Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the acceptance rates for students in your program?
A: Below are the statistics for the past five years for applicants to all programs. 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 | Class of 03 | Class of 04 | Class of 05 | Class of 06 | Class of 07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | 1/1=100% | - | - | - | - |
| Chiropractic | - | - | 1/1=100% | 2/2=100% | 2/2 = 100% |
| Cytotechnology | - | - | - | - | - |
| Dental hygiene | - | - | - | - | - |
| Dentistry | - | - | 2/2=100% | 1/1=100% | 0/1 =0% |
| Diagnostic imaging | - | - | - | - | - |
| Genetic counseling | - | - | - | - | - |
| Medical technology | - | - | - | - | 1/1 = 100% |
| Medicine | 8/10=80% 9/10=90% |
8/8= 100% | 7/7= 100% 9/9=100% |
10/11=91% 12/13= 92% |
9/14 = 64% |
| Nuclear medicine | - | - | - | - | - |
| Nursing | 1/1=100% | 5/5=100% | - | - | 2/2 = 100% |
| Occupational therapy | 1/1=100% | - | 1/1=100% | - | 4/4 = 100% |
| Optometry | 2/2=100% | - | 1/1=100% | 1/1=100% | 1/1 = 100% |
| Pathologist's Assistant | - | - | - | 1/1=100% | - |
| Paramedic | 1/1=100% | - | - | - | - |
| Pharmacy | 1/1=100% | - | 2/3= 67% 3/3= 100% |
1/2= 50% 2/2= 100% |
3/3= 100% |
| Physical therapy | 1/1=100% 2/2=100% |
- | 1/1=100% | 3/3=100% | 3/3 = 100% |
| Physical therapy assistant | - | - | - | - | |
| Physician assistant | - | 1/1=100% | 1/1= 100% | 5/5=100% 6/6= 100% |
- |
| Podiatry | - | - | 1/1=100% | - | 1/1 = 100% |
| Public health | 1/1=100% | - | - | 1/1=100% 2/2= 100% |
- |
| Veterinary medicine | 1/1=100% | 2/2=100% | 4/6=67% 6/6= 100% |
3/3=100% 4/4= 100% |
0/1 = 0% |
Q: Which schools have accepted your students?
A:
- Allopathic Medicine - Tulane University, University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Medical College, Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Duke University, Eastern Virginia, Mayo Medical School, Case Western Reserve University, Albert Einstein, Temple University, Drexel University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Maryland, University of Kentucky, University of South Dakota, University of Virginia, Howard University, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, St. Georges University, Marshall University, University of Santo Thomas
- Chiropractic - New York College of Chiropractic Medicine, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Life University School of Chiropractic
- Cytotechnology - Jefferson College of Health Professions
- Dental Hygiene - University of Pittsburgh
- Dentistry - Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, University of Maryland, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
- Diagnostic Imaging - Jefferson College of Health Professions
- Genetic Counseling - Beaver College
- Nuclear Medicine - Wilkes Barre Hospital
- Nursing - Johns Hopkins University, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Mount Aloysius
- Occupational Therapy - Jefferson College of Health Professions, University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Tufts University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chatham College, Mount Aloysius, Gannon University, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, St. Francis University, Washington University in St. Louis
- Optometry - Pennsylvania College of Optometry
- Osteopathic Medicine - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine of the AS.T. Still University of Health Sciences, 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, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Pathologists' Assistant - Indiana University School of Medicine
- Pharmacy - University of Pittsburgh, Lake Erie College of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Sciences, Wilkes College
- Physical Therapy - Drexel University, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Chatham College, St. Francis University, University of Rhode Island, Slippery Rock University, Arcadia University, Franklin Pierce College, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Pittsburgh
- Physical Therapy Assistant - Union College
- Physician Assistant - George Washington University, Drexel University, St. Francis University, Lock Haven University, Chatham College, DeSales University, Arcadia University, Penn College
- Podiatric Medicine - Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, California College of Podiatric Medicine
- Public Health - Jefferson College of Health Professions, St. Louis University, University of Pittsburgh
- Veterinary Medicine - University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Tufts University, Ohio State University, Iowa State University, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Michigan State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois, Western University of Health Sciences, Ross University, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London; Massey University Veterinary School in New Zealand, Murdoch University in Australia, University College Dublin, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh
Q: Do you guarantee acceptance?
A: 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.
Q: Do pre-medical students have to major in Biology?
A: 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.
Q: Do pre-medical students have to do research?
A: It depends. Some research-oriented schools want their applicants to have research experience. 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. In addition, research experience gives students the flexibility to apply to graduate school if their plans change.
Q: What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?
A: M.D. and D.O. are the two main types of physicians. There is also a third type of physician emerging in the health care system, an N.D. The table provides a broad overview for comparison.
| M.D. | D.O. | N.D. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning of the credential | Medical Doctor | Doctor of Osteopathy | Naturopathic Doctor
(Note: also denotes "Doctor of Nursing") |
| Type of medical practice | Allopathic | Osteopathic | Naturopathic |
| Treatment Forte | Accidents and acute illnesses | Accidents and acute illnesses | 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 or by correspondence course |
| Scope of practice | Licensure nationwide | Licensure nationwide | Licensure in 13 states and Puerto Rico for medical school trained N.D.s only |
| Level of prestige | Highest | Significant | Emerging |
| Websites for premeds | http://www.aamc.org | http://www.aacom.org | http://www.aanmc.org |
Q: Where does Juniata stand on alternative medicine
A: 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. Interested Juniata premedical students are encouraged to explore and critically evaluate this development. Dr. Kirchhof-Glazier is knowledgeable about these developments as a result of spending a sabbatical semester at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture Institute. She has published an article about her experiences in the March 2003 edition of The Advisor, the journal of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. In general, the Health Professions Committee neither supports nor disparages CAM but instead focuses on educating students about the spectrum of career options in health care and assisting individuals to find the niche that best fits their interests, career goals, and personal philosophy.