The University of Guam offers all courses, which are required to attend post-graduate medical, optometry and dental schools, and these courses are as rigorous as courses in other accredited institutions. However, the University of Guam does not offer a “pre-med major,” etc., sequence of courses, because most medical, optometry and dental schools prefer to consider candidates who have completed a subject area major. Therefore, those who plan to continue their studies in medical, optometry or dental school should choose a subject area major, and, in addition, should schedule mathematics through calculus, one year of college or university physics, one year of general biology, and two years of chemistry (through organic chemistry).

The University offers a pre-pharmacy program that leads directly to entrance to the School of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii – Hilo. For more information, contact the CNAS Academic Advisor at: quinatak@triton.uog.edu.

Courses such as quantitative analysis, biochemistry, cell physiology, genetics and comparative anatomy are often recommended if scheduling permits. Often, premed, preoptometry and predental students will choose to major in math or the sciences, but this is not necessary so long as the required courses are taken. Prospective premeds, preoptometry and predents should realize that national examinations (the Medical College Aptitude Test, MCAT; the Optometry College Admission Test, OCAT; and the Dental Aptitude Test, DAT) are to be taken in the junior year of college; required courses should be completed or in progress before these exams are scheduled in order to assure adequate scores. Information on MCAT, OCAT and DAT can be obtained from the Office of Counseling and Career Planning; Guam is an officially designated test site for these exams.

Those who are interested in veterinary medicine can complete basic science requirements at the
University of Guam. However, there are very few schools of veterinary medicine and they are extremely selective. They usually require, in addition to basic science, agriculture courses in animal husbandry, animal nutrition, etc., and all have specific state residency requirements which being a resident of Guam does not fulfill. Pre-vet students are encouraged to attend the University of Guam for two years, during which time basic science courses can be taken and appropriate catalogs studied. Advisement for these preprofessional programs see the CNAS Academic Advisor. All students who plan to go to medical, optometry, dental, and veterinary schools are encouraged to seek this advisement, regardless of their subject area. The University of Guam presently participates in a special “Underserved in Sight” program with the Pacific University College of Optometry, and a special program for Pacific Island students is available. Inquiries from high school students and other Guam residents are welcomed.