Can You Get a Pre-Med Degree Online?

Short answer: Yes, you can get a pre-med degree online, but there are important nuances to understand. Pre-med is not a standalone degree but a track or pathway consisting of prerequisite courses required for medical school admission. Many accredited universities now offer online pre-medical coursework or even pre-med degree options that allow students to complete the majority of their studies remotely. However, because medical schools require practical lab work and clinical experience, fully online pre-med degrees are rare. Most online programs adopt a hybrid model, combining online coursework with in-person labs or clinicals.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the reality of online pre-med degrees, the benefits and challenges of online pre-med education, how to select the right program, and what to expect after completing an online pre-med pathway.

What Is a Pre-Med Degree?

The term “pre-med” is often misunderstood. It’s important to clarify that pre-med is not an official degree; instead, it refers to a set of courses and experiences undergraduate students complete to prepare for medical school applications. These courses focus on core sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math, which are prerequisites for medical school admissions.

Some universities offer a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medical Studies or related fields such as Biomedical Sciences or Health Sciences, which bundle these pre-med courses together. More commonly, pre-med students earn degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or psychology while completing pre-med prerequisites.

Pre-med coursework generally includes:

• General Biology (with laboratory)

• General Chemistry (with laboratory)

• Organic Chemistry (with laboratory)

• Physics (with laboratory)

• Mathematics (Calculus and/or Statistics)

• English and Writing courses

• Biochemistry (increasingly required by medical schools)

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Beyond coursework, pre-med students are encouraged to gain clinical exposure through volunteering, shadowing physicians, or research to strengthen their medical school applications.

Can You Get a Pre-Med Degree Online?

With the rise of online education, can you get a pre-med degree online? The answer is: Yes, but with some conditions.

• Many accredited universities offer online pre-medical coursework and degrees in fields like biology or biomedical sciences that satisfy medical school prerequisites.

• However, because hands-on laboratory work and clinical experience are critical components of pre-med education, most programs use a hybrid model. Lectures, theory, and exams are online, while lab sessions, dissections, and clinical practicums are completed in person or at local partner facilities.

• Some programs allow students to take theoretical coursework fully online and then complete lab requirements during summer sessions or at affiliated campuses.

• Fully online pre-med degrees without any in-person requirements are extremely rare and generally not advised due to the medical school admissions process demanding lab and clinical competencies.

Advantages of Getting a Pre-Med Degree Online

Choosing an online or hybrid pre-med program offers distinct advantages, particularly for non-traditional students or those needing flexible scheduling:

1. Flexibility and Convenience

Online pre-med programs enable students to study from anywhere with internet access. This flexibility is invaluable for:

• Working adults balancing jobs and education

• Parents or caregivers with family commitments

• Students in remote or underserved areas without access to traditional campus programs

2. Access to More Programs

Not all students have the option to attend in-person pre-med programs nearby. Online programs expand access to a wider range of schools, including some with strong reputations and competitive medical school acceptance rates.

3. Cost Efficiency

Online education can reduce costs related to commuting, housing, and campus fees. Some programs also offer competitive tuition rates, making pre-med education more affordable.

4. Self-Paced Learning Options

Certain online programs offer asynchronous courses, allowing students to learn at their own pace rather than adhering to a fixed class schedule. This approach benefits students who require more time to grasp complex scientific concepts.

Challenges and Considerations of Online Pre-Med Education

While online pre-med education presents many benefits, prospective students must consider several challenges before enrolling.

1. Laboratory and Clinical Experience

Medical schools place significant emphasis on hands-on lab work and clinical exposure. These components are critical for:

• Understanding scientific principles through experimentation

• Gaining skills in medical technology and procedures

• Demonstrating readiness for medical training and patient care

Online programs usually require students to complete lab courses on campus, at local community colleges, or with approved lab partners. This can pose logistical challenges for distant students or those without easy access to such facilities.

