to Becoming a Medical Researcher

• February 1, 2023

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As a medical researcher, your job is to conduct research to improve the health status and longevity of the population. The career revolves around understanding the causes, treatments, and prevention of diseases and medical conditions through rigorous clinical investigations, epidemiological studies, and laboratory experiments. As a medical researcher, simply gaining formal education won’t suffice. You also need to hone your communication, critical thinking, decision-making, data collecting, data analyzing and observational skills. These skill sets will enable you to create a competitive edge in the research industry. On a typical day, a medical researcher would be collecting, interpreting, and analyzing data from clinical trials, working alongside engineering, regulatory, and quality assurance experts to evaluate the risk of medical devices, or maybe even preparing and examining medical samples for causes or treatments of toxicity, disease, or pathogens.

How To Become a Medical Research Doctor?

The roadmap to medical research is a bit tricky to navigate, because it is a profession that demands distinctive skills and expertise along with mandatory formal education. If you harbor an interest in scientific exploration and a desire to break new ground in medical knowledge, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. After completing your undergraduate education, you will need to earn a Medical Degree ( MD ) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, from a quality institution such as the Windsor university school of Medicine.

After that, the newly minted doctor of medicine (MD) may choose to complete a three-year residency program in a specialty related to medical research, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, or neurology, in addition to a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree—the part that provides the research expertise. In some  medical school  programs, students may pursue a dual MD-PhD at the same time, which provides training in both medicine and research. They are specifically designed for those who want to become research physicians. Last but not the least, all physician-scientists must pass the first two steps of the United States Medical Learning Examination (USMLE).

Use your fellowship years to hone the research skills necessary to carry out independent research. You may also take courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and other related fields. In order to publish your research in peer-reviewed journals to establish yourself as a medical researcher. To apply for a faculty position at a medical school, research institute, or hospital. To maintain your position as a medical research doctor, you must publish your research and make significant contributions to the field.

How Much Do Medical Researchers Make?

Having a clear idea of what to earn when you become a medical researcher can help you decide if this is a good career choice for you. The salaries of Medical Researchers in the US range from $26,980 to $155,180, with a median salary of $82,240. There is also room for career advancement and higher earning potential as you gain experience.

The Most Popular Careers in Medical Research

• Medical Scientists  – conduct research and experiments to improve our understanding of diseases and to develop new treatments. They also develop new medical technologies and techniques.
• Biomedical engineers  – design medical devices, such as pacemakers, prosthetics, and imaging machines. They also develop and improve existing medical technologies.
• Clinical Trial Coordinators  – oversee and manage clinical trials, which test new drugs and treatments. They are responsible for recruiting participants, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring the trial is conducted in compliance with ethical standards.
• Medical Laboratory Technicians  – analyze bodily fluids and tissues to diagnose diseases and conditions. They perform tests using specialized equipment and techniques, and report results to physicians.
• Biostatisticians  – collect statistics to analyze data and test hypotheses in medical research. They design and analyze clinical trials, and use statistical models to understand the causes and effects of diseases.
• Epidemiologists  – study the causes, distribution, and control of diseases in populations. They collect and analyze data, and use their findings to develop strategies for preventing and controlling diseases.
• Pathologists  – diagnose diseases by examining tissues and bodily fluids. They use microscopes and other diagnostic tools to identify and study the changes in tissues caused by disease.
• Genetic Counselors  – help individuals understand and manage the risks associated with inherited genetic disorders. They educate patients about genetic tests and help families make informed decisions about their health.
• Health Services Researchers  – study the delivery of healthcare and identify ways to improve it.
• Medical writers  – write articles, reports, and other materials related to medical research.
• Microbiologists  – study microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, to understand their behavior and impact on human health.
• Neuroscientists  – study the brain and nervous system to understand the underlying causes of neurological conditions.
• Toxicologists  – study the effects of toxic substances on living organisms and the environment.

Skills You Need to Become a Medical Researcher?

To be a successful medical scientist, you need a range of soft and hard skills to excel in your work. First things first, medical researchers must be able to analyze data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions from their findings. They must be able to think critically, ask relevant questions, and design experiments to answer those questions. Additionally, you should also have the knack of articulating your findings clearly and effectively, be it writing research papers, grant proposals, or technical reports that are clear, concise, and free from errors.

Medical researchers must be proficient in using various computer programs and software to collect, manage, analyze and interpret research data. They must be able to use laboratory equipment and techniques, as well as statistical analysis software and other tools for data analysis. Since medical research involves precise and meticulous work, so you must also pay close attention to detail to ensure that your findings are accurate and reliable. Not to mention, medical researchers often work in teams, so it pays off if you are good at collaborating with others effectively, sharing ideas, and working together to solve complex problems.

Lastly, medical researchers must have a thorough understanding of regulations and ethical guidelines that govern research, such as obtaining informed consent from study participants, ensuring data confidentiality, and adhering to safety protocols.

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How to make a career in medical research?

• Career guides

Starting a career in medical research

If you have the intellectual and emotional resilience, also if you wish to contribute to the body of knowledge in medical sciences then you are a right candidate for a career in Medical Research. Devising and conducting experiments, investigating the epidemiological basis of a disease, working in collaboration with a team, ability to question intricate complexities of genome and proteome and effective written and oral communication skills are the chief qualities of an inborn medical researcher. If the following description sounds like you, then you are probably well suited for a career as a medical researcher.

Qualifications to become a medial researcher

The roadmap to medical researcher is complex because it’s a profession that demands distinctive skills and expertise along with mandatory formal education. The simplest formal degree requirement is minimum Masters or a Ph.D. For an outstanding career as a medical researcher, a Ph.D. will help you to go the distance in an academic career. There is right now an extraordinarily extensive overabundance of post-doctoral partnerships battling for an exceptional set number of lasting scholarly positions. Having said that, accomplishing a PhD in a science subject will stand you in great stead for various research positions. You can pursue a career in medical research by obtaining a formal education in either biological sciences or medicine however; medicine can broaden your options. Furthermore, after earning a formal education in either biology or medicine, the next milestone towards the development of a career in medical research is participating in a research-based internship. In most graduate schools, participating in a research internship and undertaking a research project is the part of the exclusively designed curriculum. This opportunity will allow you to get a chance to be mentored by a physician or research scientist where you can work in collaboration with the team on the ongoing research project.

In order to escalate to the position of the medical researcher, it is integral to complete an advanced degree program in either science or medicine. According to the US Bureau Labor Statistics (BLS), postgraduates and graduates with dual undergraduate degrees become successful candidates for the job positions.

After completing your advanced education, as a medical researcher you can start your aspiring and a challenging career with entry-level positions of medical research associate. As an associate, you are required to assist a scientist in devising, planning and conducting research trials. You can add something extraordinary to your resume by earning credentials offered to research professionals by regulatory bodies. Credential based certifications are not only going to prepare you for some verifiable skills needed in the career but will also aid you in advancing your career path to medical research.

The job role

As a medical researcher, it is your utmost responsibility to conduct research to improve the health status and longevity of the population. The career revolves around clinical investigations to understand human diseases and rigorous lab work. As a medical researcher, formal education will not suffice. As a developing medical researcher, you need to have effective communication, critical thinking, decision-making, data collecting, data analysing and observational skills. These skill sets will enable you to create a competitive edge in the research industry.

Your interest in scientific exploration and a desire to provide a breakthrough in medical knowledge will help you to explore and solve some unknown mysteries associated with complex diseases.

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Applying to Biomedical Research Programs

New section.

Learn about the process of applying to medical research programs.

A diligent, well-organized approach to applying to graduate school can help you gain admission to a program that best matches your professional goals.

The medical industry heavily relies on the specialized work provided by Medical Researchers.

These professionals are at the forefront of medical advancements to develop treatments, medicines and possible cures for a variety of medical diseases and disorders.

Some common medical maladies and diseases Medical Researchers may study and investigate include: cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and the medicines and treatments being developed for these disorders.

Individuals who want to become a Medical Researcher will need an extensive medical background, postsecondary degree and skills in data analysis in order to succeed in this profession.

Table of Contents

Education Requirements to Become a Medical Researcher

Medical researcher job description, national average salary, average salary by state.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

What does a medical researcher do?

How much does a medical researcher make, how much does it cost to become a medical researcher, what is the demand for medical researchers, how long does it take to become a medical researcher.

Individuals who want to become a Medical Researcher will need a strong background in medicine and complete required postsecondary degrees in order to enter this profession.

Medical Researchers will also have to attend medical school to attain a PhD in Biomedical Sciences or a Medical Degree (MD).

A medical license is a requirement for individuals who want to do medical research and treat patients.

As undergraduates, individuals who want to become a Medical Researcher will need pursue a degree in a science related field.

Some typical degrees individuals can seek include biology, chemistry and microbiology.

It is also highly recommended that undergraduates take classes in writing and English in order to develop skills useful in research and grant writing.

Other helpful courses include: mathematics, physical science and life sciences.

As graduate students, individuals who want to become a Medical Researcher have the option to pursue a PhD program or a dual program that combines a PhD and a medical degree.

Medical degree/PhD programs provide training in both research and medicine.

Under these dual programs, individuals can combine a PhD with the following degrees: Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Traditional PhD programs are approximately 4 years in length and focus more on laboratory work and an individual’s own research.

During this phase, students will have the opportunity to focus on a specialization such as: cancers, neurology or gerontology.

Individuals will also be given the opportunity to supervise undergraduate students.

Students will also work in depth on their original research and prepare for a thesis reporting on their findings.

A thesis is a written hypothesis focusing on a student’s research that needs to be presented to a committee of professors.

Medical Researchers are highly educated professionals who work in the medical field providing research that help improve human health.

These professionals will spend their time researching medical problems, writing grants to keep their projects funded and write reports on their findings.

Some laboratory work includes developing and managing studies that help understand a variety of human ailments.

They will also investigate preventative care and treatment for the diseases they research.

They will work with medical samples and information to determine the causes and treatments.

Medical Researchers also work in conjunction with a variety of professionals such as industry experts, doctors and health departments to create programs that improve a population’s health.

Medical Researcher Salary and Career Path

In 2012, the median salary for Medical Researchers and Scientists was approximately $76,980 per year.

Exact wages will depend on a variety of factors including industry, level of experience and company size.

For example, Medical Researchers who work for state colleges, universities or professional schools earn an annual median salary of approximately $53,740 while individuals who work for pharmaceutical and medicine production companies earn a median income of approximately $92,940 per year.

The job outlook for Medical Researchers is expected to grow by 13 percent through the year 2022.

This job growth is expected to grow as fast as average when compared to other professions and is attributed to the increased demand for research into illnesses such as cancer, AIDS and Alzheimer’s.

In addition, Medical Researchers are also needed to study treatments and medicines such as resistance to antibiotics.

Clearly, this profession is one that many people depend on to help solve medical problems.

A career in Medical Research may be a great path for individuals who would like to work in medicine, but not directly treat patients.

This career gives individuals the opportunity to help make advancements in medicine, work in a challenging environment and work in one of the fastest growing industries.

The top earning state in the field is Massachusetts, where the average salary is $118,880.

The top earning state in the field is Massachusetts, where the average salary is $9,833.

The top earning state in the field is Massachusetts, where the average salary is $57.15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical researchers study diseases and try to find new treatments and ways of preventing illness in order to help improve human health.

They usually work in offices and laboratories and spend most of their time studying data and writing reports.

Medical researchers sometimes work with dangerous samples and chemicals and this is why they have to follow strict safety and sanitation procedures.

The exact job requirements vary depending on the field of employment.

Some medical researchers design and conduct studies to investigate a particular disease while others create and test medical devices.

As a medical researcher, you may also have to apply for funding for a particular research project.

To become a medical researcher you need not only a strong scientific background but also several important skills, such as dexterity, attention to detail, research, writing and communication skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical scientists, in general, was $84,810 as of May 2018.

However, salaries in this field vary widely depending on the field of employment.

For example, those who work from the pharmaceutical and manufacturing field earned a median wage of $115,450 a year, while those who work in hospitals earned a median wage of $87,060 a year as of May 2018.

In order to become a medical researcher, you will usually need a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biotechnology or a related field and a Ph.D. in the field in which you want to specialize.

A four-year bachelor’s degree program can cost you anywhere between $5,000 and more than $30,000 a year.

Ph.D. programs usually focus on teaching students how to interpret data and how to design a research project, skills that are very important for medical scientists.

Some schools also offer dual programs that teach both the clinical skills needed to become a physician and the research skills needed if you decide to work in a lab.

Research-based Ph.D. programs cost, on average, around $35,000-$40,000 a year but tuition costs vary widely depending on the school you choose.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical scientists is expected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is explained in part by the fact that more people are diagnosed with chronic conditions and rely on medical treatment to help control their illnesses.

Job prospects should be especially good for researchers who specialize in studying diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS or cancer.

Medical researchers usually hold a bachelor’s degree in science and a Ph.D. in the field in their specialty.

While a bachelor’s degree can be earned after 4 years of post-secondary study, Ph.D. programs typically take 5-6 years.

This means that medical researchers may need up to 10 years of training beyond high school.

Related Careers

Clinical researchers plan and monitor trials to test how effective and safe new medical inventions are.

A cancer researcher conducts studies designed to answer specific questions about cancer.

Medical Assistant is responsible for a variety of patient care, technical, and clerical related functions.

Medical technicians, work closely with nurses to provide quality care for patients.

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Medical School Requirements + Prerequisites: The Ultimate Guide (2024-2025)

What medical school requirements and prerequisites do you need?

Discover medical school requirements and medical school prerequisites, which scholarly and extracurricular activities you need, and how to fulfill your premed requirements while standing out in the 2024-2025 medical school application process..

While official medical school requirements for every medical school are listed in the Medical School Admissions Requirements , there are common scholarly and extracurricular activities that medical school admissions committees want to see — discover what those medical school “requirements” are in this article.

