Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental and other Health-Related Studies
Siena students preparing for the study of medicine, dentistry, physician assistant and most other health professions careers normally major in one of the sciences. The minimum undergraduate course requirements for entry into most medical or dental school include: General Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, General Physics IA (or I) and IIA (or II), mathematics(calculus or statistics), and one year of college-level English. Students in any of the science majors can accommodate these 40 credits of science within their degree program. Students are not required to pursue any particular major to apply to these programs. Additional Biology courses (ex. Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology and Biochemistry) are strongly recommended and required by some schools.
All students should consult with the Director of Health Professions, Dr. Daniel White, and their academic advisor to insure appropriate course selection and course sequencing. Students interested in other health professions should consult with the Director of Health Professions to be certain of meeting specific requirements for other professional schools. The Health Professions Recommendation Committee interviews students and provides committee letters for students whose graduate health programs request them.
Medical and Related Programs
Albany Medical College Program in Science, Humanities and Medicine
Personally and academically talented high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to the service of others will be jointly accepted by Siena and Albany Medical College into a unique eight-year program in medical education. A 3.5 average in the sciences is required to remain in the program. In the junior and senior years at Siena, academic emphasis will be placed on the humanities. Students in this program will be required to declare a minor in one of the humanities or social sciences and will earn a B.A. degree in Biology (see Biology Department listing for specific course requirements). An extended commitment to volunteer service is required of all program participants during the summer between the junior and senior years. Funding is provided for travel and living expenses. Candidates must complete the Common Application and Siena Supplemental Application by November 1 of the student’s senior year in high school.
Albany Medical College Early Assurance Program
The early assurance program between Siena College and Albany Medical College is for Saints interested in a 4+4 BS/MD path. Students who have a 3.5 overall GPA, as well as a 3.5 GPA in science courses may apply early to Albany Medical College at the end of their sophomore year at Siena. Applicants will be interviewed by Albany Medical College representatives, and will need to submit a proposal, including service and research for their last 2 years at Siena. Students admitted to the program will not need to take the MCAT, nor will they be allowed to sit for the exam. They will also not be allowed to apply to other medical schools.
Albany Medical College Physician Assistant Early Assurance Program - Masters of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies
The Early Assurance Program (EAP) is an opportunity for well-motivated, highly qualified Siena College students to apply early to the Center for Physician Assistant Studies at Albany Medical College (CPAS). Early Assurance candidates are reviewed from a much smaller pool of applicants. Qualified students apply through CASPA by June 15th of the year preceding graduation from Siena College. Supplemental Application deadline is May 1st of the year preceding graduation from Siena College. To be eligible for admission through the EAP, candidates must be a Siena College student since their freshman year (no transfer students are eligible to apply), be working toward their baccalaureate degree, have an Overall and Science GPA of 3.20 or higher, complete MOST of the prerequisite classes by the end of their junior year. Please Note- students MUST complete Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 by the end of their junior year. Prerequisite Classes include 2 semesters of General Biology, 2 semesters of General Chemistry, 2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 1 semester of Organic Chemistry OR Biochemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, 1 semester of Psychology, and English Composition or other writing intensive course. Grades in the prerequisite classes must be a “C” or better. Students must also complete at least one half (approximately 500 hours) of the 1000 hours of required hands on health care experience. Qualified students need to contact the Director of Health Professions to prepare for applying through the Early Assurance Program. These students must present themselves to the Siena College Health Professions Recommendation Committee (HPRC) for review prior to having their names forwarded to the AMC Center for Physician Assistant Studies.
