Best Medicine colleges in Virginia 2021

A degree in medicine is the highest degree one can obtain in the medical field. It’s more commonly known as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Both are graduate degrees awarded by an accredited school of medicine (medical school). After obtaining an undergraduate degree in a variety of sciences, including pre-medicine, students typically complete four more rigorous years in medical school in order to receive their doctoral degree. After graduation, a student will spend three or more additional years in a medical internship and residency program before starting a career as a physician. While physicians often specialize in a particular type of medicine, medical degrees cover the foundational skills needed to practice medicine, including subjects such as anatomy and physiology, genetics, biochemistry and immunology.

There generally is not an undergraduate degree in medicine specifically; however, there are often pre-med degree programs that combine classes to help prepare students for the MCAT exam, which students are required to pass to get into medical school in the United States. Often, students study some form of life science (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or kinesiology). However, students can receive a bachelor’s degree in any major prior to seeking a degree in medicine.