The program assists students in pre-professional preparation for careers in the medical sciences including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, physician assistant, physical therapy, and other allied health professions.
Because each of the medical sciences professions requires specific preparation, students must work closely with the Advisor for the Health Professions to plan a suitable program of study. This generally involves selection of an appropriate major, required courses, and internships and volunteer service opportunities in the health profession.
Admission to most health professions schools is extremely competitive, requiring strong academic performance, satisfactory scores on standardized admissions test (e.g., MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc.), and evidence of leadership, service, and a working knowledge of the health professions.
Academic preparation generally includes a minimum of two semesters each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, general physics and English. To complete this preparation at Providence College, the following courses are recommended:
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General Biology - BIO 103-104
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General Chemistry - CHM 101-102 or CHM 121-122
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Organic Chemistry - CHM 201-202 or CHM 221-222
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Calculus - MTH 109-110 or MTH 131-132
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General Physics - EPS 101-102
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English - DWC (4 semesters includes 5 cr. English) and one ENG elective.
Many health professions schools also strongly recommend or require biochemistry and additional advanced biology electives such as genetics, physiology, comparative anatomy and other.
While there is no “premed” major, most premedical sciences students complete one of the following majors:
However, with careful planning, a student may also complete the premedical coursework in combination with a liberal arts major.