Program Overview

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Introduction to the Premedical Graduate Health Sciences Certificate Program

The Premedical Graduate Health Sciences Certificate (CERT) program at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine is a one-year, in-person, graduate-level program designed for individuals seeking to enhance their qualifications for admission to competitive professional schools.

About the CERT Program

The CERT program is purpose-built to address the needs of students who wish to enhance their competitiveness for admission into professional schools, particularly medical (M.D. and D.O.) and dental (D.D.S. and D.M.D.) programs. The program has been effectively training pre-professional students since its inception in 2009. Since 2016, over 170 CERT graduates have successfully matriculated into M.D. programs, with more matriculating into D.O., D.D.S., and other professional programs.

Program Overview

The CERT program offers pre-professional learners the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for medical or dental school curricula by completing rigorous graduate-level coursework in the foundational sciences, including Human Anatomy, Medical Biochemistry, Human Embryology, Histology, Neuroanatomy, Clinical Pharmacology, and Medical Physiology. CERT courses are directed and taught by faculty who also participate in VCU medical and dental student education. The program includes a newly revised curriculum that integrates a 'whole applicant' approach to advising and preparation, providing students with the skills necessary for success in professional school.

Curriculum

The CERT curriculum is designed to help students develop an informed approach to the professional school application/admissions process and to refine time management and study skills necessary for success in rigorous professional school curricula. The program includes a year-long Professional Skills and Readiness course, where students practice professionalism, academic integrity, and ethical conduct, learn and implement proven-effective study strategies and time management skills, and engage in team-based and guided inquiry learning.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for the Premedical Graduate Certificate Program include a standardized test score (GRE, MCAT, or DAT). Many factors influence an applicant's competitiveness, including GPA, test scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and resume. Non-science majors who have not completed the prerequisite coursework for admission to CERT may wish to consider VCU's Undergraduate Post-Baccalaureate Health Sciences Certificate Program.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition costs for the CERT program are:

• Fall semester: $14,781.50
• Spring semester: $14,781.50
• Total tuition: $29,563.00 Total educational cost, including additional University fees, can be estimated using the VCU Graduate tuition Calculator.

Guaranteed Interview

Students who successfully complete the CERT program may be eligible to earn a guaranteed interview at the VCU Schools of Medicine (M.D.) or Dentistry (D.D.S.) or the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).

Advising and Mentorship

The CERT program provides a supportive environment where students engage with the program Director, their dedicated faculty Advisor, program staff, and alumni, as well as the VCU Health provider network, to improve their competitiveness for professional school admission.

Program Curriculum

Students in the CERT program must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours over two semesters. Alternative plans of study are available with approval of the Program Director. Required and elective course options are listed on the VCU Graduate Bulletin.

Linkage - Guaranteed Interviews

CERT graduates who complete the program in two consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better and meet MCAT or DAT standardized test score criteria may be eligible to earn a guaranteed interview for admission to the VCU School of Medicine's M.D. program, VCU School of Dentistry's D.D.S. program, or the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine's D.O. program.

Why Choose CERT?

The CERT program offers several benefits, including:

• Pre-Dental: Boost your overall science GPA, add a Graduate-level GPA to your ADEA AADSAS report, take courses taught by faculty who also instruct VCU dental students, improve your DAT score, and receive a letter of recommendation.
• Pre-Medical: Take courses taught by faculty who also instruct VCU medical students, receive a letter of recommendation, increase foundational science knowledge, boost your overall science GPA, add a Graduate-level GPA to your AAMC report, and improve your MCAT score.

FAQs

• Is the CERT program offered virtually? No, the program is exclusively offered in-person.
• What are the application deadline dates? For fall matriculation, the application deadline is July 15, and for spring matriculation, the deadline is November 15.
• Is the MCAT/DAT prep course price included with my tuition? Yes, it is included in the tuition, and it is an online course.

Testimonials

Several alumni have shared their positive experiences with the CERT program, highlighting its impact on their academic and professional growth.

Office Staff

The CERT program is led by:

• I. Scott Ramsey, Ph.D., Program Director
• Jose M. Eltit, Ph.D., Program Advisor
• Melissa J. McGinn, Ph.D., Program Advisor
• Christina Sheerin, Ph.D., Program Advisor
• Shiloh van der Laan, Program Administrator
• Jay Asawla (CERT '24), Program Coordinator/Tutor
• Ella Callahan (CERT '24), Program Coordinator/Tutor
• DeZirae Partin (CERT '24), Program Coordinator/Tutor
• Margaret Ren (CERT '24), Program Coordinator/Tutor