Pre-Health Professions Pathways
Phone: 718.489.5495
The pre-health professions pathways prepare students to pursue further studies in professional schools for medicine, dentistry, podiatry, optometry and veterinary medicine as well as allied health programs including medical technology, radiologic sciences, physician assistant, and diagnostic medical imaging. They also prepare students for entry into master’s-level programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and midwifery. The major (degree) depends on the specific program selected (see catalogue descriptions).
The pre-health professions’ office assists students to prepare for these various health related careers by providing information and assistance on requirements, the application process, open house, days, and other kinds of relevant information.
St. Francis College offers several programs in cooperation with medical centers in New York.
Further specific information is available as listed below:
Requirements for Medical, Dentistry, Optometry and Veterinary Schools
Students are advised that these programs do not require them to major in Biology or Chemistry, but do require the successful completion of certain science and mathematics courses in sequence. Moreover, this sequence often must be completed prior to standardized entrance exams (e.g., MCAT or DAT) or application to specific programs. For this reason, students should begin the required courses in the freshman year and follow the sequence carefully.
Regardless of academic major, most health professions schools require:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Any ENG course 2100 or higher | ||
| BIO-1201 | General Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIO-1201L | General Biology 1 Laboratory | 2 |
| BIO-1202 | General Biology 2 | 3 |
| BIO-1202L | General Biology 2 Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE-1201 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE-1201L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CHE-1202 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHE-1202L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| CHE-2101 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE-2101L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE-2102 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHE-2102L | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE-3001 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHE-3001L | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| MAT-2202 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT-2301 | Statistics | 3 |
| PHY-2001 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PHY-2001L | General Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHY-2002 | General Physics II | 3 |
| PHY-2002L | General Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| WRI-1100 | Writing and Research | 3 |
| Total Hours | 52 | |
The College strongly recommends that students interested in medicine or dentistry take at least three of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-2206 | Histology | 4 |
| BIO-2250 | Introduction to Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIO-2250L | Introduction to Cell Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO-3300 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO-3300L | Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO-3303 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIO-3303L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO-3320 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIO-3320L | Molecular Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIO-3350 | Physiology | 4 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Students should be aware that Advanced Placement courses from high school may not satisfy the science requirements for some advanced programs (consult the specific school’s catalogue). While courses may be designated as required or recommended, students planning to enter highly competitive fields should take as many highly recommended courses as possible.
It is recommended for students who are interested in a career in the medical field and planning to take the MCAT exam to take PSY-1100 General Psychology, SOC-1000 Principles of Sociology and HS-1501 Introduction to Public Health.
Finally, understanding that the pre-health professions programs are highly competitive, students are advised to plan alternative pathways. For instance, one’s grades may not meet the standards, one may discover new career interests, or priorities may change. Planning an alternate route to further study or career may help direct the student’s undergraduate work.
Advisement
As soon as possible upon admission to the College, interested students should consult the Vice President of Health Sciences regarding an appropriate major. All students must declare a suitable major by the end of the fourth semester at the College. To be eligible for some forms of financial aid, transfer students may need to declare an academic major immediately. These students should nonetheless consult with an academic advisor before selecting their major.
Students should begin taking the required programs in the first year of college, especially those interested in one of the affiliated programs. Current information about requirements may be found in the most recent catalogue and supplement, from the Office of the Vice President of Health Sciences, and from affiliated institutions.