Because the study of medicine requires a fundamental understanding of the sciences and mathematics. Therefore, medical school requirements are focused primarily on biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics . However, many medical schools also want to see that you have taken math and English.

Medical school admissions committees also need to be convinced that you understand what it means to practice medicine, work with people from different backgrounds, and be an effective member of a team among other attributes.

By reading this article, you will understand the academic, scholarly, and extracurricular medical school requirements so you will be well-positioned when you apply to medical school.

And, believe it or not, you can actually enjoy the process because it is that interesting and fun. Yes. FUN!

Table of Contents

College Requirements

To be eligible for a medical degree in the United States, you must have earned an undergraduate college degree before you start medical school. Many students ask if the undergraduate college status or prestige matter when it comes to medical school admissions. There is no clear “yes” or “no” answer to this question.

Some undergraduate colleges are especially prestigious or notoriously difficult and medical schools might consider this when evaluating a student’s GPA. In the same way, if a student attends a college that is considered easy, the GPA will be considered within that context.

For example, let’s say Student A went to a very prestigious college which is notorious for grade deflation and gives out very few As. She has a GPA of 3.45 with an upward trend. Now, let’s say student B went to a less prestigious college and earned a 4.0 GPA. Student A, depending on other factors such as the MCAT score and activities, might be considered a more competitive applicant than Student B who went to a much less rigorous undergraduate college.

The MCAT is really the great equalizer in this process. So, if Student A and Student B both earned a great MCAT, let’s say a 523, they would both be equally competitive assuming all other factors were equal.

Many students attend less competitive colleges for good reason and medical schools know this! There are also many prestigious college honors programs that medical school admissions committees consider quite impressive. A high GPA earned at ANY college is impressive especially if it’s matched strong course rigor and a high MCAT score.

Equally important to understand is that attending an “elite” college will not be your ticket to medical school. In fact, sometimes medical schools seem to expect more from student who attend elite colleges. This is anecdotal information based on our work with students in the most recent application season. 

The bottom line? You can get into medical school from any undergraduate institution as long as you do well academically and take advantage of the opportunities available to you.

Premedical Course Requirements

Medical school prerequisites may vary from med school to med school. However, the vast majority of medical schools have the following prerequisites:

• Biology with lab (two semester sequence or three quarter sequence)
• General chemistry with lab (two semester sequence or two quarter sequence)
• Organic chemistry with lab (two semester sequence or two quarter sequence)
• Physics with lab (two semester sequence or three quarter sequence)

Some medical schools also require the following prerequisites:

• Mathematics : Calculus or statistics or college mathematics (two semesters or three quarters). About 60 medical schools require math.
• Biochemistry (one semester or two/three quarters – depends on the school). About 60 medical schools require biochemistry. This number will likely increase every year.
• English (two semesters or three quarters)
• Statistics.  About 20 medical schools require statistics.
• Social sciences (psychology, sociology, two semesters)

Keep in mind that many medical schools will not accept AP credit to satisfy requirements.

Medical School Prerequisites: What Must You Take?

To be safe, we recommend taking all of the coursework listed above. Keep in mind that all courses must be taken before you matriculate to medical school rather than before you actually apply.

In addition to the courses listed above, we recommend students take upper level science classes in any discipline.

Since medical school prerequisites differ, it is important to review each medical school’s required courses before you apply. We recommend taking all required courses at a four year university in the United States or a community college if this was part of your education path.

For the most up to date listing for specific medical school’s requirements, refer to this document from the Association of American Medical Colleges .

What is “competency-based” admissions?

More medical schools are moving towards “competency-based” admissions meaning those schools don’t require specific prerequisite, but, prefer to see competency in certain disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and the humanities.

However, until all medical schools move towards competency-based admissions, we suggest taking all of the traditional medical school prerequisites.

Will medical schools accept advanced placement (AP) credit?

Many students who take AP classes in high school “place out” of some required prerequisites in college. Not all medical schools will accept this AP credit however many will.

Therefore, is important to check with individual medical schools regarding specific requirements. I suggest that students seek out this information before starting their freshman year. I have worked with clients who placed out of biology and took chemistry instead. Not only did this make their college course load demanding as took upper level science classes from the start of college, but, some medical schools would not accept the AP biology credit.

To find out definitively what each medical school requires, refer to Medical School Admissions Requirements updated annually by the Association of American Medical Colleges .

Do medical schools accept community college classes and credits?

The majority of medical schools will accept community college credits. We advise students check the MSAR for specific requirements from each medical school. Medical school admissions committees understand there are many reasons students enroll in community college classes and these choices will be viewed within the context of your entire application.

Medical School Requirements and Staying Organized

Medical school requirements can seem daunting and you may feel overwhelmed thinking about everything you need to do and accomplish to be a competitive medical school applicant.

The good news? If you stay organized, don’t rush to accomplish everything too quickly, and work hard, you can (and will) get it all done! I did it (years ago) and thousands of our students have as well.

Having a medical school timeline based on whether or not you plan on taking a gap year (or two) will help you to keep on track and get all of the prerequisite courses you need.

Need Help Navigating the Pre-Med and Medical School Admission Process?

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Medical School Major Requirement

Medical school applicants can select any premed major !

Applicants often ask me what major “looks good” on an application. My response is always “the one that interests you the most.” Double majoring or earning a minor does not improve one’s candidacy, overall.

Students can major in non-science disciplines. In fact, medical schools are always seeking applicants who are intellectually curious and diverse; they don’t want an entire class of biology and chemistry majors.

Regardless of your major, take upper division science classes to prove that you can perform well in them. The bottom line is you can major in any discipline or disciplines you want as a premedical student.

However, since your GPA matters so much in medical school admissions, ideally you should try to major in the discipline where you can earn the highest GPA.

For example, a Spanish major with a 3.9 overall GPA and a 3.7 BCPM GPA, will be just as competitive as a Biology major with same stats assuming the Spanish major enrolled in upper level science courses.

By the same token, an Applied Math major with a 3.5 overall GPA and 3.4 BCPM GPA might not be as competitive as the Spanish major with higher metrics.

Interestingly, in the most recent data available, humanities majors have the highest acceptance rates to medical school with more than 50% matriculating!

RELATED ARTICLE: The Best Premed Major for Medical School Admissions (2023-2024)

Medical School GPA Requirements

The majority of medical schools will not disclose minimum GPA requirements. The average GPA for all medical school matriculants in 2022-2023 was 3.75 overall and a 3.68 BCPM at MD-granting schools in the U.S.

Many students ask us what GPA is “good enough” to get into medical school and this is a tough question to answer. Some medical schools screen applications based on minimum GPA requirements.

Obviously, the higher your GPA , the better. However, the general ballpark cut-off that medical schools use is an overall GPA of 3.5.

That said, schools also pay attention to grade trends. Many students do poorly early in college simply because they are not prepared for the academic course load and don’t have the maturity and time management and study skills to do well.

If you have an upward grade trend, medical schools may be willing to forgive a poor performance early in college. But, for the really competitive schools, academic excellence throughout college is essential.

