Can I switch from biochemistry to medicine in Nigeria? If yes, what are the requirements and which schools accept such changes?
In this article we are going to enlighten you on whether or not you can switch from biochemistry to medicine in Nigeria and we shall provide answers to the following questions:
- Can I change my course from biochemistry to medicine after completing my first year in Nigeria University?
- Can I use my degree in biochemistry for direct entry in any Nigerian university?
- Can I switch from biochemistry to medicine after my degree program, and what level will I continue from?
- Can I study medicine and surgery with a degree in biochemistry?
- Can I do masters medicine with biochemistry degree?
- Can I be a medical doctor with a biochemistry degree?
- What can I do to change my course from biochemistry to medicine?
- Which Universities in Nigeria accept transfer from Biochemistry to Medicine?
Q1. Can I change my course from biochemistry to medicine after completing my first year in Nigeria University?
Yes!
The truth is that, any student can choose to change his or her course from biochemistry to medicine after completing their first year in Nigeria University but not all universities.
This change of course from biochemistry to medicine and surgery can be done within or across different Universities.
The process of changing from biochemistry to medicine in Nigerian Universities can be done through direct entry or course transfer.
Unfortunately, it is not all Universities in Nigeria that accept this change of course, especially changing to professional courses like medicine and surgery.
Q2. Can I use my degree in biochemistry for direct entry in any Nigerian university?
Yes! If you are studying medical biochemistry, then you can use your degree in biochemistry to apply for direct entry.
Note: the process will be easier if you are applying for direct entry admission into medicine within the school you obtained the biochemistry degree.
But this might be difficult to achieve in cases where you are applying for direct entry admission into medicine outside the school you obtained the biochemistry degree from.
Check also: University Courses that Accept Transfer from Biochemistry
Q3. What Level will you start from after switching from Biochemistry to Medicine?
Can I switch from biochemistry to medicine after my degree program, and what level will I continue from?
For almost all Nigerian Universities, if you have obtained a bachelor’s degree already in biochemistry but wishes to use it to apply to study medicine and surgery, you will start from level 200 (year two).
In some Universities, you might start from level 200 but still have to take few level 100 courses (especially, the general and basics courses).
Q4. Can I do masters medicine with biochemistry degree?
Yes!
Can I study medicine and surgery for masters with a degree in biochemistry?
Yes, for masters students, you may have to pass through a Postgraduate Diploma program (depending on the school you are applying to)
Can I be a medical doctor with a biochemistry degree?
Yes! After your bachelor’s degree program in biochemistry, you can apply to study medicine at your Postgraduate Master’s degree level and then become a medical doctor.
Q5. What can I do to change my course from biochemistry to medicine?
The first thing to do to change your course from biochemistry to medicine is to find the school that will accept you as a transfer student from biochemistry to medicine.
Secondly, you have to check the school’s transfer requirements for transferring from biochemistry to medicine and check if you have meet them.
Thirdly, you have to talk to your HOD, Faculty officer and Dean about your intention of changing course.
How to Transfer From Biochemistry to Medicine
The only reliable way of transferring or changing from biochemistry to medicine in any Nigerian University is through your HOD.
NOTE: the process of transferring is not the same for all universities. All you need to do is to meet with your head of department(HOD)
From that point, your HOD will guild you on how to go about it and what it may cost you to do that.
Note: this process is always very stressful and might take you about a month or two to complete and validate the process.
For graduate students with a degree in biochemistry, you can easily change to medicine through the normal Postgraduate degree programs application.
In some cases, the university that you apply to might require that you do a PGD before qualifying for the transfer.
Q6. Which Universities in Nigeria accept transfer from Biochemistry to Medicine?
Currently, we don’t have the full list of universities that accept transfer students from biochemistry to medicine.
But be reassured that many universities (including the top ones) accept this transfer.
Meanwhile, some of the universities in Nigeria that we know, accept transfer from biochemistry to medicine include:
- University of Ilorin
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- Ondo State University
- Lagos State University
- And many more
At this point, we strongly advise you to go straight to direct entry website of any university you wish and search for their direct entry admission requirements medicine and surgery.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to share this info with others and also ask any questions in the comment section.