Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate In Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Studies
This certificate program is designed to assist students with post-baccalaureate degrees in preparing for a new career in a medical or health profession. The program assists students by guiding them through the necessary science and prerequisite courses for medical/health school as well as preparing them for qualifying examinations (MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc.). There is currently no other post-baccalaureate certificate in pre-medical/pre-health studies program available in Hawaii. Hawaii Pacific University is proud to offer this certificate program to students.
The aim of the Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Certificate Program is to guide participants through the entire preparation and application process for medical/health professional school in order to render
The projected time for completing the program is two years. Students with a high level of science preparation may be able to complete the program in one year (completing a minimum of 24 credits at Hawaii Pacific University). Certificates will be awarded to those students who achieve a total GPA of 3.2 or over and have successfully completed 56 program credits. Transfer credits are accepted. A minimum of 24 credits must be earned at Hawaii Pacific University.
- Hawaii Pacific University emphasizes small class sizes which will allow program students individualized assistance as needed.
- Participants will be allowed to take additional, non-program course work as electives.
- The certificate program fees are lower than those charged by most other formal post-baccalaureate programs.
- Discussion sessions will be available to enhance learning.
Upper division BIOL or CHEM courses are available for advanced program students.- Students who have sufficient mathematics skills may substitute MATH courses with electives.
- Optional membership in Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), a national honor society for pre-health professionals offering graduate school scholarships.
- Health Science Activities:
- Individualized scientific research projects with faculty sponsors
- Internships/
practicum with practicing health care professionals
- Individualized advisement by the HPU Science Academic Advisors and the Pre-Health Professions Specialist, who is a member of the National Association of Advisors in the Health Professions (NAAHP).
- A letter of recommendation on behalf of the University from the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee is available for qualifying students (GPA of 3.2 in the program).
- Priority and early registration privileges to required classes and laboratories for returning students and students admitted before registration begins (see academic calendar for specific dates, usually on or around April 1 and October 1).
- Free tutoring in the Health Science Library.
- Optional membership in the Pre-Health student club.
- Total GPA minimum of 2.5 for the baccalaureate degree OR a GPA of 2.5 or above in the most recent
60 semester credits ofcourse work (official transcripts are required from all colleges/universities). - A non-refundable application fee of $45.00.
- Admittance essay addressing the student’s desire to pursue a career in the health professions.
- TOEFL and IELTS thresholds (for International or non-English Speaking Students)
NOTE: Applications are received and reviewed on a continual basis. However, priority review will be given to applications received prior to April 1 for the coming academic year.
For more info on applying, please contact HPU's admission department at admissions@hpu.edu.
For information on the program, please contact HPU's Pre-Health Professions Specialist Allison Bachlet at abachlet@hpu.edu
To receive the Certificate, students must file a Petition for the Certificate with the Academic Dean in the semester when completing the final requirements for the certificate. The certificate will be awarded to the student upon the successful completion of all requirements and payment of the certificate graduation fee.