Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Professions Catalog

Program Director: Allyson D. Backstrom, PhD

Introduction

The Dr. George E. Schreiner ’43 Pre-Medical Center has been established to enhance the quality of the undergraduate experience for students who wish to enter the range of health professions including medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), dentistry, podiatry, optometry, physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, nursing, public health, and veterinary medicine, among many others. For assistance in preparing for health professions not specifically detailed in this catalog, please contact the Program Director. The Pre-Medical Center supports students through one-on-one advising, hosting seminars to supportstudents learning about various health careers and professional schools, connecting students with shadowing and volunteer activities, and assisting students with the application process to gain entry into professional schools.

It is important to understand that Pre-Med/Health Sciences is a support program and not an academic major. Students interested in careers in medicine and other health professions may major in any academic area they choose. While students frequently major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or psychology, students also major in Spanish, mathematics, history, English, management, and philosophy, among others. Further information can be found in the catalog sections for each major. Along with their academic major requirements, students complete specific prerequisite courses for their health professional schools of choice. In addition to our rigorous science prerequisites, all professional programs require a broad liberal arts education which is achieved through the Core Curriculum or the All College Honors Program. Specific requirements vary from one professional school to another so it is important for students to utilize the advising services of the Pre-Medical Center beginning in their first college year or as soon as they become interested in pursuing a health profession. For a more detailed description of the program please go to the Pre-Med/Pre-Health website.

Advisement

All pre-med/pre-health students should register with the Pre-Med Center upon arrival at Canisius their first year. Additionally, students who develop an interest in the health professions after beginning their studies at Canisius are able to register with the Pre-Med Center at any time. Pre-Med advisors assist students in all aspects of their preparation for entry into the health professions and serve in addition to academic major advisors. All students should work closely with the advisor in their major and the Pre-Med Advisor in discussing career expectations, choosing major electives, developing their entire academic program, and planning co-curricular or supplemental academic experiences. This process should start as early as possible. The Pre-Med advisors assist students in completing appropriate documentation each year to maintain good standing in the Pre-Med/Pre-Health program.

Qualifications

To meet minimal requirements for most health professions, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA lower than this should contact the Program Director for assistance. Higher GPAs are needed to be competitive applicants for most health professions with many programs looking for a GPA of 3.6. Science GPAs are often evaluated separately and must also be competitive. Competitive scores on professional exams (MCAT, DAT, GRE, PCAT, OAT, etc.), demonstrated commitment to serving others, and thorough exploration and understanding of the desired profession are also critical. Full understanding of the profession includes multiple shadowing experiences with different professionals over time and either volunteer or paid clinical experiences. The Pre-Medical Center will help students plan appropriately for each of these qualifications. Students interested in pursuing professional school in any health profession should be highly engaged in campus activities, particularly the student clubs and other activities curated by the Pre-Medical Center. Special academic seminars, internships, and medical travel opportunities are also available.

Early Assurance and Joint Degree Programs

Canisius College maintains relationships with health professional programs allowing students to gain early acceptance into medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, and veterinary programs, among others. Relationships with professional schools also allow for students to apply while in high school and be admitted into joint programs upon enrolling at Canisius or during the first or second college year. These programs are competitive and appropriate for the highly motivated student who has thoroughly explored the health professions to develop an understanding of and commitment to their chosen profession. Depending on the program, an outstanding high school record or early record in college is required. Please contact the Pre-Medical Center for the most up-to-date details on the various programs. Any student interested in this option must express interest to the Director of teh Pre-Medical Center to learn the required steps in the application process.

Early Assurance Program

A Pre-Medical Early Assurance program at Canisius is offered in conjunction with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (NY, PA and FL campuses). A Pre-Dental Early Assurance program is offered in conjunction with the LECOM School of Dental Medicine (Bradenton, FL). The Pre-Medical Center also works with students to apply to Early Assurance Programs open to students at all colleges such as the State University of New York Upstate Medical University (Syracuse, NY) College of Medicine and the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. A Pre-Pharmacy Early Assurance Program is offered in conjunction with the LECOM School of Pharmacy (PA and FL campuses) and D'Youville University. An Early Opportunity in Medicine Program for qualified applicants from groups historically underrepresented in medicine is offered in conjunction with the SUNY University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Joint Degree Programs

Canisius College has seven-year joint degree programs with the following professional schools; Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy, LECOM School of Pharmacy, D'Youville University School of Pharmacy, and the SUNY State College of Optometry, among others. The first three years are spent at Canisius and the last three or four years at the professional school. A bachelor’s degree (BS) will be awarded from Canisius College after completion of the first professional year of osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, or optometry school. The DO, PharmD, OD, or other appropriate professional 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. A Jesuit University consortium guarantees an interview for students who meet GPA requirements and are applying to pharmacy programs at Jesuit schools. University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College has also reserved seats for Canisius students.

Courses