La Trobe University
3 years
A 3-year pre-medicine degree for regional and rural students combining biology, pharmacology and medicine. Graduates receive a guaranteed pathway into the University of Melbourne's Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) program with a 70+ WAM, designed to support medical practice in regional and rural locations.
Applicants must have completed VCE Units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL. A minimum unadjusted ATAR of 80.00 is required. Applicants must have resided for at least 5 years consecutively or 10 years cumulatively in remoteness areas classified as MM2 to MM7 according to the Modified Monash Model, and preferably completed Years 11 and 12 at a school in these areas. Selection involves a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) assessing advocacy, collaboration, critical thinking, empathy, ethical reasoning, motivation, and regional identification.
Year 1 (120 credit points): Core subjects include Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2, Chemistry 1A & 1B, Foundations of Biomedical Science, Infections Pandemics and Epidemics, Making Sense of Data, and Molecules Genes and Cells. Year 2 (120 credit points): Applied Human Anatomy, Human Systems Physiology A & B, Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Pharmacology A & B, and Rural Health. Year 3 (120 credit points): Applications of Biomedical Science, Developmental and Visceral Anatomy, Human Pathophysiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, plus capstone subjects in Biotechnology Advances in Pharmacology and Medicine or Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology, and elective subjects.
La Trobe University offers a unique rural-focused pathway to medicine through partnership with the University of Melbourne. The institution is committed to supporting regional and rural medical education, with dedicated campuses in Albury-Wodonga and Bendigo. Students who achieve a 70+ WAM are guaranteed entry into the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) at the University of Melbourne in Shepparton, ensuring a clear progression route. La Trobe provides comprehensive support through scholarships, mentoring, and flexible study options tailored to rural students.
Graduates with a 70+ WAM receive a guaranteed place in the University of Melbourne's Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) in Shepparton, positioning them for medical careers in regional and rural locations. For those not proceeding to medicine, graduates are well-prepared for roles in biomedical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, government health departments, medical sales, and health communication sectors. The degree provides a strong foundation for careers in research, clinical practice, and healthcare innovation.