Main Menu
Connect with us

Category: Medical School

How This Program Helps Prepare You for Medical School

Medical school is a challenging but ultimately fulfilling endeavor for most students. Completing it positions you to make an immeasurable impact on the lives and health of others in a rewarding profession.  

In recent years, however, about 60% of applicants have not been accepted into medical school — even as doctor shortages increase. In fact, some industry organizations have forecast a physician shortfall approaching 86,000 by 2036.   

These figures underscore the importance of submitting a standout medical school application. Your application should clearly demonstrate that you not only meet the requirements but also possess the skills, credentials and determination needed to tackle the rigors of medical school and become an M.D.  

The University of Florida’s College of Medicine offers an online Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology program that can set you up for success in the medical school application process and beyond. Here’s how this program can benefit you as an aspiring medical school student. 

The Difference Our Degree Can Make 

Our online master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology can help prepare you for medical school in several ways:  

MCAT-Aligned Curriculum 

Our program features curriculum designed to prepare you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) — a key requirement for medical school admission. Through assignments and research on carefully selected topics, you’ll acquire a solid foundation for the exam. Numerous graduates have confirmed that our program provided excellent preparation for specific sections of the MCAT. 

See course list and course descriptions here. 

A Standout Credential That Demonstrates Your Dedication 

Passing the MCAT is important, but is it enough? A master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology enhances your medical school application because it shows admissions committees your willingness to acquire advanced knowledge beyond the typical requirements. It can help you stand apart from that 60% of applicants who may not have a graduate credential and do not get accepted to medical school. 

A Robust Program From a Respected University 

A top-quality education is vital not only for catching the attention of a medical school admissions committees but also for thriving in medical school once you’re admitted. Built on more than 170 years of proven academic excellence, UF’s reputation for quality precedes it and is reflected in our regional accreditation, our graduates’ accomplishments and the accolades we regularly receive. Our 2024 acknowledgments include: 

Recognized, Experienced Faculty 

Our online master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology program is taught by the same College of Medicine professors, researchers and medical doctors who teach on campus. They understand your goals and are ready to help guide you toward them. 

Comprehensive Preparation for Medical School 

Combining two sciences into one unique master’s degree, this 30-credit online program is where you’ll : 

  • Gain in-depth scientific knowledge of essential human body systems. 
  • Examine how drugs interact with living organisms at the cellular and molecular levels. 
  • Study both healthy and diseased conditions within these systems.  

Our program enables you to: 

  • Start with no GRE requirement. 
  • Complete coursework without any campus or lab visits. 
  • Finish in as little as two semesters. 

Stay Engaged Wherever You Are 

Delivered in an entirely online asynchronous format, our program empowers you to complete your studies on a flexible schedule from any location that suits you. You don’t have to choose between your ongoing commitments and earning a degree that can elevate your academic and professional potential. Nor do you have to give up the connection that you expect from a university experience. You’ll interact with faculty and classmates via email, discussion groups and other online tools throughout our program. 

Interested in gerontology? Our online master’s degree in medical physiology and aging provides another path to medical school and related careers. See details. 

Medical school is a challenge that you’re capable of meeting. Prepare with a master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology from UF. Apply today! 

Sources:
https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/pre-med-frequently-asked-questions
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/articles/why-its-still-hard-to-get-into-medical-school-despite-a-doctor-shortage
https://www.aamc.org/news/press-releases/new-aamc-report-shows-continuing-projected-physician-shortage  

Comparing Graduate Credentials: Medical Physiology vs. Microbiology 

If you’re considering a graduate credential, we salute you! The path to securing your dream position can be a long one, and a graduate certificate or master’s degree is often the first step in advancing your career, especially in STEM-related roles. 

If you’ve narrowed down your graduate options to medical physiology and microbiology, it’s helpful to understand the similarities and differences between these fields. While these programs may share similar credit requirements and a strong foundation in fundamental biological concepts, they also have some distinct differences. 