How can you figure out if your GPA is competitive for a given medical school? We suggest reviewing the MSAR data and ensuring your GPA is in the middle 50th percentile or higher for the schools in which you are most interested.

Average GPAs for accepted students varies from medical school to medical school. The overall average GPA for students accepted to allopathic medical schools always hovers around 3.7.

Medical School MCAT Score Requirement

As mentioned earlier, MCAT scores allow medical schools to compare applicants from different undergraduate colleges.

The higher you score on the MCAT® the better. A composite score of 511 on the MCAT® is generally considered the score needed to gain admission to allopathic medical schools in the United States.

If you are applying to DO (osteopathic) medical schools, your MCAT does not need to be as high; an MCAT of 506 is competitive for osteopathic medical schools.

The maximum score a student can earn on the MCAT is 528. An outstanding MCAT score is 518 or above.

The overall average MCAT score for matriculants to allopathic medical schools in the United States has been steadily increasing:

• 511.2 in 2018/2019
• 511.5 in 2019/2020
• 511.5 in 2021/2201
• 511.9 in 2021/2022
• 511.9 in 2022/2023

The most recent data shows an average MCAT score of 511.9 for students accepted to allopathic medical school with the following breakdown: 127.9 CPBS, 127 CARS, 128.2 BBLS, and 128.9 PSBB.

Most college students take the MCAT the summer after junior or senior year. When planning on your MCAT date, keep in mind that most medical schools accept scores that are up to two or three years old.

RELATED ARTICLE:  What MCAT Score Do You Need to Get Into Medical School (2023-2024)?

Be sure to carefully plan your medical school admissions timeline when deciding when to take the MCAT.

Medical School Extracurricular Requirements

When seeking out experiences, keep in mind what medical school admissions committees want to see in your candidacy:.

• Commitment to medicine and scientific inquiry
• Experience working with diverse populations
• A commitment to advocacy and social justice
• Commitment to altruistic endeavors
• Intellectual curiosity
• Exposure to clinical medicine
• Excellent intra and interpersonal skills

See Medical School Core Competencies

Most medical schools, even those that are not major academic medical centers, want applicants to have research experience .

Most students engage in basic science research (either for credit, during the summer, or for employment) or clinical research.

However, research in other disciplines will also allow you to learn how to think critically, analyze data, evaluate the literature, solve problems, and ask and then answer a question through experimentation.

If you can’t find a basic science or clinical research experience , consider research in another discipline of interest – psychology, art history, anthropology – or whatever else piques your curiosity.

What you learn through research in any discipline can be applied to future research endeavors and help you to practice evidence based medicine. You will also be able to evaluate current studies, which will be necessary throughout your medical education, training, and career.

Medical schools are placing more and more value on the importance of scientific inquiry, analytical skills, and the ability to apply knowledge practically. Therefore, significant research experience will be more, and not less, important in coming years.

Social Justice and Advocacy Work (KEY FOR 2024-2025)

We saw medical schools, in 2022/2023, start to value work in social justice or advocacy. What does this mean exactly? We suggest that students be involved in work that shows an interest in combating inequities that exist in our society whether that be health care inequities, educational inequities, environmental inequities, or anything else.

Understanding the social determinants of health is also essential in today’s climate.

Volunteering and Community Service

Lending your services to help others in need is always a worthwhile endeavor.

Medical schools are seeking people who are compassionate, caring, and empathetic. Demonstrating these traits through community service or volunteer work is important. Medical schools also seek applicants who want to help others in need, including the underserved.

Physicians also play significant roles in their communities. Therefore, medical schools value students who demonstrate a commitment to serve their communities.

Service work can be performed in medical and non-medical settings, and both are considered desirable. As mentioned above, medical schools value volunteering in a free clinic, nursing home, hospital, or hospice. Spending time in non-clinical settings, such as a soup kitchen, a tutoring program, or helping to build homes for those who are less fortunate, also demonstrates a commitment to serve.

Shadowing/Exposure to Clinical Medicine

All medical schools want to see that you have varied clinical exposure.

This can take the form of doctor shadowing , volunteering in a free clinic, or working abroad in some capacity. Some applicants have difficulty getting accepted to medical school because they have no exposure to patient care.

We have found that in recent years medical schools are valuing hands-on clinical experience more rather than passive experiences such as shadowing. Even if you aren’t taking a gap year , consider scribing, working as an EMT or as a certified nursing assistant. Hands-on clinical experience is valued much more highly than passive experience such as shadowing.

If you have never set foot in a doctor’s office or a hospital it is tough to convince someone that you want to be a doctor. Admissions committees want to be sure that you understand what it means to practice medicine in a variety of settings.

I often suggest that students seek out shadowing experiences in emergency departments (EDs). I don’t this because I am an emergency physician but because emergency departments are open 24/7, are always busy, and have a variety of patients with varied clinical presentations. The key is to shadow a spectrum of specialists in different settings.

Other Extracurricular Activities

To show you are an interesting, curious and engaged person, you should ideally demonstrate other passions in the admissions process.

Medical schools want to have a group of diverse medical students so having other passions can be appealing.

Medical School Letter of Recommendation Requirements

Each medical school’s official letter of recommendation requirements vary. However, we suggest asking for letters from the following people to make the strongest letter portfolio

• Medical school committee letter. If your school offers a committee letter, include that in your profile
• Science Professors: Have at least one letter from a science professor. However, we recommend two science letters.
• Math Professors: If you have only one science letter, be sure to also receive at least one math letter.
• Liberal Arts Professor: Ideally, your letter profile should include one liberal arts professor.
• Research Principal Investigator (PI): If you did research, try to get a letter from your PI.
• Shadowing or Community Service Letter: These letters serve mostly as character reference letters, but, can add to your overall profile.

How do you complete the medical school application?

Most medical schools extend interviews on a rolling basis so it is extremely important to submit your medical school application as close to the application opening date as possible.

Ideally you should start working on your personal statement and work and activities entries by April.

All three application systems open in early May. AMCAS can be submitted in very late May/early June. Also be aware that AMCAS won’t verify your application until it receives all documentation. Application processing and verification can take up to six weeks. But, if you submit early, this processing often takes much less time.

The AMCAS application opens in early May. At that time you can enter all of your application information, request transcripts, and have letters of reference sent to AMCAS.

Submitting the earliest applications possible is of the utmost importance.

RELATED ARTICLE:  Best Medical School Application Timeline (2023 -2024)

Final thoughts

We realize that all for the medical school requirements you need to be competitive are daunting. So, stay organized, take it one day at a time, and it will all get done! If you need support along the way, we are here to help you.

Frequently asked questions

Are paid volunteer clinical trips worthwhile.

We discourage applicants from paying for clinical experience and “voluntourism” is something that was in vogue years ago. Unless you have a connection to the foreign country at which you are doing work, this will not be viewed favorably by admissions committees and could be interpreted as gratuitous and privileged. 

What about paid shadowing programs like the Atlantis fellowship?

