Pre-Medical Track

At the Lander College of Arts & Sciences, you’ll complete the prerequisites for admission to top medical schools across the country. Whether you’re applying to Einstein, SUNY Downstate, or NYU, Touro LAS offers a strong science foundation, dedicated pre-med advising, and meaningful research and clinical opportunities to help you stand out.

If you’re interested in staying within the Touro system, we also offer pathways for a DO at TouroCOM and an MD at New York Medical College, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected medical schools.

“If you’re thinking about going to medical school and want a frum environment to get started with prerequisites, Touro is one of the best options available.”

- Rachelle Halpert (BS Biology, ’25)

What to Expect as a Pre-Medical Student at LAS

As a pre-med student at Touro LAS, you’ll complete a rigorous, well-rounded science curriculum that prepares you for success in medical school and beyond. While most of our students pursue MD or DO programs, we also support those planning for careers in podiatric medicine (DPM), veterinary medicine (DVM), chiropractic medicine (DC), or optometry (OD).

No matter your goal or major, your advisor will help you map out the right path and stay on track. Most pre-med students at LAS choose to major in biology, which allows them to complete all required prerequisite coursework. Some pursue other disciplines while working closely with an advisor to ensure they meet medical school requirements.

“There were no surprises because the advising team is really organized and always available to answer questions. Course schedules and everything else was clearly laid out for me, so I always knew what to expect as a pre-med student.”

- Rachelle Halpert (BS Biology, ’25)

Here’s what sets the pre-med experience at LAS apart:

Designed Around You

At LAS, your personal, religious, and work commitments are just as important to us as they are to you, and you won’t have to compromise them to get ahead.

Supportive Community

You’ll study alongside other driven students aiming for medicine and healthcare careers, creating a culture of shared ambition, mutual support, and real accountability.

Men’s and Women’s Divisions

At LAS, men and women learn in separate classes, so you’ll study in a focused setting that fosters academic excellence.

The Science Journal

Submit your original research to The Science Journal, our peer-reviewed publication that showcases original student research, and start building your professional resume.

Science Society

Join a network of current and former students who are also pursuing a career in medicine by joining the Pre-professional and Health Sciences Society.

Faculty Who Care

Our professors are passionate mentors who get to know your name and goals, challenge you to grow, and support you in the way you need it most.

Personalized Advising

You’ll work one-on-one with a pre-med advisor who will help you map out your path, prepare for the MCAT, and meet all medical school requirements.

“As an undergrad, there are so many opportunities to chart your own path. I wanted to go to Nepal and organize a medical mission, and Touro was there to help me succeed in bringing it to fruition. In Nepal, we ran medical clinics and provided medical education to people who had never had an opportunity to see doctors. This was an amazing experience that will help me be more compassionate in my career as a physician.”

- Dr. Leah Gancz (BS Biology ’18, NYMC ’23)

Where a Touro LAS Education Can Take You

Touro LAS graduates have been accepted to some of the most prestigious and competitive medical programs in the country, including:

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Boston University School of Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
SUNY Downstate Medical School
SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine

You’ll find our graduates at leading hospitals, research centers, and community-based organizations, including:

Mount Sinai Medical Center
Maimonides
Centers Health Care
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Northwell Health

Whether they’re entering residency or already practicing, Touro LAS alumni are respected for their integrity, work ethic, and commitment to serving others — all traits rooted in their undergraduate experience.

“Touro’s pre-med track is perfectly laid out so if you take the prerequisite classes on the list, you’ll graduate ready to take your MCAT and apply to medical school. It’s also flexible — you can add other classes or even pair it with another major by working with your advisor.”

- Aharon Shlomo Galandauer (BS Biology, ’26)

Course Requirements for Pre-Med Students

Being a great medical student — and an exceptional physician — means demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and a sincere understanding of what it means to care for others. Students planning to apply to medical school should complete the following required courses, which represents minimum requirements only.