Lake Erie College of Dental Medicine Early Acceptance Program
The Early Acceptance Agreement Program between LECOM and Siena College allows undergraduate students (in their first or second year) to apply early in their academic career to LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. The Early Acceptance Program is designed to facilitate the admission of Siena College students into LECOM’s Doctor of Medical Dentistry program. Students must pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or physical science. LECOM will interview academically qualified students prior to completion of the student’s second year at Siena. Students successfully interviewing will be offered a provisional acceptance to LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine. Students receive information from LECOM about GPA and DAT score requirements for matriculation into LECOM School of Dental Medicine.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Combined Degree Program
Qualified high school seniors can jointly apply to Siena and LECOM for entry into medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. Students have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (international students may apply to Pharmacy); may not already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher; must have at least two years remaining as a full time student at Siena; must SAT Score (Math and Verbal Reasoning) greater than or equal to 1170 on a single exam taken before 3/1/16, a SAT score of 1240 or higher on a single exam taken after 3/1/16 or an ACT Composite score greater than or equal to 26 on a single exam; and must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students interview at LECOM during their senior year in high school and Siena is notified of their acceptance. Students must maintain a cumulative overall GPA of 3.4 or higher and a science GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students must pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or physical science.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Acceptance Program
This Agreement establishes an Early Acceptance Program to which Siena College undergraduate students (in their first or second year) can apply early in their academic career to LECOM. The Early Acceptance Program is designed to facilitate the admission of Siena College students into LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Once recommended by Siena College, LECOM will interview the student prior to completion of the student’s second year at Siena. Students must pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or physical science. Students successfully interviewing will be offered a provisional acceptance to LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Upon meeting the criteria for final acceptance, they will matriculate at the LECOM campus of their choice. Because this is a demanding professional program, the requirements listed for acceptance have been established to demonstrate that the student is capable of handling the rigorous course load.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy Early Acceptance
Siena College and Lake Erie College of Pharmacy have established three tracks leading to a PharmD. degree. The options are a 2+, 3+ or 4+ program between Siena and LECOM Pharmacy. The 2+ program is available for exceptional high school students, where students can be jointly accepted by both LECOM and Siena. After completing two years at Siena they begin their professional training at LECOM School of Pharmacy. No Siena degree is attained. For the 3+ program, must have a provisional letter of acceptance in the EAP before starting their second year at Siena. After completing the 3-year undergraduate phase (accelerated curriculum) they enroll at LECOM. A Siena Degree may be obtained at the end of the first year of professional study. The 4+ program allows students to apply to LECOM School of Pharmacy by February 1st of their sophomore year. They spend all four years at Siena. Continuation in these programs is contingent on maintaining a 3.4 overall GPA. Students have the choice to enroll in the traditional four year pharmacy curriculum or an accelerated three year curriculum. Professional training on the Erie, PA campus is an accelerated 3-year curriculum, while the Bradenton, FL campus is a full 4- year curriculum.
New England College of Optometry (Accelerated Program)
Up to five students a year will be jointly admitted by NECO and Siena College. Students enrolled in this accelerated program will complete three years at Siena prior to matriculating into NECO for four years (an optional 4 + 4 track may be available). Dr. White, the Director of Health Professions, will work with students interested in this program, to design a suggested accelerated curriculum. A Bachelor’s degree will be awarded after the first year of study at NECO. Your advisor at Siena will provide you with a suggested accelerated curriculum.
Salus College of Optometry (Accelerated Program)
Siena and Salus College of Optometry (Pennsylvania College of Optometry) offer an accelerated (7 year) program leading to an optometry doctorate. Qualified Siena students will be accepted by Salus College of Optometry after completing three years in Siena’s accelerated Biology curriculum. Siena will grant the Bachelor of Science degree when the student has completed his or her first year of professional study. Your academic advisor and the Director of Health Professions, Dr. White, will provide you with a suggested three year curriculum.
State University of New York College of Optometry Joint Degree Program (and Early Acceptance)
Siena College is one of only 24 colleges in the country to have an accelerated Joint Degree Program with SUNY College of Optometry. Students accepted into this Joint Degree Program are admitted into Siena College and simultaneously (provisionally) admitted to the SUNY College of Optometry. Siena students may also be eligible for this accelerated program if they met the above GPA and SAT/ ACT requirements and have at least a 3.3 GPA at Siena. Students complete three years of pre-professional training at Siena College and then enroll at SUNY Optometry for four years of professional school. Students will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Biology upon successfully completing their first year at SUNY.
Allied Health Professions
Siena College students preparing for study in the Allied Health Professions (physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) should consult with the Allied Health Professions Advisor, Mrs. Eileen Martino, and their academic advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and meeting specific graduate admission requirements. The undergraduate course requirements vary a great deal depending upon which health care profession a student is interested in. Most, if not all, allied health professions require Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 as well as Statistics for the Social Sciences.
