Pre-Medical and Health Professions Certificate Programs

Duquesne's Pre-Medical and Health Professions Programs (PMHPP) assist both undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students in becoming the most competitive applicants possible - helping you to navigate the pre-requisite requirements, multi-tiered admission processes, while also giving you opportunities to learn basic medical skills and identify important experiences to prepare you for your future.

Each year, the number of applications for medical and health professional schools grows exponentially, while the acceptance rates remain consistent, so it's important to take advantage of opportunities that make that process easier - and the PMHPP can help you do that. Competition for admission to professional school is always very intense, with a high volume of applications to medical and other health professional schools.

Here's an idea of the competition that you will be facing based upon 2023 data:

  • 52,577 applicants for allopathic (MD) medical school with only 43.7% of applicants accepted to MD school,
  • 23,488 applicants for osteopathic (DO) medical school with only 43.2% of applicants accepted,
  • 11,198 applicants for dental school with only 58.6% applicants accepted,
  • 10,811 applicants for veterinary medical school with only 37.4% applicants accepted, and
  • 937 applicants for podiatry school with only 59.8% applicants accepted.

Not only are there more applicants for admission to medical and other professional schools, but the quality of those applicants also continues to increase.

How We Help You

Our program assists students who are interested in a career in the medical field. 
Including:
  • medicine,
  • dentistry,
  • physician assistant,
  • physical therapy,
  • genetic counseling,
  • veterinary,
  • optometry,
  • chiropractic,
  • podiatry,
  • second degree nursing:

We encourage you to become a part of Duquesne's legacy of success in medicine and health care and enroll in the PMHPP to help you successfully navigate your path to a career in medicine.

Discover Our Pre-Med Certificate Programs

 
 
PMHPP Students in lab
Undergraduate Certificate

Undergraduate Certificate Program

A multi-track post-secondary certificate program, pursued at the same time as your academic major degree program. We will provide you with opportunities that make you stand out.

Post-Bacc Study
Post-Baccalaureate Program

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program

A unique, custom-tailored certificate program to meet your specific needs and goals.

 

Student Success

PMHPP students are accepted to professional programs at a typically higher rate than the national averages. The following program acceptance rates are based on our nine-year placement averages between 2015-2024

82.23%Acceptance to Medical School

Compared to 43.5% national acceptance *National average rate combines allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical school rates. The PMHPP average rate is combined for comparison. Generally, enrollment is equally distributed between the two types of medical schools, but may vary year-to-year.

77.09%Acceptance to Dental School

compared to 58.5% national acceptance

83.3%Acceptance to Veterinary School

Compared to 37.4% national acceptance

73.44%Acceptance to Physician Assistant School

compared to 40.1% national acceptance.

100%Acceptance to Professional Physical Therapy school

compared to 70.6% national acceptance

100%Acceptance to Optometry School

compared to 73% national acceptance

100%Acceptance to Podiatry School

compared to 59.7% national acceptance

Linkage and Early Assurance Agreements

Beginning in 2023, Duquesne's new College of Medicine will admit seven first-year undergraduate students who have been admitted to the University's Pre-Medical and Health Professions Program (PMHPP) for Early Assurance to the College of Medicine.

To apply for PMHPP, you will select your undergraduate program and then check the box on the undergraduate application for the Pre-Medical & Health Professions Program. Learn more about the admissions requirements for the Pre-Medical & Health Professions Program.

Once admitted to Duquesne and the PMHPP, you will be able to apply to the Early Assurance Program by November 15 of your first semester.

Note that PMHPP students not admitted to the EAP can still apply for regular admission to the College of Medicine.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants not meeting the standards for the EAP at the time of application to the University but who ultimately meet the COM admission requirements are encouraged to apply to the medical school through the general application process. 

Application Procedure 

To be eligible for admission to the EAP, applicants must qualify in accordance with DUQCOM policy, and be U.S. citizens or hold permanent resident status. Applicants will be interviewed for conditional admission by DUQCOM in accordance with timelines outlined in this agreement. Based on a mutual agreement between the parties, a maximum number of 7 students will be chosen by DUQCOM for the EAP each year. 

