Program Description

The Premedical Studies Program at Purchase College is designed to prepare students for graduate professional studies in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other allied health fields. The School of Natural and Social Sciences offers a comprehensive array of preparatory courses, individual premedical advising by natural sciences faculty, internship opportunities, independent studies, and senior projects. These provide students with broad areas of research and clinical exposure, as well as guidance and assistance with the process of application to professional schools.

Most premedical students major in a natural science discipline like biology, chemistry, or psychology. However, students may major in any field of study while completing the prerequisite science courses before applying to professional schools. Many students who already hold a baccalaureate degree in another field also enter the Premedical Studies Program to complete the courses required for admission to professional schools.

Faculty Premedical Advisory Committee

Requirements for the Program

• General Biology I & II
• General Chemistry I & II
• Organic Chemistry I & II
• Introductory Physics I & II
• Mathematics through Calculus
• One year of English
• Clinical experience or internship
• Research experience (i.e., Senior Research Project)
• Additional biology and/or chemistry courses are strongly recommended.
• After the required coursework is completed, a professional aptitude examination (MCAT, VCAT, DAT, or GRE) is taken, ideally in April of the junior year. Applications to professional schools should be completed during the summer or early in the fall of the senior year.

Representative Alumni

• Tatiana Barton ’88, D.D.S., M.P.H., dentist in Stamford, CT
• Gina Blevins ’98, D.V.M., equine veterinarian, The Plains, Virginia
• Elizabeth Bundock ’92, M.D., Ph.D., medical examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City
• Christyna Faulkner ’03, M.D. student, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
• Joshua Fink ’82, M.D., fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians; medical director and co-owner, Prescriptions for Fitness, Inc.; medical practice in Mount Kisco, New York
• Robert A. Herman ’79, M.D., staff psychiatrist, University of Maryland, College Park
• ReineMarie Iorio ’87, D.V.M., veterinarian at Yonkers Animal Hospital, Yonkers, NY
• Juan A. March ’85, M.D., professor of emergency medicine, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University
• Christopher L. Reilly ’85, M.D., general and laparoscopic surgeon, Houston, TX
• Matthew Zorn ’98, N.D., naturopathic doctor specializing in homeopathy, Portland, OR

For more information, visit the Premedical Studies site in Academic Programs or e-mail naturalsciences@purchase.edu.

Updated May 27, 2008