Pre-Health

Many students will enter a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the program admission requirements for health professional school.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 2 semesters
• Statistics/Calculus: 1-2 semesters
• English Composition: 1-2 semesters

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Cell biology
• Psychology, Sociology, and Social Psychology (new section on MCAT 2015)

Common Admissions Requirements

• Official MCAT test scores (January-June is the preferred time to take the test)
• Pre-health committee interview and evaluation is highly recommended for most medical schools
• Four letters of recommendation
  • Two letters from science faculty
  • One letter from humanities or social science faculty
  • One health care experience
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Volunteer and/or work experience in a health care setting

How to Apply

• The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) are the central application services
• Apply between June-August
• Please visit the Association of American Medical Colleges for medical schools and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine for osteopathic schools

Special Admissions Programs

Early Assurance to Albany Medical College

The Early Assurance Program is a cooperative program developed between the University at Albany and the Albany Medical College. This program provides an opportunity to submit an early application for admission to Albany Medical College. Applicants must have completed three semesters of coursework at the University at Albany; receive the pre-health committee evaluation and approval during the spring semester of the sophomore year; and complete a full two years of undergraduate study in order to apply to Albany Medical College at the end of the sophomore year. Students in this program must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 and achieve grades no lower than a B in each prerequisite science course.

Students selected for admission will matriculate at Albany Medical College after completion of their undergraduate degree and four years of study at the University at Albany. Students pursuing this program should contact the pre-health advisor during their freshman year.

Preparation and Requirements

• Interested students must meet with the pre-health advisor at the University at Albany during the freshman year to express interest.
• The student must follow the [pre-health plan] in order to complete all of the pre-med pre-requisite courses during the sophomore year
• At the time of application, students must have obtained standardized test scores with the following minimum requirements:
  • - ACT >31
  • - SAT >1400
• The minimum overall grade point average considered for all college level grades is a 3.5.
• The minimum grade point average considered in the prerequisite science courses is a 3.5.
• The student must obtain either paid or volunteer exposure to the health care field and participate in public service.
• The student must complete a pre-health file by the first Monday in January of the sophomore year in order to interview with the Pre-Health Advisory Committee during the spring of sophomore year.
• In addition to the personal essay addressing your motivation for a career in medicine, you will also need to submit to your pre-health file a statement expressing your reasons for participation in this program and your plans for developing a health care related scholarly project that you will implement during your undergraduate and medical school years. The scholarly project that you develop should ultimately enhance your abilities as a future physician.

Procedure

• Receive Pre-Health Advisory Committee Evaluation and approval to apply to the Early Assurance Program.
• In late spring of sophomore year, you will receive application information and materials from AMC and the pre-health advisor.

Note: AMC will hold interviews in late summer.

Decisions

Acceptances from AMC will be offered to the student by August 1st following the sophomore year, and the student is required to make a reciprocal commitment by September 1st of that same year.

Restrictions

This commitment is binding unless there is a compelling reason to change. The student shall not apply to other medical schools.

Junior and Senior Years

After acceptance the student must maintain a high level of academic achievement and progress toward personal and academic goals. The student must continue to meet with the pre-health advisor at least once each semester. Albany Medical College will provide a medical school faculty advisor who will conduct a semi-annual review of the accepted student's progress in their course work, their product, and their extracurricular activities. In addition, the undergraduate advisor will meet with the individual students at least once each semester to discuss progress or problems. Failure by the student to meet the requirements for the program will be grounds for dismissal from the program. This would not render a student ineligible for future application to medical school through traditional pathways.

Please contact a pre-health advisor or Albany Medical College for details regarding criteria for admission and program requirements.

Early Assurance to Touro College of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

The Early Assurance Program is a cooperative program developed between the University at Albany and Touro COM-Middletown. This program provides an opportunity for students who start at the University at Albany as freshmen to submit an early application in the beginning of their sophomore year for admission to Touro COM-Middletown to attain a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Applicants must complete a minimum of four (at least 12 credit hours) of the required pre-medical science courses by the end of their freshman year and compile a strong academic record of a minimum overall and science grade point averages of 3.0 and apply no later than December 15th in the fall semester of their sophomore year at the University at Albany. Applications will be evaluated according to Touro COM-Middletown admission standards and include a satisfactory interview.

