The University of Connecticut Pre-Medical and Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate Program is a small, highly selective certificate program. Its mission is to prepare students who have completed an undergraduate degree and wish to strengthen their preparation for professional school. The program is offered in two forms. Program A requires 60 credits and is typically completed in four semesters (two years) of Fall and Spring Semester coursework. It is recommended for students who are making a career change to medicine or dentistry. Program B requires 30 credits and is typically completed in two semesters (one year) of Fall and Spring Semester coursework. It is recommended for students who have already taken numerous undergraduate courses concentrating in math and biosciences but need advanced level courses in these areas to enhance their application to professional schools. Under both Program A and Program B, students take primarily undergraduate courses to complete the program requirements.

Prerequisites for Applicants

Completion of all requirements for a baccalaureate degree must be from an accredited college or university. Applicants may apply while in their final year of a bachelor’s program. An undergraduate GPA of a minimum 3.50 or better is required for Program A; 3.25 or better for Program B. Exceptions are considered only in special circumstances after review by the Program Director with a documented history of community service and documented experience in a relevant health care field. Test scores are considered if applicant has any to report but they are not a required element of the application. Successful applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to the community (evidenced by a history of community service activities) and must have a strong understanding of their specific health professional goal (obtained from activities such as volunteer experience, shadowing experience, or work activities in private practice, clinic, or hospital settings). The Post-Baccalaureate Program assesses applicants using a holistic review methodology, so that all aspects of a candidate’s history are considered. Each student’s non-academic requirements will be evaluated based on their prior activities and an appropriate level of activity identified for completion during the winter or summer breaks. Research projects should be undertaken for an entire summer.

Requirements for Enrolled Students

There are no specific course requirements. The course schedule is individually tailored to fit each student’s interests and needs in consultation with the program advisor based on their health professional goals. No withdrawals (grade of “W”) will be considered unless due to difficult personal circumstances. Students must maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA and 15 credits each semester (12 credits of science) unless otherwise advised. Students complete experiential and programming activities as specified by Enrichment Programs in consultation with the respective professional school. These include (limited and tailored so as not to interfere with course demands): required community service activities over course of program; required participation in conferences, seminars, and guest lecture presentations at the Storrs campus; required participation at targeted academic seminars, visits to professional schools, research seminars, inter-professional education activities, and other relevant activities off campus; optional research component at the main campus, Health Center complex, or participating hospitals during summer semester break. Additional clinical work, shadowing experience, community service, MCAT/DAT Review Courses offered by the University are also recommended.