Let’s explore these differences and help you determine which program aligns best with your professional goals. 

Program Curriculum 

A significant difference between a graduate credential in medical physiology and one in microbiology lies in each program’s framework and content: 

  • Medical Physiology 
    If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I take anatomy and physiology for medical school?”, the answer is yes. Courses focused on anatomy and physiology provide essential knowledge that will help you succeed in medical and other professional schools. The University of Florida’s online MS in medical physiology and pharmacology program offers a broader application of biological sciences, integrating human and medical physiology into clinical settings. It also emphasizes key areas of pharmacology, preparing graduates for roles such as clinical research coordinator, medical educator or healthcare consultant. 
  • Microbiology 
    In contrast, a microbiology program concentrates more specifically on microorganisms and their effects on humans and the environment. Courses explore areas such as virology, infectious diseases and molecular genetics. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse roles in research, diagnostics and public health. 

Career Opportunities 

Both graduate programs act as an excellent stepping stone toward numerous STEM-related careers. Below, we break down some of the specific careers available depending on the program you choose to pursue:  

Medical Physiology 

An MS in one of our medical sciences programs offers an excellent foundation for roles in the healthcare field, whether you’re interested in direct patient care, shaping public health policy, advancing biomedical research or teaching the next generation of medical professionals.  

While some of these positions may require further education, our online graduate credentials in the medical sciences provide a strategic way to advance your journey toward the career you’ve always envisioned, in rewarding careers like: 

  • Clinical research coordinator 
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative 
  • Medical educator 
  • Surgeon 
  • Physician assistant 
  • Anesthesiologist 
  • Critical care nurse 
  • Pharmacist 
  • Biomedical research scientist 
  • Regulatory affairs specialist

Microbiology 

As a graduate with an MS in microbiology, you’ll have the advanced skills needed to launch your career in a variety of in-demand roles in research and biotechnology, including: 

  • Biochemist 
  • Biophysicist 
  • Medical scientist 
  • Epidemiologist 
  • Molecular biologist 
  • Bioinformatics scientist 

Job Outlook and Salary 

The job outlook for STEM-related careers is projected to grow by 10.4% from 2022 to 2032, which is 6% higher than the national average for all occupations. Here are some projected job outlooks and salaries for different careers in each sector according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Medical Physiology 

Registered nurses  

  • Growth rate through 2033: 6% 

Nurse Anesthetists 

  • Growth rate through 2033: 40%

Physician assistants 

  • Growth rate through 2033: 28% 

Postsecondary teachers  

  • Growth rate through 2033: 8% 

Microbiology 

Medical Scientists 

  • Growth rate through 2033: 11% 

Epidemiologists  

  • Growth rate through 2033: 19% 

Biochemists 

  • Growth rate through 2033: 9% 

Impact on Patient Outcomes 

Envision yourself in a patient care role. Do you see yourself working one-on-one with patients, delivering personalized care tailored to their specific needs? Or would you prefer to make a broader impact, using your expertise to advance the understanding of diseases from the comfort of a lab coat? 

A graduate degree in medical physiology offers a versatile entryway to several careers centered around patient care, whether you want to specialize in a particular area of medicine or take on a broader clinical role. However, if you’d rather step away from patient care and focus on other areas of medical sciences, there are plenty of roles that allow you to contribute to healthcare without direct patient interaction. 

In contrast, a master’s degree in microbiology is ideal for those who wish to improve specific areas of health, such as food safety and public health. While these roles don’t often involve direct patient interaction, they offer opportunities to work in various settings, such as research laboratories, government agencies and pharmaceutical companies. 

Earn a Graduate Credential in Medical Sciences From the University of Florida 

A graduate credential in medical physiology or microbiology offers numerous benefits, bringing you closer to advancing your career and acquiring essential skills along the way. With a medical sciences graduate credential from UF, you’ll gain a strong foundation tailored to your chosen role. Our programs prepare you for professional school, demonstrating your commitment to your field and enhancing your application to admissions committees. 

