Guide
What to study after FSc Pre-Medical
For students in, or just finished, FSc Pre-Medical
Updated · By the Career Consultant Pakistan team
The short answer
After FSc Pre-Medical you can apply for MBBS or BDS (through the medical and dental entry test), or for a wide range of other health and science degrees: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), nursing, medical laboratory technology, radiology and imaging, nutrition, optometry, psychology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, and veterinary or agricultural sciences. Many Pre-Medical students can also move into business or social sciences. The right choice depends on your interests, results and how you want to work with people and science.
The main paths after Pre-Medical
- MBBS and BDS: Admission is based on the national medical and dental college admission test (MDCAT) together with your academic record. Seats are limited, so it helps to have a plan B as well.
- Pharmacy: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) leads to work in hospitals, community pharmacy, industry and regulation.
- Allied health: Physical therapy (DPT), nursing, medical laboratory technology, radiology and imaging, anaesthesia technology, optometry, nutrition and dietetics, and speech and language therapy.
- Life sciences: Biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, zoology and botany, which can lead to laboratory, research and industry roles or further study.
- Animal and agricultural sciences: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), food science and agricultural programmes.
- Other routes: Psychology, public health and, for some students, business or social sciences.
If MBBS is your goal
Prepare seriously for the entry test, and at the same time choose a second option you would genuinely be happy with. Having a plan B is a normal part of applying, not a sign that plan A will not work.
Some students decide to repeat the entry test after a year. That can be the right choice for some people and not for others; it is worth talking through the time, cost and alternatives before deciding.
How to choose
- Do I want to work directly with patients, in a laboratory, or in research and industry?
- How do I feel about long training periods and further exams?
- Which programmes match my results and entry test plans this year?
- Is the programme and university recognised by the relevant council and by HEC?
Eligibility rules, entry tests, deadlines and accreditation change from year to year and differ between universities. Always confirm them on the official website of the university, board or regulator before you apply.
Common questions
What can I do after FSc Pre-Medical if I do not get into MBBS?
Many students choose Pharm-D, physical therapy, nursing, medical laboratory technology, other allied health programmes, or life sciences such as biotechnology and microbiology. Some also prepare to take the entry test again. The right option depends on your interests and circumstances.
Can a Pre-Medical student study a non-medical degree?
Yes. Psychology, business, social sciences and several science programmes are open to Pre-Medical students. Some degrees need mathematics, so check each programme’s eligibility criteria.
Is it worth repeating the MDCAT?
It depends on your results, how close you were, your finances and how you feel about another year of preparation. A counselling session can help you weigh it against the other good options you have.