Training to become a physician usually requires 4-8 years of additional schooling and residency after receiving an undergraduate degree. A degree in Human Physiology is the most focused pathway to complete your required pre-requisite courses to prepare for medical school.
There are many degrees you can earn before medical school, but a Human Physiology degree focuses on the human body (as opposed to a science degree that includes extra science courses not focused on the body). A significant portion of the MCAT (the required exam for admission to a U.S. medical school) covers biological systems and processes. The extra training you will receive in this program will prepare you for the rigorous exam.
Our faculty will help you identify your target medical schools and what courses you need to take to fulfill each medical school's pre-requisite requirements. Gonzaga human physiology graduates have been accepted at many medical schools in the U.S., including:
- Creighton University
- Georgetown University
- Loma Linda University
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Norwest Osteopathic Medical School
- Oregon Health and Science University
- Tulane University
- University of Colorado
- University of Nevada
- University of Southern California
- University of Vermont
- University of Washington
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Wake Forest University
What is the job outlook for this profession?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2023): "Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 23,600 openings for physicians and surgeons are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire."
What are the educational requirements for this profession?
Most practitioners have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Both degrees require four year years of medical school and three to eight years of internship/residency.