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Pre-Professional Health Academic Program


Gain the competitive edge for applying to health professional schools. Designed with the flexibility that working adults require, Cal State East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program equips you with the knowledge to make your application stand out and paves the way to an exciting and rewarding career in the healthcare field.

 
 

Schools Take Notice

Interested in a healthcare or biomedical career, but don't have a science degree or the desired GPA for applying to Health Professional Schools?

Cal State East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP) is specifically designed to provide you with the competitive advantage to enter into health professional schools and, ultimately, a career in the health care industry.

Whether you’re interested in a career change or already have an educational background in science but would like to enhance your GPA, the PHAP has a track for you.


Program Highlights

Supportive cohort classroom learning environment; our small-sized classes are exclusive to PHAP students

Individualized advising, mentoring, tutoring through each step of the way

The Princeton Review® MCAT prep course at a highly subsidized rate

Personal statement/application workshops

Committee letter of recommendation or letter packet (students must meet minimum requirements)

Numerous clubs/extracurriculars


PHAP helped me improve my academic resume; allowed me to balance two clinical-oriented jobs, volunteering, and extracurricular activities; and guided me through the rigorous application process. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the lasting connections and friendships I’ve made in this program!

Jean-Paul OrogoPHAP 2018-19
CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2026

With a PHAP Certificate from an accredited university, you’ll quickly be on your way to an exciting and rewarding career in the health profession.

Become an Asset to Your Community

Do you desire a career that is challenging, engaging, and satisfying? Cal State East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program is strategically designed to provide the competitive advantage needed to enter a health professional school and launch a rewarding career in medicine, optometry, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, and other healthcare fields.


Launch a rewarding career in a variety of healthcare fields.

Occupational and Medical College Trends

New Jobs

Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Completion of Premedical Requirements

Performing well in a premedical post-baccalaureate program demonstrates successful completion of premedical requirements, as well as a continued commitment to your goal of a career in medicine.
—Association of American Medical Colleges

2 million jobs

Total employment in healthcare occupations is projected to increase 13 percent, or 2 million jobs, from 2021 to 2031.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics


Develop Your Competitive Edge

Health professional schools today are admitting more post-baccalaureate students than ever before. As a student in Cal State East Bay’s PHAP, you’ll receive the intensive training and preparation needed to succeed in those schools and foster a career in the health profession of your choice.

Join the growing list of Cal State East Bay graduates who are admitted into medical schools across the nation each year by showing promise in scholarship, competitive entrance test scores, quality experience in health/medical settings, and excellent personal characteristics that include maturity, leadership, self-discipline, compassion, and empathy.


PHAP indeed helps with the tangible things like GPA and apps, but what I love most is its ability to make students believe that their dreams are still attainable – and that’s largely achieved through their faculty, staff, & students. PHAP taught me to believe again in my capacity as a student, leader, & future physician.

Irina AdaoPHAP 2018-19
UCSF School of Medicine, 2024

I needed someone to recognize that I was more than a score. These professors generously offered their time to know me on a personal level. Their immense support, guidance, and approbation gave me the confidence to relentlessly pursue my goals.

Anosh KermaniPHAP 2019-20
MSU College of Human Medicine, 2025

PHAP gave me a second chance to prove myself to dental schools. After completing 5 semesters with a 4.0, I refined my study habits and grew confident within myself and my academic abilities. PHAP wasn't just a program – it was a family and I couldn't have gotten into dental school without them!

Fareen BalochPHAP 2019-20
UOP School of Dentistry, 2025

I always knew I wanted a career in medicine, but as a first generation student, navigating academics and the application process was challenging. Through PHAP I found the community and the guidance that prepared me for this next chapter of my career.

Giselle Castorena PerezPHAP 2018-20
USC School of Medicine, 2025

Program Objectives

By successfully completing this program, you will:

Acquire the required baseline knowledge in entrance and advanced science courses to competitively apply to health professional schools.

