Professional School Affiliations
For information about the professional school affiliations with Providence College, students should contact the advisor for the health professions.
Brown University Alpert Medical School Early Identification Program (EIP)
The Early Identification Program (EIP) is a cooperative venture between Alpert Medical School and Providence College. The program provides selected students a place in the medical school following the student’s graduation. Invitations to apply for the EIP are made by the Providence College advisor for the health professions based on a student’s undergraduate performance. Acceptances are offered by Alpert Medical School. Rhode Island residents currently enrolled in the sophomore year are eligible to be considered for the EIP. Rhode Island students who are interested should notify the advisor for the health professions prior to the beginning of their third semester at Providence College.
Once accepted to participate in the EIP, formal acceptance to the medical school is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress as evidenced by a grade point average of 3.0 or better, attainment of competence in the sciences basic to medicine, a senior-year recommendation from the advisor for the health professions, and documented verification of the student’s complete academic record, including completion of requirements for the baccalaureate degree.
Combined Degree Program with New England College of Optometry
This program provides a unique educational opportunity for the highly motivated student with a professional goal in optometry. It allows for completion of the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology and the O.D. (doctor of optometry) degree in seven years rather than the usual eight.
The first three years at Providence College offer a blend of liberal arts, and basic and biological sciences, which will prepare the student for professional study. The four years at the New England College of Optometry (NECO) provide the coursework required to complete the Providence College baccalaureate degree in biology (see the sequence of courses listed under biology.), as well as the professional training required for the doctoral degree in optometry.
The combined program is designed for the academically outstanding student who has a strong and realistic motivation toward the optometric profession. Applicants must be superior students, especially in math and science, with acceptable SAT or ACT scores. Applicants may apply following the first semester at the College and will be interviewed by representatives of Providence College and The New England College of Optometry.
Simmons College School of Health Sciences Direct Entry Nursing Program
The affiliation provides preferred admission to the Simmons School of Health Sciences direct entry graduate nursing program for up to five qualified Providence College students annually. Eligibility for preferred admission includes completion of seven prerequisite courses (1 semester each of: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, all with labs; Statistics, and Developmental Psychology/SWK 253: Human Behavior through the Lifespan.), a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.3. Simmons will waive the application fee for eligible students who apply for preferred admission. Candidates who earn a 3.5 GPA in the prerequisites and overall will receive a Simmons Dean’s Scholarship.
Simmons College School of Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
This program provides preferred admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for up to five qualified Providence College students annually. There are two pathways for admission.
Third year students (juniors) will be offered preferred admission for their fourth year (senior) at Simmons. The first year courses at Simmons would complete the BA degree in Biology, allowing these students to graduate with their class. Juniors eligible to apply will have: completed all DPT prerequisites by the end of their junior year (1 year each of chemistry, physics, 1 semester each of human anatomy, physiology, biology, exercise physiology, statistics and 2 semesters of psychology; earned a minimum GPA of 3.3 in DPT science prerequisites and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0; completed 30 hours of health-related paid or volunteer work; attained minimum SAT scores in Math, Critical Reading and Writing of 500, and a 4 in the SAT essay.
Fourth year students (seniors) will be offered preferred admission if they have completed the baccalaureate degree from Providence College by the end of their senior year, completed all prerequisite courses, and earned a minimum GPA of 3.3 in prerequisite courses and an overall GPA of 3.0, submitted the PTCAS application and School of Health Sciences supplemental application by the December 1 deadline.
Five students who meet these requirements will be considered for preferred admission. Simmons will waive the Supplemental Application fee. The GRE is not required of senior applicants. Accepted students will receive a Simmons Dean’s Scholarship in their second year at Simmons, if admitted as juniors, and their first year at Simmons, if admitted as seniors, if their final GPA at Providence College is a cumulative GPA is a 3.5 or better.
