Saint Vincent College has a long history of preparing students for entrance to health profession schools including human medicine, dental medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and chiropractic. The pre-health professional programs at Saint Vincent College are designed to prepare students for the next phase of education before embarking on a career in the field of their choice. Some of our programs include partnerships with other schools which offer students a streamlined path to their next degree, ensuring a seamless transition from undergraduate studies to professional training. Pre-health profession students may choose any major and are guided by the Preprofessional Health Committee.
“Saint Vincent College gave me the tools to succeed in my application to medical school, throughout medical school and now in my career as a trauma surgeon. I was able to immerse myself in a comprehensive shadowing experience which exposed me to several different medical specialties—an opportunity that medical students do not have until their third-year clerkships.”
Jennifer Schweinsburg, MD, C’12
Critical care surgeon
Choosing a Major and Required Science and Math Courses
You'll need a strong foundation in mathematics and the sciences that relate most to medicine: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Entrance requirements at most medical schools include completion of coursework in biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and English.
The following courses are required by most health profession schools and the schedule is typical for pre-health students.
First-Year credits
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
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, and take on leadership roles in student organizations to organize health-related events.
Saint Vincent not only offers a rigorous curriculum to prepare you for medical school, but also provides additional support to help you and become an effective healthcare professional.
The Committee consists of approximately eight SVC faculty and a physician who advise students about coursework, clinical exposure, service activities, leadership roles, entrance examinations, applications and interviews. The Committee also
Shortly before students submit their applications to health profession schools, the Committee assesses the candidacy of each prospective applicant and prepares detailed recommendation letters. The overall goal is to enable each student to put his or her best foot forward.
American Medical Student Association - 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.
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.
Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society Upsilon Gamma Chapter - Beta Beta Beta is a biological honor society at Saint Vincent College with a vision is to improve our understanding of the biological sciences and gain knowledge through scientific research.
Internships More than 70% of our science majors participate in internships and shadowing opportunities before graduation, interning at top-tier research institutions and cutting-edge industries. Faculty post a variety of internships opportunities at local organizations throughout the school year.
Research Students gain start-to-finish research experience through independent projects, guided by faculty mentors, and present their findings at various prestigious meetings. Our students' research topics range from medical advancements to biomedical principles, showcasing their diverse interests and expertise. To learn more, visit our biology, chemistry, and biochemistry major pages.
Engage within the sciences and the Benedictine tradition in our 113,260 square foot LEED-certified Gold Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion, home to The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing. The James F. Will Engineering and Biomedical Sciences Hall was added to in 2017, creating an environment for study characterized by mutual respect, personal attention and open dialogue.
The Ralph and Donna Liberatore Human Anatomy Lab, is an expansive, state-of-the-art laboratory space equipped with six surgical stations for anatomical research for medical training sessions with physicians and surgeons. Our undergraduate biology students study human anatomy and physiology through cadaveric dissection demonstrated by practicing medical physicians.
The Digital Imaging Lab is utilized by faculty and students throughout the natural science curriculum for inquiry-based classroom, laboratory-based activities and for faculty and student research projects. The lab includes a nine-station advanced microscopy suite containing fluorescent compound microscopes, research-grade dissection microscopes, a fluorescent inverted microscope for mammalian cell culture, a polarizing microscope and more to facilitate complex student research projects.
This advanced virtual dissection tool provides high-resolution 3D imaging of the human body. With its interactive touchscreen interface, users can explore internal structures and practice surgical procedures, making it an invaluable resource for medical education and training.
Hear about Elizabeth's journey through the pre-health program at Saint Vincent College on Amazon Prime’s The College Tour.
“From the very first day at Saint Vincent, I felt extremely supported by my faculty, mentors, and fellow colleagues. The close-knit atmosphere of the biology department allowed me to form strong relationships with faculty who truly always had my best interest in mind. I consistently felt encouraged by the department to achieve my career goals and was pushed to be the best version of myself. I know my current career as an internal medicine resident physician with aspirations to be an oncologist would never have been possible without the amazing individuals at Saint Vincent!.”
Third year of residency, Internal Medicine at Allegheny Health Network
“The biology department provided me with the strong foundational knowledge that prepared me to succeed in higher education. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, genuine connections with professors are cultivated and discussions are concentrated on securing future goals. The Pre-Professional Health Committee helped me meet optometry school requirements and guided me through the application process to the Ohio State University College of Optometry.”
Optometrist
“The Pre-Professional Health Committee smoothed my road to school by ensuring I had all my prerequisites and prepared me to excel at the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). The biology department gave me a strong basis of knowledge. The research program gave me an opportunity to be published, which was a résumé booster. I am thriving in my second year of family residency and will be the chief resident next year. If I could do it all over, I would choose Saint Vincent again and again.”
Second year of residency, Family Medicine at UPMC Washington
“The Saint Vincent College Biology Department and Pre-Professional Health Committee played a pivotal role in my journey to dental school by providing excellent academic guidance and resources. The biology faculty provided personalized mentorship, helping me navigate course selections and engage in research opportunities that helped strengthen my application. The health committee went above and beyond to organize mock interviews, study groups, and workshops to enhance my skills and confidence for dental school admission interviews.”
Third year dental student, New England University College of Dental Medicine
“The Pre-Professional Health Committee was instrumental in helping me get into medical school. The variety of course offerings and faculty guidance helped me explore my career options after college and learn how to apply to medical school. The annual check-ins helped me to make sure I was getting the meaningful experiences and courses I needed to meet admissions requirements. Most importantly, the support and mentorship of the biology department faculty gave me the confidence to pursue a challenging career path that I otherwise would not have had the social support to succeed in.”