Gain necessary experience in various health settings.

Prepare for national entrance exams such as the MCAT, DAT, GRE, and OAT.

Have opportunities to engage in basic or clinical research and participate in community service.

Receive mentoring and tutoring that prepare you for the health professional school application process.

Develop personal characteristics and acquire skill-based professional training for career advancement.


Program Curriculum

Cal State East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program is designed to fit the needs of both non-science and science majors. As a student in the program, you’ll enjoy a goal-oriented curriculum that includes health profession volunteerships/internships, research experience, community service, and pre-health association opportunities.

The program is designed for students who can take classes full-time, with at least three to four classes per semester. However, with classes being offered at the Hayward and Concord campuses and the Oakland Center with convenient class times, including some evening courses, you can easily fit classes into your busy schedule.




Choose from Two Tracks Designed to Meet Your Goals

The program includes two different tracks, depending on your academic background:

Track I: Career Changer

Approximately 2 full years, or 4 semesters. Choose this track if you have a non-science degree.

Track II: Academic Enhancer

Approximately 1 full year, or 2 semesters. Choose this track if you already hold a biological sciences or biochemistry degree.


Track I: Career Changer

Requirement: 68-90 units (starts fall semester only)

To finish the Career Changer track, you must complete:

  • 47-59 units (Foundation Science Courses)
  • 21-31 units (Elective Lower and Upper Division Courses)

Foundation Science Courses (47-59 units):

Biology Courses
BIOL 140A - Cell and Molecular Biology (5 units)
BIOL 140B - Organismal Biology (5 units)
Physics Courses
PHYS 125 - Principles of Physics I (4 units)
PHYS 126 - Principles of Physics II (4 units)
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I (5 units)
CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II (5 units)
CHEM 331 - Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
CHEM 332 - Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
Mathematics Courses
MATH 130 - Calculus I (4 units)
Psychology Courses
PSYC 100 - General Psychology (3 units)
PSYC 330 - Cognitive Psychology (4 units)
Statistics Courses
STAT 303A - Biostatistics for Health Sciences (3 units)
Health Science Courses
HSC 130 - Health Humanities (3 units)
HSC 405 – Toxicology (3 units)
Seminar Courses
BIOL 408 – Biomedical Sciences Seminar (2 units)

Elective Lower and Upper Division Courses (21-31 units):

Select from the following:
BIOL 270 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 units)
BIOL 271 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 units)
BIOL 310 - Genetic Analysis I (4 units)
BIOL 330 - General Microbiology (5 units)
BIOL 410 - Genetic Analysis II (3 units)
BIOL 426 - Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology (3 units)
BIOL 434 - Molecular Microbiology (3 units)
BIOL 440 - Molecular Virology (3 units)
BIOL 441 - Parasitology (3 units)
BIOL 442 - Epidemiology (3 units)
BIOL 444 - Medical Entomology (3 units)
BIOL 445 - Immunology (3 units)
BIOL 470 - Animal Senses (4 units)
BIOL 471 - Neurobiology (3 units)
BIOL 473 - Comparative Physiology (3 units)
BIOL 474 - Biomedical Physiology (3 units)
BIOL 476 - General Endocrinology (3 units)
BIOL 488 - Environmental Physiology (3 units)
CHEM 441 - Biochemistry I (4 units)
CHEM 442 - Biochemistry II (4 units)
CHEM 445 - Protein Structure (3 units)
CHEM 446 - Nucleic Acid Chemistry (3 units)
CHEM 447 - Major Organ Biochemistry (3 units)
CHEM 490 - Independent Study (1-4 units)
HSC 315 - Public Health (3 units)
HSC 355 - Bioethics (3 units)
MATH 131 - Calculus II (4 units)

Track II: Academic Enhancer

Requirement: 34-40 units (starts fall and spring semesters)

To complete the Academic Enhancer track, you must complete 34-40 units to be selected from the following list of courses:

