Biomedical Careers Program

The Biomedical Careers Program (BCP) is an intensive four-week academic enrichment summer pathway program for undergraduate students pursuing a career in medicine. BCP targets students from groups underrepresented in medicine and those from educationally and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Priority is given to Educational Opportunity Fund students.

Curriculum

BCP offers students at different stages of their undergraduate education the intellectual and self-management skills to succeed on their path to medical school. Students take part in a variety of core science courses, academic support and success seminars, patient-simulated clinical modules, career and professional development workshops along with student wellness activities. 

BCP has three components aimed to prepare students for a successful track to a career in medicine: academic preparation, career and professional development and student wellness.  

Academic Preparation

The curriculum consists of science courses, MCAT preparation and academic support services aimed to prepare students for medical school. The RWJMS Cognitive Skills Program also provides academic success seminars on study and exam strategies as well as time management.

Career and Professional Development

BCP offers career and professional development seminars to expose participants to different careers in medicine and provide opportunities to engage with faculty, residents and medical students. The program also prepares students for the medical school application and interview process through personal statement and curriculum vitae writing workshops,  public speaking seminars, and mock interviews. Clinical and volunteer opportunities are pending COVID safety protocols.

Student Wellness

Students participate in a variety of interactive and engaging wellness activities that promote a positive and goal-oriented mindset while reducing stress and burn-out.

Program Levels

The Biomedical Careers Program is divided into two levels targeting students at different stages of their undergraduate education. 

Level I

Level I is designed for students who have just begun pre-professional studies and have completed at least one year of college (by the start of the program) and at least one semester of biology, chemistry, math and expository writing or college composition.

Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0

Curriculum Highlights: Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Pre-med Seminars, Service-Learn Activities

Level II

Level II is designed for students who have completed at least two semesters of either biology, chemistry, or organic chemistry. 

Minimum GPA requirement: 3.2

Core Course Offering: Introduction to Biochemistry, Introduction to Physiology, Careers in Medicine Seminars, AMCAS Application Assistance, Clinical Shadowing

*Program content subject to change.

Important Dates

Summer 2022 Program Dates: June 20 – July 15, 2022

Application Deadline: May 6, 2022

Decision Notifications will be emailed after May 11, 2022

Application Process

Eligibility

• Former BCP students who want to participate in a more advanced level
• Students who reside in New Jersey and are currently enrolled at a New Jersey College/University
• Students who are recipients of the EOF grant at their current College/University
• Those who meet the minimum GPA and course requirements

A Completed Application Consists of:

• An online application form
• Transcripts from all institutions attended (*including recent fall semester grades)
• One letter or recommendation from a science or non-science professor written within the last 18-months, pre-med advisor, or EOF advisor

To apply, click HERE.

* IMPORTANT: Rutgers University is now requiring that all vaccinated students obtain a booster vaccination as soon as eligible. Eligibility for a booster is defined as six months after the last mRNA vaccine or two months after a J&J vaccine. Students with approved medical or religious exemptions are excused from the booster requirement.

Other Information

Location: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway Campus

Program Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Academic Credit: Academic credit is not provided.

Daily Transportation: Participants are expected to provide their own transportation to campus for the duration of the program. Parking permit fees will be covered by the program.

Housing: On-campus housing is available to students who require it. Housing is a short walking distance from the medical school.

Health Insurance: Health insurance is not provided. Students must submit proof of health insurance for participation.

For EOF students: EOF students are eligible to receive a stipend. Students are required to provide their HESAA ID# and verification letter from their EOF Director.

Contact

If you have questions about BCP or the application process, please, please email summerprogram@rwjms.rutgers.edu