Juniata has a tradition of preparing students for many healthcare careers, from public health officer to veterinarian. Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world. Starting your first year, our health professions committee and your personal adviser will mentor you, answer your questions, and provide the support that will help you rise to the challenges ahead.

Hands-on experience as a healthcare advocate in our local hospital or performing research on gut bacteria, as well as the opportunity to study internationally, give you an edge in the application process, and contribute to our students' consistently high acceptance rates to medical schools.

photo of Health Navigation course

Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world.

photo of Health Navigation course

Juniata has a tradition of preparing students for many healthcare careers, from public health officer to veterinarian. Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world. Starting your first year, our health professions committee and your personal adviser will mentor you, answer your questions, and provide the support that will help you rise to the challenges ahead.

Hands-on experience as a healthcare advocate in our local hospital or performing research on gut bacteria, as well as the opportunity to study internationally, give you an edge in the application process, and contribute to our students' consistently high acceptance rates to medical schools.

Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world.

photo of Health Navigation course

Juniata has a tradition of preparing students for many healthcare careers, from public health officer to veterinarian. Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world. Starting your first year, our health professions committee and your personal adviser will mentor you, answer your questions, and provide the support that will help you rise to the challenges ahead.

Hands-on experience as a healthcare advocate in our local hospital or performing research on gut bacteria, as well as the opportunity to study internationally, give you an edge in the application process, and contribute to our students' consistently high acceptance rates to medical schools.

Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world.

photo of Health Navigation course

Juniata has a tradition of preparing students for many healthcare careers, from public health officer to veterinarian. Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world. Starting your first year, our health professions committee and your personal adviser will mentor you, answer your questions, and provide the support that will help you rise to the challenges ahead.

Hands-on experience as a healthcare advocate in our local hospital or performing research on gut bacteria, as well as the opportunity to study internationally, give you an edge in the application process, and contribute to our students' consistently high acceptance rates to medical schools.

Our graduates work in cities, in rural healthcare, and around the world.

 

  • Owen stands in front of the Founders Hall staircase
    Featured Student

    Owen Baker

    Biochemistry & Spanish

    "I plan to pursue an M.D./Ph.D to combine my love for scientific research with clinical practice."

    • Microbiology Research Assistant with Wright Labs
    • Research with Dr. Dries & Dr. Lamendella
    • Studied abroad in Orizaba Mexico and interned with the Mexican Red Cross
    • Campus Tour Guide, Juniata Activities Board Member, & Resident Assistant

    Featured Student

    Owen Baker

    Biochemistry & Spanish

    "I plan to pursue an M.D./Ph.D to combine my love for scientific research with clinical practice."

    • Microbiology Research Assistant with Wright Labs
    • Research with Dr. Dries & Dr. Lamendella
    • Studied abroad in Orizaba Mexico and interned with the Mexican Red Cross
    • Campus Tour Guide, Juniata Activities Board Member, & Resident Assistant

  • James Madara CEO of the AMA
    Featured Alumni

    Dr. James Madara '71

    Health Professions

    • CEO of the American Medical Association
    • Previously CEO of Univ. of Chicago Medical Center; taught pathology at Harvard Medical School and Emory School of Medicine

    Featured Alumni

    Dr. James Madara '71

    Health Professions

    • CEO of the American Medical Association
    • Previously CEO of Univ. of Chicago Medical Center; taught pathology at Harvard Medical School and Emory School of Medicine

 

Why Study Health Professions at Juniata College?

Our faculty on the health professions committee have over 30 years combined experience working with various students interested in health professions, so it's a wealth of knowledge for students to choose from. In addition we offer our students a wide variety of research opportunities our students participate in research not only in science fields but also in fields of psychology sociology and even communication.

Why Study Health Professions at Juniata College?

Our faculty on the health professions committee have over 30 years combined experience working with various students interested in health professions, so it's a wealth of knowledge for students to choose from. In addition we offer our students a wide variety of research opportunities our students participate in research not only in science fields but also in fields of psychology sociology and even communication.

