Pre-Allied Health

Choosing a Major and Required Science and Math Courses 

Students can major in health science or they can also choose to major in one of the traditional science majors such as biology, biochemistry, or chemistry.  Students then apply to the professional school of their choice with a strong foundation in the subjects that most relate to health care.

Leveraging Our Liberal Arts Curriculum
A well-rounded liberal arts education is essential for becoming a physician. Courses in the humanities and social sciences help develop interpersonal skills, communication, and writing. At Saint Vincent College, we emphasize interdisciplinary connections to enhance your healthcare career. See our core curriculum for more information.

Planning for Professional Schools Post-Graduation
While we partner with several schools for early acceptance and accelerated programs, it's important to investigate the specific requirements of the health profession schools you are most interested in. Some schools have additional requirements, and you will need to ensure your course load reflects these requirements.

Engaging in Extracurricular Activities
Get involved by joining pre-medical or pre-health clubs, volunteering at healthcare facilities, and participating in community health initiatives. You can also assist in research projects, apply for internships, shadow professionals, study abroad for a semester or take a travel-immersive class, and take on leadership roles in student organizations to organize health-related events.

Collaborative Learning Program

The Collaborative Learning Program (CLP) offers scheduled tutoring sessions for specific math and science courses. Students can interact with knowledgeable upperclassmen and classmates, exchange ideas in a relaxed setting, and gain a better understanding of course content.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Medical Spring Break Trip Dominican Republic
During spring break, Boyer School students can travel to Villa Hermosa, Dominican Republic in partnership with World Servants to work alongside Keenan Dental providing dental care while developing relationships with underprivileged children in the community. 

Scotland Biology and Medicine Study Abroad
In the Scottish Tales in Biology and Medicine course, students will read historical accounts and scientific literature highlighting some of the many foundational biological and medical stories that originate in Scotland. These stories will come to life during travel to Scotland where students attend lectures, tour museums and universities, and retrace the steps of some pivotal Scottish characters.

Clubs and Organizations

Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society Upsilon Gamma Chapter
Beta Beta Beta is a biological honor society at Saint Vincent College with a vision to improve our understanding of the biological sciences and gain knowledge through scientific research.  

Chemistry Club
The Chemistry Club gives its members the chance to demonstrate what they have learned in a fun and interesting way. The Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry Honors Society) exists within the Chemistry Club to “promote academic excellence and undergraduate research scholarship in chemistry."

American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
The AMSA is the largest and oldest independent association of physicians-in-training in the U.S., dedicated to preparing and empowering medical students to become leaders and advocates for equitable, quality healthcare.

Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association
Pre-SOMA is the undergraduate division of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, helping pre-medical students explore and join the osteopathic medical community while promoting and supporting osteopathic medicine.

Internships and Research Opportunities

Internships
100% of our health science majors and more than 70% of our other science majors participate in internships and shadowing opportunities before graduation. Faculty post a variety of internship opportunities at local organizations throughout the school year. Students intern at physical therapy offices, hospitals, specialty clinics, and assisted living homes.

Research
Students can gain research experience working with faculty mentors and present their findings at various prestigious meetings. Our faculty research topics range from antibiotic resistance to concussion studies, showcasing diverse interests and expertise. To learn more, visit our biology, chemistry, and biochemistry major pages.

Athletic Training

Athletic training focuses on the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity. You will study foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and clinical care and develop practical skills in injury assessment and therapeutic interventions. This pathway prepares students for graduate-level education in athletic training or related allied health professions.

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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful activities. You will learn about human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and therapeutic techniques that support physical and cognitive function. This program emphasizes complete, client-centered care and prepares students for graduate-level occupational therapy programs.

Our students have enrolled in occupational therapy programs at the following schools:

• University of Pittsburgh
• Chatham University
• Duquesne University
• Slippery Rock University

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Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving physical function for individuals recovering from injury, illness, or surgery. You’ll gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and therapeutic exercise principles. You’ll gain an understanding of evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.

Through a cooperative agreement between Saint Vincent College and Chatham University, students can complete four years of study at Saint Vincent College and then transfer to Chatham University to complete a degree in physical therapy. Students interested in this program will complete specific admission requirements including pre-requisite courses.

Pre-Physical Therapy Curriculum for Direct Entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Chatham University

• Required Courses
• General Biology I and II with Lab 8
• General Chemistry I and II with Lab 8
• Anatomy and Physiology with Labs 8
• College Physics I and II with Lab 8
• Introduction to Psychological Science 3
• Biostatistics 3
• Lifespan Development Psychology 3

Our students have enrolled in physical therapy programs at the following schools:

• Chatham University
• University of Pittsburgh
• St. John’s University
• Bowling Green State University
• Gannon University
• Duquesne University

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Physician Assistant

The physician assistant (PA) profession focuses on providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services under the supervision of physicians. You’ll gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and clinical sciences, while emphasizing critical thinking and patient care skills. You will be prepared to enter competitive PA graduate programs, equipped with the scientific knowledge and interpersonal competencies needed to deliver high-quality medical care.

Through a cooperative agreement between Saint Vincent College and Chatham University, students can complete four years of study at Saint Vincent College and then transfer to Chatham University to complete a degree in physician assistant. Students interested in this program will complete specific admission requirements including pre-requisite courses.

Pre-Requisites for Admission to: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) at Chatham University

Required Courses:

• General Biology I and II with Lab 8
• General Chemistry I and II with Lab 8
• Anatomy and Physiology with Labs 8
• Microbiology with Lab 4
• Introduction to Psychological Science 3
• Medical Terminology 1
• Recommended Courses:
• Molecular Genetics with Lab 4
• Biostatistics 3
• Lifespan Development Psychology 3

Our students have enrolled in physician assistant program at the following schools:

• Chatham University
• West Virginia University
• Mercyhurst University
• Saint Francis University
• Slippery Rock University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Pittsburgh

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Pharmacy

Pharmacy focuses on the safe and effective use of medications to prevent, manage, and treat health conditions. You’ll be equipped with core knowledge in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and patient care principles. Students learn about drug interactions, dosage calculations, and healthcare ethics, preparing them for entry into Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs.

Through a cooperative agreement between Saint Vincent College and Duquesne University, students finish two to three years of study at Saint Vincent College and then transfer to Duquesne University to complete a degree in pharmacy. Students interested in this program will complete specific admission requirements including pre-requisite courses.

The Duquesne-Saint Vincent cooperative programs are competitive and have limited seats available. Students interested in the pharmacy program will take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and consult with the pharmacy program advisor for additional information regarding the application process.

Pharmacy

• Duquesne University
• University of Pittsburgh

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