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 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.

SUNY Downstate Early Medical Education (EME) Program

Health Sciences University, is a 2 summer initiative aimed at increasing the competitiveness of pre-medical students, by providing MCAT preparation and academic support. Students will learn time and stress management skills with clinicians. Program is virtual.

Successful participants of EME are awarded conditional acceptance to SUNY Downstate’s College of Medicine.

Program Highlights

Summer Session I

• MCAT Boot camp
• Stipend of $1500
• MCAT Exam

Summer Session II

• Pre-matriculation program providing an overview of the first few weeks of medical school material.
• Stipend of $1000

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizens or Permanent residents
• Educationally or financially disadvantaged
• Currently enrolled in one of our affiliated colleges
• Juniors and seniors
• Science GPA 3.2 and non-science 3.5
• Completed all MCAT suggested courses by 1st summer

Application Requirements

• Online application (includes essay)
• 2 Letters of recommendation (1 from Science/Math professor )
• Evaluation from your school’s EME Liaison/Pre-health Advisor
• Official Undergraduate transcripts from all colleges attended
• Interview by the EME Admissions committee (for selected candidates)
• Application deadline February 21, 2024

Program Requirements

• Maintain GPA requirements while enrolled
• Meet MCAT requirements
• Attend both summer sessions

Questions?

Please contact Downstate’s College of Medicine at [email protected] and mention EME in the subject line.

Albany Medical College Early Assurance Pathway (EAP) Program

The Albany Medical College Early Assurance Pathway (EAP) Program is a cohort-based initiative aimed at recruiting qualified UAlbany sophomores into the Albany Medical College (AMC) MD program from demographic sectors that have been traditionally underrepresented in the medical profession, including first-generation college graduates and low-income individuals as defined in federal TRIO programs, and, in addition, those who have a demonstrated and sustained interest in issues affecting medically-underserved populations. The program is available only to those admitted to UAlbany as freshmen; transfer students are ineligible.

Successful participants in the EAP Program are awarded conditional acceptance to Albany Med’s MD Program after graduating and fulfilling all pre-med requirements at UAlbany.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizens or Permanent residents
• You must fit into at least one of the following three categories:
  1. First-generation college graduates
  2. Low-income individuals as defined in federal TRIO programs or
  3. Students who have a demonstrated and sustained interest in issues affecting medically-underserved populations.
• At the time of application, at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year, eligible applicants will have
• Successfully completed at least two semesters (a minimum of 24 credits that can be counted toward their bachelor’s degree) of academic work at UAlbany;
• Taken at least 12 credit hours with a grade of B- or higher in core pre-med BCPM (science and math) competency courses (for example math, statistics, general biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and general physics, as well as their corresponding laboratory components); and
• Earned at least a 3.50 BCPM and cumulative grade point average of 3.50.  

Application Requirements

Applicants who meet the above eligibility requirements for consideration must:

1. By June 1, express an interest to the UAlbany Pre-Health Advisor and request an outline of the requirements and expectations for the program, as well as an application.
2. Obtain either paid or volunteer exposure to the medical profession and participate in community/public service by the time of application.
3. Be on track to complete the remainder of their major, general education and other requirements for graduation by the end of their senior year.
4. Submit an application to the UAlbany Pre-Health Advising Office by June 15th following completion of their sophomore year. The application may change from year to year, but generally will include:
   1. An essay about how the applicant meets one or more of the required demographic categories: 1. first-generation college attendee 2. socioeconomically disadvantaged or 3. a demonstrated and sustained interest in issues affecting underserved populations.
   2. A personal essay addressing their motivation for a career in medicine.
   3. A statement expressing their reasons for wanting to participate in EAPP and outlining their educational goals through their junior and senior years.
5. Up to four supporting letters (one science letter is required, the others may be non-science, a supervisor or mentor) and a UAlbany institutional letter are due by July 1 to the Pre-Health Advisor’s Office. For students who qualify because of “a demonstrated interest in issues affecting underserved populations,” a letter from a supervisor or mentor or other personal reference who will personally attest to the student’s interest is suggested and will strengthen the application.

Program Requirements

• After acceptance, students must maintain a high level of academic achievement (3.50 grade point averages in BCPM courses, and overall, each semester) and progress toward their experiential goals (service, clinical activities, etc.).
• Moreover, EAPP students must continue to meet at least once each semester with a UAlbany advisor who is knowledgeable about the EAPP and their AMC EAPP mentor.

