Expanding Opportunities for Pre-Health Professionals
With support from the US Department of Education, this program seeks to increase the diversity of the healthcare workforce by helping eligible students become more competitive applicants for admission to medical school. Through a combination of coursework, standardized test preparation, and health science-related activities, program participants will enhance their medical school applications. Applicants must also apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Pre-Health Professionals. Accepted applicants will:
- Receive a $2,000 stipend
- Begin in a five week summer academy focused on standardized test review (MCAT)
- Enjoy free on-campus housing during the duration of the summer academy
- Participate in year-round seminars focused on exposing participants to various health professions and health professionals and current issues in healthcare and workshops focused on study skills, critical reading, personal statement writing, and other tools for success
- Complete upper-division science coursework to earn their Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for Pre-Health Professionals
Additionally, students will participate in a forum on issues facing healthcare today. Students will also have access to the Health Careers Advisement Office which will provide guidance through the health professional school application process.
Summer Academy
Students accepted into the program will start off in our intensive five week Summer Academy. The focus of the academy is to review the core subjects on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Students are required to live on-campus during the five weeks of the academy while participating in five content-review courses in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Verbal Reasoning. The courses are taught by highly capable instructors familiar with standardized testing structures with the aim to maximize student preparedness for the coursework in the coming academic year. The intensive review courses should also prepare students to take an official MCAT exam in September.
The Summer Academy dates vary each year. In 2012 the Summer Academy will run from Friday July 6 through Friday August 10.
Seminars and Workshops
Seminars and workshops held throughout the year, beginning in the summer academy and continuing through the following spring quarter, will supplement the student learning experience. Some example topics for the seminars include: geriatric issues in psychiatry, prostate cancer outcomes by race and treatment site, osteopathic medicine, the role of research in health care delivery, bioethics. Some example workshops include: how to pay for medical school, applying to medical school, and writing effective personal statements. These seminars and workshops will benefit students as they prepare for admission into medical school and prove invaluable in their program.
Symposium on Issues in Healthcare
The symposium is held in the spring quarter and all students accepted into the program are required to participate. During the fall and winter quarters and in consultation with their advisor, students will explore a healthcare issue of their choosing. Students will then present their findings in poster-presentation format at the symposium to the campus community. Awards will be given for the best presentations. Participation in the symposium activities will provide opportunities for students to network with peers and health careers professionals.
How to Apply
Follow the steps outlined the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate website at
/academic/biol/certprehealth.php
AND
Submit the "Expanding Opportunities for Pre-Health Professionals cover page"
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Expanding Opportunities for Pre-Health Professionals Cover Page |
Contact Information
For advisement questions or to check on the status of your application, please email us at the address below.
Elba Muñoz, M.A.
Health Professions Advisor
Office: BIOS 174
Tel: (323) 343-6062
Alex Martinez, M.A.
Program Coordinator
Office: BIOS 170
Tel: (323)343-6063
Note: This is a fulltime program (12 units minimum per quarter) and outside employment is not encouraged.