Students selected for admission will matriculate at Touro COM-Middletown after completion of their undergraduate degree and four years of study at the University at Albany.

Please contact a pre-health advisor or Touro COM Admissions Office for details regarding criteria for admission, program and application requirements.

Early Assurance to Upstate Medical University

The University at Albany does not have formal agreement with Upstate Medical University. However, students who intend to go to medical school after graduation may apply to the Early Assurance Program to Upstate Medical University.

The program allows qualified students to continue their undergraduate work without the pressures associated with medical school preparation, such as applying to numerous medical schools. Students can purse unique academic interests and experiences.

Note: The program is not intended to accelerate the length of time of undergraduate education.

Application Requirements

• A minimum overall GPA of 3.50
• A minimum science GPA of 3.50 in required medical school pre-requisites
• A recommended SAT score of 1360 (Math & Critical Reading only) or a 29 ACT Composite
• Achieve a recommended score of 30 on the MCAT exam by August 31 of the year of entry

Please contact a pre-health advisor or SUNY Upstate Medical University for program details.

Guaranteed Entrance to Upstate Medical University

The Guaranteed Entrance Program (GEP) is a partnership between the University at Albany and Upstate Medical University that allows highly competitive high school students to apply to UAlbany for their undergraduate education and simultaneously apply for admission into Upstate Medical University’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

Note: Approximately ten students will be accepted into the program each year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this program, a high school senior must have:

• a high school grade point average of at least 90 percent
• SAT scores of 1360 or an ACT score of 29
• completed extra-curricular activities in a healthcare-related setting
• The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), typically required for admission into medical colleges, will be waived for students participating in the program.

Application Requirements

• High school seniors must apply by the Early Action deadline of November 15th and indicate an interest in the GEP with Upstate Medical University on the Common Application. Interested students may also contact Undergraduate Admissions directly at 518-442-5435 or [email protected].
• Students must first be accepted into UAlbany.
• Before accepting admission, students must seek and verify that they have had financial aid counseling as TAP and Excelsior funding may be impacted by these curricula, specifically for those with college credits at the entrance. A UAlbany contact will be provided for this counseling at the time of nomination to Upstate Medical University between November 15th to February 1st.
• Students must interview with the Admissions Committee at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York in February or early March of their senior year of high school.
• Students will be notified whether they have been accepted to the MD program at Upstate Medical University four years prior.

Acceptance and Continuation in the Program

When a student is offered acceptance, they are allowed to make a reciprocal, binding commitment; they will not apply to other medical schools and in return, Upstate Medical University will reserve a place for them in the class scheduled to matriculate four years from the date of their acceptance into the program.

Students will be ineligible to seek a committee letter in support of applications to other medical schools through UAlbany’s pre-health advisory committee until the student withdraws from this commitment. To remain in the program, the student must carry and complete a full course load at a minimum of twelve credits per semester, maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.5 at UAlbany, and earn a B or better in all medical school prerequisite courses in addition to completing graduation requirements for their specified degree program. Please visit Upstate Medical University for a full list of pre-med requirements.

Students are also required to engage in no less than one semester of research outside of their classwork and upon completion, report that to Upstate Medical University. UAlbany students in the program must also complete and document 40 hours of community-based medical service. It is strongly recommended that the service is in direct contact with patients and physicians in a medical setting.

Note: Students must maintain appropriate standards of honesty and integrity throughout the program. All GEP students will be provided materials on professional conduct for the medical profession, and they shall be expected to conduct themselves professionally. If concerns arise regarding a student’s academic and/or personal and professional development, the student may undergo review from the admissions committee at Upstate Medical University, which may result in dismissal from the program and rescinded acceptance to Upstate Medical University.

Please contact a pre-health advisor or SUNY Upstate Medical University for program details.

