Post job

Preventive medicine physician education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a preventive medicine physician. Preventive medicine physicians usually study medicine, public health, or nursing. 38% of preventive medicine physicians hold a doctoral degree, and 25% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 36 real preventive medicine physician resumes to see exactly what preventive medicine physician education sections show.

The most common colleges for preventive medicine physicians are the Central State University and the Central State University.

There are also many online preventive medicine physician courses to help get the education required to be a preventive medicine physician.

What education do you need to become a preventive medicine physician?

What degree do you need to be a preventive medicine physician?

The most common degree for preventive medicine physicians is doctoral degree, with 38% of preventive medicine physicians earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 25% and master's degree degree at 17%.
  • Doctorate, 38%
  • Master's, 25%
  • Bachelor's, 17%
  • Associate, 13%
  • Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become a preventive medicine physician?

You should major in medicine to become a preventive medicine physician. 27% of preventive medicine physicians major in medicine. Other common majors for a preventive medicine physician include public health and nursing.

Most common colleges for preventive medicine physicians

Preventive medicine physicians often get their degrees at Central State University, Northwest Christian University, and Morehouse School of Medicine. Here are the most common colleges for preventive medicine physicians in the US based on their resumes.
Preventive medicine physician common collegePercentages
Central State University14.29%
Northwest Christian University7.14%
Morehouse School of Medicine7.14%
Temple University7.14%
University of South Carolina - Columbia7.14%

Best majors for preventive medicine physicians

RankMajorPercentages
1Medicine26.9%
2Public Health19.2%
3Nursing11.5%
4Marketing7.7%
5Health/Medical Preparatory Programs7.7%

Best colleges for preventive medicine physicians

The best colleges for preventive medicine physicians are Duke University, University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins University.

A preventive medicine physician with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for preventive medicine physicians. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become preventive medicine physicians.

1. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

4. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

In-state tuition

$53,430

Enrollment

5,963

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

6. University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • Private

In-state tuition

$17,653

Enrollment

16,405

7. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$54,104

Enrollment

7,089

8. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

9. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

10. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

In-state tuition

$49,816

Enrollment

6,840

20 best online courses for preventive medicine physicians

Advertising disclosure

1. Major Depression in the Population: A Public Health Approach

coursera

Public Mental Health is the application of the principles of medicine and social science to prevent the occurrence of mental and behavioral disorders and to promote mental health of the population. This course illustrates the principles of public health applied to depressive disorder, including principles of epidemiology, transcultural psychiatry, health services research, and prevention. It is predicted that by 2020 depressive disorder will be the most important cause of disease burden in the...

2. Case Studies in Personalized Medicine

coursera

Learn how advances in biomedicine hold the potential to revolutionize drug development, drug treatments, and disease prevention: where are we now, and what does the future hold? This course will present short primers in genetics and mechanisms underlying variability in drug responses. A series of case studies will be used to illustrate principles of how genetics are being brought to bear on refining diagnoses and on personalizing treatment in rare and common diseases. The ethical and...

3. Introduction to Longevity Medicine

udemy
4.4
(344)

A Medical Guide to Longevity Medicine for Physicians...

4. Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Advanced Diploma

udemy
4.3
(1,105)

A complete program in one course, This Diploma is an Encyclopedia in The Natural Medicine field...

5. Population Health: Syndemics

coursera

Do you wish to contribute to breaking cycles of ill-health in disadvantaged populations? And explore co-occurrence of diseases, such as substance abuse, infectious and chronic disease, and the relation with social factors (disparities)? Are you disappointed in the poor effectiveness of interventions for combined social and medical problems? Then this syndemics course might provide you with some answers. In medicine, diseases are generally approached as distinct entities, in isolation from other...

6. Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies

coursera

The Center for Humanitarian Emergencies is a partnership between CDC's Emergency Response and Recovery Branch and the Rollins School of Public Health that drives global collaboration, research and evidence based training to improve the lives and well-being of populations impacted by humanitarian emergencies. - Center for Humanitarian Emergencies: http://www.che.emory.edu/ - CDC's Emergency Response and Recovery Branch: http://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/errb/index.html This course...

7. The 5 Element Theory: How to Enhance Health and Healing

udemy
4.5
(344)

Learn How the 5 Element Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Enhance Your Health, Healing and Well Being...

8. Herbalism:: Introduction & Medicine Making Certificate

udemy
4.7
(13,479)

Take charge of your health with herbal medicine. Using herbs and natural holistic medicine is easy, effective and safe...

9. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care

coursera

This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...

10. Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice

coursera

Epidemiology is often described as the cornerstone science in public health. Epidemiology in public health practice uses study design and analyses to identify causes in an outbreak situation, guides interventions to improve population health, and evaluates programs and policies. In this course, we'll define the role of the professional epidemiologist as it relates to public health services, functions, and competencies. With that foundation in mind, we'll introduce you to the problem solving...

11. Herbalism:: Medicinal Kitchen Herbs & Spices Certificate

udemy
4.8
(1,168)

Discover how common kitchen herbs and spices are used as herbal medicine and natural medicine for ultimate health...

12. Herbalism:: Medicinal Mushrooms Certificate

udemy
4.4
(429)

Learn the top mushrooms used in holistic and natural medicine that are most effective, safe and easily available...

13. Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy

coursera

Welcome to "Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy". One Health is the concept that human, animal, and environmental/ecosystem health are linked. The concept provides a useful framework for examining complex health issues such as food safety and security, emerging and vector-borne diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. It can be used to analyze government policies to determine if they are effective in improving health and well-being. Agriculture is the foundation of...

14. Public Health in Humanitarian Crises 2

coursera

This course, Public Health in Humanitarian Crises 2, addresses public health issues of people affected by disasters, both natural or conflict-related. It discusses the many changes that occur in people’s lives when they are uprooted by a disaster, including many important topics related to humanitarian crises, such as when there is an epidemic a public health emergency; what do we mean with the humanitarian development nexus; what are the basics of disaster epidemiology and surveillance;...

15. Doctor of Natural Medicine

udemy
4.4
(624)

This course is a mini encyclopedia in natural medicine field...

16. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Health & Wellness

udemy
4.7
(594)

Learn about holistic health, wellness, key biomarkers, good sleep and ways to optimize your health...

17. Health Systems Development: Introduction to Health Systems

coursera

This specialization is intended for people interested in health systems and how they function. Participants will learn about the global health systems landscape and the challenges and opportunities to achieve better health outcomes. This specialisation is divided into three courses which are offered as massive online open access courses (Courses 1-3), and a fourth course which is offered as part of the Online MPH degree (capstone). The Health Systems Development specialisation is geared toward...

18. Health for All Through Primary Health Care

coursera

This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions. Two of the most inspiring, least understood, and most often derided terms in global health discourse are “Health for All” and “Primary Health Care.” In this course, we will explore these terms in the context...

19. Everyday Chinese Medicine

coursera

This course aims to serve as an education platform on Chinese medicine (CM) for the general public. Our primary goal is to empower healthcare choices by promoting awareness and practical application on CM diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as regulation on CM services and herbal products using international examples. In the first part of this course, learners will develop skills in applying basic theory of Chinese medicine (CM) for understanding health and illnesses, and be able to...

20. Breastfeeding: Public Health Perspectives

coursera

Engaging in this course will provide you with the opportunity to think about breastfeeding and its public health implications. The Socio-Ecological Model will be the framework of the course as we think about how each level of the Model (individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and public policy) impacts breastfeeding practices in the United States, and globally. Through short video lectures you will be introduced to relevant topics related to the public health perspectives of...

Top 10 most affordable universities for preventive medicine physicians

The most affordable schools for preventive medicine physicians are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and florida international university.

If the best universities for preventive medicine physicians are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for preventive medicine physicians.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

3. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

5. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

6. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

7. Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$4,831

Cost of attendance

19,559

8. Lehman College of the City University of New York

Bronx, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,210

Cost of attendance

14,359

9. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

10. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for preventive medicine physicians

The hardest universities for preventive medicine physicians to get into are Duke University, University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins University.

Some great schools for preventive medicine physicians are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for preventive medicine physicians based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

5. Yale University

New Haven, CT • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,517

6. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

7. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

8. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,456

9. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

10. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for preventive medicine physicians

The easiest schools for preventive medicine physicians to get into are D'Youville College, felician university, and adventhealth university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a preventive medicine physician without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for preventive medicine physicians.

1. D'Youville College

Buffalo, NY • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,072

2. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

3. AdventHealth University

Orlando, FL • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,016

4. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

5. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

6. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Standish, ME • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,069

7. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

8. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

9. Curry College

Milton, MA • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

1,026

10. Marymount University

Arlington, VA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,065

Average preventive medicine physician salary by education level

Preventive medicine physician education levelPreventive medicine physician salary
Doctorate Degree$210,827

Preventive medicine physician education FAQs

Search for preventive medicine physician jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs