Post-Baccalaureate in Health Science - Prepare for Medical School and Other Health Science Careers


Health Science student adding fluid to a beaker

What is a post-baccalaureate certificate?

A traditional post-baccalaureate program offers a targeted series of classes for students who already have a bachelor’s degree to strengthen their science foundation as they satisfy pre reqs for medical school or another advanced degrees in health occupations. It can also prepare you for a career in the life sciences, biotechnology or for entrance into a Ph.D. program in the sciences.

KU’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences helps traditional and non-traditional students complete upper-level undergraduate biology and biotechnology courses. The curriculum allows students who hold a bachelor’s degree to grow in areas where academic strengthening is needed, develop clinical reasoning skills, and acquire additional training to begin or advance a career in health sciences or biotechnology.

This program can also put you on a pre-health or pre-med path.

Where does a post-baccalaureate certificate fit with health science and premedical careers?

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences focuses on developing health science, biotechnology and research science knowledge and skills, which apply toward admission to medical school, as well as a wide variety of health or biotechnology-related careers, depending on the academic track chosen.

Is the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences right for me?

This certificate program is designed for students intending to satisfy pre reqs for medical school, proceed to a health science professional degree program or academic graduate program as well as students changing careers into science fields. This includes students who need upper-division classes, want to gain skills for entry-level lab work, or who do not have an undergraduate degree in sciences, biosciences or exercise science. It is also a good fit for students with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biosciences or similar fields seeking additional training and research experience in biotechnology. 

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences is available to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and have passed the following prerequisite courses with a 2.85 GPA or better: General Biology I  with a lab, and General Chemistry I and II with a lab. (Biology II and Physics I are highly recommended.)

Questions?

Renee Williams
  • MS Ed
  • Academic Success Coach

How is the program structured?

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences program is divided into two separate tracks. The Health Science track and the Research Science track. Both tracks emphasize experiential learning in the form of career shadowing, internships and research experiences, as well as developing professional skills. Courses take place at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

Health Science 28-29 hours course breakdown - 1 practicum in Health Sciences, 1 professional development course, 4 biology electives, 4 biology core coursesResearch Science 29-30 hours course breakdown - 1 practicum in Health Sciences, 1 professional development course, 2 biology electives, 1 biology core courses, 5 biotechnology core courses
Why a KU post-baccalaureate certificate?

Flexible

  • Does not require science-based undergraduate degree
  • Complete curriculum in 1 year with full-time enrollment

Quality

  • Credentialed, experienced faculty
  • Globally recognized academics
  • KU is one of 38 public university members of the prestigious Association of American Universities, a group of America's leading research universities

Useful

  • Built to prepare students for medical school and biotech careers
  • Develops technical and professional skills
  • Hands-on curriculum with real-world application

Request Post-Baccalaureate in Health Science Program Information

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