Many students discover their passion for healthcare after completing their undergraduate degree. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone — and there are programs to support you on your journey. A pre-health certificate offers a direct and guided way to complete the prerequisite courses you need to apply to professional programs in nursing, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions.

At the MGH Institute of Health Professions, our Pre-Health Certificate is designed for motivated learners ready to take the next step toward a meaningful career in healthcare.

What Is a Pre-Health Certificate?

A pre-health certificate is a focused, post-baccalaureate program that helps students complete the foundational courses required for admission to professional healthcare programs. Think of it as your bridge between your undergraduate degree and your future career in healthcare.

Most programs include coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and statistics. The curriculum is simultaneously designed to meet prerequisite requirements for academic programs you want to apply to AND strengthen your academic record. Post-baccalaureate programs are particularly helpful for those who had non-science majors in college or may have struggled academically as an undergraduate. A pre-health certificate canprepare you for the rigorous study that professional programs demand while giving you a clearer sense of which healthcare path fits you best.

Who Should Consider a Pre-Health Certificate?

Pre-health certificates are designed for individuals who are exploring, pivoting, or preparing for a career in healthcare. You might be a good fit if you are:

  • A career changer — ready to move from another field into healthcare but need prerequisite courses.
  • A recent graduate — interested in applying to a graduate health program but missing key science requirements.
  • A returning professional — seeking to strengthen your academic background before applying to nursing, PA, OT, or PT school.

Whatever your starting point, a pre-health certificate helps you take concrete steps toward your professional goals — with support and structure every step of the way.

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What Will You Learn?

Pre-health programs typically include a sequence of science and lab-based courses designed to meet prerequisite expectations. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with experience applying content to the health fields. Some pre-health programs offer the opportunity to customize your curriculum plan – this maximizes flexibility based on courses that you might have taken previously or others that you might need to re-take.  

Typical coursework includes:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
  • Biology and Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Statistics

How This Program Prepares You for Graduate Study

Beyond fulfilling prerequisites, a pre-health certificate program helps you build confidence, develop study habits, and gain insight into healthcare fields. You’ll practice interpreting data, conducting experiments, and thinking like a healthcare professional. Many students find that completing a pre-health certificate makes their transition to professional programs smoother — academically, socially, and professionally.

Because we’re a part of Mass General Brigham, our students also benefit from studying within a leading academic health system. This unique environment helps you envision what’s next, whether your goal is advanced practice nursing, rehabilitation sciences, or medicine.

Why Choose the MGH Institute of Health Professions

The MGH Institute is the only degree-granting member of Mass General Brigham, one of the nation’s most respected healthcare systems. Our small class sizes, expert faculty, and interprofessional environment set us apart from traditional undergraduate institutions or large public universities.

At the IHP, you’ll:

  • Learn alongside future nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Receive personalized advising and academic support tailored to your goals.
  • Gain exposure to professional expectations within a world-class health system.

When you complete your pre-health certificate at the MGH Institute, you’re not just checking boxes — you’re building the foundation for a successful, meaningful career in healthcare. If you’re ready to pivot into a rewarding field that makes a difference, a pre-health certificate can be your first step toward that future.