Why Study Health Professions at Juniata College?

Our faculty on the health professions committee have over 30 years combined experience working with various students interested in health professions, so it's a wealth of knowledge for students to choose from. In addition we offer our students a wide variety of research opportunities our students participate in research not only in science fields but also in fields of psychology sociology and even communication.

Internships

Force for Health program photo

The Health Professions Committee urges every pre-health professions student to gain experience in his or her intended health care career area before applying to professional school. To this end, Juniata College offers opportunities for both credit and non-credit internships. Regularly offered internship locations include: UPMC Altoona Family Medicine, Geisinger Health System and Gift of Life.

Force for Health program photo

Internships

The Health Professions Committee urges every pre-health professions student to gain experience in his or her intended health care career area before applying to professional school. To this end, Juniata College offers opportunities for both credit and non-credit internships. Regularly offered internship locations include: UPMC Altoona Family Medicine, Geisinger Health System and Gift of Life.
Force for Health program photo

Internships

The Health Professions Committee urges every pre-health professions student to gain experience in his or her intended health care career area before applying to professional school. To this end, Juniata College offers opportunities for both credit and non-credit internships. Regularly offered internship locations include: UPMC Altoona Family Medicine, Geisinger Health System and Gift of Life.
Force for Health program photo

Internships

The Health Professions Committee urges every pre-health professions student to gain experience in his or her intended health care career area before applying to professional school. To this end, Juniata College offers opportunities for both credit and non-credit internships. Regularly offered internship locations include: UPMC Altoona Family Medicine, Geisinger Health System and Gift of Life.
Force for Health program photo

Internships

The Health Professions Committee urges every pre-health professions student to gain experience in his or her intended health care career area before applying to professional school. To this end, Juniata College offers opportunities for both credit and non-credit internships. Regularly offered internship locations include: UPMC Altoona Family Medicine, Geisinger Health System and Gift of Life.

Student Research

photo of student doing research in the lab

Juniata students have excellent opportunities to engage in research, both with faculty members and off campus. On-campus research courses are sponsored by the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments, with opportunity to present in a professional format at our annual Liberal Arts Symposium.

Student Research

Juniata students have excellent opportunities to engage in research, both with faculty members and off campus. On-campus research courses are sponsored by the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments, with opportunity to present in a professional format at our annual Liberal Arts Symposium.
photo of student doing research in the lab

Student Research

Juniata students have excellent opportunities to engage in research, both with faculty members and off campus. On-campus research courses are sponsored by the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments, with opportunity to present in a professional format at our annual Liberal Arts Symposium.
/academics/health-professions/media/Letson-Gillian-21-003-1100-600.jpg

Student Research

Juniata students have excellent opportunities to engage in research, both with faculty members and off campus. On-campus research courses are sponsored by the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments, with opportunity to present in a professional format at our annual Liberal Arts Symposium.
photo of student doing research in the lab

Student Research

Juniata students have excellent opportunities to engage in research, both with faculty members and off campus. On-campus research courses are sponsored by the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments, with opportunity to present in a professional format at our annual Liberal Arts Symposium.
photo of student doing research in the lab

 

 

Program Director:

 

portrait of Patricia Hunt

Tricia Hunt 

  • Director of the Health Professions Program

Tricia Hunt 

  • Director of the Health Professions Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the acceptance rates for students in your program?

Below are the statistics for the past five years for applicants to all programs. Statistics are for students applying through the Health Professions Committee for the current graduating classes. We support our graduates indefinitely beyond graduation. Therefore, multiple percentages reflect updates for additional applicants + re-applicants to the present time. The "medicine" category combines both allopathic and osteopathic medicine.

