BSC students planning to attend medical school can choose any major, but prescribed prerequisites have to be completed before applying to a medical program. The major that most closely aligns with these prerequisites is biology with health care emphasis. The coursework recommended in the degree plan will best prepare students to take the MCAT exam by September of their senior year at university.

Students should be well-rounded, taking courses in both the sciences and the humanities, maintaining a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Extracurricular involvement is encouraged. Patient care experience is required.

Pre-med students will benefit from going above and beyond in their coursework. Strong relationships with faculty and supervisors will be helpful in achieving this level of study. Students with Bismarck State College credits are often in the best position to enter medical school, as they have acquired less debt during their undergraduate years and received science and math education with appropriately high rigor.

Preparation

High school students planning a career in medicine should take classes in math and sciences. BSC students are encouraged to participate in the UND mentorship program. Students will be notified by email in the fall with the details.

Requirements

Those completing the suggested curriculum requirements receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to transfer to a four-year institution. 

Bismarck State College has many cooperative, articulation, or transfer agreements with postsecondary institutions both inside and outside of the North Dakota University System. Some of these agreements are established to allow students to remain on campus as they complete their bachelor’s degree. In all cases, students seeking to transfer after completing a degree at BSC should consult the academic catalog of their destination college and work with their academic advisor to plan for this transition.

Career Opportunities

Students entering medical school are not required to have four years of college preparation but it is preferred. To be considered by a school of medicine, a student must maintain a grade point average of “B” and place high on the Medical College Admission Test. Career possibilities include medical, dental, chiropractor, and veterinarian fields.

Transfer

All students attending BSC, with the intent of becoming a medical doctor, must transfer to university before applying to a college of medicine. All medical colleges accept transfer credits from accredited community colleges but vary on the number of credit hours a student must complete prior to application. BSC strongly encourages pre-med students to research medical schools and learn about the Association of American Medical Colleges application program. The American Medical College Application Service has an updated website where pre-med students can find the specific due dates and application requirements for the schools to which they plan to apply.