Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Sciences

Launching in Fall 2026, the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Sciences is an 18-credit program coordinated by the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) in collaboration with schools, colleges, and departments across the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The program is designed to help students strengthen their academic preparation and take the next step toward medical, dental, physician assistant, or biomedical graduate training.

Courses have been selected from multiple disciplines, reflecting the breadth and strength of the UH system. Students will learn alongside faculty in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, the School of Life Sciences, the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, and the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies. This integrated approach provides not only a rigorous academic experience but also exposure to the diverse perspectives that shape modern healthcare.

The certificate is particularly valuable for students who did not follow a traditional premedical pathway or who need an additional academic step to become more competitive applicants to professional schools. A hallmark of the program is the rare opportunity to participate in Gross Anatomy labs—an experience usually reserved for medical students—which offers direct, hands-on engagement with human anatomy. At least nine of the eighteen credits must be completed at the graduate level (600-level or higher), ensuring advanced engagement and preparation for the demands of health professions training.

By broadening access to biomedical education and offering opportunities for deeper academic development, the program supports both individual students and the long-term healthcare needs of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

 Curriculum Structure

• Total Credits: 18
• Graduate-Level Coursework Required: 9 credits minimum
• Capstone Requirement: One course (CMB 695)
• Electives: Selected from a curated list of approved advanced undergraduate and graduate courses across multiple disciplines
• See a listing of courses here

Program Features

• 18-credit program with core and elective coursework
• Includes clinical shadowing or research project capstone
  
• Prepares students for MD, DO, PA and biomedical graduate programs
  
• Personalized advising and professional development
  
• Courses offered across JABSOM and UH Mānoa departments
  
• No additional tuition or fees beyond UH Mānoa enrollment
  
  

Fall 2026 Admissions Overview

Admission to the Post-Baccalaureate program is a two-step process:

1. Apply to UH Mānoa

2. Submit a secondary application directly to the program at JABSOM/CMB - using this form ONLY.

Application form to JABSOM/CMB

Applicants must complete a separate program application to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Sciences program which should include the following in a single PDF file (note that a Google account is needed to upload a file).

• Cover letter
• Personal statement (1–2 pages)
• Resume/CV (preferably in AAMC-style format)
• Optional: Letter(s) of recommendation, up to three

Example application documents

Applications will be reviewed by the program admissions committee.

Admissions Timeline – Fall 2026

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  
• Preferred GPA of 3.3 or higher
  
• Demonstrated interest in medicine, health professions or biomedical research
  
• Academic background in biology, chemistry or a health-related field is recommended
  
  

Apply Now

Step 1:
Submit your UH Mānoa application as a second bachelor’s degree-seeking student at UH admissions.

Step 2:
Complete the secondary Post-Baccalaureate program application form.

Funding

We regret that no federal or institutional financial aid is currently available for this program.

Program Contact