Required Coursework for Medical School Admissions (35-39 credits)

8 credits of Principles of Biology I & II
8 credits of General Chemistry I & II
8 credits of Organic Chemistry I & II
8 credits of General Physics I & II
3 credits of Biochemistry
4 credits of Calculus I (required by some schools)

Strongly Recommended Courses for the MCAT Exam (9-12 credits)

Students are encouraged to work with a faculty advisor to choose three or more electives from the following courses:

4 credits of Microbiology
4 credits of Genetics (with or without lab)
4 credits of Cellular & Molecular Biology or Cell Biology
3 credits of Statistics for Social Science Majors

Required Courses in the Social Sciences (7 credits)

Most medical schools — and the MCAT exam — require a strong foundation in the social sciences, especially psychology and sociology.

4 credits of Introduction to Psychology
3 credits of Introduction to Sociology

Composite Letters and the Pre-Professional Committee

Many medical schools request a composite letter of recommendation from a university committee. At Touro LAS, our Pre-Professional Committee offers dedicated support to help you navigate this process with confidence, including:

Personalized advising beyond general course planning
Mock interviews to help you prepare for the real thing
Guidance on your personal statement and how to tell your story
A composite letter of recommendation that combines feedback from your professors, advisors, mentors, and others that can speak well of you.

It’s important to register with the committee as early as possible — ideally once you know you’re on the pre-med track. Then, after you do well in a course, ask your professor to send a recommendation letter to the committee. Don’t wait until your senior year, because professors may be on sabbatical, have retired, or simply not remember your work in detail.

Recommended Activities for Pre-Med Students

In addition to your undergraduate coursework, we recommend completing a set of hands-on, real-world experiences that build the qualities that medical school demands: maturity, empathy, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the healthcare system.

Clinical Experience: We recommend shadowing physicians and engaging in hands-on, supervised volunteering in hospitals and emergency room settings. From observing procedures to supporting clinical staff, you’ll deepen your understanding of patient care and what medicine looks like today.
Community Service: To help you build communication skills and the ability to serve all patients with humility and respect, we recommend volunteering for community service.
Research Opportunities: During your time at Touro LAS and NYMC, we recommend participating in faculty-led or offsite lab research. These experiences help connect scientific discovery to clinical practice and prepare you to think critically about data, evidence, and ethics in medicine. Biology Honors majors take a required research course.

“One of the things I always tell students is, if you want a letter of recommendation, I need to know you. If you show up to class, come to office hours, and talk to me about your goals — I will do everything I can to help you succeed.”

- Dr. Robert Bressler, Chair and Professor of Biology

Touro Pathways for Pre-Med Students

Although many LAS graduates attend medical schools across the country, others choose to stay within the Touro system — taking advantage of exclusive pathways that provide preferred conditional admission, personal support, and a smooth transition from undergraduate study to medical school.

The Medical Honors Pathway to NYMC

Whether you’re still in high school or returning from yeshiva or seminary, you may be interested in the Medical Honors Pathway to NYMC. You’ll start by submitting applications to Touro LAS and, if you meet the requirements, you’ll then apply to the medical honors program. Once admitted to Touro LAS, your honors application will be reviewed, followed by an interview with an NYMC admissions representative.

If accepted to the honors program, you’ll receive conditional admission to NYMC — provided you complete all program and medical school matriculation requirements. From day one, you’ll receive personalized support and guidance from the faculty and advisors at both Touro LAS and the NYMC School of Medicine.

For more information about specific admissions requirements, visit the New York Medical College website.

“When I finished high school and began researching colleges, it became clear to me that it was vitally important to attend a school that shares the same core values I hold and would enable me to ultimately achieve my goal of becoming a cardiologist.”

- Dr. Daniel Fuchs (LAS ’17, TouroCOM ’23)

The Integrated Honors Track in Osteopathic Medicine at TouroCOM

Touro LAS students who are interested in pursuing a DO degree can apply to the Integrated Honors Track in Osteopathic Medicine, which offers preferred admission consideration to Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM).

If accepted, you’ll receive personalized pre-med advising and mentorship from TouroCOM faculty. Students who complete all academic and experiential requirements will be eligible for an interview and preferred consideration for admission to TouroCOM’s DO program.

For more information about specific admissions requirements, visit the TouroCOM website.

Your Journey to a Career in Medicine Starts Now

If you’re ready to commit to a career in medicine, Touro LAS is the perfect place to fulfill your prerequisites and prep for the MCATs. You’ll get the support, structure, and mentorship you need to enter and succeed at medical school.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Robert Bressler
Chair, Biology Department
robert.bressler@touro.edu
718-252-7800 x59281