Elective Lower and Upper Division Courses (34-40 units):

Biology Courses
BIOL 270 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 units)
BIOL 271 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 units)
BIOL 310 - Genetic Analysis I (4 units)
BIOL 330 - General Microbiology (5 units)
BIOL 410 - Genetic Analysis II (3 units)
BIOL 424 Bioinformatics (3)
BIOL 426 - Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology (3 units)
BIOL 430 Microbial Physiology and Metabolism (3)
BIOL 432 Microbe-Host Interactions (3)
BIOL 434 - Molecular Microbiology (3 units)
BIOL 440 - Molecular Virology (3 units)
BIOL 441 - Parasitology (3 units)
BIOL 442 - Epidemiology (3 units)
BIOL 444 - Medical Entomology (3 units)
BIOL 445 - Immunology (3 units)
BIOL 470 - Animal Senses (4 units)
BIOL 471 - Neurobiology (3 units)
BIOL 473 - Comparative Physiology (3 units)
BIOL 474 - Biomedical Physiology (3 units)
BIOL 476 - General Endocrinology (3 units)
BIOL 488 - Environmental Physiology (3 units)
Physics Courses
BIOL 125A – Principles of Physics I (1 unit)
BIOL 126A – Principles of Physics II (1 unit)
PHYS 303 - Biophysics (3 units)
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I (5 units)
CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II (5 units)
CHEM 331 - Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
CHEM 332 - Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
CHEM 441 - Biochemistry I (4 units)
CHEM 442 - Biochemistry II (4 units)
CHEM 445 - Protein Structure (3 units)
CHEM 446 - Nucleic Acid Chemistry (3 units)
CHEM 447 - Major Organ Biochemistry (3 units)
Mathematics Courses
MATH 130 - Calculus I (4 units)
MATH 131 - Calculus II (4 units)
Psychology Courses
PSYC 100 - General Psychology (3 units)
PSYC 330 - Cognitive Psychology (4 units)
Statistics Courses
STAT 303A - Biostatistics for Health Sciences (3 units)
English Courses
ENGL 100 College Writing: Stretch I (3)
ENGL 101 College Writing: Stretch II (3)
ENGL 200 College Writing II (3)
Health Science Courses
HSC 130 - Health Humanities (3 units)
HSC 315 - Public Health (3 units)
HSC 355 - Bioethics (3 units)
HSC 405 - Toxicology (3 units)
Seminar Courses
BIOL 408 – Biomedical Sciences Seminar (2 units)
Independent Study
BIOL 490 – Independent Study (1-4 units)
CHEM 490 Independent Study (1-4 units)

Please note: Students with biomedical undergraduate degrees (like biology, biochemistry, etc.) must complete a minimum of 10 upper division courses (or one full year) as post-baccalaureates to qualify for certification.

Featured Faculty

Kenneth Curr

PhD

Dr. Kenneth Curr is an associate professor in CSUEB’s Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Curr's research is based on three areas of study, molecular virology (GB Virus Type C/HIV-1), marine invertebrate immunology and population genetics (the nudibranch Tritonia tetraquetra) and finally,heavy metal bioremediation using cyanobacteria (Spirulina plantensis/maximus).

Tyler Evans

PhD

Dr. Tyler Evans is an assistant professor in CSUEB’s Department of Biological Sciences with a focus on environmental physiology, genomics, and climate change. His lab, The Evans Lab at California State University, East Bay, is interested in how shifts in abiotic variables affect the performance of marine organisms, particularly within the scope of global climate change. His work strives to characterize responses to the environment across levels of biological organization and elucidate differences that exist between populations or species in their capacity to respond to environmental change. Ultimately, this information is useful in developing predictions as to how organisms will fare in future environments.

Dr. Evans has a PhD in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada).

For more information about his research, please visit his website.

