Saint Francis University

Pre-Medicine Programs

Study Pre-Medicine at Saint Francis University

Pre-med programs at SFU are a great match for students whose future plans include careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or similar fields.

Pair your major with your future career goals.

Prepare for future Professional School acceptance with a Pre-Med concentration tied to the academic major that best fits your goals. Students can pursue a pre-med concentration in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Exercise Physiology, Psychology, and Public Health,

Why choose Saint Francis for Pre-Med?

Proven track record: 90% of qualified applicants are accepted into the professional school of their choice.
Benefit from a University-wide approach to pre-med preparation no matter which major your choose for your concentration.
Advising and mentoring are handled by faculty who understand the pre-med path.
Pre-med focused seminars and events for all pre-med majors to guide students through career choices, application, and entrance exam preparation.
Gain stand-out experience through undergraduate research opportunities with respected faculty as early as your freshman year.
Fast-track your future with our established Early-Acceptance agreements with leading professional schools.

Early Acceptance Options
4-Year SFU Options
Submit Your Application

Pre-Medicine the Saint Francis Way

In addition to a rigorous science curriculum, Saint Francis provides a liberal arts-style education where students gain broad perspectives and superior communication skills through courses in philosophy, history, and the arts.

Collaborative Approach: The Pre-Medicine review committee is an advising resource for all pre-medicine students. The committee mentors students in developing their professional school application materials and writes a recommendation for qualified candidates that can be included as part of their medical school applications. These committee recommendations are held in high regard by professional schools because they reflect a consensus view of a student by University faculty.

Rigorous Learning Environment: The rigors of science are best emphasized through a variety of levels of analysis. While some may prefer a more natural science lens and others may prefer a more social science lens, the SFU Pre-Med concentration allows students to focus in on various areas of specialization that are part of both the SFU core curriculum and are included on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).

Expand Your Portfolio: Medical schools are looking for students with diverse talents. SFU provides many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Study abroad, volunteer, and try out for that role in the theater. College is a wonderful time to explore your talents and become the someone you were meant to be.

CURRICULUM & COURSES

Degree Paths: Pre-Medicine

The following majors offer an established Pre-Medicine Concentration that can be completed within 4 years at Saint Francis University to prepare students for acceptance into the professional school of their choice upon graduation.

EARLY ACCEPTANCE PROGRAMS

A Fast-Track Experience for High-Achieving Undergraduates

As an alternative to the 4-year Pre-Medicine programs at Saint Francis University, some students apply to early-acceptance programs with affiliated universities.

Saint Francis University has partnered with a number of outstanding professional schools that offer early provisional acceptance, and, in some cases, accelerated programs in which students transfer to professional school after two or three years at SFU.

Ready to learn more about our early-acceptance programs?

Contact: Dr. Susan Reimer, sreimer@francis.edu 814.472.3086

Early Acceptance Programs

Pre-Medicine
Early-Acceptance Pre-Med (LECOM)
Lake Erie University of Osteopathic Medicine
Under this joint agreement, students complete the first three or four years (depending on which program you select) of undergraduate education at SFU and the remaining four years of medical school education at LECOM.

Saint Francis University will confer the Bachelor of Science degree to students enrolled in the "3+4" track upon successful completion of the first year of LECOM's academic curriculum.
Admission Criteria
“3+4”/”4+4” Early Acceptance Program - 24/25
Plans of Study
Biology
- 3+4 LECOM
- 4+4 LECOM
Chemistry
- 3+4 & 4+4 LECOM
Pre-Dentistry

LECOM School of Dental Medicine
Lake Erie University of Osteopathic Medicine
Under this joint agreement students complete four years of undergraduate education at SFU and the remaining four years of dental school education at LECOM's Bradenton, Florida campus.

Saint Francis University will confer the Bachelor of Science degree to students upon successful completion of the first year of LECOM's academic curriculum.

Admission Criteria
“4+4” Early Acceptance Program in Dental Medicine - 24/25
Plans of Study:
Biology: 4+4 LECOM
Chemistry: LECOM Pre-Dental
Pre-Optometry

Pennsylvania College of Optometry (3+4)
Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO)/ Salus University
Under this joint agreement, students complete the first three years of undergraduate education at SFU and the remaining four years of optometry school education at PCO.

Saint Francis University will confer the Bachelor of Science degree to students upon successful completion of the first year of PCO academic curriculum.
Admission Criteria
“3+4” Accelerated Optometry - 24/25
Plan of Study
Biology
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Pharmacy/Pharm.D Agreements
Mylan School of Pharmacy
Duquesne University Pharmacy Program

Admission Criteria
2+4”/”3+4” (Pharm.D.) Pre-Pharmacy Program - 24/25
2+4 Program: Students may receive preferential consideration for admission to the Mylan School of Pharmacy at Duquesne University after their second year at SFU. Upon acceptance, they begin pharmacy school and receive an Associate's Degree in Bio-Chemical Sciences from Saint Francis University.
3+4 Program: As above, students receive preferential consideration for admission to the Mylan School of Pharmacy at Duquesne University. In this case, however, students complete the third year at Saint Francis before beginning pharmacy school. Upon completion of their first year of Pharmacy school, students receive a B.S. in Biology or Chemistry from Saint Francis University.
- Biology Plan of Study
- Chemistry Plan of Study
School of Pharmacy, LECOM
Lake Erie University of Osteopathic Medicine

2+ Track Accelerated Program
Students spend two years at SFU before matriculating to LECOM School of Pharmacy to complete their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). Students can receive an A.S. in Bio-Chemical Sciences from Saint Francis University at the conclusion of their first two years.

