CONTINUING EDUCATION
READINESS FOR HEALTH
PROFESSIONS STUDENTS
Scientific Academic Readiness for Health Professions Students
Develop the academic foundation to succeed in rigorous science coursework and health professions training.
This 8-week non-credit certificate program is designed to help learners develop the academic skills, scientific reasoning abilities, and professional habits necessary for success in rigorous science coursework and future health professions training. Led by Dr. Ellen C. Miller, Senior Associate Dean for Pre-Health Advising at Hofstra University, this course provides a structured, evidence-based approach to academic readiness.
The program is particularly beneficial for students who are returning to school after time away, transitioning into science-intensive coursework, rebuilding an academic record, or seeking to strengthen foundational learning strategies.
What You'll Gain
- ✓ Evidence-Based Study Strategies: Apply proven techniques to science coursework.
- ✓ Time Management & Planning: Build sustainable academic schedules that work.
- ✓ Scientific Literacy: Interpret data, graphs, research articles, and scientific findings.
- ✓ Critical Thinking: Apply scientific reasoning to solve academic problems.
- ✓ Resource Navigation: Utilize academic, institutional, and wellness resources strategically.
- ✓ Academic Resilience: Develop recovery strategies following setbacks.
- ✓ Personal Success Portfolio: A comprehensive academic plan for future coursework.
Learn from a Pre-Health Advising Expert
This program is taught by Dr. Ellen C. Miller, Senior Associate Dean for Pre-Health Advising at Hofstra University. Dr. Miller brings decades of experience guiding students through health professions preparation, currently serves on a medical school admissions committee, and previously served on a physician assistant (PA) admissions committee—offering a rare dual perspective as both advisor and evaluator. She is the author of Prescription for Success: A Guide for Pre-health Students and a nationally recognized presenter in pre-health advising.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- • Apply evidence-based study strategies to science coursework.
- • Demonstrate effective time management and academic planning skills.
- • Interpret scientific information, data, graphs, and research findings.
- • Apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking to academic problems.
- • Utilize academic, institutional, and wellness resources strategically.
- • Demonstrate professional communication and help-seeking behaviors.
- • Develop resilience and recovery strategies following academic setbacks.
- • Create a comprehensive academic success plan for future coursework.
8-Week Curriculum
Topics: Understanding academic readiness; growth mindset and academic recovery; common barriers to science success; self-awareness and personal accountability.
Assignment: Academic Success Audit — Students evaluate their academic history, strengths, challenges, and improvement goals.
Topics: Time management for science students; deep work and focused learning; creating a sustainable study schedule; balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities.
Assignment: Science Study Blueprint — Develop a personalized weekly study and accountability system.
Topics: Active versus passive learning; retrieval practice; spaced repetition; concept mapping; metacognition.
Assignment: Learning Strategy Implementation Log — Students assess and evaluate multiple evidence-based study techniques.
Topics: Reading science textbooks efficiently; understanding research articles; interpreting graphs, figures, and tables; correlation versus causation.
Assignment: Scientific Information Analysis — Analyze and summarize a scientific article relevant to health or medicine.
Topics: Scientific method; experimental design; critical thinking skills; identifying bias and flawed reasoning.
Assignment: Scientific Reasoning Case Analysis — Evaluate a research scenario and identify strengths, weaknesses, and conclusions.
Topics: Academic support services; tutoring and supplemental instruction; working with faculty; advising and coaching resources; library and research support; wellness and mental health resources; when and how to seek help.
Assignment: Academic Resource Engagement Reflection — Students utilize at least one academic support resource and reflect on the experience.
Topics: Science exam preparation; Bloom's Taxonomy and higher-order thinking; test-taking strategies; learning from failure; academic recovery planning.
Assignment: Academic Recovery Plan — Develop a structured intervention plan addressing problematic academic performance.
Topics: Long-term academic planning; maintaining accountability; continuous improvement; preparing for future coursework.
Final Project: Academic Success Portfolio — Students develop a comprehensive success plan that includes: academic strengths and risk factors, weekly study schedule, learning strategy plan, resource utilization plan, academic recovery strategy, semester goals, and professional accountability commitments.
Major Assignments
| Assignment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Academic Success Audit | 15% |
| Science Study Blueprint | 15% |
| Learning Strategy Implementation Log | 10% |
| Scientific Information Analysis | 15% |
| Resource Engagement Reflection | 10% |
| Academic Recovery Plan | 10% |
| Academic Success Portfolio (Capstone) | 25% |
Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for:
- • Students returning to school after time away from academic coursework.
- • Students transitioning into science-intensive programs.
- • Students seeking to rebuild or strengthen their academic record.
- • Pre-health applicants who want to build a stronger academic foundation before applying.
- • Any student seeking to develop evidence-based learning habits for rigorous science coursework.
Course Philosophy
"Success in science is not solely determined by intelligence or prior academic performance. Students who develop effective learning strategies, seek support early, engage actively with course material, and demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges are most likely to succeed. This course is designed to provide students with the tools, habits, and confidence necessary to achieve their academic and professional goals."
Required Materials
All course readings, videos, and supplemental materials will be provided through the learning management system. Students should also have access to:
- • A planner or digital calendar system.
- • Word processing software.
- • Institutional academic support resources.
Take the Next Step
Position yourself for success in your science coursework and health professions journey. Enroll today or request more information below.
Program At A Glance
- Format:Live Online | 8-Week Program
- Certificate: Non-Credit Certificate
- Instructor: Dr. Ellen C. Miller, Senior Associate Dean, Pre-Health Advising
- Schedule: Starts October 27; 7:30-8:30pm
(8 Tuesdays) - Tuition: $499
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students, post-baccalaureate students, career changers, and health professions applicants
- Enrollment is limited—early registration is encouraged.