Many students will enter a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the program admission requirements for health professional school.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline only since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 2 semesters
• Statistics/Calculus: 2 semesters
• English Composition: 2 semesters

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Cell biology
• Anatomy
• Social sciences/humanities coursework

Common Admissions Requirements

• Official Dental Admission Test (DAT) test scores (May-June is the preferred time to take the test) 
• Pre-health committee interview and evaluation is highly recommended for most dental schools
• Three to four letters of recommendation (at least one from a dentist)
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Community service and volunteer/work experience in a health care setting (including dental practice or clinic)

How to Apply

• The Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA) is the central application service
• The application cycle is open from June to February
• Apply between June-August
• Please visit the American Dental Education Association for more information about careers in dentistry

Many students will enter a will enter a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the admission requirements for health professional school.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 2 semesters
• Statistics/Calculus: 1-2 semesters
• English Composition: 1-2 semesters

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Public Speaking
• Psychology
• Sociology

Common Admissions Requirements

• Official Optometry Admission Test (OAT) test scores
• Pre-health committee interview/evaluation is highly recommended for most optometry schools
• Three to four letters of recommendation (at least one from an optometrist)
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Community service and volunteer/work experience in a health care setting

How to Apply

• The Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) is the central application service
• The application cycle opens in June and deadlines will vary, so please check the school's websites.
• Please visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) for more information about careers in optometry

Special Admissions Programs

3+4 Joint Degree with SUNY College of Optometry

The joint biology/optometry program is a cooperative program developed between the University at Albany and SUNY State College of Optometry.

In this program, students complete three years at the University at Albany and then attend the SUNY State College of Optometry for four years. Credits from the first year at SUNY State College of Optometry will transfer back to the University at Albany for completion of the B.S. degree in Biology.

After completion of the fourth year at SUNY State College of Optometry, students may earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Students apply for this program in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Any students pursuing this program should see the pre-health advisor during their freshman year.

Please contact a pre-health advisor or SUNY State College of Optometry for program details.

Many students will enter a will enter a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the admission requirements for health professional school.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 2 semesters
• Statistics/Calculus: 1-2 semesters
• English Composition: 1-2 semesters

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Additional Biology coursework such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetics
• Communication courses
• Psychology
• Sociology

Common Admissions Requirements

• MCAT test scores are accepted by most podiatry schools, but some schools will accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or DAT test scores, so please check with each school.
• Three to four letters of recommendation (at least one from a podiatrist)
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Community service and volunteer/work experience in a health care setting

How to Apply

• The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS) is the central application service.
• Application cycle opens in August and continues to April for priority consideration. The end of June is the final deadline for a Fall admission of the same year.
• Please visit the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) for more information about careers in podiatric medicine.

Many students will enter a will enter a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program after graduation and should follow the pre-health plan to satisfy the admission requirements for health professional school.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 2 semesters
• Statistics/Calculus: 1-2 semesters
• English Composition:1-2 semesters

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Public Speaking
• Humanities/Social Sciences

Common Admissions Requirements

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores (should be taken by October 1st)
• Three to four letters of recommendation (at least one from a veterinarian or research scientist)
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Significant volunteer/work experience w/animals in a hospital, clinic, kennel, shelter, lab, zoo, etc.

How to Apply

• The Veterinary Medicine College Application Service (VMCAS) is the central application service.
• Deadlines for regular admission vary from June-October.
• Please visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) for more information about careers in veterinary medicine.

Many students will apply to entry-level master's programs for the physician assistant profession.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry: 1 semester
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Psychology: 1 semester
• Statistics: 1 semester
• Intro to Sociology: 1 semester
• Microbiology w/lab: 1 semester
• English Composition: 1 semester

Additional Requirements

(Depending on the program)

• College Algebra
• Genetics
• Cell Biology
• Other Social/Behavioral sciences

Common Admissions Requirements

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Patient care experience is a major part of the application to PA programs. Programs require 1,000 – 3,000+ hours of direct patient care experience (hands-on, contact experience with patients in a medical care setting) prior to applying.

How to Apply

• The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is the central application service.
• Deadlines for regular admission vary between November 1st and March 1st.           
• Please visit the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) for specific program and school requirements.

Special Admissions Programs

Early Assurance to Albany Medical College

The following program outline is for the students who plan to apply to the Early Assurance Program (EAP) through the Center for Physician Assistant Studies (CPAS) at Albany Medical College. The program is available only to those admitted as freshmen and transfer students are ineligible.

