Pre-Health Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Sacred Heart University offers a Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate 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 Post-Baccalaureate Program provides similar, custom tailored curricula, services and advising for students returning to pursue other health professions.

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.

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.

For more information, visit Pre-Health Advisement.

The cost of the Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program is determined by a cost per credit rate, plus fees.

View current tuition rate

The Pre-health Post Baccalaureate Certificate is not eligible for federal student aid, however other financial options may be available. Contact Office of Student Financial Assistance with questions.

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Once your request has been received, you will be contacted by the Pre-Health Program Director, Valerie Wherley, PhD to schedule an interview. The interview will allow us to evaluate your status, address your coursework needs, and better understand what you hope to gain from the program.

Candidates are required to bring a copy of all college transcripts and a personal statement to the interview. The personal statement should be a maximum of 500 words and highlight your long term health profession goals and reasons for pursuing the Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program at Sacred Heart University. 

Questions? Contact Pre-Health Advisement Director, Valerie Wherley, PhD, at wherleyv@sacredheart.edu or 203-371-7876.