The College of Saint Rose Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Therapy) and Siena College Memorandum of Understanding
For students interested in pursuing a Master’s in Speech Therapy, they need to complete approximately seven to nine specific undergraduate communication sciences and disorders classes that are not offered at Siena College. With this Memorandum of Understanding between Siena College and The College of Saint Rose Speech Therapy Program, these undergraduate Communication Science and Disorders ( CSD) prerequisite courses will be made available to Siena students prior to and after admissions to the graduate program through cross registration. Students who complete these seven to nine CSD courses during their 4 years at Siena will be prepared to enter seamlessly into Master’s in Speech Therapy Programs. Early admission to the College of Saint Rose Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is offered to Siena students seeking to begin the graduate program in the Fall semester if they submit their application by January 15th. Early Admission is offered to Siena students seeking to begin the graduate program in the Spring semester if they submit their application by September 15th. Interested students should contact the Allied Health Professions Advisor, Mrs. Eileen Martino (emartino@siena.edu) for more information about this opportunity. CSD Prerequisite classes download.
Russell Sage College Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program: Articulation Agreement
Siena College and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from Siena College who wish to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Russell Sage College. Qualified students apply through PTCAS by the mid-August PTCAS deadline of the year preceding graduation from Siena College. Siena students will be given Preferred Admission Review to the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for the DPT degree, who demonstrate the following: (1) On track for earning a baccalaureate degree, (2) Overall and Science GPA of 3.0 or higher, (3) Completion of the Physical Therapy Program Prerequisites with grade of “C” or better, (4) Prerequisite classes include: 2 semesters of General Biology, 2 semesters of General Chemistry, 2 semesters of General Physics, 2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent, Two courses in Biology (Not Botany) with lab - (May include Cell Biology, Microbiology, Genetics or Biochemistry, etc.), Statistics, General Psychology. Qualified students will need to network with the Allied Health Professions Advisor, Mrs. Eileen Martino (emartino@siena.edu) to prepare for applying through the articulation agreement.
Russell Sage College Masters and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Program: Articulation Agreement
Siena College and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from Siena College who wish to pursue a Masters in Occupational Therapy (MS in OT) OR a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the Russell Sage College. Qualified students need to apply by the June 1st deadline of the year preceding graduation from Siena College. Siena students will be given Preferred Admission Review to the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences for the MS or the doctorate in OT (OTD) who demonstrate the following: (1) On track for earning a baccalaureate degree, (2) Maintain a 3.25 overall GPA and 3.0 science GPA (Only Human A & P 1 and 2), (3) Completion of the Occupational Therapy Program Prerequisites with grade of “C” or higher, (4) Prerequisite classes include: 1 semester of General Physics (recommended but not required), 2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent, Roots of Medical Terminology, Statistics, General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Lifespan Psychology, and General Sociology. For OTD candidates - Submission of a clear concise personal essay supporting applicants rationale to pursue the OTD degree. Qualified students should contact the Allied Health Professions Advisor, Mrs. Eileen Martino (emartino@siena.edu) to prepare for applying through the articulation agreement.
Russell Sage College Masters in Applied Nutrition: Articulation Agreement
Siena College and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement which allows Siena College graduates to seamlessly transition into the Masters in Applied Nutrition Program at the Russell Sage College. Qualified students will be given preferred admission into the Nutrition Program if they have met the course prerequisites prior to application. Students also have the option to enter into the Registered Dietitian track with additional prerequisite courses. If interested in this agreement, students should contact the Allied Health Professions Advisor, Mrs. Eileen Martino (emartino@siena.edu) for additional information.
Russell Sage College Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics: Articulation Agreement
Siena College and Russell Sage College Master’s in Nutrition program have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from Siena College who wish to pursue an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics ( track to pursue the Registered Dietitian credential) Siena students will be given preferred admission review to the Russell Sage College Masters in Nutrition program who demonstrate the following: (1.) On track for earning a bachelor’s degree, (2.). Maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, (3.) Complete the undergraduate Nutrition prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher, (4.) Prerequisite courses include Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, General Psychology, Statistics for the Social Sciences, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Scientific Writing or Chemical Communications, a Research Methods course ( to be approved by the Graduate Program Director). Qualified students should contact the Allied Health Professions Advisor, Mrs. Eileen Martino (emartino@siena.edu) for more information about this program.
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