If chosen by DUQCOM, successful applicants will be granted conditional admission to the DUQCOM program. Priority will be given to those EAP candidates who submit application information as described above. Additional EAP candidates may be considered from the waitlist up until the beginning of their sophomore year (based on the academic year, not credit hours) if there are EAP positions available in their respective cohorts.  

EAP Admission Standards 

For freshman/first year students admitted to Duquesne University and the PMHPP, the following standards must be met for consideration for the EAP program with DUQCOM: 

  • Academic Program Requirements for admission to the EAP Program
  1. Freshman and first year students must be admitted to an academic major program at Duquesne University and also admitted to the PMHPP.
  2. Students must be US citizens or hold permanent residency status.
  3. Students must have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted).
  4. Students must have achieved at least a 27 on the ACT or 1280 on the SAT from one single test date, with no composite scores considered. Students provisionally accepted to the EAP program with these entrance metrics, maintain the requirements outlined below, and achieve an MCAT score at or above the 55th percentile before September 30 of the year prior to matriculation to DUQCOM, will be offered a seat in the medical school upon completion of their undergraduate degree. 
  5. Students who have achieved a 29 ACT or 1300 SAT from one single test date as above, with a 3.7 unweighted high school GPA who are accepted to the EAP program will be offered provisional acceptance into the medical school; maintenance of requirements as outlined below will result in the offer of a seat in the medical school upon completion of their undergraduate degree with no MCAT requirement. If a student in this category elects to take the MCAT, they must achieve a score in the 55th percentile or higher or will be removed from the program.
  6. Students must be able to meet the Health and Technical standards of DUQCOM, which can be found in the DUQCOM MBS Student Handbook.
Apply by November 15

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine* located in St. Kitts reserves 3 seats (up to 30 days before the start of each cycle) for each application start (September, January and May) for Duquesne University students enrolled in the PMHPP (Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate). Total time in St. Kitts is 3 years and 4 months. Students then return to either one of the 22 US clinical affiliates or 5 international clinical affiliates to complete their training.

Minimum Application Requirements

  • Overall GPA of at least a 3.2
  • Minimum 3.0 in all RUSVM pre-requisite courses
  • No F, D or D- grade in any RUSVM pre-requisite course
  • A score in the 25th percentile or better in each category of the GRE
  • Other minimum admissions requirements required of all other RUVSM students

Students are required to have all pre-requisite courses done (with the exception of one that could still be in progress) at the time of application.

For Post-Baccalaureate students, undergraduate grades will count towards the overall and science calculations. Students have the option to apply either via VMCAS or directly through the Ross website, but VMCAS GPA calculation rules will still apply. Students are required to obtain a letter of endorsement from the PMHPP to be included with their Ross application. Applicants interested in this program must still meet the minimum admission standards for the PB-PMHPP Certificate.

"Perks" for RUSVM Linkage Agreement

  • RUSVM will allow students to apply to other schools during the same application cycle. This is not an exclusive linkage.
  • RUSVM will give waive application fees for eligible individuals who apply, except where prohibited by law.
  • RUSVM will also give priority consideration for available scholarships to eligible individuals admitted to RUSVM who qualify.

*Admission requirements are subject to change at the discretion of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine or the Philadelphia College of Medicine, and are outside the control of the Pre-Medical and Health Professions Programs. These are competitive programs, and an interview and/or acceptance cannot be guaranteed by Duquesne University. Final acceptance is at the sole discretion of the medical program.

The Duquesne University-Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Preferred Admission Program allows interested Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical & Health Professions (PB-PMHPP) students who intend to apply to PCOM as their top choice for osteopathic medical school to be positioned for preferential Admission Reviews for acceptance into that medical school. Interested PB-PMHPP students must inform the PMHPP of their interest and intent to be considered for this program no later than October 1st of the year that they submit their AACOMAS applications. PCOM then will be notified of all interested PB students and move those students' applications into consideration for priority review. A minimum of three seats are held each year in the PCOM osteopathic medical school class for qualified Duquesne PB-PMHPP students; however, if more seats become available, additional qualified candidates may be considered. PCOM determines whether the Duquesne PB applicants will be accepted into the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program after both primary and secondary applications are reviewed; the applicants have positive interviews and are accepted by PCOM's Faculty Committee on Admissions.