We discourage applicants from paying for shadowing or observerships such as the Atlantis study abroad fellowship unless you are looking for a work vacation and have extra cash on hand. Atlantis “fellowships” start at $4,800 according to their website. Programs such as Atlantis are not highly respected by admissions committees and you are better of shadowing doctors in your community and learning about challenges facing people in the United States.

How many volunteering hours do I need for medical school?

We discourage applicants from trying to accumulate hours for the sake of your medical school candidacy. How many hours you have often depends on the value of an experience and the opportunity you have to make an impact through that experience. Once an experience becomes boring or if the experience dead ends, meaning that you cannot find anyway to learn something valuable from it or contribute in a meaningful way, it’s time to consider dropping the activity. MedEdits student who have been accepted to medical have had between 30 – 1000 hours of volunteer experience.

What is the best major for medical school?

As we have mentioned in this article, there is no “best major” for medical school. You should major in what interests you most. That said, if you major in a non science, be sure you take upper level science classes in additional to traditional prerequisites to show you can do well and that you have a solid foundation for medical school. Medical school admissions committees want to see mastery in whatever discipline you are interested in. Some students see college as the last opportunity to study a non-science discipline in depth and take advantage of that opportunity. Medical schools, which value intellectual curiosity, appreciate this. Based on the data, no specific major will increase your chances of medical school admission.

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Clinician-Scientist Academic Research Excellence Program (CARE)

Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offers a unique opportunity for clinicians to pursue research training through the Clinician-Scientist Academic Research Excellence (CARE) Ph.D. Program . This program is designed for clinicians currently engaged in residency, fellowship, or other roles within Mayo Clinic who are passionate about delving deeper into the field of biomedical science research.

• Accelerated timeline : With your M.D. background, you'll be able to fast-track your journey to a Ph.D. without sacrificing the quality and depth of your research.
• Rigorous curriculum : Our program maintains the rigorous standards expected of a traditional Ph.D., ensuring that you receive a robust academic experience while being able to focus on advanced coursework. Credits from your M.D. studies will be substituted for core coursework reducing your overall course burden.
• Individualized mentorship : You'll work closely with experienced faculty mentors who will guide you through every stage of your research, providing invaluable support and expertise.
• Modern facilities : Access state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge technologies, and a wealth of resources at Mayo Clinic, empowering you to conduct innovative and impactful research.
• Funding support : CARE Ph.D. learners are funded by their primary department, program, or development funds, relieving financial burdens and allowing you to focus wholeheartedly on your research pursuits.

The program will equip graduates with the multidisciplinary expertise needed to tackle complex challenges across various domains of biomedical sciences.   

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be poised to make impactful contributions to scientific advancement and patient care, whether as researchers, clinicians, educators, or future faculty members at Mayo Clinic or other esteemed academic medical institutions.

Program eligibility

Scholars must be current Mayo Clinic clinicians engaged in residency, fellowship, or other roles within Mayo Clinic. Funding must be secured through the primary clinical department.

How to apply

Nomination materials include basic demographic information, statement of intent, letter of support, financial support documentation, and unofficial transcripts. Once all materials are collected, the nominee may submit them using the nomination form.

Nomination materials may be submitted at any time. However, it is encouraged to submit nomination materials between January 1 and April 1. This will allow for ample time to discuss goals and develop a custom degree plan so that the scholar may begin coursework with the new academic year.

Please direct all inquiries to [email protected] .

Mock Interviews on Sale Through 8/2!

Session 247

Dr. Maureen Leonard discusses her journey to medicine and her life as a physician-scientist. Dr. Leonard spends 70-80% of her work time doing research with “just” an MD. Find out why she thinks you don’t need to have a dual degree to do a lot of research as a physician.

A lot of students think that because they want to do research, they need to get an MD/PhD or a DO/PhD. Maureen is “just” an MD and now has a Master’s degree, too. We talk about her journey into medicine and the advice she got when doing research as an undergrad with a PhD advisor. She talks about all the things she’s done throughout her career as a premed, as a medical student, and now as a physician scientist. If you’re thinking about doing a dual degree, maybe today’s episode will change your mind.

Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.

[05:45] Her Interest in Medicine

Maureen knew she wanted to be a doctor when she was in her senior year of high school. She initially wanted to be a dancer, but it didn’t seem to be working out. She realized she likes people and science, so she decided to go down the medicine path. To make sure it’s what she really wanted to do, she did volunteer work at a neighboring hospital throughout high school. She also took a part-time job doing filing at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Her Premed Journey and First Research Projects

The hardest part of being premed for Maureen was the workload. She wanted to make sure she had a lot of experience to be ready for medical school, so she spent a fair amount of time doing research. Her major was psychobiology, which has been renamed as neuroscience. She did research projects with rats throughout her time in college. Like many people, she got her EMT license. She was shadowing and volunteering.

She was basically the typical premed when she was in college. She got advice from her premed advisor. Although her psychology advisor thought research would be helpful for medical school, Maureen was also interested in doing research. So she was encouraged to do both research and clinical experience.

[08:40] Research Project Tickling Rats

Her major required students to do research for their psychology degree and a thesis for their biology degree. They had a small class and Maureen’s mentor at that time did a lot of research. So she got invited to do research with her and tried it out. She ended up really liking it. She likes the ability to ask questions and design how to answer that question and watch it all unfold.

The first research she did was identifying what the vocalization in rats meant. Maureen reveals that their research suggests that rats made a 55-kilohertz ultrasonic vocalization for laughter. You can elicit this vocalization if you tickle the rats. So she spent hours a day tickling rats to be able to elicit vocalization.

They eventually did place preference studies to confirm that these vocalizations meant that they were happy. They didn’t work with cute rats but old, grumpy rats which they tickled morning, noon, and night. She obviously put this on her med school application, and it did come up during her interviews.

[12:05] Why She Didn’t Choose the MD/PhD Path

Maureen’s psychology advisor throughout her entire college experience was very adamant that she should do MD/PhD. Of the four people they worked with, two of them went to medical school and one did the MD/PhD.

Maureen was told she should do the MD/PhD. Her advisor made it clear that she would be making a huge mistake if she didn’t apply. Her advisor thought she could do more with the MD/PhD and, since she was interested in research, it could open so many doors.

But Maureen decided not to go that route. She hoped research was going to be part of her life, but at that time, she didn’t know what she wanted to specialize in. She couldn’t imagine agreeing to a seven or nine-year program when she didn’t even know what her focus in medicine was going to be. So she took a gap year before applying and did basic science research with mice.

Why She Didn’t Pursue a PhD, Even Though She Liked Research

Part of her thought process was that in doing the PhD, you’d be delving into a specific question you have for three or four years. But she didn’t have any question yet because she didn’t know what she was going to specialize in. For her to be excited about spending so much time on a project, she knew she had to feel passionate about it. Until she knew what she wanted to specialize in medicine, she couldn’t commit to something for that long.

[17:15] Exploring Global Health Work

Maureen thought research might be a part of what she wanted to do, but she actually spent the extra time she had in medical school on global health work, rather than research. For example, in the summer that medical students have off between first year and second year, instead of doing research, she did a global health trip.

