Program Overview

Introduction to the Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program

The Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program is designed for individuals seeking to pursue a career in the health professions. The program is tailored to meet the needs of career changers and academic enhancers, providing a comprehensive curriculum and support system to help students achieve their goals.

Admission Requirements

• Admission to the program requires a B.A., B.S., or B.F.A. from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the bachelor's degree or for the last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of coursework.
• GPAs above the minimum are typically needed to secure an admission offer due to the limited number of seats available.
• Students with low GPAs can stand out by showing significant improvement in their recent coursework, especially over the most recent year.

Application Process

• To apply, students must complete the Cal State Apply application, which includes answering essay questions, uploading copies of unofficial transcripts, arranging for two letters of reference from instructors and/or supervisors, and sharing a few professional or extracurricular experiences.
• A Coursework Spreadsheet must also be completed using the program's web form, including all courses taken at the college level.
• Failure to include all coursework or follow directions may result in processing delays or denial.

Standardized Exam Scores

• The program does not require any standardized exams; however, if students have taken a graduate-level exam such as the MCAT, DAT, or GRE, they are encouraged to include it in their application.

Application Timeline

• Career Changers who need to take or retake General Chemistry I should apply for summer entry.
• Those who have completed some prerequisite courses should consult the career changer curriculum and receive advice on the most appropriate entry semester from the admissions team.
• Academic Enhancers are advised to apply for any semester.

Letters of Recommendation

• Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one letter recommended to be from a college instructor for recent graduates or current students.
• Letters from employers or supervisors in a professional setting are also accepted, but letters from family members, friends, or personal acquaintances are not acceptable.

Program Structure and Support

• The program offers a comprehensive academic plan, detailing a semester-by-semester course schedule, including a timeline for standardized exams and health professional school applications.
• Each student is assigned an advisor before the program begins, and advising support extends into the application cycle, with guidance on the application process and interview preparation.
• A Learning Specialist provides guidance to help students achieve their learning potential, and a Therapist offers confidential counseling to promote student well-being.

Classes and Curriculum

• Classes are exclusively for post-bac students, with small class sizes (10-35) fostering a collaborative environment and a community of like-minded individuals.
• Students enjoy guaranteed enrollment in classes without concerns about waitlists.
• The core science prerequisites and their labs are in person, while upper-division biology elective courses offer a mix of in-person and online synchronous options.

Attendance and Employment

• Many students maintain part-time employment while in the program, but working more than part-time is advised against due to the rigorous nature of the science courses.
• It is possible to attend the program part-time, though this will likely extend the overall duration.

Program Costs and Financial Aid

• The cost of the program is based solely on tuition, which is $690 per unit.
• Elective courses are 3 units each, while prerequisites with labs are 4 or 5 units.
• Students typically take 9-12 units per semester, with the estimated total cost for the two-year pre-medical career changer track being $32,430.
• The program is eligible for federal student loans, with a limited number of scholarships also available.

Program Certificate Requirements

• To earn the program certificate, students need to complete 40 units, with at least 20 units within the program and up to 20 units transferrable from outside coursework.
• Students must also take the Applying Colloquium.

Career Outcomes

• Students from the program have gone on to attend health professional schools across the nation, with many staying in California and attending schools such as UCSF, UC Davis, and Touro CA.

Housing Options

• The Pre-Health program is part of the University Housing List, enabling students to apply for on-campus housing.