The CPAS at Albany Medical College will offer highly qualified students at the University at Albany the opportunity to apply to the program upon completing the first semester of their junior year. If accepted, they are assured of admission to the program upon completion of the prerequisite courses, experience, and their undergraduate degree (with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 each semester). Early assurance admission will allow accepted students to focus on achieving a strong knowledge base in the sciences, completion of prerequisite courses, and obtaining the required health-related experience.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this program, a student must have achieved a GPA of 3.20 or above and have completed two semesters each of general biology and general chemistry, as well as one semester each of human anatomy and physiology. Accepted students must carry a full course load (as defined by the University) during their remaining semesters and fulfill all other prerequisite courses. The Graduate Record Examination is waived for students accepted through the program.

Students who wish to investigate this opportunity should express their interest to UAlbany’s preheat advisor. This advisor will discuss with the student the expectations of the EAP and the process for application. Applicants should be confident of their interest in pursuing a career in medicine as a Physician Assistant and that admission to the Albany Medical College is the path they would choose toward that goal.

As part of the application process, applicants must articulate in writing the personal advantage they see to their participation in this program. In addition, they must outline their goals and objectives for the remaining undergraduate year. A plan for meeting these goals through specific academic and extracurricular activities must be included. Specifically, they must indicate how the proposed activities for the senior year might enhance their capabilities as a future physician assistant. Each accepted student is committed to continuing vigorous intellectual activity as demonstrated by the breadth of education as well as depth in some fields of concentrated study.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

• Students must submit the EAP application and prepare a career plan for Albany Medical College. The application must be mailed to Albany Medical College with a $60 check or money order and postmarked by May 1st. 
• The CASPA application service opens at the end of April and the application, credentials, and support documents must be submitted by June 15th.
• Albany Medical College will interview all applicants before August 31st.
• Albany Medical College will send notification of acceptance or rejection after interviews are completed by September 15th.
• Accepted applicants must submit a signed contract and deposit by October 1st.

Acceptance and Continuation in the Program

An offer of admission by the CPAS requires a reciprocal commitment by the student that is binding unless there is a compelling reason to withdraw from the program. It is understood that the student will not apply to other physician assistant programs. In return, the CPAS will reserve a place in the class to be admitted in January following the completion of the student’s undergraduate degree.

Upon acceptance into the program, a tuition deposit of $500 will be required. This deposit will be returned to the student if continuation in the program is denied by the CPAS. It will be forfeited if the student subsequently declines to enroll.

Continuation in the program will require evidence of general academic progress consistent with past performance, and significant progress toward achievement of individually specified goals. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average each term of 3.20 both in overall course work and in the sciences. Grades in prerequisite courses must be "C" or better. Failure to meet academic standards will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program.

Note: Dismissed students would still be eligible to pursue a future application to the CPAS through conventional pathways.

A CPAS advisor will meet with the students at least once each semester to discuss their progress and any problems that may develop on-going communication between UAlbany and CPAS representatives will ensure that both schools’ requirements and individual student objectives are being met.

Admission to the CPAS can be denied should events occur that would cause the admissions committee to question a student’s suitability to pursue a career in medicine. These include, but are not limited to, felony conviction, academic dishonesty, or unprofessional conduct in a health care setting.

Please contact a pre-health advisor or Albany Medical College for program details.

Many students will enter a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program after graduation.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II w/labs: 2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 1-2 semesters
• General Psychology: 1 semester
• Statistics: 1 semester
• English Composition: 1 semester
• Other Biology (Cell biology, Genetics): 1 semester
• Other Psychology (child, abnormal, lifespan): 1 semester

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Advanced Math (calculus, college algebra)
• Medical Terminology
• Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology
• Biochemistry
• Computer science
• Microbiology

Common Admissions Requirements

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores
• Three to four letters of recommendation
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Significant physical therapy volunteer/work experience w/licensed physical therapist

How to Apply

• The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) is the central application service.
• Application deadlines vary from October to February. The early decision deadline is August 15th.
• Please visit the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for more information about physical therapy careers and programs.

