Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Certificate
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Sacred Heart University offers a Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program for students interested in preparation for medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry or physician assistant schools.
The program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that gives a rigorous grounding in the foundational life sciences, physical sciences and social sciences needed for admission to medical and other health professions schools. Experienced faculty provide small classes, personal attention, and mentoring to benefit the development of the student.
In order to increase student preparedness for admission to and success in medical school, we provide extensive advising in regards to individually-tailored course selection and planning, advice concerning internship opportunities and research experiences, advising on the balance of pre-med coursework and other responsibilities and on exam preparation. Students will also be given the opportunity to join our Pre-medical AMSA club.
We further assist students throughout the medical school application process by providing feedback on drafts of personal statements, assembling application packets, compiling letters of reference, uploading applicant materials, providing reference letters as applicable, and conducting mock medical school interviews.
In addition to providing these services for prospective medical students, the Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Program provides similar, custom tailored curricula, services and advising for students returning to pursue other health professions.
Areas of Study
The program has a minimum requirement of 45 credits. Students who have completed some of the pre-requisite courses are eligible to transfer in a maximum of 22 credits towards the certificate.
Sample of Courses Taken
Year 1
- Concepts in Biology I Lecture and Lab (BI 111/113)
- General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab (CH 151/153)
- Pre-Calculus or Calculus (MA 140 or 151)
- Concepts in Biology II Lecture and Lab (BI 112/114)
- General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab (CH 152/154)
- Elementary Statistics (MA 131)
- Organic Chemistry I Lecture and Lab (221/223)
- Organic Chemistry II Lecture and Lab (222/224)
Year 2
- Physics I Lecture and Lab (PY 111/113)
- Biochemistry I (CH 341/343)
- Psychology (PS 110)
- Physics II Lecture and Lab (PY 112/114)
- Sociology (SO 110)
- Elective
If some of the above classes have already been taken and students wish to enhance their academic profile, upper division science courses can be substituted. Examples are listed below.
- PS 201 Research Design & Analysis I
- SO 110 Sociological Imagination
- SO 239 Diversity & Oppression in Contemporary Society
- BI 201/203 Genetics & Evolution: Organisms to Populations Lecture & Laboratory
- BI 206/208 Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture & Laboratory
- BI 207/209 Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture & Laboratory
- BI 230 Microbiology
- BI 306 Pharmacology
- BI 311/313 Cell Biology Lecture & Laboratory
- BI 312/314 Systems Physiology Lecture & Laboratory
For more information, visit Pre-Health Advisement.
Cost
The cost of the Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program is determined by a cost per credit rate, plus fees.
Financial Aid
The Pre-health Postbaccalaureate Certificate is not eligible for federal student aid, however other financial options may be available. Contact Student Financial Assistance with questions.
How to Apply
Once your application has been submitted, you will also be required to complete the following before an admissions decision will be issued:
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Upload 500-word essay highlighting your long-term health profession goals and reasons for pursuing the Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Certificate program at Sacred Heart University
- Attend virtual information session to learn about the program
- Contact Ellen Watts, Executive Director of Pre-Health Advising, at wattse2@sacredheart.edu to discuss your goals.
All candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
More Information
Ellen Watts
Executive Director of Pre-Health Advising
203-396-6203
wattse2@sacredheart.edu