When can I start my classes?
Rutgers admits students for the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Generally, medical and dental schools prefer for you to do your coursework during the regular academic year (fall and spring) and use the summers for experiential learning (work, shadowing, volunteering).
What premedical/dental/PA prerequisite courses will I need to take at Rutgers, New Brunswick?
Students should have completed Expository Writing (355:101) or equivalent and Precalculus (640:115) or equivalent, as those courses are prerequisites for Biology and Chemistry. See njtransfer.org for course equivalents at NJ community colleges.
What if I didn’t take those courses as part of my undergraduate degree?
You should plan to take them at your local community college before you enroll in Rutgers. If you do not have college credit for those courses, you will be required to take a placement test and complete them here.
What classes does a typical premedical or predental student take?
General Biology 1 and 2, and lab (119:115, 116 and 117)
General Chemistry 1 and 2 and lab (160:161, 162, and 171)
Organic Chemistry and lab (160:307, 309, and 311)
General Physics and labs (750:203, 204 and 205, 206)
Biochemistry (694:301)
Two semesters of college-level math (precalculus, or above and one semester of statistics)
Two semesters of college-level writing (Expository Writing, 355:101, or equivalent and one semester of additional writing-intensive coursework).
One semester of Psychology
One semester of Sociology
Additional upper-level Biology electives such as Genetics and Systems Physiology are also recommended, if possible.
What about a postbaccalaureate pre- Physician Assistant student?
All of the above but you can skip Physics and should take Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology as bio electives, as well as medical terminology.
*Please note, students should check the programs to which they plan to apply to make sure they meet the requirements of the individual schools.
What courses should students interested in other health care careers take?
Use the links on the HPO web site and https://explorehealthcareers.org to find out what you need to take, research other requirements and schools and application processes.
Is financial aid available for post-baccalaureate students?
No. Financial aid is generally not available to non-matriculating students see https://sasundergrad.rutgers.edu/advising/current-students/nonmatriculating-students
Is taking courses at Rutgers as a non-matriculated student a good way to improve my science GPA from my undergraduate degree?
Not necessarily. If you are trying to improve your GPA for admission to medical or other health professions graduate programs, taking courses as a non-matriculating student at Rutgers may not be in your best interest. You may be better off with a structured, record enhancing post baccalaureate program or a special master’s program. You can explore information about the postbaccalaureate path and find such programs here: https://students-residents.aamc.org/postbacc/
How long will it take me to complete my postbaccalaureate course work?
This will depend on how many of the prerequisites you need to complete and if you are planning to be a full-time or part-time student. For students who are true career changers and never took any of the prerequisites as part of their undergraduate degree, it is generally a two-year process to complete the course work and then another year for the actual application process to professional schools.
What else, besides the prerequisite courses do I need to be a competitive candidate?
Professional programs in health care want to see that you have some first-hand experience in the field you are trying to pursue. At the most basic this would be shadowing and volunteering in medical/dental settings. As a post-bacc, however, there are often higher expectations that you would have some more substantial experience such as EMT, paid work in a medical setting (scribe, doctor’s office, etc.). You should also be able to demonstrate a commitment to helping others, leadership skills, and good communication skills. For more information on the competencies expected of medical applicants see: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/core-competencies/
What services does the HPO offer to postbaccalaureate students?
Students who enroll at Rutgers, New Brunswick have access to all of the services offered by the HPO (Note: this does not include the BA/MD, DMD or MS/PA programs as those are for students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a degree bearing program at Rutgers. Please see our web site for more information: hpo.rutgers.edu
Nelson Biological Laboratories