Career Preparation: Medicine & Healthcare

Psychology students are uniquely prepared for Healthcare and Medical careers, with a strong background in what makes their future patients "tick." The updated MCAT requirements include knowledge of Psychology, as it's imperative to be able to relate to the patients you will see. Many of our students go on to be very successful in Medical, Dental, Physical Therapy, and Nursing schools. Many other former students are successful in Public Health-related careers.

During their time as an Undergraduate, students interested in Medicine or Health as a career may choose any of our degree tracks. However, we suggest a Bachelor of Science with a Specialization in Human Health to best prepare you for your future career. Students interested in Opthalmology may also benefit from a Bachelor of Science with a Specialization in Sensation and Perception. You may also be interested in a double major or minor in Biology, Chemistry, Public Health, Global Health, or Health Care/Social Issues. You may also wish to explore the Healthcare Education coursework and certificates that UC San Diego Extension has to offer.  The following courses may be of interest to you:

• PSYC 100: Clinical Psychology
• PSYC 101: Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 104: Social Psychology
• PSYC 106: Physiological Psychology
• PSYC 108: Cognitive Neuroscience
• PSYC 124: Clinical Assessment and Treatment
• PSYC 125: Clinical Neuropsychology
• PSYC 129: Logic of Perception
• PSYC 132: Hormones and Behavior
• PSYC 133: Circadian Rhythms
• PSYC 134: Eating Disorders
• PSYC 137: Social Cognition
• PSYC 139: Social Psychology of Sport
• PSYC 144: Memory and Amnesia
• PSYC 147: Gender
• PSYC 153: Psychology of Emotion
• PSYC 155: Social Psychology and Medicine
• PSYC 157: Happiness
• PSYC 168: Psychological Disorders of Childhood
• PSYC 172: Psychology of Human Sexuality
• PSYC 179: Drugs, Addiction & Mental Disorders
• PSYC 181: Drugs and Behavior
• PSYC 188: Impulse Control Disorders
• PSYC 191: Psychology of Sleep

Students interested in Medical careers will need to complete additional prerequisite courses for graduate study. Students considering Medical, Dental, Nursing, Public Health, or other related graduate schools should contact the Career Center for further career and graduate school advising.

For further resources, please visit our applying to medical school and other professional health programs page.