Description

The Biomedical Careers Program (BCP) began in 1978 as an academic enrichment program for undergraduate students interested in careers in the health professions. The program targets undergraduates who are economically and/or educationally disadvantaged. BCP offers an intensive six-week summer program to serve students at all stages of undergraduate education. Students take part in a variety of science enrichment and healthcare-oriented activities.

BCP is sponsored by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF).

If you are looking for summer programs which are more research-oriented, please view the Undergraduate Summer Research Opportunities available at this link.

Academic Component

The academic component consists of science courses, relevant lab work, research and clinical experience as well as cognitive skills seminars and MCAT preparation.

The Biomedical Careers Program consists of three levels:

Level I

Level I is designed for students who have just begun pre-professional studies and have completed at least one year of college and one semester of general chemistry, introductory biology and introductory math, respectively.

Curriculum

• Introduction to Microbiology
• Introduction to General or Organic Chemistry
• Learning Skills Workshops
• Health Professions Career Seminars and Workshops

Level II

Level II is designed for students who have completed at least one semester of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, college-level mathematics and two semesters of general biology.

Curriculum

• Introduction to Physiology or Introduction to Biochemistry
• MCAT Science Review
• MCAT Verbal Reasoning Review
• Clinical Work and/or Health Professions Career Seminars and Workshops

Level III

Level III is designed for students who are at or near the point of applying to professional schools and have completed most pre-professional science requirements.Curriculum

• Introduction to Immunology
• MCAT Verbal Reasoning Review
• Technical Communications
• Research or Clinical Internship
• Health Professions Career Seminars and Workshops

Placement of students will be based on an evaluation of each student’s overall academic record, including all courses taken and performance in these courses.

Careers Counseling and Seminar Series

In addition to the Core Courses, the program offers career counseling and seminars that expose participants to different health-related occupations and current public health issues. Other seminars assist them with applying to health professions schools and gives them a glimpse into the lives of the typical graduate student. BCP also hosts a recruitment fair and panel discussion with graduate students and health professionals.

Sample Seminar Topics

• Aapplying to health professions schools
• Interviewing for health professions schools
• Financial aid
• Cultural competence and patient-centered care
• Professionalism
• Healthy living
• Stress management
• Legal, civic and social responsibility