Pre-Medicine
By declaring yourself pre-medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, you are taking the next step toward working in the medical field.
Specialized support is available to pre-med students through the Health Careers Center.
Join a Program That Will Set You Apart
We offer a rigorous curriculum and experiential learning opportunities that will prepare you not only for saving lives but making a difference in the health care industry. Pre-medicine is not a major at UW-Eau Claire, but rather a declaration of your intention to continue your education and enroll in medical school.
There are a number of majors to choose from that will enrich your education, and because medical school admissions committees consider applicants from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, there is no "official" pre-med major. Instead, students are expected to have completed the core group of pre-med courses, including the basic preparatory work for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), during their undergraduate program. This means that you can choose the major that is most relevant to your interests and goals and still complete the necessary prerequisites.
At UW-Eau Claire, more than your coursework will set you apart. You can take part in undergraduate research, job shadowing and other exciting opportunities made available through our collaboration with Mayo Clinic. Certain skills and experiences like those found here are typically favored of medical school applicants, in addition to a competitive GPA. Many medical schools also emphasize science aptitude and expect strong communication skills. Pre-med students are supported by exceptional advisors and faculty. Staff in the Health Careers Center are knowledgeable on the pre-med requirements and the medical school application process. They can assist you in developing a competitive application.
Doctors play an important role in improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Often on the front lines of the health care system, an excellent education is the foundation of an impactful and successful career. Begin yours at UW-Eau Claire.
Program Details
Are you planning a future in a health career? UW-Eau Claire is one of only a few schools of its size with a specialized Health Careers Center dedicated to helping you achieve your health career goals. We offer access to targeted programming, high-quality clinical and volunteering opportunities, and personalized academic and pre-professional advising delivered by our caring expert staff.
Pre-med students are invited to apply for the Blugold Biomedical Innovator Program, which awards 10 Blugolds with a $32,000 scholarship, one-on-one mentorship, and direct involvement in a research project beginning their first semester at UWEC. Recipients also have access to exclusive Mayo internships and job-shadow programs.
UW-Eau Claire pre-med students benefit from several major medical facilities in the region that provide the area with not only state-of-the-art, quality health care, but also shadowing and internship opportunities. UWEC specifically has strong ties to Mayo Clinic and Marshfield Clinic, as well as smaller health care facilities like the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic.
As the top master's-level university for undergraduate research, opportunities to explore and discover are endless. Many of our students work directly with faculty and local professionals on groundbreaking research projects, driving innovation and making real improvements to the world around us. Students may also choose to take their research experience a step further by presenting their findings at both regional and national conferences.
Blugold Stories
Collaborative research experience is at the heart of UW-Eau Claire's pre-med program. Whether you are working directly with a faculty member or a Mayo Clinic health professional, you'll gain the real-world knowledge and skills you need to prepare for a career in the medical field.
During his time at UWEC, Broc Kelley worked in the chemistry research lab, mentored other Blugolds, and earned a $200,000 scholarship to UW-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health. Despite experiencing hardships, he created a path that led to success with the support of faculty and staff.
I knew that I wanted to go to medical school, and the faculty at UWEC showed me how I was going to make that happen in the best way possible. UW-Eau Claire will take an undergrad anywhere they want to go. The school revolves around its undergrads, and that is not always the case at the bigger schools.
The Biomedical Innovator program has been an incredible support to my learning journey. I've gotten to shadow doctors at the local Mayo Clinic campus, present research at CERCA and NCUR, and even present our research to elected officials through Posters on the Hill. Some of my best friends have come from this program. It's instrumental to have both peers and mentors cheering you on to overcome challenges and learn and grow.
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Where can the pre-medicine program lead me after graduation?
After earning your undergraduate degree from UWEC, your next step toward becoming a physician is earning your MD or DO degree. After completing your medical degree, you will be eligible to take a medical licensing exam and enter a residency program for further training in areas such as anesthesiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, family medicine, neurology, obstetrics, pathology, pediatrics, psychiatry and others.
Medical Degree Paths
Allopathic Medicine (MD)
An MD is a 4-year degree from an allopathic medical school and concludes with a medical licensing exam. Medical school is followed by residencies that range from 3-10+ years for various specialized training. Most UWEC students attend the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the Medical College of Wisconsin, or the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
A DO degree is also a 4-year degree from a osteopathic medical school and concludes with a medical licensing exam. Training is similar for both MD and DO but osteopathic medicine focuses on a more holistic approach. Osteopathic school is also followed by residencies in any area of specialized training. Most UWEC students attend Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, or AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine (AZ, MO)
Dual degrees
Many dual degrees combine medical degrees with degrees in other areas such as:
- Academics, Research (PhD)
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Healthcare Administration (MHA)
- Public Health (MPH)
- Law (JD)
- Public Policy (MPP)
Suggested pre-med courses at UWEC are courses that are required by most medical schools and courses to best prepare you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Courses you can expect as a pre-med student include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, introductory and advanced biology, physics, psychology, and sociology. Requirements vary by program and students should connect with the Health Careers Center and access pre health advising information early and often. Visit the Health Careers Center for a more detailed guide on pre-med advising.
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