College is a big commitment—both financially and when it comes to your professional life. Sometimes, a community college is a better fit than a bigger university, and is often more cost effective. But what if you’re thinking about attending medical school? Is there a community college that can allow you to practice medicine? Will community college credits transfer to a larger university if you decide to pursue your higher education there? Don’t worry! We’ll answer all your questions.
Today we’re going to be looking at how community college can further your career in medicine in a few different ways:
- Community College vs. University
- Community Colleges with Medical Programs
- Medical Schools that Accept Transfer Credits from Community Colleges
Community College vs. University
There are a few key differences in the way community colleges work compared to universities. Community colleges are often smaller than universities and usually do not offer on-campus housing. They also tend to be easier to get into, but universities tend to offer more financial aid, have more robust research programs, and are more well-known when it comes to networking. Along with this, there are differences in cost, the time it takes to obtain a degree, and the way classes can be attended. So let’s look into a few of these differences to find the best option for you!
Cost
Community colleges are often more cost effective than universities due to their small size. They usually cost between five-thousand and eight-thousand per year. This is a substantial amount less than your average university, which can cost anywhere between twenty to sixty-thousand dollars per year. However, as we’ve already established, universities offer more financial aid and use tuition for funding bigger programs.
Time
Universities are typically four to five year long institutions where you can obtain a bachelor's degree in a number of programs. Community colleges often have less choices when it comes to programs and offer two-year degrees known as associate degrees. So, if you’re looking to get a degree quickly and get into the working world, a community college is for you.
Attendance
Community colleges often offer virtual classes and night classes for those trying to get a degree on top of their everyday life. Whether the classes are asynchronous or have virtual meetings, they offer the chance at an education for those who can’t make it to campus. Some universities offer web-based classes, but you’re less likely to find them.
Community Colleges for Medical School
Most community colleges don’t offer full medical programs. However, many of them offer a lot of pre-med courses and medical adjacent fields of study. Without further ado, these are some of the best community colleges for medical school.
1. Red Rocks Community College
Based in Lakewood, Colorado, Red Rocks Community College ranks first on the list of best community colleges for medical school. They offer year-long certificates and associate degrees in a few different medical adjacent fields. They offer degrees and certificates in Medical Assistance and Medical Office Management, as well as an associate degree in Holistic Health.
2. Sinclair Community College
Based in Dayton, Ohio, Sinclair Community College ranks as the third best community college in the U.S. and offers similar programs to Red Rocks. They offer the following certificates: Medical Assistant, Medical Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary, and Pharmacy Technician. They offer degrees in the following: Health Care Administration and Management, Health Information and Medical Records Administration, Health Information and Medical Records Technology, Medical Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technician. This is another one of the best community colleges for medical school.
3. Antelope Valley Community College
Based in Lancaster, California, Antelope Valley Community College is on the higher end for community colleges when it comes to tuition, costing almost nine-thousand dollars per year, but they have amazing two-year programs. They also offer Medical Assistant and Medical Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary as certificates as well as associate degrees. It wraps up our list for the best community colleges for medical school!
Medical Schools that Accept Community College Credits
If you’re looking to really get into medicine and become a practitioner, it may be wise to knock out some pre-med requirements at a community college. However, some medical schools can be very picky about accepting community college credits. Here are two great medical schools that will accept your transfer credits.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University has one of the best medical programs in the United States. The school is based in Baltimore, Maryland and is consistently ranked amongst the best medical schools in the country. Students gain a lot of hands-on experience and exceptional research opportunities. Johns Hopkins University accepts community college credits for approved courses as long as they were earned with a grade of C or better. There is a limit of the amount credits you can transfer, so make sure to check with the school’s policies to ensure that every credit you need will transfer.
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis has another great medical program, ranking amongst some of the best in America. The university offers an amazing medical program that gives students foundational knowledge to pursue work in the following fields: allopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and more. Through their research opportunities you can get hands-on experience that’ll give you a feel for how the medical world will truly be. Washington University accepts a maximum of 66 transfer credits from a community college that will count towards an undergraduate degree. When transferring credits make sure to transfer the ones that will fulfill requirements first in case you have an abundance of transfer credits.
Those Were Some of the Best Community Colleges for Medical School!
Now you have all the information you could need to make an informed decision on your path to a medical degree. Whether you decide to pursue a certificate of associates degree, or make the leap to medical school, these tips will help you make the most of your education!
