Does Taking Prerequisites Online Look Bad to Medical Schools?

Online classes and online degrees are becoming more popular in the typical college curriculum—but how do medical schools evaluate online coursework? Do top-tier US medical schools accept online classes—and does taking medical school prerequisites online affect your odds of getting in?

The Impact of Online Coursework on Admissions

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, taking online courses—especially prerequisites—was largely frowned upon. However, when most colleges and universities went fully remote or partially remote, medical schools essentially had no choice but to accept online courses, even with prerequisite courses. Whether that trend will hold or for how many future application cycles is unknown as of 2022.

As part of completing your medical school requirements, you might be considering taking an online course or two. You might even have read dire warnings against the strategy. The reason admissions committees are skeptical of online coursework is the same reason many don’t allow applicants to substitute AP classes for prerequisites: rigor.

Prerequisite courses like organic chemistry are where students are put through the gauntlet of tough material in the sciences, which will form the basis of your clinical years in medical school. Admissions committees want to be sure you’re prepared for the intensity of that period.

Top Medical Degrees That Can Be Earned Online

If you’re interested in joining one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, the first place to start is your education. A wide variety of medical degrees are available that cater to various fields within healthcare. Many of these degree programs are available online, even from top medical colleges and universities.

Comparison of Healthcare Careers and Growth

Medical Major	Median Annual Salary	Projected Growth (by 2033)
Nursing	$59,730	6%
Radiology technology	$76,020	6%
Respiratory therapy	$77,960	13%
Physician assistant	$130,020	28%
Healthcare administration	$110,680	29%

Career Pathways and Specializations

1. Nursing

The nursing workforce is projected to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the national average across all occupations. After earning a nursing major degree, there are a variety of tracks to follow through specialization, which often leads to a pay increase. For example, there are pediatric, geriatric, ICU, and oncology specialties within the general umbrella of nursing. Common job titles include:

• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Registered Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Surgical Nurse Practitioner

2. Radiology Technology

Professionals in the radiology technology field administer diagnostic imaging exams, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and sonograms. The typical entry-level education requirement would be an associate degree, but higher education, such as a bachelor’s degree in radiology technology, is also available.

3. Respiratory Therapy

With over 133,900 new job openings projected by 2033, respiratory therapy employment will increase by 13%. Although respiratory therapists are not doctors, they are qualified to diagnose and treat acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions.

4. Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) take the lead in job outlook on our list, with a projected workforce increase of 28% by 2033. PAs do not hold a doctorate degree; they work under the direct supervision of a physician and perform many of the same tasks. This occupation requires a master’s degree, which students can earn online.

5. Healthcare Administration

The healthcare administration field holds a variety of occupations that handle everything from medical billing and coding to hospital-wide management. With the workforce expected to grow 29% by 2033, we can expect to see a much-faster-than-average workforce increase across the field through occupations such as Healthcare Administrators and Hospitalists.