She did this out of curiosity and not knowing what she wanted her life as a doctor to look like. It was something she wanted to experience. She wanted to spend her time in medical school examining what she was interested in doing long term. She wanted to see what felt right to her.

During medical school, research stayed on the shelf. She went to internship and pediatric residency at Tufts University in Boston. She still liked global health and research. At this point, she put both back into her mix. She wanted to do both to help her make an informed decision about how to spend her time as a doctor.

In her internship year in the first year of residency, she did retrospective chart review with a pediatric gastroenterologist. She felt it was what she wanted to get into. Then in the second and third years of residency, her program allowed her to spend a month each year in Haiti. She was doing global health work related to cholera and general pediatric medicine.

[21:44] Fellowship and Research Mentorship

As a pediatric gastroenterologist, Maureen got involved in studying celiac disease and all the gut microbiome issues involved with that. She had gotten interested in studying autoimmune diseases during medical school and did a lot of reading about them. She came to understand that the gut is a very important organ in the development of autoimmune diseases.

Her reading during medical school and her experience in internship and residency helped her identify where her research interest was. Applying for fellowships, she looked into different programs that had either mucosal immunology or some sort of autoimmune group within their GI group. This is how she landed at Massachusetts General Hospital—they had a mucosal immunology and biology research center.

When she was applying for fellowship, Maureen was reading all of her mentor’s research which she found very interesting. She didn’t reach out to him until he moved to Massachusetts General Hospital. So he sort of became her virtual mentor at that time.

[Related episode: What Is Pediatric Gastroenterology? (Another Interview with Dr. Leonard!) ]

[25:10] She’s “Just” an MD and Does Research Most Days

Maureen says that 70% to 80% of her week is dedicated towards research, which means three and a half to four days a week. She sees patients one day a week.

Since she was focusing on research, she applied for a Master’s degree in clinical and translational investigation. She had some training in statistics and clinical trial design. But because in pediatric gastroenterology they had two years to focus on research, that’s what she did. Maureen gained a lot of experience during those two years. She wrote papers and had a mentor who gives her a lot of opportunities. So she has been able to become a translational investigator.

Because of her training as an MD, she’s able to obtain clinical samples from patients and then collaborate with the lab guys. She does some work on her own, too, and answers questions which she finds clinically interesting.

Options for Doing Research as a Physician with “Just” an MD

Maureen feels that “just” having her MD hasn’t held her back. Because she did specialty training where she had time to focus on research, she had an advantage. At this point, Maureen can see that she can continue down this academic physician-scientist path. It was her plan in the first place, and she loves doing it. She likes that she gets to see patients, do research, and collaborate with so many people. She likes that every day is different.

On the other hand, she has the opportunity to make a change and become a full-time clinician if she chooses. She thinks the Master’s degree has helped her, as well. Maureen can go to a pharmaceutical or a device-manufacturing industry and be a medical director. She can also become a translational scientist at a startup up company in Boston.

[29:10] What It Would’ve Been Like If She Did MD/PhD

Maureen thinks that if she did the MD/PhD route, it would look similar, and she would look a little bit older.

The balance of research and clinical medicine works for her because everything she does is based on celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. So she’s able to see patients one day a week. Then she gets to do the research. She adds that all the patients she sees could possibly be research subjects or inspire research questions. She’s extremely focused, which allows her to see patients and do research.

Additionally, Maureen doesn’t want to lose any of her skills, so she does an extra half day every other week doing procedures. She could do less clinic and do more research. But she doesn’t want to give up seeing patients because she likes it and they help her with all of her research.

[Related episode: Bench to the Bedside: Interview with a PhD/MD Student ]

Balance Between Clinical and Research as a Physician

So if you go the MD/PhD route, you still have to make choices on how much time you want to spend being a clinician or being a scientist. For Maureen, she couldn’t see herself doing less clinical work than she’s doing now.

Maureen has gotten to where she is now, not because of the letters after her name. She has just followed her interests. She has also been very intentional with the life and the practice and the setting she wanted to create for herself.

[32:22] NIH Loan Repayment Program for Physicians Doing Research

Maureen currently has an award from the  NIH and a grant from NIH. Because she does more than 50% research, she is eligible to apply for the NIH Loan Repayment Program. As long as you are doing more than 50% research and you have a research project in line with the NIH, you can write a grant and be awarded up to $35,000 a year for two years. That money goes straight to your loans. They also pay some federal taxes on that.

Just this past week, Maureen received her third and fourth year of that award. This means the NIH has put over $140,000 straight to her loans. It’s basically free money. Maureen stresses how helpful this is.

More NIH Research Grants

The NIH is also paying a fair amount of Maureen’s salary through a mentored research grant called an NRSA for F (Individual Research Fellowships) grant. She didn’t initially know about all these grants. This is a mentored grant, so she has this grant for three years. She has already completed the first year of the grant.

She’s now beginning to apply for the next NIH grant. It’s a K award, a five-year grant that pays 75% of your salary. Sometimes, you may even need to do a little bit less clinical work to really focus during that mentored career award.

In order to be awarded a mentored grant, you need a mentor who’s going to oversee all of your work and support you with the rest of the salary the NIH isn’t covering. So basically, she’s not an independent researcher at this point in the NIH’s eyes. Rather she’s a mentored grantee. So in these grant titles, the K means you’re developing your own independent projects, and the R is an independent investigator award.

Grant Writing to Fund Your Research

Although the funding environment is very difficult, Maureen has worked very hard and been lucky. She has gotten several grants but applied to many more than she received. Say, out of fifteen, she only got three. So a lot of time is spent on writing, and it’s difficult.

Maureen is realistic and she loves what she does. She wants to keep doing this. So she’s always writing more grants, and she’s going to continue to do that. And as long as she has funding, she’s going to stay in research, whether that be on the academic path or through the pharmaceutical industry. She basically feels good about her options.

[38:10] The Nuts and Bolts of Writing Grants

Maureen explains that writing grants varies. Some grants will ask for letters of intent. You can write a two- or three-paged letter about what you want to do. Then they’ll invite you to write a full grant. For others, no letter is needed, and you just need to write a full grant. In a grant, you’re writing your summary of the research you want to do.

Usually in the first page, you write about what you’re exactly going to do. Then you write another five to six pages about why you’re going after those research aims and how you’re going to do it. You also include your file sketch that contains about five pages of your background and your contributions to science. They want to see your publications and awards. You may also provide bio sketches for anybody supporting you in this grant. That can be your mentor, anybody you’re working with, or anybody who’s going to train you if you need to learn certain techniques to complete the research.

You need to provide letters of recommendation from one to four people, and you have to give details on your budget: How much you’re going to spend, where, and when. And you need to provide a timeline for when you’re going to do all of this. In general, Maureen does pilot funding. A pilot grant might be 20-30 pages in total. Her  NRSA grant was closer to 60 pages because a lot of documents needed to be included.

Writing a grant can take a long time… It can take months to ask around for feedback. The more people you can send it to, the more feedback you can get, the better. She usually gives herself a couple of months.