We offer seven unique, entirely online graduate programs in the medical sciences: 

Many of our online students are already balancing busy professional and personal lives. We aim to help you maintain that work-life balance by offering all asynchronous courses. This flexibility allows you to complete your studies at your convenience — in as little as one year. 

Jump-start your career in medical sciences with experienced professors from one of U.S. News’ top 50 universities in the nation. Apply to secure your spot next semester! 

 

Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/stem-employment.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm 

Pros and Cons for a Pre-Medical-School Gap Year

Overview Benefits Disadvantages

Is a Pre-Medical-School Gap Year Right for You?

What Is a Gap Year?

A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, provides you with an opportunity to pursue your passions, explore personal development options and achieve specific goals. Each gap year experience is entirely customizable, and its length and objective can be tailored to your availability and ambitions. An aspiring medical school student may take a gap year after completing their undergraduate studies to focus on their medical school applications.

If you are thinking about attending medical school, the decision to take or forego a gap year is one that deserves careful consideration, as each scenario presents its own pros and cons. Below is an overview explaining both the benefits and disadvantages in more detail.

Gap Year Benefits:

    1. Enhance Your Application
      From securing letters of recommendation to sending your transcripts, the process of applying to medical school is a marathon, not a sprint! Taking a gap year not only provides time to evaluate your applications for any weaknesses, it also gives you time to improve them.If you need to increase your GPA or MCAT scores, you can enroll in a graduate certificate program to strengthen your understanding of concepts within the medical field. With a typical completion time frame of one year, a graduate certificate is also an ideal option if you would like to retake the MCAT to improve your score.Volunteer opportunities and work experience can also add depth to your application and resume. If you elect to take a gap year, the increased flexibility in your schedule can enable you to volunteer or intern at a local hospital or physician’s office, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their operations and allowing you to explore various departments within the medical industry.
    2. Focus on Your Interviews
      Congratulations! Your medical school application captured the interest of the admissions department, and they want to schedule you for an interview. This overlooked and extremely important component of the medical school application process is your first chance to make a face-to-face impression in front of the admissions team.Answering difficult questions with a detailed response is not the only component of the interview process. You will also need to make travel arrangements and carve travel time, interview preparation and the interview itself out of your busy schedule. Imagine flying to another city for an interview only to be greeted with an important exam immediately after you return home. A mid-semester trip scheduled alongside your current school assignments can add stress to your admissions interview. By taking a gap year, you’ll have time to schedule your interviews without the pressure of any upcoming exams, and as a bonus, you can explore a few new cities at your own pace.During your gap year, you’ll also have more time to volunteer. This will not only improve your application but also give you an opportunity to personalize your interview answers with insight gained from hands-on experience.
    3. Explore New Topics and Gain New Perspectives
      Take a moment to reflect on what you want to study or accomplish. There’s a great chance you can think of a few subjects to master or goals you want to achieve! The constant demands of coursework can make it difficult to focus on more personal goals, and you may find that you’ve been putting off those ambitions.Pursuing a gap year will give you the time you need to fulfil your personal goals, which can include mastering a new language, visiting a new country or becoming more independent.In some cases, combining these desires can help you achieve multiple goals at once. If you travel to a new country, you’ll interact with locals in their native language, which can help you improve your fluency. Traveling will also push you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to gain independence and enhance your self-confidence. You’ll also gain a lifetime of stories to share and discover new perspectives from a different culture.

Gap Year Disadvantages:

Perhaps you have your sights set on attending a health-profession school to achieve your long-term goal of becoming a doctor in a specific medical field, like the occupations listed below. Completing a medical physiology graduate program will strengthen your understanding of the human body: an advantage which can improve your scores on the MCAT and other similar exams, increasing your chances of being accepted into your desired health-profession school.

  1. The Cost Factor
    Learning new things and meeting new people are hallmarks of the college experience. Unfortunately, attending college also means paying for the experience — generally through scholarships, grants or student loans. 

