Pre-Health Scholars Program
Program Description
The Pre-Health Scholars Program (PSP) is a six-week program designed to help expose underrepresented students to the health professions at UTHSC. Students spend six weeks gaining valuable clinical knowledge with the College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, and the College of Health Professions. During their time at UTHSC scholars can expect to gain hands on experiences through clinical, classroom, and service-learning activities.
Students gain hands-on exposure to clinical settings and are provided an avenue for reflection and professional development. Students who successfully complete two summers, at the discretion of Health Career Programs staff, will receive GRE, MCAT, DAT, or PACAT test preparation. Scholars can expect weekly seminar sessions, clinical simulation experiences, access to UTHSC resources, capstone project, and clinical shadowing.
- Student must have a cumulative GPA 3.0
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Must be underrepresented: First-generation, non-traditional, veteran, disclosing a disability, economically disadvantaged, or resident of rural area and/or demonstrates interest in issues affecting underserved populations.
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Student must be up to date on all required vacations before the start of the program. More information provided to students who are accepted into the program.
Required Prerequisites
- Current freshmen/rising sophomores must have completed one semester of general biology and/or general chemistry with a lab. One semester of college math is desirable.
- Current sophomores/rising juniors must have completed two semesters of general biology and chemistry. One semester of organic chemistry and/or physics is desirable.
- Please note that all prerequisites are weighed based on the pre-professional track of the student. We consider the scholars entire academic history in comparison to their interested program.
Application
- Student must complete and submit an online application.
- You will submit two references with your application. One of those references must be your academic advisor or a science professor. The other reference can be any faculty or staff member at your institution. If you are a transfer student, you can have one of these references from your previous institution.
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When the student applies, they will upload an unofficial transcript after grades have posted for that Fall semester.
Housing
Housing is provided to non-local student upon request and based on availability.
FAQ
I have graduated already with my undergraduate degree. Am I eligible to participate in PSP?
The Pre-Health Scholars Program welcomes all freshmen/rising sophomore, sophomores/rising juniors, and juniors.
I am a high school student interested in the health professions. Am I eligible to participate?
At this time, the Pre-Health Scholars Program is only available to undergraduate students.
Is transportation provided?
All participants must provide transportation to and from the UTHSC campus and their clinical sites(s).
I plan to work and/or take classes this summer. May I still participate in PSP?
The Pre-Health Scholars Program is a demanding program and requires your full attention. We respectfully ask that you do not work, take classes, or participate in other programs at the same time. The program hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday (unless otherwise noted).
PSP Important Dates:
November 1 – Application Opens
February 1 – Application Deadline
April 1 – Acceptance Communicated to students (on or before this date)
April 15 – Deadline to confirm participation
June 9, 2025 – UTHSC PSP Start Date
July 18, 2025 – UTHSC PSP Last Day