Special Programs for Pre-Health Students
There are several special programs available to pre-health students within Harpur College. Some of these are internal to Binghamton University, while others involve an articulation agreement with another university. Read the program descriptions carefully, since some programs are specific to freshman students while others are open to sophomore students.
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Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program (UAS)
This BS/MD program is designed for first year pre-medical students and allows for a seamless transition from Binghamton University to Upstate’s Norton College of Medicine. Students selected for the UAS will experience collateral and co-curricular experiences supporting their medical school aspirations, have mentorship opportunities for a diverse group of students, and have access to
early faculty-student interaction with faculty from Upstate’s Norton College of Medicine. The UAS is competitive, with five places available each year.For more information about eligibility and the application process, please see the Upstate Accelerated Scholars Guide.
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Early Assurance Programs
Binghamton University-SUNY Optometry Joint-Degree Program
You can fast-track your future with a BA (biological sciences) degree from Binghamton and an OD degree from SUNY Optometry in seven years, instead of the eight years it normally takes to complete both degrees. You may apply to this program as a high school senior, second semester freshman, or sophomore. Because of the structured nature of the course work and the short time (three years) you will be at Binghamton if accepted into the program, transfer students are typically not eligible for the program.
Application information and deadlines are available on the SUNY Optometry website.
Binghamton University-Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Early Acceptance Program
This program is open to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend Binghamton University and to freshman and sophomore students already enrolled at Binghamton University. The program is designed to facilitate the admission of Binghamton University students into LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Application forms are available on the LECOM website. For further information, please consult the LECOM website, and the 2024-2025 Pre-Health Freshman-Sophomore Handbook
Binghamton University-Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Early Acceptance Program-Dentistry
This program is open to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend Binghamton University and to freshman and sophomore students already enrolled at Binghamton University. The program is designed to facilitate the admission of Binghamton University students into LECOM’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. Application forms are available on the LECOM website. For further information, please consult the LECOM website, and the 2024-2025 Freshman-Sophomore Pre-Health Handbook
Binghamton University's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Early Assurance Program (PEAP)
The Pharmacy Early Assurance Program (PEAP) provides academically exceptional students future admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. These students will be able to apply to the PEAP during the second semester of their freshman year and enter the pre-pharmacy program. Binghamton University's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) has built this program to allow students the flexibility to choose a path of entry that is best for them. Students are able to enter the SOPPS and earn a PharmD in 4 years once they have completed all the undergraduate prerequisite courses. Possible routes include (a) completion of undergraduate prerequisite courses in two years (2+4), (b) completion of prerequisite courses in three years, with or without earning a bachelor's degree (3+4), or (c) completion of prerequisite courses and a bachelor's degree in four years (4+4). Visit the PEAP website for prerequisite requirements and sample curriculum schedules. Applications for PEAP are due February 15th and will be available on the SOPPS website around December 2017.
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Harpur Healthcare Mentor Program
The goal of this program is to allow Sophomore, Junior, and Senior pre-health students to experience the realities of medicine. Providing students with the opportunity to match with Harpur Alumni Physicians, Dentists, Veterinarians, and Physician Assistants for a 4 or 8 week shadowing experience. More information and link to application can be found HERE.
Please note: Students who wish to participate in an internship and who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that they will be asked about their prior criminal history. This may impede your ability to participate in certain internships. Students who have concerns about such matters, or are looking for additional information, are advised to contact the dean's office of their intended academic program.
Scholarships
There are several pre-health scholarships available to current juniors who will be seniors in the next academic year, and two scholarships available to a current sophomores who will be a juniors in the next academic year. Scholarship Information and Application Instructions for more information and application instructions.
Internships and Mentoring
On-the-job professional health experience through mentor programs and internships are a critical component to success in applying to a professional school. They are available at local hospitals, health centers and private practices during the academic year or in the summer.
Internships and Research Program Information
Study Abroad and National Student Exchange
Pre-health students can participate in study abroad or National Student Exchange (NSE) programs. Participants in NSE spend up to a calendar year attending another college or university in a different part of the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Campus clubs for aspiring veterinarians, dentists, optometrists and doctors offer forums for discussion and connect students to a network of opportunities. They are also an important addition to any professional school application. Binghamton's include:
- Harpur's Ferry Volunteer Ambulance Service
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
- Charles Drew Minority Pre-Health Society
- Pre-Veterinary Society
- Pre-Dental Association
For additional pre-health clubs and organizations, please go to B-Engaged.
Links to Professional Organizations
American Medical Student Association
www.amsa.org
Association of American Medical Colleges
www.aamc.org
American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine
www.aacom.org
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
www.aacp.org
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
www.aavmc.org
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
www.opted.org
American Dental Education Association
www.adea.org
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
www.aacpm.org
Physical Therapy Association
www.apta.org
American Academy of Physician Assistants
www.aapa.org
American Occupational Therapy Association
www.aota.org