Pre-Health Student Resources

Pre-Health Programs

PreMedCC

PreMedCC was created to meet the needs of pre-health professional students at community colleges and students who do not have access to expert advising, mentorship, and inspiration.

You will be connected to an online community of pre-med students and learn from former community college students who are now experts and leaders in medicine. PreMedCC holds workshops regarding financial aid, preparing for the MCAT, writing personal statements, applying for summer programs, transferring, and avoiding common pitfalls.

For additional information, visit their website at premedcc.org

MiMentor is a national mentoring organization committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Their mission is to develop and support innovative and inclusive mentorship opportunities that will inspire the next generation of diverse healthcare leaders for underserved communities. MiMentor is led by pre-medical and pre-health students that are the future of healthcare with the guidance of Alliance in Mentorship.

MiMentor

MiMentor focuses on empowering underrepresented students in medicine to overcome barriers in pursuing their medical/health careers. With the rescindment of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order, MiMentor has not only created a safe and inclusive space for DACA students but also works to share resources and educate our mentor and mentee community on the issue and how to advocate for our undocumented community.

It's never too early to start preparing for your career in healthcare. Join their community of mentors and mentees today at mimentor.org

Pre-Health Shadowing

Pre-Health Shadowing is a student-led organization that provides free virtual shadowing opportunities for pre-health students via an online platform.

The online shadowing program features live streaming sessions with a variety of health professionals, including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, researchers, EMTs, health administrators, and more. Health professionals discuss their careers, education, extracurricular activities, admissions process, day-in-the-life, interesting cases, tips and more. Sessions are recorded and can be watched at a later time to provide options for students who need flexible scheduling. Following the session, students complete a short assessment to receive a certificate verifying their participation in the program.

Pre-Health Shadowing is available globally for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, research, physical therapy, or other healthcare fields. To learn more, visit prehealthshadowing.com

UCLA Medical Preparation and Education Pipeline Program (MEDPEP)

MEDPEP is a medical preparation and education pipeline program designed to support low-income Latino and other underrepresented minority (URM) students through their community college experience and transition to four-year universities and health professional programs. MEDPEP's program components include personal, academic, and leadership development; conference and research participation; and peer mentoring support. Visit the MEDPEP program website.

Summer Programs

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a transformative summer experience for students interested in the health professions. Formerly known as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), SHPEP has been shaping careers and changing the lives of premedical and pre-dental college students for over 30 years. Now, in addition to dentistry and medicine, the program offers opportunities to explore other health careers, including nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and public health.

SHPEP is a free six-week summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools. These students include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino, and who are from communities of socioeconomic and educational disadvantage. Participation in SHPEP may better position students for acceptance into advanced-degree programs.

SHPEP is implemented at 12 universities across the nation. Each institution provides scholars with academic enrichment in the basic sciences and math, clinical experiences, career development activities, learning and study skills seminars, and a financial planning workshop.

Eligibility Requirements

All students who meet the Summer Health Professions Education Program eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college.
  • Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  • Must not have previously participated in the program.

Other factors for consideration include that a student:

  • Identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in the health professions;
  • Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
  • Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations.
  • Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation.
Important Dates

Application Opens: November 1

Application Deadline: February 5, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Application Decisions are released: March 15

Visit https://www.shpep.org for more information about the program and how to apply.

Prep Médico

In 2016 the University of California, Davis and The Permanente Medical Group launched a new initiative at UC Davis School of Medicine dedicated to building the next generation of physicians committed to advancing Latinx health.

The program, called Preparando Estudiantes Para Ser Medicos, or Preparing Students to Be Physicians, (“Prep Médico” for short) is a multi-faceted initiative that will provide scholarships, mentorship and internship opportunities, a residential program, volunteer service opportunities, and hands-on clinical experiences for pre-med and medical students. The goal is to expand diversity in medicine and ultimately increase the number of Latinos who choose to become physicians.

Program Highlights
  • Engage with health professionals from UC Davis Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente
  • Examine Latinx health disparities and the social determinants of health
  • Understand their personal leadership style and develop new skills
  • Receive structured academic advising and mentoring
  • Be eligible for a small stipend upon successful program completion
  • There is no application fee
Program Eligibility
  • First- or second-year college student (or community college)
  • Resident of the Central Valley or Northern California
  • Completion of English Composition AND first semester of General Chemistry OR General Biology
  • GPA of 2.85 or higher
  • Demonstrated interest in becoming a physician and serving Latinx and underserved communities
  • Proof of all required immunizations in the event of an in-person program component

Applications Accepted December 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022.

Interested in learning more? Attend a Prep Médico Information Session or visit their website at Prep Médico.

Health Career Connections (HCC) Program

HCC offers talented, diverse undergraduate and recent college graduates a comprehensive paid summer internship program that provides invaluable experience, mentoring, and networking in the health care field. The priority deadline for the 2022 Summer Internship Program application is December 13. Program website: HCC Program