Program Description

The premedical studies program at Purchase College is designed to prepare students for graduate 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
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Introductory Statistics or Behavioral Statistics
• 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, DDS, MPH, dentist, Stamford, Conn.
• Gina Blevins ’98, DVM, veterinarian, The Plains, Va.
• Elizabeth A. Bundock ’92, MD, PhD, Rosalin Franklin University of Medicine and Science; deputy chief medical examiner, Vermont Department of Health
• Christyna Faulkner ’03, MD, radiology resident, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
• Joshua S. Fink ’82, MD, fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians; medical practice in Mount Kisco, N.Y.
• Robert A. Herman ’79, MD, staff psychiatrist, University of Maryland, College Park
• Juan A. March ’85, MD, professor and chief of the Division of Emergency Medical Services, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University
• Vladimir “Zev” Orentlikher ’09, dental student, University of Buffalo Dental School
• Bruce Peterson ’97, MD, pathologist, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y.
• Christopher L. Reilly ’85, MD, general and laparoscopic surgeon, West Houston Surgical Associates PA, Houston, Texas
• Matthew Zorn ’98, ND, naturopathic physician, Portland, Ore.

For more information, please visit the premedical studies program site or email sciences@purchase.edu.

Updated May 18, 2012

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