Pre-Medical

Pursuing Pre-Med Through Biomedical Engineering

Welcome to the Biomedical Engineering (BME) program at WSU! While we do not offer a formal "pre-med track," our BME curriculum is strategically designed to support students aspiring to medical school. By leveraging significant overlaps between BME required courses and standard pre-med prerequisites (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, and math), students can potentially reduce their course load by 6-12 credit hours compared to other majors. This efficiency allows more time for research, extracurriculars, and MCAT preparation. Below, explore the advantages of choosing BME for your pre-med journey.

Advantages of BME in MCAT Preparation

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) evaluates knowledge in biological and biochemical foundations, chemical and physical foundations, psychological/social/biological foundations of behavior, and critical analysis/reasoning skills. WSU's BME program provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary foundation that aligns closely with these areas, often giving students an edge in applied problem-solving and quantitative reasoning:

• Integrated Coverage: Courses like BIOL 211 (Human Anatomy & Physiology) and CHEM 531/532 (Organic Chemistry) cover MCAT topics with an engineering focus, enhancing retention.
• Problem-Solving: BME's rigorous training in biomechanics and biomaterials strengthens quantitative skills for MCAT's Physical Sciences and CARS sections.
• Lab Experience: Hands-on work in medical device design prepares you for MCAT scenarios and med school applications.
• Efficiency: Overlapping pre-med courses save 6-12 credit hours, freeing time for MCAT prep or volunteering.

The example table below compares BME to other majors like Chemistry and Biological Sciences for pre-med students:

*Data synthesized from AAMC trends and premed forums; individual results vary.

Pre-Med Courses and BME Curriculum Overlap

The BME curriculum integrates most pre-med prerequisites, saving time and enhancing preparation. The table below lists the core courses commonly required for medical school admission at Wichita State University (WSU), their credit hours, and their overlap with the Biomedical Engineering (BME) curriculum. These courses align with prerequisites for medical schools and the MCAT, covering key areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and communication. The overlap with the BME curriculum highlights how WSU BME students can efficiently meet pre-med requirements while pursuing their engineering degree, potentially reducing their course load.

Unique Advantages of WSU BME for Pre-Med

WSU's BME program, the only one in Kansas offering BS, MS, and PhD degrees, is tailored for pre-med success.

• Curriculum Overlaps and Flexibility: The program integrates pre-med prerequisites like BIOL 211 and CHEM 531/532 into the BME core, minimizing additional coursework and potentially reducing 6-12 credit hours compared to other majors. This strong foundation in math, science, and engineering addresses living systems problems effectively, allowing focus on clinical experiences or research.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities and Research Opportunities: Access cutting-edge labs for biomaterials, biomechanics, and bioinstrumentation, fostering hands-on research that bolsters med school resumes. WSU emphasizes real-world applications, preparing you for medical innovations.
• Accelerated Pathways and Support: Options like the BS-to-MS accelerated program let you advance quickly, ideal for pre-med timelines. Articulated transfer pathways (e.g., from community colleges) ease entry, and the program's focus on medicine and helping others aligns perfectly with pre-med passions.
• Holistic Preparation and Backup Plan: BME at WSU not only preps you for med school but offers a robust career alternative in a growing field, reducing pre-med stress. Graduates are well-equipped for industry or advanced studies, with a sense of preparedness noted by students.