    Enjoying a gap year comes with the risk of being required to repay some of your undergraduate student loans. Since there are numerous lenders available with varying deferment policies, it is important that you fully understand your lender’s specific policy and find out whether deferred payments for aspiring medical school students are available.

    Another cost consideration is the impact of losing one year of a physician’s salary. This can make it harder to repay student loans and other expenses.

  2. Readjusting to Student Life
    Ahh, summer break! This time away from school presents its own challenges, including researching new career opportunities, planning your next semester and keeping up with the social demands of friends and family. When it’s time to get back into the routine of school, you’ll not only need to register for classes and purchase textbooks — you’ll also need to shift into a more academic mindset. Studying for exams, drafting essays and managing coursework are all skills that may prove more challenging the longer they go unused. 

    If you have difficulty adjusting back to the pace of school after a summer break, it’s important to note that a gap year will make this adjustment more difficult, as medical school coursework is more intense and your length of time away will be longer. However, if you apply to medical school during the junior year of your undergraduate program, you can keep your academic momentum intact and avoid this readjustment period.

  3. Your New Part-Time Job: Planning and Researching
    You’ve decided that a gap year is right for you, bravo! Your family and friends are supportive of your choice, but now it’s time to plan out your year to make the most of this experience on your own. 

    Having a detailed plan can mean the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful gap year. Between your current work and social obligations, you likely have a set schedule in place for your day, and you’ll sacrifice that built-in routine when you take a gap year.

    Utilizing a planner to stay organized by keeping track of your time and research notes is more important than ever. You’ll be responsible for setting guidelines, daily structure and a timetable for what you want to accomplish during the year. Like most big projects, unexpected challenges will arise and staying organized will help you stay on track of your objectives. The list below includes several resources that can help you plan and organize your gap year:

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to taking a gap year — just what works best for your personal situation.

At a Glance

Master's Degree Programs

 (No GRE required and can be completed in as little as one year)

Graduate Certificate Programs

 (Can be completed in as little as one semester)

See Our Program Video

Check out the Graduate Certificate in Medical Pharmacology

Application Procedure

  1. Complete the Application Intent form
  2. Complete the Graduate Application
  3. Send your transcripts
Apply Now

5 Reasons Why Medical Students Should Pursue a Master of Science

Learn Why a Master of Science May Be a Great Choice for You

The proverb “it’s about the journey, not the destination” applies to everyone. Yes, even medical students! Putting themselves through years of grueling study, these aspiring professionals hope to be placed in respectable residency programs come Match Day. However, some of the greatest lessons a student can learn are taught outside of medical school and inside a Master of Science (MS) program.

An MS instills relevant medical knowledge that can prove invaluable to your studies and future career, regardless of where you are on your academic journey. Let’s take a look at five reasons why you should pursue a master’s degree, especially a master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology from the University of Florida. In as little as two semesters, you can earn your MS and become a more capable and competitive medical student.

1. Regain Your Focus

After spending your days caring for patients and your nights studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), chances are that you’re flirting with burnout. Our master’s degree program is an opportunity to not only expand your physiology and pharmacological knowledge, but also regroup and complete the remainder of medical school with renewed vigor.

Think about it. Four years of medical school followed by a minimum three-year residency. Tack on a few more years if you want to pursue a fellowship, and you’re looking at about a decade of training to become an independent physician. The grind of clinical rotations can help you become a better medical practitioner, but a master’s degree program may be one of your last remaining opportunities to catch your breath before diving back into rotations and your eventual residency.

2. Bolster Your Resume

Match Day is the culmination of countless hours spent cramming for tests, performing repetitive, seemingly thankless tasks and shadowing physicians. It’s when tens of thousands of medical students from around the world find out where they will be training for the next three to seven years. Applicants at the head of the pack can look forward to Match Day with confidence. However, applicants lacking in one or more areas, such as grades or test scores, may need to bolster their resumes.