Special Admissions Programs

Guaranteed Acceptance with Sage Graduate School

The collaborative articulation agreement allows University at Albany graduates to receive preferred admission (based on space-available) into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at the Sage Graduate Schools. The collaborative agreement provides: 

• Guaranteed acceptance for students with a science prerequisite and cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and preferred acceptance for students with a science prerequisite and cumulative GPA between 3.25 and 3.50, who have completed physical therapy program course prerequisites.
• Waiver of the Sage Graduate Schools application fee. 
• Early acceptance (for students who submit applications through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) early decision process in the summer before their senior year).  
• Advisement to coordinate undergraduate electives and coursework to address Doctor of Physical Therapy program prerequisites.
• Opportunity to apply early for graduate assistantships. 

Admission Requirements 

University at Albany students will be given preferred admission to the Sage Colleges School of Health Sciences for the DPT degree, who demonstrate the following:

• Earned bachelor’s degree (or in progress)
• Minimum overall 3.25 GPA 
• Minimum science GPA of 3.25 (Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs or approved equivalents. 
• Physics I & II with labs; Chemistry I & II with labs, and Cell Biology with lab) 
• Completion of Physical Therapy Program prerequisite courses with grades of C or better 

To qualify for preferred admission to the DPT program, students must submit the following application materials by August 15th of the year preceding graduation from the University at Albany: 

• Completed PTCAS application following the early decision procedures 
• Official Transcripts 
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be academic 
• Documentation of clinical observation hours (a minimum of 40 hours, preferably in at least two settings) 
• Resume 
• Essay 

Note: Students must make an enrollment deposit of $200 within 30 days of acceptance, which non-refundable and can be applied toward graduate tuition.  

Interviews are no longer required; however, we encourage students to visit our campus and meet with a representative of our program before submitting their application to PTCAS. Please contact James Brennan at [email protected] to schedule a visit or ask questions about our program. 

University at Albany Prerequisite Course Requirements 

• ABIO 130 General Biology and ABIO 201 lab 
• ABIO 131 General Biology II and ABIO 201 lab 
• AANT 316 Anatomy & Physiology I 
• AANT 318 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab 
• ABIO 217 Cell Biology 
• APHY 105 General Physics I and APHY 106 Lab 
• APHY 108 General Physics II and APHY 109 Lab 
• ACHM 115 General Chemistry I with Lab 
• ACHM 116 General Chemistry II with Lab 
• APSY 210 Statistical Methods in Psychology or MAT 108 Statistics 
• APSY 101 Introduction to Psychology 
• APSY 203 Psychology of Child Development 

Please contact a pre-health advisor or Sage Graduate Schools for program details.

Many students apply to entry-level master’s programs for occupational therapy.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Physics w/lab: 1 or 2 semesters
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Psychology: 1 semester
• Psychology of Child Development: 1 semester
• Abnormal Psychology: 1 semester
• Statistics: 1 semester
• Intro to Sociology/Anthropology: 1 semester
• Sociology of Aging (or Lifespan Development): 1 semester

Additional Requirements

(Depending on the program)

• Medical Terminology
• Ethics/Philosophy
• English Composition/Literature
• Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology
• Research Methods
• Chemistry

Common Admissions Requirements

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Test Scores
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Significant volunteer, shadowing, work experience in patient care

How to Apply

• Apply directly to each program and do your research on each school’s website.
• Application deadlines can vary and rand from October to February. For early decision and joint programs, these can have summer deadlines.
• Please visit American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for program admissions requirements.

Special Admissions Programs

Preferred Acceptance with Sage Graduate School

The collaborative articulation agreement allows University at Albany graduates to receive preferred admission (based on space-available) into the MS in Occupational Therapy (OT) at the Sage Graduate Schools. The collaborative agreement provides: 

• Preferred acceptance into the OT program for students who have completed OT program course prerequisites, after initial advisement and interview, and with completed application. 
• Waiver of graduate program application fee. 
• Priority review of application (to be considered application must be postmarked June 1 of year preceding graduation). 
• Advisement to coordinate undergraduate electives and coursework to address OT program prerequisites. 
• Opportunity to apply early for graduate assistantships. 