Field 2021-2022 2020-2021 2019-2020 2018-2019 2017-2018
Chiropractic Medicine
N/A
N/A
100%
100%
N/A
Dentistry
67%
N/A
75%
33%
57%
Genetic Counseling
100%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Medicine
70%
92%
68%
71%
57%
Nursing
100%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Occupational Therapy
N/A
100%
100%
100%
0%
Optometry
100%
N/A
50%
100%
100%
Pharmacy
N/A
N/A
N/A
100%
100%
Physical Therapy
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Physician Assistant
100%
50%
75%
33%
29%
Podiatry
100%
N/A
100%
0%
100%
Veterinary
100%
N/A
67%
80%
100%
Overall
83%
88%
73%
68%
63%
Which schools have accepted your students?
  • Allopathic Medicine - Albert Einstein, Baylor University, Baylor College of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, American University of the Caribbean, Case Western Reserve University, Commonwealth Medical College, Dartmouth (M.D./Ph.D), Drexel University, Duke University, Eastern Virginia, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Howard University, Jefferson Medical College, Johns Hopkins University, Howard University College of Medicine,Marshall University, Mayo Medical School, Medical College of Wisconsin, New York Medical College, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Ross University, St. Georges University, Strich School of Medicine, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Upstate Medical College, Temple University, Temple/Geisinger Health Care System (4+4), Texas A & M, Trinity School of Medicine, Tulane University, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham (M.D./Ph.D. program), University of Buffalo at SUNY, University of California at Davis, University of Colorado, University of Indiana, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Maryland (M.D. and M.D./Ph.D.), University of Michigan, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, University of Medicine and Health Sciences at St. Kitts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Nebraska, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester, University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston), University of Santo Thomas, University of South Dakota, University of Texas Southwestern, University of Virginia, University of Washington School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia University School of Medicine, Wake Forest, West Virginia University
  • Audiology - Syracuse University, Towson University, Northwestern University, University of Florida
  • Chiropractic - D'Youville College, Life University School of Chiropractic, Logan College of Chiropractic, New York College of Chiropractic Medicine, Palmer College of Chiropractic, University of Bridgeport
  • Cytotechnology - Jefferson College of Health Professions
  • Dental Hygiene - University of Pittsburgh
  • Dentistry - Boston University, Case Western University, Columbia University, East Carolina University, Lake Erie College of Dental Medicine, Midwestern University in Glendale, New York University, Temple University, University of Connecticut, University of Louisville, University of Maryland, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Commonwealth University, Western University of Health Sciences
  • Diagnostic Imaging - Jefferson College of Health Professions
  • Genetic Counseling - Arcadia University, Beaver College
  • Health Administration-Penn State University
  • Medical Technology - Oregon Health and Science Institute & the Oregon Institute of Technology
  • Naturopathic Medicine- Bastyr University, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, National College of Natural Medicine, University of Bridgeport
  • Nuclear Medicine - Wilkes Barre Hospital
  • Nursing - Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Columbia University School of Nursing, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, DeSales University, Drexel University, Duquesne University, Edinboro University, Fairfield University, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Johns Hopkins University, Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Mount Aloysius, Reading Area Community College, Robert Morris University, Shenandoah University, University of Maryland, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, University of Rochester School of Nursing, Ursuline College, Villanova University
  • Occupational Therapy -Boston University, Chatham College, Duquesne University, Gannon University, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Mount Aloysius, Salus University, Shenandoah University, St. Franicis University, Tufts University, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Pittsburgh, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Optometry - New England College of Optometry, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, University of Illinois
  • Osteopathic Medicine - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine of the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marshall University, Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine; University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Pathologists' Assistant - Drexel Pathology Assistant Program, Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Pharmacy - Duquesne University, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Lake Erie College of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Sciences, Shenandoah University, Temple University, University of Charleston, University of Pittsburgh, Wilkes College
  • Physical Therapy - Arcadia University, Chatham College, Columbia University, Drexel University, Franklin Pierce College, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Marymount University, Nazareth College, New York Medical College, NOVA Southeastern University, NOVA Southeastern University Tampa Hybrid DPT Program, Slippery Rock University, St. Francis University, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland, University of Miami, University of Pittsburgh, University of Rhode Island, Washington University in St. Louis, Widener University, Wingate University
  • Physical Therapy Assistant - Union College
  • Physician Assistant - Arcadia University, A.T. Still University Arizona School of Health Sciences, Chatham College, DeSales University, Drexel University, George Washington University, Kings College, Lock Haven University, LeMoyne College Masters Program, Marywood University, Penn College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Philadelphia College of Physician Assistants, Salus University, Seton Hill, St. Francis University, SUNY Upstate University, University of Pittsburgh, Yale University
  • Podiatric Medicine - Des Mooines University of Podiatric Medicine, California College of Podiatric Medicine, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine), New York College of Podiatric Medicine,Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Public Administration- Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg
  • Public Health - Boston University, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Morgan State University, Richard Fairbanks School of Public Health at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Rochester University, St. Louis University, SUNY University of Albany, Tulane University, University of Delaware, University of Pittsburgh, West Chester University
  • Radiological Sciences - Jefferson School of Health Professions Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Veterinary Medicine - Colorado State University, Cornell University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Massey University Veterinary School in New Zealand, Michigan State University, Murdoch University in Australia, Ohio State University, Purdue University, Ross University, The Royal Veterinary College, Tufts University, University College Dublin, University of Edinburgh, University of Georgia, University of Glasgow, University of Illinois, University of London, University of Missouri, University of Pennsylvania, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/PhD), Western University of Health Sciences.
Do you guarantee acceptance?
No. However, we do guarantee that we will keep abreast of your progress, give you guidance, and advocate appropriately for you as long as it takes, even after you graduate. It is important to mention that our special relationship with our affiliates often gives students an edge in the application process.
Do pre-medical students have to major in Biology?
No. Medical schools and other health professions schools do NOT require students to major in biology! Although students must take the prerequisite courses required for professional school, they should feel free to choose or design a Program of Emphasis in any academic area.
Do pre-medical students have to do research?

