Becoming a Doctor: A Deep Dive into the Medical Profession
What does it take to become a doctor in today’s complex health care landscape? Designed for students preparing for medical school or pursuing post-baccalaureate studies, Becoming a Doctor explores the path to medical school, the realities of clinical practice, and the innovations shaping modern medicine. Through expert-led content, mentor feedback, discussion board engagement, and a final capstone project, you’ll apply your learning to real-world health care challenges and gain clarity on your goals in medicine.
Choose the course length that works for you: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 18 and up
Fees
$2,195
Explore What It Means to Become a Doctor
Paths to Medicine
Explore the diverse routes to medical school and beyond. Learn from HMS physicians about their academic journeys, motivations, and the qualities that lead to success in medicine.
The Life of a Physician
Examine the realities of practicing medicine — from clinical decision-making and patient communication to collaboration across health care teams. Gain insight into how physicians balance scientific knowledge, ethical judgment, and compassion in an ever-evolving medical environment.
Medical Science and Innovation
Discover how advances in biology, genetics, and technology are transforming patient care. Through case studies, analyze how scientific discoveries translate into clinical applications, and examine how physicians use emerging tools and data to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
Medicine Within Complex Health Systems
Assess how health care delivery is shaped by systems, policies, and the people who work within them. Consider how physicians navigate challenges such as access, equity, and cost while coordinating care across interdisciplinary teams. Evaluate how leadership, communication, and organization all contribute to patient outcomes in modern medical settings.
Emerging Frontiers in Medicine
Investigate how scientific discovery and technology are redefining the practice of medicine. Evaluate innovations such as AI, precision medicine, and regenerative therapies, and consider their impact on diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Examine how these advances raise new questions about access, ethics, and the physician’s role in shaping the future of care.
Final Capstone Project: Define Your Path in Medicine
Apply what you’ve learned by developing a final capstone project that connects course concepts to your own professional goals. Choose to chart your journey toward medical school or envision the evolving role of the physician in future health care. Through this culminating project, synthesize your learning, reflect on your motivations, and articulate a personal perspective on the practice of medicine.
Pre-Med Online Certificate Program Advantages
- Learn through expert-led courses taught by Harvard Medical School faculty, with mentors providing guidance and feedback throughout your experience.
- Benefit from a flexible, self-paced format that allows you to progress on your schedule.
- Engage with interactive modules featuring case studies, assignments, and discussion boards that deepen your exploration of medical topics.
- Apply your learning through a final capstone project that connects coursework to real-world health care challenges.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School, a valuable credential.
Four Benefits of the Program
Final Capstone Project
- Clarify your motivations and long-term goals in medicine.
- Apply course concepts — including clinical care, health care systems, and innovation — to real-world medical scenarios.
- Strengthen your ability to analyse complex problems and evaluate evidence across different contexts.
- Build a forward-looking perspective that links what you’ve learned to your future in medicine.
Experience Medical School-Level Content
- You’ll have access to medical-school-level material, quizzes, and other engaging content designed by doctors, scientists, and faculty from Harvard Medical School.
- Courses lay a foundation for success in medical school, fostering the intellectual curiosity, empathy, and leadership qualities that define exceptional physicians.
Support from Mentors
- In addition to learning from Harvard Medical School faculty, you will have access to valuable mentors who will guide and support your learning experience.
- Here’s what to expect: You’ll receive guidance tailored to your course’s specific discipline, along with encouragement and direction throughout the program. Mentors are here to offer inspiration, motivation, and confidence — helping you stay on track and succeed every step of the way.
Maximum Flexibility
- The program is entirely online, allowing you to pursue the rigorous curriculum on your schedule; anytime, anywhere.
- Experience flexible, immersive video content.
- Take multiple courses to deepen your learning experience and further prepare you for medical school.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Taught by HMS Faculty
David H. Roberts, MD
Steven P. Simcox, Patrick A. Clifford, and James H. Higby Associate Professor of Medicine; Dean for External Education, Harvard Medical School
Dr. David H. Roberts is an HMS graduate, a pulmonary and critical care physician, and an award-winning educator who leads Harvard Medical School’s global portfolio of external education programs. As Dean for External Education, he has helped expand the reach of HMS faculty through innovative online learning experiences, such as HMX and HealthXcelerate. His work focuses on the intersection of medicine, education, and technology.
Mentorship and Support
Throughout your program experience, you’ll be guided by mentors — including physicians, researchers, and health care experts — who provide support and insight as you navigate your coursework. These mentors bring expertise in your course’s specific discipline and are dedicated to helping you stay engaged and on track as you progress. They’ll offer encouragement, direction, and motivation while helping you build the confidence needed to succeed in the program and beyond.
Allie
Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Affairs as well as a Master of Science in Medical Physiology. Allie currently works as a practicing OB/GYN physician in North Carolina and has been featured in national media outlets as an expert birth doula. Allie is excited to help students navigate this unique opportunity to gain an inside perspective into the medical field and learn material traditionally discussed in medical school.
Niha
Holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Health Sciences from Brandeis University. Worked as the Biology Undergraduate Departmental Representative at her university. Niha has a strong interest in global health and exploring how societal, political, and cultural factors influence healthcare. She's excited to share her experiences and contribute to a dynamic learning environment for all students.
How To Apply:
Our application process is straightforward. Tell us why you are interested in medicine and how this program can help you on your medical journey. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
