Are you passionate about helping others and want to pursue a medical career? San Juan College's Associate of Science (AS) degree in Medical Science is perfect for you. Our courses will prepare you to join the healthcare field as a doctor, dentist, chiropractor, and more.
SJC professors will make sure you understand core concepts through lectures and lab experiments. Your courses will prepare you for more advanced classes and to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) exam. After completing the two-year Medical Science AS, you'll be ready to transfer to a four-year university. There you can earn your bachelor's degree and find a job in the medical field or apply to places like dental or medical school.
Why Study Medical Science?
An associate degree in medical science is a two-year program that prepares you for an advanced career in the healthcare industry. You'll take a unique blend of courses that will prepare you for the MCAT. Subjects include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Calculus
- Healthcare ethics and access
By completing this program, you'll have the fundamentals to take advanced courses, such as organic chemistry and biochemistry. You will be ready to transfer to a four-year university and join a pre-med, pre-dental, or similar healthcare career track.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse, dental hygienist, physical therapist assistant, or another allied health professional, check out our Pre-Health Sciences AS. If you want to become a pharmacist, learn about our Pre-Pharmacy AS.
Why Earn an Associate Degree in Medical Science at San Juan College?
Receive Individual Attention
The courses required to qualify for the MCAT exam are rigorous and challenging. At SJC, you'll get the support you need to understand the material. At large universities or colleges, you might get lost in large lecture halls. But your SJC instructors will know you by name and help you master the material from chemistry to physics. They'll work with you so you can be confident in your knowledge and skills.
Transfer to a Four-Year School
Prepare to earn a bachelor's degree by completing the associate degree in medical science at SJC. By completing your courses, you will be able to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, health sciences, and nursing. You may also qualify for many pre-med programs. SJC has transfer agreements with schools in New Mexico, Arizona, and across the nation. You'll be able to transfer your course credits and continue on your academic journey. Learn more about the transfer process.
Affordable Pathway to a Bachelor's Degree
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the Medical Science AS two-year degree is an excellent investment for you as you prepare to transfer. Our rigorous, high-quality education will prepare you for your bachelor's degree and beyond. You may also qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in the Medical Science AS Program
With the Associate of Science in Medical Science degree, you'll have scientific knowledge that will prepare you to take the MCAT. It also provides the foundational knowledge you need to work in the healthcare or health science field. As part of your program core requirements, you will take:
- Cellular & Molecular Biology (includes a lab)
- Principles of Biology: Genetics (includes a lab)
- General Chemistry I and II (includes labs)
- Biomedical Ethics
- Algebra-Based Physics I and II (includes labs)
You will also take two courses on the sociology of health care.
As part of your associate degree requirements, you will complete general education requirements. Courses include:
- Composition I and II
- Calculus I
- Introduction to Psychology
- A humanities course
- A fine arts course
Transfer Options
As a medical science associate degree student, you can transfer to a four-year institution to earn your bachelor's degree. You'll enter your transfer school as a junior majoring in a field related to medical science. If you wish to transfer, we strongly encourage you to meet with your academic advisor. They will help you plan out your coursework so you can follow the requirements of the transfer institution.
Previous medical science associate degree students have transferred to:
- Arizona State University
- Brigham Young University
- Diné College
- Fort Lewis College
- New Mexico State University
- Texas Tech
- The University of Arizona
- The University of New Mexico
Learn More About the Transfer Process
Careers and Outcomes
Apply your medical knowledge in the health science and healthcare fields. Our medical science graduates are prepared for more advanced science courses at four-year universities and have a solid preparation for the MCAT.
With an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Medical Science, you will be on the road to becoming a:
- Chiropractor
- Dentist
- Doctor
- Physician assistant
Associate Degree in Medical Science Program Prerequisites
The following are program proficiencies and/or prerequisites for students wanting to enroll in the Medical Science AS program. This means you will have to complete these courses before enrolling in the program.
- Introduction to Chemistry and Lab
- Intermediate Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Trigonometry
Next Steps
To enroll in the Associate of Science in Medical Science courses, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our Medical Science AS program. You can also discuss your transfer options.
