Students interested in preparing for medical school or another health profession may select any major offered at Grinnell College while completing the required pre-health courses. Grinnell does not offer a specific pre-health or pre-med major, and a science major is not required for admission to medical school.
How does a student get started?
The Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) supports students with their planning. Early each fall semester, HPAC holds a meeting for students interested in pre-health. Signs are posted in Noyce.
Courses and Sample Four-Year Plan
Specific course recommendations are found in HPAC’s Planning and Preparation Guide. This HPAC resource also provides information about when to take the MCAT exam, acceptance rates of Grinnell graduates to medical school, and more.
Off-Campus Study
With careful planning, pre-health students can participate in off-campus study. Consult with the off-campus study office to learn about a range of programs with different goals, some of which have a focus on human health.
Contributions to Other Majors/Concentrations
Students will find courses that touch on health, science, health care, and other related topics in a variety of departments including history, philosophy, and sociology. Grinnell has a cooperative program with the University of Iowa in Public Health which allows completion of both a baccalaureate and master's degree in five years.