[41:42] Recommended Classes for Premeds to Become Better Researchers

Maureen recommends trying to take some basic statistics courses as a premed. She doesn’t do statistics frequently, so she gets help with it. But taking those courses has helped her understand how to plan a study and what kind of analysis she can do.

She thinks it’s great to have a better understanding of how research works. Clinical trial design is a good class to take as well. Ultimately, try to read research in the area you’re interested in, and look into what people are doing. For premed students interested in research, check out PubMed or Google Scholar —just start searching keywords.

Deciding Between MD/PhD and “Just” MD

If you’re trying to decide on whether a single degree or dual degree is right for you, Maureen says you can really accomplish all your goals with an MD. If you find that you need the PhD for some reason, that’s always an option to do after your MD. There are also other degrees like a Master’s that might help you if you need or want more training.

Maureen thinks it’s certainly possible to have a career focused on research with just an MD. Her mentor has a very productive lab, and he’s just an MD. So it’s definitely possible. Either way, you’re going to have to determine how you’re going to spend your time. There are only so many hours in a week.

[Related episode: MD/PhD Medical School Program Director Shares What You Need to Know ]

[44:55] Time Management as a Physician Who Does Research

Maureen says it’s hard to figure out how to manage your time when you’re doing research and being a clinician. There are always more grants to write. There are always papers to write or a chapter to write. So she’s had to really actively try to manage her time and take time off. She’s still working on this.

Maureen is always trying to prioritize which grants make the most sense to apply for and what papers must be written. She has been able to manage her time a little bit better recently. But in research, you can always keep writing and reading more, so you have to draw some lines in the sand for yourself.

[Related episode: Time Management for a NASCAR-Driving Medical Student ]

Advice for Premed Students

Maureen wants to tell premeds out there: It’s so worth it. She gets to manage her time the way she wants right now. The premed years when you’re trying to reach your goals are the hardest years. But she loves her job and the balance she has now. She loves doing procedures and seeing patients. She loves being able to answer questions she finds so interesting. So it’s totally worth it. Keep it up.

[46:55] Final Thoughts

As Maureen has said, you don’t need to have a dual degree to do research as a physician. If you want to do research as a physician, you can do research. You don’t need a PhD to do it. Not having a PhD doesn’t hold you back.

Dr. Leonard is at one of the top academic medical and research institutions in the country. She has”just” an MD, and her mentor has “just” an MD, and they’re out there doing amazing things. They’re doing a ton of research and are successful at it. They have not been held back by not having PhD’s.

If you’re that student who loves research and can’t see yourself doing anything else, go ahead and get that PhD. But if that’s not quite you, or you’re still unsure like Maureen was, now you know that you don’t have to.

Links and Other Resources

• Check out my Premed Playbook series of books (available on Amazon) , with installments on the personal statement , the medical school interview , and the MCAT .
• Related episode: Is Research More Important Than Clinical Experience?
• Related episode: Do I Really Need to Do Research as a Nontrad Premed?
• Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” at Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep) !

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Medical Research Scientist Education Requirements

The educational requirements for a medical research scientist typically include a doctorate degree. According to Professor of Biology, David Cool Ph.D. from Wright State University, "Every medical student has to do research, and most large teaching hospitals have a research coordinator that will work to generate grants in the department. This means that lab personnel is required for these positions and valuable to the clinical research team." The majority of medical research scientists hold a doctorate degree, with over 60% having this level of education. However, there are still opportunities for those with a bachelor's or master's degree, with around 30% of medical research scientists holding a master's degree and less than 10% having a bachelor's degree.

What education do you need to become a medical research scientist?

What degree do you need to be a medical research scientist.

The most common degree for medical research scientists is bachelor's degree, with 51% of medical research scientists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are doctoral degree degree at 22% and doctoral degree degree at 18%.

• Bachelor's , 51%
• Doctorate , 22%
• Master's , 18%
• Associate , 8%

What should I major in to become a medical research scientist?

According to the education requirements, medical scientists typically need a Ph.D. or medical degree, with candidates sometimes qualifying for positions with a master's degree and experience. Applicants to these programs typically have a bachelor's degree in biology or a related physical science field. As per the data, the most popular majors for medical research scientists include biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, chemistry, psychology, public health, microbiology, pharmacy, and genetics.

• Biology , 20%
• Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology , 17%
• Medicine , 7%
• Chemistry , 7%
• Other Majors , 49%

Most common colleges for medical research scientists

Medical research scientists often get their degrees at Boston University, Rice University, and University of Connecticut. Here are the most common colleges for medical research scientists in the US based on their resumes.

Best majors for medical research scientists

Best colleges for medical research scientists

To excel in their field, medical research scientists often pursue advanced education. Top colleges such as University of Southern California, Duke University, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offer robust programs. These institutions stand out due to factors like admissions rate, retention rate, and mean earnings of graduates. Moreover, they consider the ratio of working to non-working alumni ten years after admission, cost of attendance, and median debt for medical research scientist graduates. This ensures a well-rounded education that prepares students for the field's demands.

1. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

2. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

4. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

5. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

6. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

7. University of California - Los Angeles

8. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

9. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

10. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

20 best online courses for medical research scientists

1. Medical Terminology II

This is the second course of the Medical Terminology specialization. It builds on the basic concepts of medical terminology with the introduction of new roots, terms, and abbreviations specific to the endocrine system (hormones). The body's transportation and defense systems (cardiovascular, blood, and lymphatic) will also be covered as well as the respiratory system (lungs)...

2. Medical Terminology and the Human Body Fundamentals

In this Introduction to Medical Terminology and the Human Body course, you will learn about the medical language that is used to describe the human body. Throughout each Lesson, the roots of terms are explained to help students understand how medical terminology works in healthcare and to increase their knowledge and understanding of the material discussed. This course will provide you with a better understanding and working knowledge of medicine that is required for understanding of medical...

3. Practical Regulatory Affairs 2020 - US FDA Medical Devices

A practical course discussing the US FDA Medical Device regulations for real-world situations...

4. Medical Terminology

Introduction to the meaning of various roots, terms and combining forms that are components of medical words...

5. ICD 10 & 11 Medical Coding and Billing

Preparation for Medical Coding Certification Exam...

6. A Specialty Approach to Learning Medical Billing and Coding

Volume One: Medical Hematology...

7. Introduction to Medical Imaging

Your guide to the history, science, math, and economics of medical imaging systems (e.g., X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound)...

8. AMCI Introduction to Medical Coding (I2MC) Course

Introduction to Medical Coding (I2MC) Course...

9. Medical Terminology 101

For those in healthcare, billing, and more. Boost earning ability and marketable skills by learning to speak medicine...

10. EU Medical Device Regulatory Affairs explained Simply

How to get approval to sell Medical Devices within the European Union. Understand regulatory affairs & ISO 13485 2016...

11. Medical Writing for Healthcare Professionals

Launch your scientific and medical writing career today. Learn from an experienced medical writer!...