Erik Helgren

PhD

 

Dr. Erik Helgren is the chair for CSUEB’s Department of Physics as well as an associate professor with a focus on transport properties of renewable energy materials. He also is the co-director of the Social Impact Solar (SIS) program, i.e., the Solar Suitcase Program since 2015, where students learn basic STEM concepts associated with solar technology as well as the social justice and environmental justice implications that solar technology can have on society. Students in the class assemble a working off-grid solar energy system, i.e., the Solar Suitcase, developed by our partner non-profit We Share Solar.

Dr. Helgren was awarded the George and Miriam Phillips Outstanding Professor Award for the 2018-2019 academic year and has served on the board of directors for the CSUEB Institute for STEM Education since 2015.

He earned his PhD in Physics from UCLA.

Arnab Mukherjea

DrPH, MPH

An effective teacher is one who draws out the natural talents and skills individuals possess through their personal experiences and mastery of their own realities.  As an instructor, my role is to have students blend academic knowledge with these important exposures to become competent, innovative, and influential professionals.

 

Dr. Arnab Mukherjea has a specific passion for empowering at-risk populations to assume ownership of their own health prospects. He firmly believes that training and developing diverse and talented students will allow them to return to their communities to positively impact health. Dr. Mukherjea received his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree in Applied Health Disparities Research, as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health & Social Behavior with a specialization in Multicultural Health. His Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is in Molecular & Cell Biology, with a concentration in Neuroscience. All of his academic training occurred at the University of California, Berkeley.  

Dr. Mukherjea has been involved in both undergraduate and graduate public health education in the University of California and California State University systems since 1998, teaching courses in community health, multicultural health, team building, epidemiology, as well as integration of theory and practice. In addition to teaching, he has worked in the non-profit sector, encompassing research and practice, with a particular focus on understanding and addressing preventable disparities among understudied Asian American populations. He has published and lectured on a number of issues related to health disparities in California and throughout the U.S. and has received numerous awards for his research in this area.  

 

James Murray

PhD

As a scientist, Dr. James Murray is trained to employ critical thinking, and as an instructor he has learned to hone critical thinking skills in his students. Throughout his courses, students learn how to critically analyze scientific literature and data, and how to evaluate the importance of scientific results and statistical evidence. The bulk of Dr. Murray's research focuses on the neural basis for adaptive behavior.

Dr. Murray received a BS in Neurobiology & Behavior from Cornell University in 1988, and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Washington in 1994.

Poonam Narula

PhD

Dr. Poonam Narula has taught general chemistry at Cal State East Bay since 2017. She has a passion for teaching as she believes that it allows her to share her knowledge with the future of tomorrow.

Apart from her teaching experience, Dr. Narula has worked in various business sectors for the past 15 years and has been involved in identification of new growth areas and managing implementation in these areas.

Dr. Nurula holds a PhD in inorganic chemistry from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC and a postdoc in analytical chemistry from the University of NC at Chapel Hill as well as an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.

Claudia Uhde-Stone

PhD

Dr. Claudia Uhde-Stone is a professor in CSUEB’s Department of Biological Sciences. In her lab, undergraduate and graduate students collaborate to unravel the molecular mechanisms that underlie plants’ abilities to adapt, communicate, learn, and potentially live forever. Dr. Stone’s lab uses transcriptomics (RNA-sequencing), proteomics (mass spectrometry) and genome editing (CRISPR-Cas) to better understand how plants function.

She has a PhD from the University of Bielefeld in Germany.

 
 Swipe left or right for the next/previous instructor
Kenneth Curr

Kenneth CurrPhD

Tyler Evans

Tyler EvansPhD

Erik Helgren

Erik HelgrenPhD

Arnab Mukherjea

Arnab MukherjeaDrPH, MPH

James Murray

James MurrayPhD

Poonam Narula

Poonam NarulaPhD

Claudia Uhde-Stone

Claudia Uhde-StonePhD



Additional Faculty:

Dr. Semere Bairu

Dr. Hardeep Kaur

Dr. Helen Kwan

Dr. Faezeh Manshadi

Dr. Taban Seif

Dr. Hasan Tahir

Admission Requirements

To qualify for entry into the Pre-Professional Health Academic Program at Cal State East Bay, you must:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree with an overall minimum GPA of 2.8 (average of accepted GPA is 3.0).