Admission Criteria
2+3/2+4” (Pharm.D.) - 24/25
3+ or 4+ Track Accelerated Program
Students spend either three or four years at SFU before matriculating to LECOM School of Pharmacy to complete their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). Students receive a Bachelor's Degree from Saint Francis University upon completion of their fourth year in the program (students in the 3+ receive their B.S. after completing their first year at LECOM).

Admission Criteria
“3+3/3+4” (B.S./Pharm.D.) - 24/25

Plans of Study:
- SFU Bio-Chemical Sciences/LECOM 2+4
- SFU Biology/LECOM 3+4 Pharmacy

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Medicine and Saint Francis University

How do faculty support my pursuit of a degree with a concentration in Pre-Medicine?

Each student in a Pre-Medicine Concentration is closely advised by advisors specializing in assisting students bound for professional schools. Advisors are available at any time to help you with questions. Your advisor will regularly meet with you to prepare for course registration and discuss significant opportunities such as job shadowing, internships, or research options.
What are some of the professional schools SFU graduates have attended?

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Duquesne University School of Pharmacy
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (MD)
Griffith University School of Medicine, Australia
Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O., Dentistry, and Pharmacy)
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, Florida
Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine (Hershey; M.D.)
Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine
Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Temple University Kronberg School of Dentistry
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine (M.D.)
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and Dental Medicine
Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine (M.D.)
University of Charleston School of Pharmacy
University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry
University of Pittsburgh Masters in Public Health
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
University of Queensland Ochsner MD Program, Australia
What is a concentration?

A concentration is a carefully selected set of courses in science and mathematics added to an academic major. Students often combine their concentration with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Physiology, Psychology, or Public Health. Your concentration, along with your major, will help ensure you are well-prepared to meet the demands of continuing your education.
Which major should I choose to go with my Pre-Medicine Concentration?

There is no "best" major for Pre-Medicine. No matter which major you choose, you will take a core set of Pre-Medicine classes so that you are ready for professional school. Your choice of major allows you to specialize through advanced coursework in that discipline. We recommend that you choose the major that you find most interesting: you will enjoy your classes more, and this usually translates to better performance.

Below is a summary of the unique features of each of our Pre-Medicine Concentrations:

Biochemistry, B.S., Pre-Medicine Concentration
Biochemists study the chemical processes that occur in living cells as well as the structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Biochemistry Pre-Med students gain a solid background in the fundamental principles of both chemistry and biology.

Biology, B.S., Pre-Medicine Concentration
Students specialize in the fundamental biological processes of the human body, gaining a critical foundation in the function of cells and tissues. Students learn advanced lab skills in molecular biology that are used to research, diagnose, and treat disease: protein assays, fluorescence microscopy, polymerase chain reaction. genomics, and vertebrate cell culture.

Chemistry, B.S., Pre-Medicine Concentration
Much of modern medicine is rooted in the chemistry that underlies disease. Chemistry Pre-Med students specialize in the chemical and biochemical processes that are the basis for normal cellular function, and are ultimately the targets of pharmaceutical treatments.

Exercise Physiology, B.S., Pre-Medicine Concentration
Exercise Physiology Students specialize in the physiological processes that are fundamental to the operation of the human body and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Courses provide hands-on application to develop clinical skills like blood pressure assessment, EKG interpretation, stress testing administration, and behavior change modification.

Psychology, B.S. Pre-Medicine Concentration
Psychology is the scientific study of behavioral and mental processes and benefits students pursuing careers in psychiatry or neurology. Medical Science is focused on the patient, so a grounding in psychology helps students better understand the psychological, developmental, cognitive, social, motivational, and behavioral processes that underlie illness and well-being.

Public Health, B.S., Pre-Medicine Concentration
Public Health students specialize in the study of population health as it relates to acute and chronic disease. Students will understand social, organizational, environmental and policy factors affecting health and learn how to address these factors to improve the health of future patients and their communities.
Will I have research opportunities?
YES! Pre-Medicine students are strongly encouraged to get involved in undergraduate research.
- Work in small groups with our faculty to design, execute, and communicate novel research projects.
- Earn course credit for research, and apply for internal grants to fund research in the summer.
- Regularly present your work at regional and national conferences and have co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals.
What does the traditional 4-year path look like?

There is not just one path into medical school. Depending on their circumstances, students may matriculate into medical school via a traditional four-year route, accelerated programs, or they may opt to work or pursue higher education or work/volunteer experience before entering medical school. Here is a breakdown of four of the more common routes that students take into medical school.

Career Outlook

Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups. This projected growth is mainly due to an aging population, leading to greater demand for healthcare services.