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Overview
Effective preparation for a health professional career in the 21st century requires that individuals not only gain a strong background in the sciences and meaningful exposure to the health care profession, but also that they develop an understanding of the increasingly complex health care system. The leader in the health professions in the 21st century will be the individual whose academic preparation and volunteer or shadowing experiences are enhanced by a well-developed understanding of the increasingly complex interplay of social, political, economic, and scientific concerns that characterize the contemporary health care system.
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Offering specific tracks for Medical Scholars, Dental Scholars, Pharmacy Scholars, Physical Therapy Scholars, and Podiatry Scholars, the Health Scholars Program provides undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions with academic and experiential learning opportunities that will prepare them to take a leadership role in the profession. Through individual mentoring, professional development workshops, a range of health-care related courses and practicums, and structured volunteer, shadowing, and internship experiences in the Temple University health care professional schools and beyond, Health Scholars in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy and podiatry develop their understanding of the inter-relatedness of fields of specialization in health care, learn the value and practice of team work, and build their individual and interpersonal strengths.
Scholars are eligible to be granted early, conditional acceptance to the appropriate Temple University professional or graduate program, and to take advantage of the accelerated programs that allow them to complete their undergraduate degree with the course work required in the first year of their professional or graduate school program.
Eligibility and Application
The Scholars Program invites applications from candidates with strong high school academic records and demonstrated interest in their professional field. Typically, candidates have four (4) years of high school math and science, a HSGPA of 3.8 or higher, and an SAT score of 1320 or higher (ACT of 30 or higher), and have a demonstrable commitment to volunteer or service activities, at least one of which is a health-care related experience.
To Apply:
1. Candidates must apply and be accepted to Temple University. Applications to Temple University can be completed online: Apply to TU.
2. Candidates must complete the online Scholars Program application, and submit three letters of recommendation to the address listed below. The quality of the application essay and the strength of the letters of recommendation are important factors in the selection of candidates.
Health Scholars Program
c/o Pre-Professional Health Education
1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 100 (066-05)
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 191223. An interview is required. Candidates whose applications and supporting documents are received by Friday, January 16, 2009 will be considered for an interview in mid-February.
Program Requirements
While each track sets some specific requirements, the following guidelines indicate the general academic expectations of Health Scholars. Scholars are expected to maintain good standing and complete the appropriate foundation science courses with a 3.5 gpa and an overall gpa of 3.5, with no Cs, no Ws (withdrawals), no repeats, and no leaves of absence from the university. Scholars are expected to complete all foundation science courses at Temple University, but can apply AP credits toward the completion of one of the science sequences. In addition, as part of their professional development, Scholars have regular interaction with their individual mentor – a faculty member or professional in their field of interest – and meet every semester with the Director of Pre-Professional Health Education or a member of the Pre-Health Evaluation Committee. Each year, Scholars are expected to engage in at least 30 hours of health-related experiences and an equal amount of time in extra-curricular service-related activities. Scholars are strongly encouraged to develop ongoing commitments to their activities and play an increasingly more evident leadership role. Health Scholars are expected to participate in the University Honors Program, and if they live on campus to participate in the Health Sciences Scholars Living-Learning Community during their first year of study.
Scholars who meet the requirements indicated above will be recommended to the appropriate professional or graduate school – Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, or Podiatry – by the Director of Pre-Professional Health Studies and the Pre-Health Evaluation Committee during their junior year. Upon the completion of a successful interview with the professional or graduate school office of admission, qualified candidates will be offered a conditional acceptance to the professional school. In order to gain final acceptance, Scholars must continue to maintain the academic standards and engage in appropriate professional development activities as they complete their degree requirements, and they must earn the minimum required scores on the appropriate standardized test (MCAT, DAT, GRE, or PCAT) as required by their professional or graduate school. Admission to the Health Scholars Program does not guarantee acceptance to one of Temple University’s professional or graduate schools.
.Accelerated Options
Although the Scholars program is designed primarily to enhance the student’s undergraduate program of study, Scholars have the opportunity for accelerated option in their field of study and matriculate to professional school after three years of undergraduate study. After completing their first year of professional school course work, they will be awarded their Bachelor’s of Art degree.
The Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Podiatry offer a seven-year option, and the Department of Physical Therapy School offers a six-year option. Scholars interested in pursuing an accelerated option must make their interest known to the Director of Pre-Professional Health Studies at the time of their admission to the program. Scholars on the accelerated track who complete the required courses and activities and enter graduate or professional school after 3 years will be awarded a bachelor's degree upon successful completion of their first year of professional or graduate school course work. Dental, Medical, Pharmacy and Podiatry Scholars who choose the seven-year option are limited to undergraduate majors in the sciences. Physical Therapy Scholars who choose the six-year option can choose majors in the sciences or Kinesiology. Scholars interested in pursuing other majors or a traditional four year program will complete their undergraduate degree before beginning study in professional school. Scholars pursuing accelerated paths are encouraged to participate in the certificate and practicum program while they are enrolled as undergraduates. For more information, click here.
Health Sciences Scholars Living-Learning Community
The Health Scholars Living-Learning Community offers a distinct residential option for first-year Honors students within the Honors Residence in 1300 Cecil B. Moore. The Living-Learning community provides Scholars interested in preparing for a career in health care the opportunity to interact with other like-minded individuals eager to explore the range of career possibilities available. Whether students maintain the interest that first brought them to the Health Sciences community or follow paths in related fields – biomedical research, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physical or occupational therapy, optometry, and veterinary medicine – the Health Scholars Living-Learning Community provides both in and out of class experiences to help the Scholars explore and refine their interests, and find the right focus for their undergraduate studies and post-graduate plans. The Living-Learning Community includes Pre-Health First Year Seminars (fall and spring), group and individualized advising, regular contact with health care professionals and faculty and administrators from the professional schools, and most importantly a chance for the Scholars to learn more about themselves and how they can best contribute their talents and abilities to the health care field.