How to Apply

Once you are ready to apply to the program, you will fill out an online application and submit all transcripts directly from your previous college.


Please note that applications for Career Changers (Track I) are ONLY processed for classes beginning in the fall term. Academic Enhancers (Track II) applications are accepted for classes beginning fall and spring terms.

Due to the growth in the pool of prospective students applying to the program, you are encouraged to apply early. Like biomedical schools, the program follows a rolling admissions format, which leads to students with higher GPAs being accepted further along the application cycle. In short, the earlier you apply, the higher your chances of being accepted.


International Student Applicants

If you are an international student/applicant you must demonstrate proficiency in English with one of the following:

If you are an international student and have completed a bachelor’s degree in a science or non-science field, you are invited to apply to the program.

To facilitate processing of international applications, you must:

  • Complete an online application through Cal State Apply.
  • Submit unofficial transcripts and a degree certificate from all foreign institutions attended from your undergraduate degree and higher, if applicable and official transcripts from U.S institutions and submit proof of English proficiency.
  • If you are admitted, you will be required to submit all official documents, transcripts, degree certificates and test scores.
  • If you are an F-1 student, a message will be sent to your Horizon email account if you are admitted in order to further gather information to issue your I-20.

Admission Deadlines

Track I: Career Changer Track

Term Application Filing Period Transcripts & Other Docs Due By
Spring 2024 Not accepting applications N/A
Fall 2024 10/1/23-6/1/24 7/1/24

Track II: Academic Enhancer Track

Term Application Filing Period Transcripts & Other Docs Due By
Spring 2024 08/1/23-11/15/23 11/30/23
Fall 2024 10/1/23-6/1/24 7/1/24

Upcoming Info Sessions

Friday, April 12, 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Online
Hosted by a panel of PHAP Students
RSVP

Friday, May 17, 2024
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
Online
Hosted by PHAP Directors/Advisors
RSVP

Common Questions

What is a post-baccalaureate program?

In order to be a part of a post-baccalaureate program, students must already have a bachelor’s degree. The Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP) is a post-baccalaureate program designed to help pre-health students achieve their goals in applying for their professional school of choice (e.g. medical, dental, physician assistant, etc.).

Am I guaranteed professional school admission and is there career assistance available for applying?

Although admission to professional school is not guaranteed for any student, the Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP) will work with you as you complete an application for the health professional school of your choice (e.g. medical, dental, physician assistant, etc.).

What is the withdrawal and refund policy?

Withdrawal and Refund Policies vary depending on the type of program in which students are enrolled. Please review Registration Policies for more details.

Do students need to purchase textbooks or additional materials?

Yes, but students should wait until the first day of classes for details or can contact their instructor listed on the schedule of classes. All materials are available at the bookstore. 

What advice do I need to be more successful in my first semester?
  • Review the “new student information packet” sent from Cal State East Bay → Typically, Cal State East Bay will send admitted students information via email along with their acceptance into the program. Students should check their Cal State East Bay email account for this information. If students do not see this information in their Cal State East Bay email, they must request the “new student information packet” from the Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP) office by emailing phap@csueastbay.edu.
  • Meet with a faculty advisor → Successful students will make a plan regarding their time in the program based on various factors (e.g. how many prerequisites you need to finish, how many units you need to complete, when you plan to apply, etc.). Meeting with a faculty advisor will help solidify that plan and ensure students finish the program in a timely manner. 
  • Time management → Students should keep in mind that Cal State East Bay is a semester system school. A semester is 16 weeks (15 weeks of instruction and finals week). The normal academic load for full-time students is 12-17 units because each unit taken normally requires 2-3 hours of study per week.
Should students retake courses while in the Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP)?