Earning a master’s degree is a practical way to differentiate yourself from your fellow applicants, especially if you’re applying to a competitive specialty. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the top five residency specialties all received an average of over 60 applications per applicant in 2021. When every other applicant is an MD or DO, having the additional designation of MS can make all the difference. A master’s degree program, moreover, can help you develop your soft skills for interviews. Come Match Day, you’ll know that you did everything in your power to get into the top choice on your rank-order list.

3. Earn an MS in Less Than Two Semesters

It’s not uncommon for medical students to take an academic leave of absence to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH). However, an MPH doesn’t align with every student’s career goals, and a leave of absence can start to look more like an unplanned detour when you take into account the minimum two years required to earn an MPH.

Our master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology is a 30-credit-hour program that can be completed in as little as two semesters. Over the course of their program, students learn about the impact of drugs on living organisms at the molecular level. Courses are offered in the spring, fall and summer semesters, and students are accepted year-round. Medical students trying to make the most of their leave of absence need look no further than our online master’s degree program.

4. Join a Flexible, Affordable Online Program

Our master’s degree program’s efficient schedule is due in part to its online and asynchronous course content, which can be completed on your own time, at your own pace. Watch lectures, engage in online discussions and complete research assignments from the comfort of your own home (or favorite coffee shop). Esteemed faculty members have taken every measure to ensure that our online program is as accommodating as possible for medical students.

It’s no secret that medical students often make sacrifices in pursuit of a noble cause. In honor of the moonlighters and the penny pinchers, we strive to ensure that our master’s degree program is as affordable as possible. Tuition is $550 per credit hour plus fees (approximately $5,500 per semester plus fees) for all students, regardless of their location. Moreover, master’s degree students are eligible for financial aid (UF’s Federal School Code is 001535). We understand that affordability is a prime concern for students, and we stand behind our program’s affordable tuition cost.

5. Expand Your Physiology and Pharmacology Knowledge

You’ve no doubt gained some physiology and pharmacology knowledge in your time as a medical student. Nevertheless, you can expect your education on drugs, biologics and their interactions with human systems to continue well into your residency and long after. Pharmacology is, after all, an integral component of healthcare. By gaining an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, you can become not only a more competitive medical student, but also a more effective medical provider.

Throughout our online master’s degree program, you’ll explore the effects of drugs on abnormal conditions affecting the systems of the human body. Gain comprehensive knowledge of physiology and pharmacology, the basis of anesthesiology, cardiology, endocrinology and other medical specialties. Courses include:

  • Cell Signaling & Therapeutics
  • Fundamentals of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
  • Medical Cardiovascular and Muscle Physiology
  • Pharmacology of Cannabis, Tobacco and Vaping
  • Physiology of Circulation of Blood

Don’t be satisfied with knowing whether or not a medication works. Discover why a medication works and how it improves your patient’s condition. Apply to our online MS in physiology and pharmacology program to take the next step on your journey to become a more competitive, qualified medical professional.

 

Sources:
https://www.nrmp.org/about/news/2022/03/nrmp-delivers-a-strong-match-to-thousands-of-residency-applicants-and-programs/  

The Medical School Application Process

Overview Med School Application Tips

The Medical School Application Process

Application Overview and Tips to Submit Your Best Application

During the 2021–2022 medical school application period, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) determined that 62,443 people applied to an average of 18 schools. Of that total, 22,666 students were matriculated. In the face of such steep competition, receiving an acceptance letter from any medical school is a significant achievement.

Applying to medical school is multifaceted process that requires several years of planning. Luckily, there are several tips we’ll share that can enhance your overall application; however, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of the medical school application before you can incorporate these insights for your personal use.

  • The Primary Application
    Typically open during the first week of May each year for the following year’s medical school class, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®) is the Association of American Medical Colleges’ central medical school application process.

    The AMCAS is the primary application method for most U.S.-based medical schools. Whether you apply to 10 or 17 medical schools, you will submit only one primary application through the AMCAS.