The generic answer is "no". However, the Health Professions Committee strongly encourages all of our students who enjoy laboratory work to consider getting some research experience, as there are excellent opportunities for combined degrees in medicine (M.D./Ph.D. and D.O./Ph.D.) and for pursuing Ph.D.s in many other health fields, such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and public health. It can also give you an edge when applying to schools that put a premium on research. In addition, research experience gives students the flexibility to apply to graduate school if their plans change.

Note that shadowing experience is ESSENTIAL for ALL health professions students. Just doing research will not be sufficient.

And finally, in-depth study in ANY field, such as an independent study project, is viewed favorably by the professional schools.

What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.? And what is an N.D.?

M.D. and D.O. are the two main types of physicians. There is also a third type of physician emerging in our health care system, an N.D. The table provides a broad, generalized overview for comparison.

  M.D. D.O. N.D.
Meaning of the credential Medical Doctor Doctor of Osteopathy Naturopathic Doctor
Type of medical practice Allopathic Osteopathic Naturopathic
Treatment Forte Accidents and acute illnesses Accidents, acute illnesses, and wellness Wellness and chronic disease management
Practice modalities Drugs and surgery Drugs, surgery, and osteopathic manipulation Minor surgery, naturopathic manipulation, and natural modalities, including herbs, massage, diet, acupuncture, and homeopathy
Education 4 years of medical school followed by residency 4 years of medical school followed by internship year and residency 4 years of medical school with optional residency
Scope of practice Licensure nationwide Licensure nationwide Licensure in 17 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico
Websites for premeds http://www.aamc.org http://www.aacom.org http://www.aanmc.org
Where does Juniata stand on complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used extensively by patients in the United States, and integrative medicine (CAM + conventional medicine) is gaining momentum as a model for health care. Although the Juniata College Health Professions Committee does not advocate for a specific philosophy of health care, we encourage our students to explore and critically evaluate CAM and integrative medicine in order to understand the complexity of options in the U.S. health care system and to find the niche that best fits their interests, career goals, and personal philosophy. Toward that end, we offer two courses, ND 290 Rural Health Care Issues and ND 295 Rural Health Rotations, that introduce students to the practice of medicine in Huntingdon from integrative medical perspective.