Please note: EAPP students who maintain satisfactory extracurricular and academic records in accordance with the requirements for the EAPP program throughout the remainder of their undergraduate careers will not be required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Laura Schweitzer, Chair, UAlbany Pre-Heath Committee [email protected]

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 BS 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

University at Albany and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from University at Albany who wish to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences preferred admission as indicated below. This collaborative agreement provides for

• Preferred acceptance into the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for students who have completed physical therapy program course prerequisites and with completed application;
• Waiver of the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences application fee;
• Early acceptance;
• Access to Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences advisors to coordinate undergraduate electives and coursework to reduce or eliminate prerequisites in the graduate program;
• Opportunity to apply early for Graduate Assistantships at Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences

Admission Requirements

University at Albany students will receive preferred admission to the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, who demonstrate the following:

• Earned baccalaureate degree
• Minimum overall 3.0 GPA that includes the completion of Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program prerequisite courses with grades of C or better and a 3.0 prerequisite science GPA (see prerequisite courses listed below)

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

• Complete application online via the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS): https://www.apta.org/cas/ptcas
  • The career goals essay & resume can be submitted with the online application.
  • Submission of a clear and concise personal essay supporting the applicant's rationale to pursue a DPT as a degree.
  • Submit Clinical Observation Document 40 hours of clinical observation with a Physical Therapist; preferably in at least two settings.
  • The supplemental forms can be emailed as attachments to [email protected] this includes: clinical observation form, program prerequisite record, DPT program academic standards statement.
    • Academic Technical Standards 
    • Clinical Observations Document 
    • Prerequisite Form 
• Email the PT Department, [email protected], and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences Graduate Admissions. [email protected], indicating application has been submitted via Articulation Agreement with indicated school.
• Submit official transcripts from all college institutions attended to PTCAS.
• Submit one letter of reference from the University at Albany faculty, or another academic mentor, and at least one additional recommendation letter.

Note: Students must make an enrollment deposit of $500 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: 

Upon graduation from University at Albany submit all final transcripts documenting completion of undergraduate degree and DPT Program prerequisite courses to PTCAS

University at Albany Prerequisite Course Requirements

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

University at Albany and Russell Sage College School of Health Science have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from University at Albany who wish to pursue an MS in Occupational Therapy (OT), or a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from the Russell Sage College School of Health Science preferred admission as indicated below. This collaborative agreement provides for:

• Preferred acceptance into the Russell Sage College School of Health Science for students who have completed occupational therapy program course prerequisites and with completed application;
• Waiver of the Russell Sage College School of Health Science application fee;
• Early acceptance;
• Access to Sage advisors to coordinate undergraduate electives and coursework to reduce or eliminate prerequisites in the graduate program;
• Opportunity to apply early for Graduate Assistantships in the Russell Sage College School of Health Science

Admission Requirements 

University at Albany students will awarded preferred admission to the Russell Sage College School of Health Science for the MS in OT degree, or a Doctorate in OT (OTD), who demonstrate the following:

• Earned baccalaureate degree
• Minimum overall 3.25 GPA that includes the completion of occupational therapy program prerequisite courses with grades of C or better (see prerequisite courses listed below) and a 3.0 prerequisite science GPA (Anatomy and Physiology I and II)

To be given priority in placement in the OT Program students agree to submit the following information by June 1 of the year preceding graduation from University at Albany:

• Complete application online at: https://www.sage.edu/admission/graduate/
  • The career goals essay & resume can be submitted with the online application.
  • For OTD Candidates: Submission of a clear and concise personal essay supporting the applicant's rationale to pursue the OTD as a degree with careful attention to your ideas toward a desired doctoral capstone experience. The doctoral capstone is a 14-week practicum experience in an advanced area of learning that occurs separate from your level II fieldwork experiences. Consider a topic area you may be interested in in any of the following areas of occupational therapy: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development.
  • The supplemental forms can be emailed as attachments to [email protected] this includes: clinical observation form, program prerequisite record, OT program academic standards statement.
  • Forms can be found at: https://www.sage.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/OT-Supplemental-Forms- 2021-22.pdf
• Email the OT Department, [email protected], and Russell Sage College School of Health Science Graduate Admissions, [email protected], indicating that the application has been submitted via the Articulation Agreement with the indicated school.
• Submit official transcripts from all college institutions attended.
• Submit one letter of reference from the University at Albany faculty and an additional recommendation letter.

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

Upon graduation from University at Albany:

• Submit official transcripts documenting completion of undergraduate degree and OT Program prerequisite courses
• Submit Clinical Observation Document: 20 hours of clinical observation with an occupational therapist for the MSOT, or 40 hours of clinical observation if applying for the OTD

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

University at Albany Prerequisite Course Requirements

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

-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 Note: UAlbany's College of Integrated Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program, designed for students who have their (RN) nursing associate degree. After earning your associate in nursing and your RN, you can apply to the completion program at UAlbany, where you will compete coursework for your bachelor's degree. Your coursework from your associate degree will be evaluated to determine what courses you still need to take at UAlbany. 

Many of our pre-nursing 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