The Faculty Committee on Admissions at PCOM will consider applicants who meet the following criteria. An applicant must have:

  • Completed all pre-requisite coursework as defined in the PCOM catalog;
  • Earned a >3.5 Cumulative GPA and >3.5 overall science GPA (on the 4.0 grading system) while enrolled in the PB-PMHPP;
  • Earned a total >3.0 Overall Math/Science GPA (UG + PB coursework);
  • Earned a minimum composite score of 504 on the MCAT with a minimum score of 126 on each section of the MCAT;
  • Be a US Citizen or hold Permanent Resident status (green card);
  • Complete the PCOM Secondary Application and pay all appropriate fees;
  • Submit at least three letters of recommendation to the PMHPP Office to be included in the applicant's letter packet; and
  • Be eligible for and receive a Duquesne PMHPP Endorsement letter.

Secondary Admission and Transfer Process

Undergraduate Secondary Admission Process

Undergraduate students who were not previously admitted to the Undergraduate Pre-Medical and Health Professions Program (UG-PMHPP) as entering freshmen may apply and be admitted to the program through the secondary admission process.

Admission Qualifications for Current DU Undergraduate Students:

  • Minimum Science and Math/Science GPA ≥ 3.25,
  • Minimum Cumulative (Overall) GPA ≥ 3.25,
  • No grade lower than a "C" in any science, math or psychology/social science course,
  • At least one science course (completed or in progress) at the time of application,
  • Be in good standing at the University and within their respective School,
  • Successful interview with the PMHPP if applicable

Currently enrolled Duquesne upperclassman applicants are required to successfully complete an interview with the PMHPP during the semester of application before admission into the UG-PMHPP is granted; freshman applicants are not required to have an UG-PMHPP interview.

NOTE: Students must report all applicable grades and GPAs from all institutions where courses have been completed or are in progress.

How do I apply?

Please complete the following application materials by each term's deadline, and submit attachments via%20email. Please be sure to read the instructions carefully.


Deadlines for Secondary Admission applications:

  • December 1st (For spring admission)
  • May 1st (For summer admission)
  • August 1st (For fall admission); however, final admission decisions are not made until after all transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are received.

Final grades will be confirmed via an official University transcript from all schools where college coursework was completed. Students accepted into the UG-PMHPP Post-Secondary Certificate Program through this secondary admission process are eligible for all of the same services and opportunities as are those admitted through the regular freshman admission process.

Non-PMHPP students who wish to receive introductory guidance with a PMHPP advisor on the best ways to proceed with their intended plans for medical, dental or other health professional careers on their own may schedule a brief appointment. PMHPP advisors, however, cannot provide extended advisement services to non-PMHPP students.

To be eligible for the certificate, a student must have at least one full academic year remaining in their professional preparation before planning to make an application for medical, dental, or other professional school. Any secondary admission student who needs less than 15 credits of math, science, or psychology/sociology coursework at the time of acceptance to the UG-PMHPP may eligible to enroll and receive some UG-PMHPP services; however, they are not eligible for the UG-PMHPP Post-Secondary Certificate or a PMHPP Letter of Endorsement.

Transfer Admissions

The UG-PMHPP only accepts transfer students who have been formally accepted to an academic major program at the University. Once accepted, transfer students may then apply through the secondary admission process. Any deficient coursework may be required to be repeated while enrolled at Duquesne, because academic performance at all colleges/universities attended will be considered by the medical, dental, or other health professional schools to which students apply.

 

Admissions Qualifications for Transfer Students:

  • Minimum Science and Math/Science GPA ≥ 3.25,
  • Minimum Cumulative (Overall) GPA ≥ 3.25,
  • No grade lower than a "C" in any science, math or psychology/social science course,
  • At least one science course (completed or in progress) at the time of application,
  • Be in good standing at the University and within their respective School,
  • Successful interview with the PMHPP if applicable

How do I apply?

Please complete the following application materials by each term's deadline, and submit via email attachments to pmhpp@duq.edu. Please be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Deadlines for Transfer Admission applications:

  • December 1st (For spring admission)
  • May 1st (For summer admission)
  • August 1st (For fall admission); however, final admission decisions are not made until after all transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are received.

