Canisius College

Laura J. Hechtel, Director; Susan M. Aronica, Biology; James Lauffenburger, Physics; Mary C. O’Sullivan, Chemistry; Richard H. Escobales, Mathematics; Jessica L. Childs-Disney, Biochemistry, Justine D. Price, Fine Arts;  Terri L. Mangione, Dean of Students.

Students interested in professional careers in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, optometry, physician assistant and veterinary medicine most frequently major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry. Further information can be found in the catalog sections for each of those departments. Recently, a growing number of students have majored in psychology, physics, mathematics, English and philosophy. A general plan for these non-science majors appears below. Specific course requirements vary somewhat from one professional school to another, but there are some common requirements:

Biology: At least one year of general biology with laboratory (BIO 101-102).

Chemistry: One year of general chemistry and one year  of organic chemistry with laboratories (CHM 111-112, 227-228).

Physics: One year of introductory physics with laboratory (PHY 201-202 or 223-224).

English: One year of college English which stresses composition (ENG 101-102).

Calculus:  Many of the more competitive medical schools require one year of college level calculus.

Behavioral Science: One year of either psychology or sociology.

The Dr. George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center has been established to enhance the quality of the undergraduate experience for students who wish to enter the various fields of medicine. Its greatest impact is in helping pre-medical students to crystallize their ideas concerning medicine as a profession and to provide them with some understanding of the unique aspects of the various medical specialties. This crystallization is accomplished with information about various medical schools, medical specialties and medical practices.

The center assists students in choosing the right medical school and helps them to prepare for entrance examinations to these institutions. Through an increasing number of scholarships, the center provides financial assistance to qualified students pursuing medical and health-related professional degrees. The Pre-Medical Center also sponsors a distinguished lecture series where nationally and internationally known speakers address significant topics in the medical field.

Students interested in medicine should contact members of the Health Science Advisory and Recommendations Committee (listed above) at their earliest opportunity.

Early Assurance Program

The Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Early Assurance programs at Canisius are offered in conjunction with the State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School and Dental School and the State University of New York Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, New York. Since these are public institutions which are financially supported by the State of New York, they give preference to students who either are residents of the state or who attend college in the state.

During their sophomore year, students with the required overall GPA and SAT scores may apply for the early assurance admission. Upstate Medical School requires SATs of 1300 or more and a GPA of 3.5 in order to apply. Once accepted, students must maintain this GPA until graduation. SUNYAB Dental School requires a 3.5 GPA and 1250 SATs. Students must maintain this GPA and also must take the Perceptual subtest of the DAT and achieve a score equal to the average of the previous year’s entering class. SUNYAB Medical School requires 1400 SATs and a GPA of 3.75 in order for students to apply for Early Assurance. Once accepted, students must maintain a 3.7 overall GPA. For both medical schools, Early Assurance students are not required to take the MCAT. These are highly competitive programs that accept few students.

Joint Degree Programs
Canisius College has a seven-year joint-degree program with a growing list of professional schools including the State University of New York at Buffalo Dental School, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and the SUNY State College of Optometry. The first three years are spent at Canisius and the last four years at the professional school. A bachelor’s degree (B.A.) will be awarded from Canisius College after completion of the first year of dental, osteopathic, optometic or podiatric  medical school. The D.D.S., D.O., D.P.M., or O.D. degree will be awarded at the end of seven years. To remain in good standing, students must fulfill all requirements established by the professional school.

For further information on any of the above programs, students should consult one of the advisors listed above.

During the past ten years, Canisius graduates have enjoyed an overall acceptance rate of 92 percent, with an acceptance rate of 94 percent specifically for medical school.

Pre-Med Professional Program for Non-Science Majors: