Program Schedule

The program is flexibly designed to meet the student’s needs and background. The time required to complete the certificate program ranges from fifteen to twenty-four months, depending on the preparation of the incoming student.

Students may elect to take one, two, or three science courses (including labs) during an academic term. Taking three science courses per semester is a heavy load, and therefore these schedules should be considered carefully by those with little or no exposure to rigorous college level science courses. In addition, students with little or no volunteer experience in a medical setting will need to allow time for that activity. Further, allowing time to prepare for the MCAT exam is an important consideration.

*Ongoing course registration and continuation in the program is dependent on successful academic performance as defined in the university’s academic standards.

Georgetown Postbac Courses List

The following are typical schedules for a student applying for entry in each of the three terms.

A typical completion schedule for a student entering in the fall term is:

1st Term (fall)
1. Foundations of Biology I + lab
2. Gen Chem I + lab
3. Optional – a math class if needed (calculus or statistics)

2nd Term (Spring)
1. second Bio course + lab
2. Gen Chem II + lab
3. Optional – a math class if needed (calculus or statistics)

3rd Term (Summer)
1a. Organic Chem I + lab
1b. Organic Chem II + lab OR
2a. Physics I + lab
2b. Physics II + lab

4th Term (Fall)
Organic Chem I + lab OR
Physics I + lab

5th Term (Spring)
Organic Chem II + lab OR
Physics II + lab
*MCAT Prep

At this point a student will have completed all the pre-reqs for most medical schools.

While the second semester of most science introductory courses is offered in the spring, Biology I is offered in the spring starting spring 2020. Alternatively, students who have completed one term of Chemistry or Physics can apply for entry for this term and start with a second semester of that course. An example completion schedule for a student entering in the spring term is:

1st Term (Spring)
1. Foundations of Biology I + lab AND/OR
2. Optional – a math class if needed (calculus or statistics)

2nd Term (Summer)
1. Gen Chem I + lab
2. Gen Chem II + lab

3rd Term (Fall)
1. Organic Chem I + lab
2. Second Bio course + lab
3. Optional – a math class if needed (calculus or statistics)

4th Term (Spring)
1. Organic Chem II + lab
2. *MCAT Prep

5th Term (Summer)
1. Physics I + lab
2. Physics II + lab

At this point a student will have completed all the pre-reqs for most medical schools.

All the basic prerequisite courses are offered during the summer term and are taught by regular Georgetown faculty. The section I courses are offered during the first summer session and section II courses during the second summer session. Students may only take one course during each session. Summer term courses are offered in a very compressed time period. If you are the type of student that needs additional study time you should carefully consider whether entering this term is right for you. Please visit the School of Continuing Studies website for information about the summer schedule.

A typical completion schedule for a student entering in the summer term is:

1st Term (Summer)
1. Gen Chem I + lab
2. Gen Chem II + lab

2nd Term (Fall)
1. Foundations of Biology I + lab
2. Organic Chem I + lab
3. Optional – a math class if needed (calculus or statistics)

3rd Term (Spring)
1. second Bio course + lab
2. Organic Chem II + lab
3. Optional – a math class if needed (calculus or statistics)
4. *MCAT Prep

4th Term (Summer)
1. Physics I + lab
2. Physics II + lab

At this point a student will have completed all the pre-reqs for most medical schools.

Additional coursework such as Biochemistry, Genetics, Mammalian Physiology, Microbiology, or other upper level sciences may be added in the final Fall or Spring terms or may require additional terms. (Some of the upper level electives have prerequisite courses). Students who are interested in Physician Assistant or other programs may also need Behavioral Sciences or other prerequisites.

*Note that completion of the pre-req courses does not necessarily mean a student is ready to apply to medical school. Time for study and preparation for the MCAT exam at the end of the pre-requisite coursework and volunteer and/or research opportunities need to also be considered.