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) and American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) require any repeated courses to be averaged out when it comes to student GPA. It is highly advised to not retake a course (unless the student received a C- or lower) as the GPA for repeated classes will be averaged out between the original and the retake grade. For example, if a student received a C (2.0) in Organic Chemistry in undergrad and the same student receives an A (4.0) in Organic Chemistry in PHAP then the average is 2.0 + 4.0 = 6.0/2 classes (original and repeat) = 3.0. On top of averaging the grades, it is also important to take into consideration the cumulative units already taken. 

What is needed to complete the program?

To complete the program, students must complete their required units (which depends if they are an academic enhancer or career changer), complete 2 seminars, and fill out the “Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP) Certificate of Completion” physical form and online supplemental form.

How many units are needed to complete the program?

Depending on if a student is an academic enhancer or career changer will determine how many units must be completed. Academic enhancers must complete 34-47 semester units and career changers must complete 47-59 semester units. 

How many seminars are needed to finish the program?

Students must complete 2 seminars to finish the program; 1 seminar per academic semester. Seminars are only offered Fall and Spring semesters. Seminar is not offered in the summer session.

Applying

How do I apply to the program?

Please visit the Admission page for information on admission requirements and how to apply.

I am having technical difficulties with the application, what do I do?

The Firefox browser works best with our application webpage. Try using Firefox or another browser if you are having technical problems with the application. If you continue having difficulty with the application after trying different browsers, please call 1 (857) 304-2087. 

I cannot find the application, what do I do?

The application can be found on our website under the “admission” tab. If you are applying as an “academic enhancer” please select “graduate” for “degree goal” on the application website. If you are applying as a “career changer” please select “certificate” for “degree goal” on the application website. If you continue having difficulties, please refer to our “application procedures” found under the “admission” tab on our website to ensure you are applying correctly. 

What are the requirements to apply to Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP)?

In order to apply for the Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP), applicants must have a minimum of a 2.8 cumulative GPA and a bachelor’s degree completed upon the start of the student’s first semester in the program.

Where do I send my transcripts?

All transcripts should be sent electronically to electronictransripts@csueastbay.edu. If you cannot send it electronically, then please mail it to the following address:

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, EAST BAY 
Office of Admissions 
Attn: Graduate Admissions Office 
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
Hayward, CA 94542-3035
 
Note: Transcripts must include your degree to be considered a “final transcript.” 

Financing

Is financial aid available for post-baccalaureate students?
Contact the Financial Aid office at finaid@csueastbay.edu or call 510-885-3767 to inquire about loans available to PHAP students.

Accessibility Services

Does the university provide accessibility services?
Yes, our Accessibility Services department provides academic accommodations and support services to address the individual needs of students with differing abilities, permanent disabilities or temporary disabling conditions. For more information, including program details and contact information, visit csueastbay.edu/accessibility.

Search Results

At Cal State East Bay, we pride ourselves on putting students first, from the moment you inquire until you graduate. We hope you've found answers to your questions in this support center, but if not, please get in touch.

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At a Glance

Area of study: Pre-Professional Health Academic Certificate

Ideal for:

  • Those who are empathetic, passionate, and committed to making a difference in peoples' lives.
  • Graduates holding a bachelor's degree in a non-science field who have no professional background in the sciences and those with a bachelor's degree in a science who wish to improve their GPA for admission to medical schools.

Program format: In-class (Hayward and Concord Center)

Number of courses: Track I: Career Changer: 20-24 courses

Track II: Academic Enhancer: 10-12 courses

Program length: 2 years for Track I: Career Changer

1 year for Track II: Academic Enhancer

Tuition cost: $575 per unit (Tuition fees are subject to change at any time)

Questions?

Please let us know if we can answer any questions about the Pre-Professional Health Academic Program program. Many answers can also be found in our online Support Center.

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