Final grades will be confirmed via an official University transcript from all schools where college coursework was completed. Students accepted into the UG-PMHPP Post-Secondary Certificate Program through this secondary admission process are eligible for all of the same services and opportunities as are those admitted through the regular freshman admission process.

Any secondary admission student who needs less than 15 credits of math, science, or psychology/sociology coursework at the time of acceptance to the UG-PMHPP is eligible to enroll and receive some UG-PMHPP services; however, they are not eligible for the UG-PMHPP Post-Secondary Certificate or a PMHPP Letter of Endorsement.

Schools of Acceptance

Duquesne PMHPP students are encouraged to seek out and apply to those schools and programs that best fit their interests, skills, abilities, and philosophies. The PMHPP supports and assists all PMHPP students in their selections and admission processes, but has no control or authority over students' decisions. The list below includes all of those schools and programs that have accepted PMHPP students between 2015-2024.

  • University of Maryland
  • University at Buffalo
  • Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Temple University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Wright State University
  • Ohio State University
  • West Virginia University
  • Marshall University
  • St. George's University
  • Ross University School of Medicine
  • Wayne State University School of Medicine
  • American University of Antigua
  • Harvard University
  • University of Central Florida
  • Drexel University
  • Syracuse University (SUNY Upstate)
  • Howard University
  • University of South Carolina
  • Northeast Ohio University
  • Case Western University
  • University of Virginia
  • Rutgers University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • University of Alabama Birmingham
  • New York Medical College
  • Quinnipiac University
  • Rush University
  • Stony Brook University
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • Tulane University
  • University of Buffalo
  • University of Kansas
  • Meharry Medical College
  • New York Institute of Technology
  • Rowan University
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Florida
  • Philadelphia COM
  • Lake Erie COM (all campuses)
  • Chicago COM
  • West Virginia COM
  • Alabama COM
  • Liberty University
  • Kansas City University COM
  • Des Moines COM
  • Campbell University COM
  • Kentucky COM
  • Ohio University COM
  • Touro University (CA) COM
  • University of New England COM
  • Virginia COM
  • Arkansas COM
  • New York Institute of Technology COM
  • Burrell COM
  • Lincoln COM
  • Montana COM
  • Rocky Vista University
  • Duquesne COM
  • Michigan State University
  • Midwestern University 
  • Nova Southeastern University 
  • Rowan-Virtua COM
  • Temple University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • West Virginia University
  • University of Detroit Mercy
  • Midwestern University
  • New York Medical College
  • University at Buffalo
  • University of New England
  • Western University of Health Sciences
  • Case Western University
  • Lake Erie College of Dental Medicine
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Rutgers University
  • University of Connecticut
  • AT Still University
  • Boston University
  • Tufts University 
  • Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry
  • New England College of Optometry
  • Ohio State University
  • Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Midwestern College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Ross University of Veterinary Medicine
  • St. George University
  • Lincoln Memorial University
  • Cornell University
  • Colorado State University
  • University of Florida
  • University of Illinois
  • Tufts University
  • Christian Brothers University
  • Misericordia University
  • Mercyhurst College
  • Duquesne University
  • University of Dayton
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Lock Haven University of PA
  • University of Charleston
  • Arcadia University
  • Shenandoah University
  • Case Western University
  • High Point University
  • Marywood College
  • St. Bonaventure University
  • Thiel College
  • Carlow University 
  • Frostburg University 
  • Lake Erie College
  • South College of Nashville
  • West Virginia University 
  • Boston University
  • Chatham University
  • Duquesne University
  • Old Dominion University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of Southern California
  • Washington University
  • West Virginia University
  • New York College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Temple University
  • Kent State University
  • Western University
  • Barry University
  • Des Moines College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
  • Gwynedd Mercy University
  • University of New England
  • Carlow University
  • Duquesne University
  • National University of Natural Medicine
  • Purdue University
  • Case Western University
  • Hofstra University
  • Rutgers University
  • Drexel University
  • Peace Corps
  • George Washington University
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Pittsburgh