Fredonia graduates have enjoyed considerable success in gaining entry to medical, veterinary, osteopathic, optometry, dental and other professional health programs. The Biomedical Professions Council closely advises and assists each pre-medical student and prepares a committee letter on his/her behalf. The complete credentials file is assembled by the biology department and submitted in a timely manner on behalf of each applicant.

While no medical schools stipulate a particular major program of undergraduate study, they do require that students have minimum preparation in a number of areas including biology, chemistry, English, and physics. Most of our students find the Fredonia Biology major meets all the requirements for American medical schools and choose it as the most appropriate undergraduate pre-med program. The American Association of Medical Colleges advises that students may major in any area, but their own (AAMC) admissions data show that the majority of successful applicants to American medical schools have majored in the biological sciences. Students who choose to major in an area outside of biology should register with the council as freshmen to ensure appropriate advice and assistance (register at the Department of Biology Office in Jewett Hall).

Any student who is seriously considering a medical, veterinary or dental career should seek appropriate summer employment/internship opportunities early in their undergraduate experience.

The book, Medical School Admissions Requirements (AAMC, Washington, D.C.) is essential reading for any undergraduate who is seriously considering medical school.

Candidates to dentistry, veterinary, and podiatric medicine should also avail themselves of the advising services of the Biomedical Professions Council.

Combined Degree Program with University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
The Combined Degree Program is a seven-year dentistry program developed between the State University of New York at Fredonia and the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. This program allows participating students the opportunity to receive a baccalaureate degree in either Biology or chemistry and a doctoral degree in dentistry. The first three years of the program are completed at SUNY Fredonia and the last four years are completed at SUNY at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. Admission into the program is competitive and dependent on a number of factors in addition to the usual admission policies at SUNY Fredonia. Students interested in this program should contact either the Department of Biology or the Admissions Office for further details.

Combined Degree Program with SUNY College of Optometry
This Combined Degree (3/4) Program is a seven-year program developed between the State University of New York at Fredonia and the State University of New York State College of Optometry. This program allows participating students the opportunity to receive a baccalaureate (B.S.) degree in Biology and a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree in optometry. The first three years of the program are completed at SUNY Fredonia and the last four years are completed at SUNY State College of Optometry. Admission is competitive and requirements are in addition to the usual admission policies at SUNY Fredonia. Accepted students are admitted into Fredonia’s Biology major and simultaneously admitted to candidacy to the SUNY College of Optometry’s professional program of study. Students interested in this program should contact either the Department of Biology or the Admissions Office for further details.