Although UPJ does not offer a formal Pre-Medical Careers major, UPJ students may follow a course of study in preparation for further doctoral education in Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, etc. These programs typically require a baccalaureate degree before admission and have similar course requirements, mandatory admissions or aptitude exams, and screening interviews by professional school faculty before final admission to the program. Students may also prepare for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, and other allied health programs. Students will choose an appropriate Major and, in consultation with the academic advisor, take elective courses that are best suited for the student’s career goals.
The following is a summary of the general and specific coursework requirements for students wishing to apply for medical and most other professional programs. There are specific requirements for some programs. A very few schools have unique admissions requirements and before seeking admissions to them you should review each school's literature for that information.
Generally, professional schools require completion of 90-100 semester credits of undergraduate work from accredited colleges or universities before applications will be processed. Exceptions are sometimes granted for extraordinary performance or where unique arrangements have been made with specific schools. (For instance, high school students with exceptional credentials can apply for acceptance to a program established between UPJ and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry that may allow entrance after the junior year if performance remains consistently superior.)
Usually, the following coursework must be completed before admissions exams can be successfully completed:
In addition, students are expected to have general education courses including composition and other courses typical of Arts and Sciences baccalaureate programs. Some professional programs may have special requirements (e.g. optometry requires microbiology [BIOL 1185] and statistics [MATH 0212]). Some schools may also have additional requirements.
It is advisable to take some additional science courses in preparation for the admissions exams. Most students take Genetics (BIOL 0350), Cell Biology (BIOL 0360), and Animal Physiology (BIOL 1125). Biochemistry (CHEM 1321, 1322) is often cited by professional students as helpful.
