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Basic Core Health Science NDEPB

Postbaccalaureate other in Basic Core Health Science

Prepare for a new career as a healthcare professional with 51¶¯Âþ’s Postbaccalaureate other in Basic Core Health Science in the College of Science and Technology. This 37–38-credit program is designed for college graduates with limited coursework in basic sciences who need enhanced academic preparation before applying to professional schools.

Students gain the necessary knowledge base in general sciences required for professional school through a rigorous and structured suite of prerequisite and scientific training in the basic health sciences. This interdisciplinary degree program draws scholars from across the university and its health system to provide advanced coursework in the following subjects.

  • General, organic and biological chemistryÌý
  • Physics
  • Introductory and advanced biology (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology and physiology)Ìý

Through the curriculum, you’ll learnÌýcritical analysis, communication and problem-solving skills. EducationalÌýopportunities including seminar series covering science & non-science topics, and an introduction to the review of scientific literature, help you build these skills.ÌýÌý

Program Benefits

Take advantage of small learning cohorts and enhance classroom instruction with professional development opportunities. The following services are specialized to help guide and support student success throughout the duration of the program.

  • Advising
  • Application support including committee letters, personal statement review and mock interviews
  • Clinical enrichment opportunities
  • Customized standardized test preparationÌý
  • Integrated tutoring
  • Learning skills specialists

Professional School Admissions

Prepare for professional school with the Basic Core Health Science NDEPB program’s innovative curriculum and real-world clinical experiences with the following healthcare facilities.Ìý

Choosing a postbaccalaureate certificate program.

Students in the Basic Core Science Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program complete coursework in the basic core sciences, which is required before applying to professional school. Students in the Advanced Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program have already completed coursework in the basic core sciences and are seeking more more challenging coursework.

Classes & Curriculum

This is a rigorous full-time program that will take 12 months to complete. All classes are held on 51¶¯Âþ’s Main Campus.

Students in the certificate program choose one of three possible tracks of study. The following requirements apply to all students regardless of which track they choose unless they receive a waiver from the program director.

  • Attend mandatory advising sessions throughout the 12-month program.Ìý
  • Attend the appropriate standardized test preparatory courses.ÌýÌý
  • Complete all course work in the 12-month timeline of the program.
  • Participate in clinical enhancement and/or volunteer opportunities.ÌýÌý

All certificate program students are required to take the following courses in addition to the required coursework for individual tracks.

  • Basic Core General Chemistry I
  • Basic Core General Chemistry IIÌý
  • Basic Core General Chemistry Lab IÌý
  • Basic Core General Chemistry Lab II
  • Basic Core Organic Chemistry
  • Basic Core Organic Chemistry Lab
  • Fundamentals of BiochemistryÌý

Track 1

Students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) or Doctor of Optometry (OD) complete the following courses.Ìý

  • Basic Core Intro to Biology IÌý
  • Basic Core Intro to Biology II
  • Basic Core Physics IÌý
  • Basic Core Physics II
  • Intro to Problem Solving & Logical Thinking*
  • The Practice of Healthcare*

Track 2

Students who wish to pursueÌýa Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) complete the following courses.

  • Basic Core Intro to Biology IÌý
  • Basic Core Intro to Biology II
  • Basic Core Physics IÌý
  • Basic Core Physics II
  • Intro to Problem Solving & Logical Thinking*
  • Practice and Development of Spatial Visualization*
  • The Practice of Healthcare*

Track 3

Students who wish to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) complete the following courses.ÌýStudents enrolling in Track 3 must have already taken Biology I and II before admission to the program.

  • Clinical Microbiology w/LabÌý
  • Elements of Statistics
  • Human Anatomy
  • Human Anatomy Lab
  • Intro to Problem Solving & Logical Thinking*
  • Medical Terminology*
  • PhysiologyÌý
  • Physiology Lab
  • The Practice of Healthcare*

*These one-credit courses are required unless a student receives a waiver from the director of the Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program.

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Careers

Program graduates are prepared for admission to the following professional schools.

  • Allopathic and/or osteopathic medical
  • DentalÌý
  • OptometryÌý
  • Pharmacy
  • Physician assistantÌý
  • Podiatry

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Non-degree Post Baccalaureate offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: [node:field_tuition] per credit
Out-of-state: [node:field_tuition_nonresident] per credit

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Our Academic Advisors

in the College of Science and Technology helps you navigate New Student Orientation, advises on specific degree programs and courses, provides post-graduation guidance, and offers peer support. You can also be matched with a qualified student advisor or advocateÌýwho will further assist with degree and academic questions or concerns.

Learn more about the and the .

Program Contact

For more information about the Basic Core Health Science NDEPB, please contact the following faculty member.

Matthew Newby is an associate professor of instruction in the College of Science and Technology.Ìý
Phone: 215-204-2642Ìý
Email: Ìý

Accreditation

As a division within 51¶¯Âþ, the College of Science and Technology is accredited by the .

Additional Program Information