  • The Secondary Application
    Congratulations! Your primary application caught the attention of a desired school and they’ve requested that you complete a secondary application. Since secondary applications are specific to each institution, this is your opportunity to reflect and highlight the following:

    • Why are you interested in this specific school?
    • How do your long-term plans align with the school’s mission?
    • What recent research or long-term studies done by the school are of interest to you?

Medical School Application Tips:

Completing your medical school application is no easy feat, and it’s normal to feel confident about certain parts of your application and concerned about others. Below are our top-five tips to help you submit your best medical school application:

  1. Start Early
    Building a solid foundation for your medical school application can take years. Consider the time you’ll need to nurture relationships with the professors you’ll use as references later or to determine which medical field you’d like to study, based on your coursework and research projects.As daunting as this seems, you don’t need to do it alone! Meeting with a pre-health advisor early in your undergraduate studies can help you plan your pre-med classes and introduce you to on-campus resources designed specifically for pre-med students. The AAMC recommends that you meet with a pre-health advisor as early as your first undergraduate year. Many colleges have designated health-profession advisors who are members of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP), making it easier for you to find an advisor dedicated to your academic and extracurricular success.
  2. Build Your Profile
    There’s more to your application than transcripts and test scores! Participating in volunteer activities and developing work experience are great ways to showcase your passions and personality in your application.There are a multitude of volunteer opportunities for pre-med students. Whether you assist on a research project, participate in a university-based club or donate your time to a medical humanitarian organization off campus, volunteering is an effective way to round out your application while making a positive impact in your community.Working in a hospital, doctor’s office or medical research setting is a great way to demonstrate your passion for the medical field. You’ll obtain real-world experience in different medical specialties, providing you with concrete examples to draw from during your admissions interview.

    Whether you spend your time volunteering, working or both, it can often prove beneficial to remain part of a team for an extended period of time. Investing time with the same organizations can give rise to leadership opportunities, providing you with a training ground for managing a team and leading a project from conception to completion. You’ll also demonstrate your long-term commitment to the medical school admissions committee.

  3. Prepare and Study
    Like many aspiring medical school students, you’re preparing for the MCAT. If taking standardized tests is not your strength, that’s ok! There are several methods that can help you enhance your MCAT score, including:

    • Enrolling in an Online Graduate Program
    • Taking Practice Exams
      Simulate the test-day environment! The Princeton Review and the AAMC are two of the many places that sell online practice versions of the MCAT. Taking a practice test will provide an opportunity to assess your test-taking stamina and learn which areas you need to focus on the most.
    • Retaking the MCAT
      A second attempt at almost anything is easier than the first, as you’re more familiar with the process, and the MCAT is no exception. Fortunately, you can take the MCAT multiple times; however, the scores from each time you complete the test appear on your application.
  4. Show Authenticity and Enthusiasm
    It can be nerve-racking to be evaluated by someone you’ve never met. That’s why it’s important to incorporate your personality into your application. Just as employing a good bedside manner is essential to maintaining patients, adding personal touches will humanize your application and heighten your appeal to medical school admissions representatives.You can accomplish this by incorporating personal experiences into your essays and secondary application: discuss why you want to study medicine, your favorite research projects or notable insights from your volunteer or work experience.
  5. Practice Your Interviews
    You did it! Your hard work in submitting a top-notch application paid off, and you’ve been selected for an interview! This is your first opportunity to make a face-to-face impression in front of the admissions department.At this stage, it can be tempting to feel overly confident; however, it is important that you treat this like a job interview. If you find that you get nervous meeting people or stumble answering questions, then you’ll want to practice your interview in advance.The good news is that getting practice is easy! Grab a friend or schedule an appointment with your pre-health advisor and let them ask you some common interview questions. This is a great way to get honest feedback and to improve your answers.

Applying to medical school is a long-term process and earning an acceptance letter is a rewarding accomplishment.  By following the advice above, we hope that you can enhance your medical school application to help accomplish your goals of becoming a doctor.

Text
Contact Us
Email Us
Calendly