Saint Vincent College’s pre-allied health program is designed to prepare students with the foundational coursework and skills needed for the next phase of education before embarking on a career in athletic training, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies. 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-allied health students may choose any major and are guided by major academic advisors.
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Students can major in health science or they can also choose to major in one of the traditional science majors such as biology, biochemistry, or chemistry. Students then apply to the professional school of their choice with a strong foundation in the subjects that most relate to health care.
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, study abroad for a semester or take a travel-immersive class, 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 the next step in your education but also provides additional support to help you succeed and become an effective healthcare professional.
The Collaborative Learning Program (CLP) offers scheduled tutoring sessions for specific math and science courses. Students can interact with knowledgeable upperclassmen and classmates, exchange ideas in a relaxed setting, and gain a better understanding of course content.
Medical Spring Break Trip Dominican Republic
During spring break, Boyer School students can travel to Villa Hermosa, Dominican Republic in partnership with World Servants to work alongside Keenan Dental providing dental care while developing relationships with underprivileged children in the community.
Scotland Biology and Medicine Study Abroad
In the Scottish Tales in Biology and Medicine course, students will read historical accounts and scientific literature highlighting some of the many foundational biological and medical stories that originate in Scotland. These stories will come to life during travel to Scotland where students attend lectures, tour museums and universities, and retrace the steps of some pivotal Scottish characters.
Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society Upsilon Gamma Chapter
Beta Beta Beta is a biological honor society at Saint Vincent College with a vision to improve our understanding of the biological sciences and gain knowledge through scientific research.
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."
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
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.
Internships
100% of our health science majors and more than 70% of our other science majors participate in internships and shadowing opportunities before graduation. Faculty post a variety of internship opportunities at local organizations throughout the school year. Students intern at physical therapy offices, hospitals, specialty clinics, and assisted living homes.
Research
Students can gain research experience working with faculty mentors and present their findings at various prestigious meetings. Our faculty research topics range from antibiotic resistance to concussion studies, showcasing 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.
Saint Vincent College provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in professional allied health programs. 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 allied health schools.
Athletic training focuses on the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity. You will study foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and clinical care and develop practical skills in injury assessment and therapeutic interventions. This pathway prepares students for graduate-level education in athletic training or related allied health professions.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful activities. You will learn about human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and therapeutic techniques that support physical and cognitive function. This program emphasizes complete, client-centered care and prepares students for graduate-level occupational therapy programs.
Our students have enrolled in occupational therapy programs at the following schools:
Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving physical function for individuals recovering from injury, illness, or surgery. You’ll gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and therapeutic exercise principles. You’ll gain an understanding of evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.
Through a cooperative agreement between Saint Vincent College and Chatham University, students can complete four years of study at Saint Vincent College and then transfer to Chatham University to complete a degree in physical therapy. Students interested in this program will complete specific admission requirements including pre-requisite courses.
Pre-Physical Therapy Curriculum for Direct Entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Chatham University
Required Courses:
Our students have enrolled in physical therapy programs at the following schools:
The physician assistant (PA) profession focuses on providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services under the supervision of physicians. You’ll gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and clinical sciences, while emphasizing critical thinking and patient care skills. You will be prepared to enter competitive PA graduate programs, equipped with the scientific knowledge and interpersonal competencies needed to deliver high-quality medical care.
Through a cooperative agreement between Saint Vincent College and Chatham University, students can complete four years of study at Saint Vincent College and then transfer to Chatham University to complete a degree in physician assistant. Students interested in this program will complete specific admission requirements including pre-requisite courses.
Pre-Requisites for Admission to: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) at Chatham University
Required Courses:
Our students have enrolled in physician assistant program at the following schools:
Pharmacy focuses on the safe and effective use of medications to prevent, manage, and treat health conditions. You’ll be equipped with core knowledge in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and patient care principles. Students learn about drug interactions, dosage calculations, and healthcare ethics, preparing them for entry into Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs.
Through a cooperative agreement between Saint Vincent College and Duquesne University, students finish two to three years of study at Saint Vincent College and then transfer to Duquesne University to complete a degree in pharmacy. Students interested in this program will complete specific admission requirements including pre-requisite courses.
The Duquesne-Saint Vincent cooperative programs are competitive and have limited seats available. Students interested in the pharmacy program will take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and consult with the pharmacy program advisor for additional information regarding the application process.
Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum for Direct Entry into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at Duquesne University (two-years or three-years* at Saint Vincent):
Required Courses
Our students have enrolled in pharmacy programs at the following schools:
