Certificate in Health Sciences

A program for students who have already received a bachelor's degree in a non-science area and wish to pursue their undergraduate pre-health sciences requirements at VCU

The Undergraduate Post Baccalaureate Health Sciences Certificate prepares 'career changers' for entry into professional-level training programs in health care. By excelling in the program's coursework and completing the extracurricular requirements, students will gain clinical exposure and competency in introductory and more advanced-level, prerequisite science courses. STEM faculty and staff prepare students for health careers by providing outstanding instruction and services to support adult students in their post-baccalaureate journeys toward careers in healthcare.

The program assists students in becoming more competitive for admission into professional degree programs such as dentistry, medicine, osteopathic medicine, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, optometry or veterinary sciences, but it does not guarantee admission into any program. Depending on the courses students complete prior to enrollment in program, the certificate can take one to three years to complete with either full- or part-time study.

Students who have completed the science prerequisites for a professional program and need to enhance their academic credentials should consult with their pre-health advisor from their undergraduate institution and consider applying to the premedical sciences graduate certificate program.

Financial Aid

Funding for the program is based on undergraduate financial aid formulas. Scholarship money to support students is very limited. Students are strongly encouraged to minimize work commitments while taking courses in the program. Students should consult Student Financial Services for more information about finances.

Volunteer Service

Students accepted into the program must perform at least 50 hours of volunteer service in the VCU Health volunteer program or a private health care setting. The clinical setting where students choose to volunteer, shadow or work is flexible and there are resources available for students who need assistance getting a placement. Volunteer hours must be documented and submitted to the student’s pre-professional health advisor before graduation.

How to Apply

Students should apply for the program through the Office of Admissions as a post-baccalaureate certificate student.

• Fall admission deadline: March 1
• Spring admission deadline: Nov. 1

Applicants must submit transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Upon receipt of transcripts, courses that can be awarded as transfer credit will be determined by VCU Transfer Center.

Application is competitive and candidates must have a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. four-year institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The program is not offered to students pursuing entry into nursing school or other bachelor's degree-granting professional programs.