For information about the professional school affiliations with Providence College, students should contact the Advisor for the Health Professions.

Brown Medical School Early Identification Program (EIP)

The Early Identification Program (EIP) is a cooperative venture between Brown Medical School and Providence College. The program provides selected students a place in the medical school following the student’s graduation. Invitations to apply for the EIP are made by the Providence College advisor for the health professions based on a student’s undergraduate performance. Acceptances are offered by Brown Medical School.

Rhode Island residents currently enrolled in the sophomore year are eligible to be considered for the EIP. Rhode Island students who are interested should notify the advisor for the health professions prior to the beginning of their third semester at Providence College.

Once accepted to participate in the EIP, formal acceptance to the medical school is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress as evidenced by a grade point average of 3.0 or better, attainment of competence in the sciences basic to medicine, a senior year recommendation from the advisor for the health professions, and documented verification of the student’s complete academic record, including completion of requirements for the baccalaureate degree.

Combined Degree Program with New England College of Optometry

This program provides a unique educational opportunity for the highly motivated student with a professional goal in optometry. It allows for completion of the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology and the O.D. (doctor of optometry) degree in seven years rather than the usual eight.

The first three years at Providence College offer a blend of liberal arts, basic and biological sciences which will prepare the student for professional study. The four years at the New England College of Optometry (NECO) provide the course work required to complete the Providence College baccalaureate degree in biology, as well as the professional training required for the doctoral degree in optometry. 

The combined program is designed for the academically outstanding student who has a strong and realistic motivation toward the optometric profession. Applicants must be superior high school students, especially in math and science, with acceptable SAT or ACT scores. Applicants will be interviewed by representatives of Providence College and The New England College of Optometry.

For additional details about specific course requirements and program of study, download and print the Combined Degree Biology/Optometry B.A. or B.S. Program.