Admission Requirements 

University at Albany students will be given preferred admission to the Sage Colleges School of Health Sciences for the MS in OT degree, who demonstrate the following: 

• Earned bachelor’s degree 
• Minimum overall 3.25 GPA that includes the completion of occupational therapy program prerequisite courses with grades of C or better 

To qualify for priority in placement in the OT program, students must submit the following application materials by June 1st of the year preceding graduation from the University at Albany: 

• Completed Graduate application packet with supplemental documents (fee waived) 
• Resume 
• Clinical observation form 
• Program prerequisite record 
• OT program academic standards statement 
• Career goals statement 
• Personal essay 
• Official transcripts from all college institutions attended 
• Two letters of recommendation from University at Albany psychology or sociology faculty, or equivalent faculty representative 

To apply, please visit the Sage Colleges Admission & Aid page and email the OT Department at [email protected] and Sage Graduate School Admissions at [email protected] indicating the application has been submitted via Articulation Agreement with the indicated school. 

Note: Students must make an enrollment deposit of $50 within 30 days of acceptance, which non-refundable and can be applied toward graduate tuition and the following upon graduation from the University at Albany: 

• Official transcripts documenting completion of undergraduate degree and OT Program prerequisite courses. 
• Clinical observation documentation (20 hours) with an occupational therapist upon graduation from University at Albany.

University at Albany Prerequisite Course Requirements

•  AANT 316 Anatomy & Physiology I 
•  AANT 318 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab 
•  APHY 105 General Physics I and APHY 106 Lab 
•  APSY 101 Introduction to Psychology 
•  APSY 210 Statistical Methods in Psychology or AMAT 108 Statistics 
•  APSY 203 Psychology of Child Development 
•  APSY 338 Abnormal Psychology 
•  ASOC 115 Introduction to Sociology 
•  ASOC 384 Sociology of Aging 

Note: Anatomy & Physiology I & II may be transferred in from another college or university. If you are planning on taking AANT 316 and AANT 318 here, then you will have to take ABIO 130, 131, 122 or 201, 123Z or 202Z, and ACHM 115. 

Please contact a pre-health advisor or Sage Graduate Schools for program details. 

Many students will enter a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program after graduation.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs: 1-2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 2 semesters
• Statistics/Calculus: 1-2 semesters
• English Composition/Literature: 1-2 semesters

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry II w/lab
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Psychology
• Humanities/Social Sciences (15 credit hours)

Common Admissions Requirements

• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a Doctor of Chiropractic)
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Shadowing or volunteer experience (especially in a chiropractic office)

How to Apply

• The Chiropractic Centralized Application Services (ChiroCAS) is the central application service.
• Many schools have rolling admissions, so you will need to check each school's website for specific application deadlines.
• Please visit the Association for Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) for more information about careers in chiropractic medicine.

Many students will enter a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) program after graduation and several programs accept transfer students who completed all the pre-requisite coursework before completing a bachelor’s degree.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Physics w/labs: 1-2 semesters
• Statistics: 1 semester
• Calculus 1: 1 semester
• General Psychology: 1 semester
• English Composition: 1-2 semesters
• Public Speaking: 1 semester
• Microbiology: 1 semester

Additional Courses

(Depending on the program)

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Human Physiology
• Economics
• Social Science courses
• Humanities courses
• Computer science

Common Admissions Requirements

• Pharmacy College Admissions Tests (PCAT) scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 of higher

How to Apply

• The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCas) is a centralized application service that is used by most pharmacy schools. Many schools do not and will have their own admissions application.
• Application deadlines vary from November to March.
• Please visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) for more information about pharmacy careers pathways and programs.

Special Admissions Programs

3+2 joint degree with Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

BS in Human Biology to the MS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences 

Students can apply through an affiliation agreement to Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ (ACPHS) MS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from a BS in Human Biology at the University at Albany. 

The program is available only to those admitted as freshmen to UAlbany and transfer students are ineligible. This program requires that students complete three years (a minimum of ninety credits) of study at the University at Albany with a major in Human Biology, or related discipline. The major and general education requirements toward the BS degree must be completed. Students attend Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ MS program and pay ACPHS tuition, beginning their fourth college year, which is the first year of their professional program. With the completion of the fourth year of study, the University at Albany will accept thirty-one credits as transfer credits towards the BS degree.

Four-Year Plan

Application Requirements

Students in the program will make a formal application to ACPHS by December 1st in the Fall semester of their third year at UAlbany and will be evaluated according to ACPHS admission standards. 

