School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Premedical Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program in Natural Science

About the Program

Many students do not decide until after college that they want to pursue a career in the health professions. This program provides opportunity for both career changers and academic record enhancers to prepare for entrance into a medical profession of their choice. Students may also retake science courses to demonstrate an improved mastery of those subjects.

The program can be taken on a full or part-time basis and may be completed in as few as 15 months.  Each student will receive a customized program plan based on academic background and career goals which will be created with the help of specially trained advisors.  In order to earn the Certificate in Natural Sciences, students must earn a minimum of 32 credits.

There are many reasons to choose Hofstra for your Premedical Postbaccalaureate studies.

  • Career Changers – Students who have not previously studied the sciences to prepare for entrance into a medical/health profession of their choice
  • Academic Record Enhancers – Students who wish to enhance their academic record for entrance into a medical/health professions program of their choice
  • Individualized advisement geared towards preparing students for graduate medical and health professions  programs including: Medical Doctor (MD or DO), Physician Assistant, Dentistry, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, Veterinarian, Chiropractic, Speech Language Pathology and more. 
  • Priority registration opportunities
  • Application assistance to the graduate medical/health profession program of choice

Student Resources

All of the resources available to Hofstra students will be accessible for premedical Postbaccalaureate students. This includes:

Upon completion of this program, students may become eligible to sit before the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee for committee letters.  To be eligible students must have completed at least 16 credits at Hofstra and meet the GPA criteria for that year.

Postbacc students also have access to numerous student organizations including:

  • American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
  • Hofstra Association of Pre-Dental Students
  • Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS)
  • Physician Assistant Club (PA Club)
  • Student Occupational Therapy Association
  • Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS)
  • National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
  • Health Professions Scholars Program (HPSP)
  • Postbaccalaureate Student Network

Admission

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.  However, we suggest that you apply as soon as possible in order to secure a seat in classes.

To apply, students must complete the Hofstra University Graduate Application online.  You will need to upload copies of your bachelor’s degree transcript, transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended, and pay the $75 application fee. Our minimum GPA requirement is 3.0.  Though not required, applicants may also submit additional materials to strengthen their application such as: a personal statement, letters of recommendation, resume, and standardized test scores (GRE/GMAT/MCAT).

Students who fall below the 3.0 GPA requirement are still encouraged to apply but are recommended to submit supplemental application materials such as a personal statement of intent with an explanation of their undergraduate record, letters of recommendation and/or a resume with relevant experience.