2. Medical School Admissions Requirements

Some medical school admissions committees prefer applicants with traditional in-person coursework and substantial clinical experience. While this is not universally required, applicants who completed online coursework should proactively gain clinical hours, shadow physicians, and participate in research.

3. Program Accreditation and Recognition

Not all online pre-med programs are accredited or recognized by medical schools. Choosing a program accredited by a regional body such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is essential to ensure your coursework is accepted by medical schools.

4. Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

In-person programs often provide networking, research, and mentorship opportunities critical to successful medical school applications. Students in online programs may need to be more proactive to build relationships with professors, advisors, and medical professionals.

What to Look for in an Online Pre-Med Program

When deciding on an online pre-med program, keep these key factors in mind:

Accreditation and Medical School Acceptance

• Verify regional accreditation of the institution and program.

• Research the program’s track record for medical school acceptance and MCAT preparation.

• Check if the program is listed in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) or recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Read Also: 20 Best Colleges for Pre-Med in 2025 (Expert Picks & What to Look For)

Curriculum and Lab Requirements

• Confirm the curriculum covers all medical school prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics, math, English).

• Clarify how the program handles lab courses—are they hybrid, in-person, or outsourced?

• Check if summer or weekend lab sessions are offered near your location.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

• Does the program assist with arranging clinical volunteering or shadowing?

• Are there options to participate in research projects, internships, or medical community service?

• Strong clinical and research experience can improve medical school application competitiveness.

Academic Support and Advising

• Does the program provide pre-med advising, MCAT prep resources, or tutoring?

• Are faculty accessible for questions and mentorship?

• Is there a student support system for career counseling and application guidance?

Examples of Online Pre-Med Programs

Here are examples of online or hybrid pre-med-related degree programs offered by accredited institutions:

• University of Florida Online: Offers a Bachelor’s in Biology with pre-med emphasis, combining online theory with in-person labs.

• Arizona State University (ASU) Online: Provides a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with pre-med prerequisites and clinical experience options.

• Oregon State University (OSU) Ecampus: Offers a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences fully online, but requires clinical hours completed locally.

• Johns Hopkins University: Has online courses relevant to pre-med students, but lab requirements must be completed on campus or at partner institutions.

Note: Always verify each program’s current offerings and admission policies, as online education evolves rapidly.

How to Maximize Success in an Online Pre-Med Program

If you choose an online pre-med program, here are strategies to succeed:

• Plan for Lab Work: Identify where and when you will complete in-person lab requirements.

• Gain Clinical Experience Early: Volunteer, shadow, or work in healthcare settings as soon as possible.

• Engage with Professors: Build relationships to secure strong letters of recommendation.

• Prepare for the MCAT: Use online resources and study groups to excel in the Medical College Admission Test.

• Join Pre-Med Associations: Many universities offer student pre-med clubs and online communities to foster connections.

Conclusion

To answer the question, “Can you get a pre-med degree online?”—the answer is yes, but with important caveats. Online and hybrid pre-med programs offer flexibility and accessibility, especially for non-traditional students. However, due to the nature of pre-med education requiring hands-on labs and clinical experience, fully online degrees without any in-person components are rare and may not be competitive for medical school admission.

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To maximize your chances of success, choose accredited programs that cover all medical school prerequisites, arrange local lab and clinical experiences, and actively engage with academic and medical communities. With the right program and dedication, an online pre-med education can be an effective pathway toward medical school and a career in medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I complete all pre-med courses online?

Most theoretical courses can be completed online, but labs generally require in-person attendance or hybrid formats.

Will medical schools accept online pre-med coursework?

Yes, if the courses are from an accredited institution and meet prerequisites, but check specific medical school policies.

Are online pre-med programs cheaper?

Often, but costs vary. Consider total expenses, including travel for labs and clinical placements.

Can I do clinical volunteering if I study online?

Yes, clinical experience is typically arranged locally by the student and is critical for medical school applications.