This is not a guaranteed entrance program. Students may be eligible to matriculate at ACPHS once they have been accepted and the following requirements are met:

• Completion of at least ninety credits at UAlbany with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 (only grades of C- or above will count towards the ninety credits). 
• Completion of the required prerequisite courses at UAlbany. 
• Successful completion of the interview at ACPHS.

BS in Human Biology to the MS in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology

Students can apply through an affiliation agreement to Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ (ACPHS) MS in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology from a BS in Human Biology at the University at Albany. 

This program is available only to those admitted as freshmen to UAlbany and transfer students are ineligible. This program requires that students complete three years (a minimum of ninety credits) of study at the University at Albany with a major in Human Biology, or related discipline. The major and general education requirements toward the BS degree must be completed prior to matriculation at ACPHS. Students attend Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ MS program and pay ACPHS tuition, beginning their fourth college year, which is the first year of their master’s program. With the completion of the fourth year of study, the University at Albany will accept thirty-five credits as transfer credits towards the BS degree.

Four-Year Plan

Application Requirements

Students will make a formal application to ACPHS by December 1st in the Fall semester of their third year at UAlbany and will be evaluated for admission.

This is not a guaranteed entrance program. Students may be eligible to matriculate at ACPHS once they have been accepted and the following requirements are met:

• Completion of at least ninety credits at UAlbany with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 (only grades of C- or above will count towards the ninety credits). 
• Completion of the required prerequisite courses at UAlbany 
• Successful completion of an interview at ACPHS 

3+2 joint degree with Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

BS in Chemistry or Biology to the PharmD

Students can apply through an affiliation agreement to Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ (ACPHS) PharmD program from a BS in Biology or Chemistry at the University at Albany. 

Note: ACPHS will reserve ten positions in each admission cycle for qualified UAlbany students in this program. 

The program is available only to those admitted as freshmen to UAlbany and transfer students are ineligible. This program requires that students complete three years (a minimum of ninety credits) of study at the University at Albany with a major in Biology or Chemistry. The major and general education requirements toward the BS degree must be completed before departing for ACPHS. Students attend ACPHS PharmD program and pay ACPHS tuition, beginning their fourth college year, which is the first year of their professional program. With the completion of the fourth year of study, the University at Albany will accept thirty-one credits transfer credits towards the BS degree.

Biology: PharmD Four-Year Plan

Chemistry: PharmD Four-Year Plan

Application Requirements

Students will make a formal application to ACPHS by December 1st in the Fall semester of their third year at UAlbany and will be evaluated for admission. 

This is not a guaranteed entrance program. Students may be eligible to matriculate at ACPHS once they have been accepted and the following requirements are met:

• Completion of at least ninety credits at UAlbany with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 (only grades of C- or above will count towards the ninety credits). 
• Completion of the required prerequisite courses at UAlbany. 
• Successful completion of an interview at ACPHS.
• Completion of the PCAT with a satisfactory score.

Please contact a pre-health advisor or Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for program details.

Many students apply to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program after graduating from the University at Albany.

There are various programs, such as Binghamton and New York University that offer accelerated second bachelor’s degree in nursing. When considering a career as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, students should hold a Registered Nurse (RN) or BSN degree and have nursing experience before entering these programs.

Note: The following course requirements should serve as a general guideline since program requirements vary.

Common Course Requirements

• General Biology w/labs: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs: 2 semesters
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II w/labs: 2 semesters
• Microbiology w/lab: 1 semester
• General Psychology: 1 semester
• Psychology of Child Development: 1 semester
• Statistics: 1 semester
• English Composition: 1-2 semesters

Additional Requirements

(Depending on the program)

• Nutrition
• Sociology of Aging
• Abnormal Psychology
• Adult Psychology

Common Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree for BSN accelerated programs
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Personal Essay
• Significant volunteer/shadowing/work in patient care

How to Apply

• Apply directly to each program and applications usually available on their websites.
• Application deadlines vary from November to March. Please check each school for specific dates.
• Please visit the following websites for more information about nursing careers and programs:
  • New York State Nursing Programs
  • ANA Enterprise
  • American Association & Critical-Care Nurses