Prepare for Medical School or a Graduate Degree in Healthcare with a Pre-Med Certificate 

PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN HEALTHCARE WITH A PRE-MED CERTIFICATE

Prepare for Medical School or a Graduate Degree in Healthcare with a Pre-Med Certificate 

Estimated read time: 5-7 mins 
 
Highlights: 

Providence College School of Continuing Education’s (PCSCE) Pre-Med/Pre-Health Professions Certificate equips students with the natural science knowledge needed to gain entrance into medical school or pursue other graduate healthcare studies. This program is ideal for career changers who hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field

Does a Pre-med Certificate Guarantee Admission to Medical School?

No. While earning a pre-med certificate may increase your chances of acceptance into medical school, it does not guarantee you a spot. Medical schools consider many factors when accepting a student, including high academic performance in the prerequisite coursework, the passing of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) exam, letters of recommendation, and more. 

Is Medical School the Only Path After Earning Certification? 

No. PCSCE’s pre-med certificate is for anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare, not only those looking to apply to medical school. Your pre-med certificate can be used as a steppingstone to complete other graduate healthcare programs, including masters’ programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, health informatics, physician assistant studies, and more. 

What Are Some Examples of Pre-Med Courses? 

Depending on your intended graduate program and undergraduate experience, your prerequisite coursework may include several of the following: 

  • Biology  
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology  
  • General Chemistry  
  • Organic Chemistry  
  • Biochemistry  
  • Physics  
  • Microbiology 

Will this Certificate Meet Medical School Requirements? 

Yes. While most schools require the same set of courses as the typical admissions pre-requisites, the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Professions Certificate meets these standards and can accommodate students who desire other, career-related coursework. We recommend speaking with one of our advisors about this program’s flexible curriculum opportunities.

Do Credits from Prerequisite Courses Expire? 

Credits from prerequisite courses do not typically expire. However, some medical schools may prefer your pre-requisite courses to be completed within a few years from the time you apply. Check each school’s requirements to ensure your prerequisite credits are valid. 

Do I Need to Have a Bachelor’s Degree to Complete a Pre-Med Certificate? 

Yes, PCSCE’s pre-med certificate is a post-baccalaureate program, so a bachelor’s degree is required. However, your bachelor’s degree does not need to be related to healthcare. Because this program is ideal for those looking to make a change in their career, most participants do not hold an undergraduate degree related to health or human sciences. 

What Career Paths Can a Pre-Med Certificate Lead To?

This program is ideal for those changing careers to become a doctor, dentist, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, pharmacist, optometrist, veterinarian, and more. For those who do not wish to become a physician or attend medical school, other career options with a pre-med certificate include (but are not limited to): 

What’s the Average Salary for a Pre-Med Certificate? 

As with most professions, salaries depend on your specific role. For those who continue to medical school to become physicians, they can expect to earn between $190,000 to $300,000 per year, depending on their area of expertise, according to PayScale.com.  

Median salaries for some common professions in healthcare range from $48,000 for a public health education specialist to $101,000 for hospital or healthcare administrators. Again, these can vary greatly depending on the specific role, type of organization, and the U.S. market (where the job is located). 

Can This Certification Be Completed Online or Part-Time?

This program is exclusively part-time, with coursework offered in the evenings, as it is tailored to the demanding schedules of working adults. Courses can be taken throughout the year, in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Courses are held on campus primarily due to the heavy science curriculum (e.g. chemistry, physics, etc.), which have accompanying lab work. Some non-lab-based courses are available online.  

What Support Is Available for the Admissions Process? 

 The advisors at PCSCE are dedicated to ensuring you are well-prepared for applying to medical school. PC’s Health Professions Advising staff provide students with medical school admissions information and advising, committee letters, and research, internship, and employment opportunities. 

How Long Does a Pre-Med Certificate Take to Complete?

On average, most students complete their certification within two years. Because this program is designed to accommodate working adults, there are options for a maximum time-to-completion length of up to 5 years, if needed. 

How Much Does a Pre-Med Certificate Cost? 

Tuition for the PCSCE’s pre-med certificate is extremely competitive. In fact, it’s the most inexpensive post-baccalaureate, pre-med program in the region. A four-credit science course is $404 per credit, plus a $120 lab fee, totaling $1,736 per course. Non-science courses are $404 per credit or $1,212 total per 3-credit course.  

Additionally, PCSCE offers several financial aid options to help students defray the cost of school, including a maximum aid award of $5,500 for eligible students.