Second Year of Medical School; Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
“During my time at Saint Vincent, the biology department and Pre-Professional Health Committee played a crucial role in my journey to veterinary school. My biology classes equipped me with invaluable knowledge that was crucial to my success in veterinary school. The strong foundation I gained directly contributed to my understanding of complex concepts and improved my performance in both coursework and clinical practice. Additionally, the Pre-Professional Health Committee was a vital resource, not only facilitating meaningful connections with faculty but also playing a crucial role in my acceptance to veterinary school.”
Third year veterinary student at University of Florida
Saint Vincent College provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in medical school admissions. Our rigorous academic programs ensure a strong foundation in the sciences, while our liberal arts curriculum enhances critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills. Students benefit from personalized advising, research opportunities, and hands-on experiences, and our supportive community and numerous extracurricular activities help students build a well-rounded profile, making them competitive candidates for medical school.
| SVC (Matric/Applic) | SVC (% Accept) | National (Matric/Applic) | National (%Accept) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 36/39 | 92% | ||
| Allopathic | 8/16 | 50% | 22,981/52,557 | 43.7% |
| Osteopathic | 28/29 | 97% | 8,636/23,488 | 36.8% |
| Dental | 6/6 | 100% | 6,562/11,198 | 56.6% |
| Optometry | 4/4 | 100% | 1,923/2,773 | 69.3% |
| Veterinary | 5/6 | 83% | 4,047/10,834 | 37.4% |
| Other (e.g. PT, PA Pharm, Chiro, Podiat) |
19/19 | 100% | ||
| Total | 70/74 | 95% |
The pre-dental program is designed to prepare students for successful admission to dental school and a career in dentistry. This comprehensive program offers a strong foundation in the sciences, along with opportunities for hands-on experience and professional development.
Students will benefit from our affiliation agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Dental School in Bradenton, Florida. This early acceptance program allows students to complete a BA or BS at Saint Vincent College, take the extra required science courses and enroll at LECOM where they will receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
Our students have enrolled in dental programs at the following schools:
University of Pittsburgh
Temple University
West Virginia University
University of California at San Francisco
Virginia Commonwealth
Creighton University
Independent of Major, The Following Courses are required:
First-Year Credits
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
LECOM also recommends that students complete the following courses:
The pre-chiropractic program is designed to give students the foundational classes and skills necessary to apply for chiropractic school where they will continue to study the human body's structure and function, focusing on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders through hands-on techniques and holistic patient care.
Our students have enrolled in chiropractic programs at the following schools:
National University of the Health Sciences- Chiropractic Medicine
New York Chiropractic College
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Life University
The allopathic medicine program is designed to prepare students for medical school, where they will study basic and clinical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and various medical specialties, ultimately leading to a career as a medical doctor (MD).
Our students have enrolled in allopathic medical programs at the following schools:
Allopathic
Georgetown University
University of Virginia
University of Pittsburgh
Penn State Hershey
Temple University
Jefferson Medical College
West Virginia University
Commonwealth (Geisinger) Medical College
The Ohio State University of Medicine
University of Maryland
The osteopathic medical program is designed to prepare students for health professions that emphasize a holistic approach to medicine including additional training in the musculoskeletal system, by providing foundational coursework in science and math as well as a strong liberal arts curriculum.
Students will benefit from our affiliation agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Bradenton, Florida. This early acceptance program allows students to complete a BA or BS at Saint Vincent College, take the extra required science courses and enroll at LECOM where they will receive a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree after graduation.
Independent of Major, The Following Courses are required:
First-Year Credits
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Our students have enrolled in osteopathic medical programs at the following schools:
DUQCOM PCOM
LECOM
Lincoln Memorial-DeBusk
Meharry Medical College
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia Campus
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus
Touro COM
Ohio Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
The pre-optometry program is designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in optometry. It provides foundational knowledge in health sciences, offers insights into the optometric profession, and includes seminars, internships, and opportunities to interact with current students and professionals.
Our students have enrolled in optometry programs at the following schools:
Salus University
Indiana University – Bloomington
University of Houston
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Nova Southeastern University, College of Optometry
Ohio State University, College of Optometry
The pre-podiatric program provides foundational sciences, including biology, chemistry, and anatomy, to prepare for advanced education in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle disorders.
Students interested in attending the New York, Ohio, or Pennsylvania Colleges of Podiatric Medicine will benefit from our Accelerated Podiatric Medicine Program in which students have the option of completing their undergraduate and medical degrees in seven years instead of eight years by following the required course of study set by the Pre-Professional Health Committee.
The required course of study while at Saint Vincent College follows. Students should consult the chairperson of the Pre-Professional Health Committee for additional information.
Additionally, 12 credits must be selected from:
All students must take one course designated as a First-Year Seminar. Total credit hours at Saint Vincent College = 95 hours.
Our students have enrolled in podiatric programs at the following schools:
Kent State University
Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
The pre-veterinary program prepares undergraduate students for veterinary school by providing foundational knowledge in biological and physical sciences, so they can eventually pursue careers as veterinarians, or explore roles such as veterinary technicians, wildlife rehabilitators, zoologists, animal behaviorists, and researchers in animal science.
Our students have enrolled in veterinary programs at the following schools:
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Florida
University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
