Home > Medical Professional

Medical Professionals

Medical Professionals

Degree Type: Associate of Science Degree, AS

Pathway: Health Sciences

More Options: Classroom Based, Remote Real-Time, Hyflex, Online, Hybrid

Program Length: 4 semesters

Location: Centennial, Rampart Range, Downtown Studio

Transferability: Transferable

Catalog LinkApply To PPSCPathway InformationRequest Information

Fall/Summer registration opens in March

Secure your spot in the classes you need for spring 2024 at Pikes Peak State College today, and take the next step towards achieving your academic and career goals!

Register Today
simulation center
What does it take to become a doctor, physical therapist, veterinarian, dentist or medical researcher? How do I get into medical school? How important are grades? All of these questions, and more come to mind when a student enters the Pre-Med track of education. You will get some of your questions answered here and helpful tips on how best to prepare yourself for the possibility of medical school and a career in medicine or research.

Classes You Might Take for Health Professionals

Preparing for your bachelor's degree, and medical school beyond, you'll want to get a well-rounded start to your education. That means going beyond healthcare.

Examines the fundamental molecular, cellular and genetic principles characterizing plants and animals. Includes cell structure and function, and the metabolic processes of respiration and photosynthesis, as well as cell reproduction and basic concepts of heredity. The course includes laboratory experience.

humanities

Combines the basic theory of speech communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech delivery, preparation, organization, support, and audience analysis and delivery.

Explores trends within events, peoples, groups, ideas, and institutions in Western Civilization from antiquity to 1650. This course focuses on developing, practicing, and strengthening skills historians use while constructing knowledge and studying a diverse set of narratives through perspectives such as gender, class, religion, and ethnicity.

View in Catalog

 

  1. Explain information presented in mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words)
  2. Convert information into and between various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words)
  3. Select or develop elements of the methodology or theoretical framework to solve problems
  4. Examine evidence to identify patterns, differences, similarities, limitations, and/or implications related to the focus
  5. Utilize multiple representations to interpret the data
  6. State a conclusion based on findings

 

graduate
Medical Professional

An Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree are the first two years of a four-year degree. Once a two-year degree is completed, you will transfer to a college or university that will provide you with the education required to earn a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree. If you pursue the 60 + 60 program in Colorado, you could enter a public Colorado university as a Junior.

In 2015, the MCAT changed content to reflect more education in the behavior and social sciences. Therefore we recommend that you pursue the Associate of Arts degree because multiple courses in these areas can be accommodated in the electives of an AA degree, while also embracing the many science and math courses that you need. While pursuing an Associate of Science degree seems the best and natural fit, keeping in mind the need to absorb social and behavior science courses is very important for your preparation toward the MCAT.

NOTE: It is important to develop relationships with your science faculty at PPSC and your 4-year college or university. You will need science faculty recommendations for your medical school applications. Work with them as well to discover opportunities for research partnerships

While science-oriented degrees are beneficial, you do not need to earn a science degree to get in to some medical schools. Generally, medical schools are looking for well-rounded individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to helping others. Yes, your GPA and the medical school entrance exam scores are important, but so also is your life experience. Find out more about how build your life experience and references.

Note: Many pharmacy schools do not require a full bachelors' degree.

Post-Bac Masters Degrees can provide Pre-Med students an excellent opportunity to better prepare for Medical School exams and applications. There are a variety of post-Bac degrees that typically are around one year in length. These programs provide intensive study in the sciences that are excellent for students who have a Baccalaureate degree in something other than science or who did not perform well in their undergraduate work.

CSU Fort Collins - Pre-Vet and Pre-Med tracks available

University of Colorado - Anchutz Campus

University of Colorado - Boulder

University of Wyoming Graduate Degrees

Regis University

Check with other universities for a broader selection.

Depending on your target career, you will need to choose the appropriate entrance exam. Save money now for not only applications fees, but also for study tools and exam costs.

Getting into medical school is very competitive, so applying to as many schools as you are able can widen your pool of choices. Some of these may be outside of your desired state or city, but remember, you are going to medical school to learn to be a doctor. Then you can choose where to practice.

Medical residency is when you are practicing medicine under the supervision of a medical doctor. The length of your residency is depending on your choice of medical career. For example, being a neurosurgeon requires far more residency experience than a general practitioner.

Why Start at PPSC

The Association of American Medical Colleges, reported that in 2011, the “second most common educational experience, accounting for roughly one-third of (medical school) applicants (32.5%), was at a community college.” This article also states that most students accepted into medical school attended two or more colleges or universities. The study goes on to say that “across types of educational institutions differences exist in the ability to access important resources, such as knowledge of the application process, pre-medical educational programs, health-related work and voluntary experiences, and peers with similar aspirations—all things that might encourage a student to pursue a career in medicine.”

Because of these findings, it's clear that any student who may be considering a career in medicine get started at PPSC with the right information and accurate advising as soon as possible. See your Advising & Testing Health Sciences Advisor to keep current and on track.
Graduate
Student's Studying

Apply for Scholarships

Every year the PPSC Foundation offers hundreds of thousands of dollar's worth of scholarship money for eligible and in need students. To learn more about scholarship availability, please visit: pikespeak.edu/scholarships