1. About Academics
  2. Biological Science Major
  3. Pre-Med and Health Professions

Pre-Med and Health Professions

Two Biological Science majors at microscope

The Biological Science program at Pitt-Greensburg prepares undergraduate students for careers in medicine and health-related fields. We provide a strong foundation of science. You will fulfill the pre-requisites needed for admission to a pre-professional program. You can complete all four years of undergraduate education at Pitt-Greensburg for any of the following programs. Our faculty will guide you and foster your success based on one of the path selections below.

Pre-Dentistry

Undergraduate students interested in Pre-Dentistry should complete the Core Courses of biology and chemistry. You are strongly encouraged to take:

  • the two-term biochemistry sequence (Macromolecular Structure & Function, Metabolic Pathways, Lab)
  • Organic Chemistry (1, 2, Lab)
  • Physics (1, 2, Lab)

when completing your upper-level and required science courses. This will prepare you in taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) at the end of your junior year.

Credits needed for completion: 90-120 credits (3+ years of undergraduate education)
Recommended QPA: 3.2+
Recommended DAT Score: 19+
Application Service: AADSAS
Contact: Olivia Long, PhD

Pre-Pharmacy

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Undergraduate students interested in Pre-Pharmacy should complete the Core Courses of biology and chemistry. You may relocate after two years or complete a four-year undergraduate degree. You are required to take:

  • Intro to Microeconomic Theory
  • Intro to Psychology
  • Intro to Applied Statistics
  • other social science courses (more info here)

to prepare for pharmacy school. Completing these courses will prepare you for taking the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) - as of 2022, this is optional until further notice.

Credits needed for completion: 60+ or 120+ credits (2 or 4 years of undergraduate education)
Recommended QPA: 3.0+
Recommended PCAT Score: 70th percentile+
Application Service: PharmCAS
Contact: Carin Winters

Pre-Medicine

Undergraduate students interested in Pre-Medicine should complete the Core Courses of biology and chemistry. You are strongly encouraged to take:

  • the two-term biochemistry sequence (Macromolecular Structure & Function Metabolic Pathways, Lab)
  • Organic Chemistry (1, 2, Lab)
  • Physics (1, 2, Lab)

when completing upper-level and required science courses. Completing these courses will prepare you for taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) at the end of your junior year. We recommend that you choose one medical path that suits their philosophy (M.D. or D.O.). M.D.s practice the classical form of medicine, allopathic. This focuses on diagnosis and treatment of disease based on its symptoms. In contrast, D.O.s practice osteopathic medicine, holistic. This focuses on treatment of the “whole body” rather than treatment the disease based on its symptoms.

Credits needed for completion: 120+ credits (4 years of undergraduate education)
Recommended QPA: 3.5+
Recommended MCAT Score: 25-31+
Application Service: M.D. – MCAS, D.O. – AACOMAS
Contact: Olivia Long, PhD

Pre-Physician Assistant

Undergraduate students interested in Pre-Physician Assistant should complete the Core Courses of biology and chemistry. You are strongly encouraged to take:

  • the one-term biochemistry sequence (Biochemistry)
  • Microbiology
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology (1, 2)

when completing upper-level and required science courses. Completing these courses will prepare you for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) the summer of your junior year. You are recommended to complete clinical (hands-on) experience while completing your undergraduate degree. This will prepare you for admission requirements of Physician Assistant programs. Some programs require 300+ hours of health care experience. This is in addition to shadowing experiences in different medical specialties.

Credits needed for completion: 120+ credits (4 years of undergraduate education)
Recommended QPA: 3.5+
Recommended GRE Score: 150+
Application Service: CASPA
Contact: Barbara Barnhart

Pre-Physical Therapy & Pre-Occupational Therapy

Undergraduate students interested in these pre-professional programs should complete the Core Courses of biology and chemistry. You are strongly encouraged to take:

  • the one-term biochemistry sequence (Biochemistry)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology (1,2)
  • Intro to Psychology (and additional Psychology courses)
  • Intro to Applied Statistics

when completing upper-level and required science courses. Completing these courses will prepare you for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) the summer of your junior year. You are recommended to complete clinical (hands-on) experience while completing your undergraduate degree. This will prepare your for admission requirements of these programs.

Credits needed for completion: 120+ credits (or 4 years of undergraduate education)
Recommended QPA: 3.0+
Recommended GRE Score: 150+
Application Service: PTCAS, OTCAS
Contact: Koreen Byrns

Pre-Health and Rehabilitation Science

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Undergraduate students interested in Pre-Health and Rehabilitation Science should complete the Core Courses of biology and chemistry. You are strongly encouraged to take:

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology (1)
  • Intro to Psychology (and other Psychology courses)
  • Intro to Applied Statistics
  • Physics (1)
  • other courses (more info here)

when completing upper-level and required science courses.

Credits needed for completion: 120+ credits (or 4 years of undergraduate education)
Recommended QPA: 2.5+
Contact: Koreen Byrns