Undergrad degree Needed for Residency???

[amj0327]

I have completed all of my pre-reqs science classes and I been accepted to medical school for Jan. 2007, but my graduation date is May 2007. I want to start medical school before graduating with my BA because I have already had to take 2 year off from undergrad because of family issues. Now I have the chance to go. The bad thing is that I have just found out that not having a BA degree will make it harder to get into a residency program. Is this TRUE??? Just want to make sure ASAP before I accept my spot for Jan. Thanks.

[Billa001]

Hey i am doing the same thing I will be going in jan as well without an undergrad. From what i know not having an undergrad isnt a big issue as long as you do well on the board exams. But all states have different requirements, and almost all states do not require a bachalors degree for residency. You should look into the states u want to do your residency in. I know california requires a degree. I hope this helped

[miasma]

hey, i started at saba this fall, and i don't have a degree. i believe no state requires a bachelor's degree for licensure...i may be mistaken, but i don't think so. 90 credit requirement is the most i have come across. as for obtaining a residency spot without an undergrad degree, i honestly don't think they care. as long as your board scores are decent, that's all that matters at that point.

[amj0327]

Thanks for replying. I know a BA/** is not required in majority of the states (they require 60-90 hours), however, I am just wondering if I'll be at a disadvantage for not have an undergrad degree. I asked the residency director of family med. at a medical school and he said it will come up in the interview. "why did this student not finish his undergrad?"
Anyway, I have heard that is does and does not matter. I just want a definitive answer so I thought I would ask students & those in residency.
Why would they care though, esp since there is a shortage of docs. in every speciality?

[Shah_Patel_PT]

I have completed all of my pre-reqs science classes and I been accepted to medical school for Jan. 2007, but my graduation date is May 2007. I want to start medical school before graduating with my BA because I have already had to take 2 year off from undergrad because of family issues. Now I have the chance to go. The bad thing is that I have just found out that not having a BA degree will make it harder to get into a residency program. Is this TRUE??? Just want to make sure ASAP before I accept my spot for Jan. Thanks.

I would finish the primary degree....before doing the MD. The information you put on your CV will follow you the rest of your medical career.

[wcb22]

take pride in finishing your undergrad. it's one less "short cut" that you will attempt to make. and heaven forbid the caribbean med school thing didn't work out, you always have a bachelors to fall back on.

[leadsled]

Try www.excelsior.edu
or ****** Edison State College - A national leader in distance education

They have a hundred ways to challenge out of the bachelor degree!
In addition, they are regionally accredited and accepted in the USA.
You could probably do it simultaneously while in med school!

[teratos]

No,you don't need an undergrad degree. I never finished mine. I've been in practice 3 years.

[jameslynton]

Am sure there are people who in the past got thru medical school with only the first two years of college. However, why chance it? Read this current USMLE exam experience.

http://www.valuemd.com/usmle-step-1-...d=1#post510403

With the exam becoming harder and with more senior level Biochemistry - cell biology intensive (with a clinical view to medicine) - Why take chances and cut corners? Yes, there are people who have done that in the past. However, in May the USMLE step 1 changed and is much harder. Well that's my two bits.

[Shah_Patel_PT]

Am sure there are people who in the past got thru medical school with only the first two years of college. However, why chance it? Read this current USMLE exam experience.

http://www.valuemd.com/usmle-step-1-...d=1#post510403

With the exam becoming harder and with more senior level Biochemistry - cell biology intensive (with a clinical view to medicine) - Why take chances and cut corners? Yes, there are people who have done that in the past. However, in May the USMLE step 1 changed and is much harder. Well that's my two bits.

speaking of changes....

The USMLE Step 2 CK was also updated this August 2006.

And for all the future USMLE test takers: Starting in 2007, they are adding audio and video files to the test!

DONT CUT CORNERS!!! DONT DO ONLINE BACHELORS DEGREES! COMPLETE THE FIRST DEGREE YOU STARTED!!

Trust me.....during your interviews you will be asked why you made these decisions by residency program directors....