12. Medical Device Regulation (MDR): Intro for Device Designers

An introduction to the EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) for those involved in developing medical devices...

13. Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 EU regulatory affairs.

Understand regulations for medical devices in simple terms to gain market approval of a medical device in the EU...

14. Practical Regulatory Affairs 2020 - European Medical Devices

A practical course discussing the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in real-world situations...

15. Medical Coding: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Training

Learn medical coding and prepare yourself for today's healthcare workplace...

16. ISO 13485 - IQOQPQ - Process Validation for Medical Devices

Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ) & Performance Qualification (PQ) Medical Devices...

17. ISO 13485 Demystified - Medical Devices' QMS 360° Insights

Deep dive into the world of ISO 13485 international standard for medical devices' QMS, basic concepts & requirements...

18. Internal audit on Medical Device QMS - ISO 13485:2016

Successfully conduct an internal audit based on requirements of ISO 13485:2016 for Medical Device Development and QMS...

19. Medical Devices Quality Management System - ISO 13485:2016

Awareness and Application for the requirements of ISO 13485:2016 for Medical Device Development and QMS...

20. ISO 13485:2016 - Design and Development of Medical Devices

Design and Development of Medical Devices in the perspective of ISO 13485:2016 and Medical Devices Industry...

Top 10 most affordable universities for medical research scientists

The most affordable schools for medical research scientists are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for medical research scientists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for medical research scientists.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

Cost of Attendance

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

4. California State University - Los Angeles

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

7. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

8. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

9. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

10. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for medical research scientists

The hardest universities for medical research scientists to get into are Harvard University, Duke University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

Some great schools for medical research scientists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for medical research scientists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Harvard University

Admissions Rate

SAT Average

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

4. stanford university, 5. university of pennsylvania.

6. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

7. Yale University

8. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

9. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

10. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for medical research scientists

The easiest schools for medical research scientists to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, d'youville college, and barry university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a medical research scientist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for medical research scientists.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

2. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

3. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

4. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

5. Curry College

Milton, MA • Private

6. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

7. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

8. The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX • Private

9. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

10. Marymount University

Arlington, VA • Private

Average medical research scientist salary by education level

According to our data, medical research scientists with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $80,196 annually. Medical research scientists with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $74,822.

Medical Research Scientist Education FAQs

What is the best college for medical research scientists, search for medical research scientist jobs.

Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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The Indiana University School of Medicine is a major medical research center, and education of its medical students in an atmosphere of research and scholarship is an enduring and high priority. Research is defined as “careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something” and scholarship is defined as “serious formal study or research of a subject” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Formal research is a hypothesis-driven investigation while scholarship additionally may entail observational and experiential activities.

Medical students at IU School of Medicine are afforded two main opportunities to pursue research and scholarly activities during their four years of undergraduate medical education. The first opportunity arises during the summer between medical school year 1 (MS1) and year 2 (MS2). Students in good academic standing and without the need of remediation for MS1 coursework are eligible to apply for and participate in the Indiana University Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship (IMPRS) . Under this program, students spend 10 weeks engaged in research and/or experiential activities in one of four available academic medicine tracks: Laboratory Research, Clinical Research/Observation, Community Outreach, and Health Research Outcomes. The second opportunity comes during MS4 in the form of advanced science electives and research electives. These electives are customized in a student-specific manner to optimize learning and research in the student’s chosen medical specialty.

These research and scholarly activity opportunities will be communicated to students in a standardized manner via lead advisors through the Mentoring and Advising Program. Students will be encouraged by the lead advisors to consider conducting a research or experiential activity either via IMPRS (between MS1 and MS2) or via advanced science/research electives (during MS4). Students will be directed to the IMPRS application available online or will be counselled when generating their MS4 academic schedule.

While the MS4 advanced science and research electives are tailored and generated on a student-by-student basis, the summer IMPRS program entails programmatic enrichment for all participating students including weekly lunch seminars that include training in responsible conduct of research, research rigor and reproducibility, and career development. This seminar is distributed online to allow access for all students participating in IMPRS state-wide. At the termination of the summer, a scholarly product is required from each student participating in the IMPRS program. At a minimum, each student is required to provide a 250 word abstract describing their research project, a case report, or their experiential participation during the summer. Students participating in the Laboratory Research track present their work in a poster session, and we are working to expand this poster session to include students participating in the Clinical Research/Observation, Community Outreach, and Health Research Outcomes tracks as well.

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University of Utah statement on new BYU Medical School

The University of Utah received news today from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that the church will establish a new private, faith-affiliated medical school at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, focused on international health issues affecting their members and the faith’s worldwide humanitarian efforts. The U plans to actively pursue collaboration opportunities with the church and BYU in medical education and clinical care.

University leaders affirm that BYU’s internationally-focused health education plans complement University of Utah Health’s state-focused mission and offer new opportunities to serve growing health care needs locally and around the world.

The University of Utah is also expanding its health education resources with its new state-of-the-art home for the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, which will be completed in early 2026. In addition, the U is planning a regional medical campus in St. George, Utah, where students will receive clinical training in partnership with Intermountain Health and Utah Tech University. These southwest Utah plans will be discussed further in the 2025 General Legislative Session.

The combination of the U’s medical school expansion and the church’s announcement today will ensure that in the rapidly growing and changing field of medicine, Utahns continue to benefit from excellent teaching, research and clinical expertise.

Select quotes from University of Utah leaders

President taylor randall.

In conversations with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’ve expressed the U’s support for this additional investment in medical education and have committed to work together to serve our unique communities , ” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “We will work with BYU and church leadership to lay the groundwork for a model collaboration that serves the needs of this state and provides critical health services to countries around the world.” “With a new medical school in the state, the U and BYU can strive to meet existing and future health care professional shortages, provide more opportunities for aspiring medical providers and contribute to the health care needs of patients in our region and around the globe.

Michael Good, senior vice president

For nearly 120 years, the University of Utah has been committed to providing top-tier medical education and research,” said Michael Good, senior vice president for Health Sciences. “The U’s medical training, patient care and research helps Utahns and others in our service area live healthier, longer and better lives. We look forward to working together to accelerate our collective societal impact.

Sam Finlayson, interim dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine

Current enrollment numbers at the U highlight the high demand for medical education in our region,” said Sam Finlayson, interim dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. “The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine receives well over 2,000 applications for just 125 positions in each medical school class, highlighting the high demand for medical education in our region and the need to expand the state’s educational infrastructure.

About University of Utah Health

Since 1905, the University of Utah has been the Mountain West’s leading academic health sciences center. U of U Health currently serves patients living in over 10% of the geographic United States—including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, western Colorado and much of Nevada.

U of U Health includes five hospitals, 12 community health centers, a medical group of more than 2,000 members, a $500-million research enterprise, five schools and colleges (including colleges of Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Medicine), a national health sciences library, the nation’s fourth largest reference laboratory (ARUP Laboratories) and numerous institutes and centers focused on cancer, cardiology, diabetes treatment, genetics, ophthalmology, orthopedics, neuroscience, psychiatry, precision medicine, population health, global health and more.

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