2.12 Credit for Work Done Prior to Matriculation

All Pathways students must take all required preclerkship courses, including those students who enter HMS with advanced preparation in a specific discipline. In the Pathways program, our educational philosophy celebrates collaborative learning. A critical part of learning in the curriculum is student participation, a teaching and learning environment that elevates the learning of the entire group and that is enhanced by the diversity of the class, including diversity of preparation in different disciplines. In addition, basic and population science courses taken for other degrees do not necessarily include the medical focus and clinical integration that our courses incorporate. In some preclerkship courses, special class sections may be designated for students with advanced preparation; however, students in Pathways may not receive credit for courses taken prior to matriculation.

Occasionally, students in the HST program may have taken preclerkship HST courses prior to matriculation. Requests for credit for such courses should be made as soon as possible after matriculation at HMS. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the students’ performance in the courses, the length of time since the courses were taken, and other relevant factors. Credit is not guaranteed, however, and credit awarded for work done prior to matriculation does not decrease the number of course requirements a student must earn for the MD degree.