Career Changer
The Career Changer Program is designed for students with little to no prior science coursework who are seeking to complete the foundational science prerequisites required for medical school and other health professions programs.
Through a structured curriculum and individualized advising, students build a strong scientific foundation while developing the academic and professional competencies necessary to become competitive applicants for health professional school admission.
Program Length: 2 Year (cohort model) – Summer Only Entry
Curriculum: Biology (labs, lectures, and/or electives available), General Chemistry with Labs, Organic Chemistry with Labs, Biochemistry, Physics with Labs
The Career Changer Program may be a good fit for students that match the following:
- Has little to no prior science coursework completed.
- Is interested in pursuing a career in medicine or another health profession.
- Has explored healthcare-related experiences through volunteering, employment, shadowing, or other involvement.
- Is considering a transition into healthcare from a non-healthcare/science related background.
- Is seeking a structured pathway to complete the academic preparation needed for health professional school admission.
Application Timeline
Application open: September 17, 2026
Deadline to submit application in PostBacCAS: February 5, 2027 @ 11:59 pm PST
All supplemental documents must be received: February 12, 2027
Interviews: Late February/Early March
Instruction begins: June 2027
**applications reviewed on a rolling basis**
Application Questions?
PostBacCAS Help Center
Email: PostBacCASinfo@liasioncas.com
Phone: 857-304-2047
Program Questions?
Email: premedpb@uci.edu
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (any major)
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Preferred science GPA: 3.0 and above
All applications received are considered individually and holistically by the admissions team, regardless of whether an applicant meets the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement listed.
Required Coursework
Applicants must have little to no science prerequisite courses. The following are required with a minimum B letter grade and above
- One class of Introductory/Prep Chemistry
- Alternative options: 1 term of Calculus I, or 1 term of General Chemistry with labs (in person)
- One year of English Composition
Applicants should have completed no more than approximately one year of a core prerequisite science prior to enrollment (e.g. General Chemistry series with labs). Students with more extensive prerequisite coursework completed may not be eligible for the program, as prior coursework may affect placement within the prescribed curriculum sequence.
For any questions, please contact premedpb@uci.edu.
Letters of Recommendation
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members at an accredited college or university
- One faculty letter may be replaced with a letter from a supervisor in a research, clinical, healthcare, or other significant extracurricular setting
Supplemental Documents Required
- Transcripts from all institutions attended where undergraduate or graduate credit was earned: How to Send Transcripts to PostBacCAS
- Letters of Recommendation (2-3). Minimum two letters of recommendation.
All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically through PostBacCAS. Request for your letters of recommendation through the PostBacCAS application. Your letter writers will receive instructions on how to submit their letter online. Letters statuses are updated real time.
Supplemental Application Processing Form (non-refundable fee) – $60. Email this form to UCI Division of Continuing Education when submitting your application: dce-services@uci.edu.
APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION BEFORE THEIR TRANSCRIPTS AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION ARE RECEIVED. All documents must be received by February 12th, 2027. Remaining incomplete applications by February 12th,2027 are denied without a refund.
Extracurricular Experiences
Applicants should demonstrate approximately 3 months of combined experience across the following areas. Experience may be gained from multiple areas listed below and does not need to come from a single area.
- Clinical experience (paid or volunteer)
- Clinical shadowing
- Community service and outreach
- Other meaningful extracurricular activities
Curriculum Map
Year 1
| Summer | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chem 1A *Summer Session 1* (4) | Chem 1C (4) | BioSci E109 – Human Physiology (4) | Phys 3A – Physics (4) |
| Chem 1LC – Lab (3) | BioSci 98 – Biochemistry (4) | BioSci 99 – Molecular Biology (4) | |
| Chem 1B *Summer Session 2* (4) | Biosci 97 – Genetics (4) | Chem 1LD – Lab (4) | BioSci 100 (3) |
| **option available to add BioSci 93** | |||
| 8 total units | 11 total units | 12 total units | 11 total units |
Year 2
| Summer | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phys 3B *Summer Session 1* (4) | Chem 51C – Organic Chemistry (4) | Chem 51B (4) | Chem 51C – (4) |
| Phys 3LB – Lab (1.5) | BioSci E112L – Lab (4) | Chem 51LB – Lab (3) | Chem 51LC – Lab (3) |
| Phys 3LC (1.5) | BioSci Lab (4) | BioSci Lab (4) | |
| Phys 3C *Summer Session 2* (4) | Elective and/or Research (optional) | Elective and/or Research (optional) | Elective and/or Research (optional) |
| *MCAT/DAT/etc. test prep* | |||
| 9.5 total units | 10.5 total units | 11 total units | 11 total units |
Students may being MCAAT prep during or after the program, though completiong of most coursework is recommended beforehand.
Application Fees
- PostBacCAS Application Fee: $141 for the first application; $56 for each additional application submitted to other postbaccalaureate programs. (Paid directly to PostBacCAS.)
- UCI Supplemental Application Fee: $60 per applicant.
Enrollment Fees
Commitment Deposit: $300
Applied toward the Program Fee upon enrollment.
Program Fees
Career Changer Program: $6,500 per accepted student.
Course Fees
Tuition is assessed per-unit and is charged separately from the Program Fee. Additional university enrollment, technology, and departmental fees may apply.
- Cost per Unit (26-27 Academic Year): $481
- Summer Cost per unit: $400 (Charged as Visiting Non-UC Students)
Most Career Changer students complete approximately 40-45 units per academic year, although unit totals and overall educational expenses vary based on academic background, course selection, unit enrollment, and individual educational goals.
Housing, textbooks, transportation, lab materials, and personal expenses are not included Course fees are subject to change.
Certification Requirements
The UCI Biological Sciences Postbaccalaureate Pre-Health Program is a non-degree granting, certificate program. Students who satisfy the requirements below may request a digital Certificate of Completion through the UCI Division of Continuing Education:
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- Completion of at least 55 units taken from the following list of UCI courses:
- General Chemistry 1A-B-C-LC-LD
- Organic Chemistry 51A-B-C-LB-LC
- Physics 3A-B-C-LB-LC
- Biological Sciences: 97 – Genetics, 98 – Biochemistry, 99 – Molecular Biology, 100 – Scientific Writing, E109 – Human Physiology, E112L – Human Physiology Lab, D111L – Cell Biology Lab, M116L – Molecular Biology LabAdditional upper-division Bio Sci courses, as approved
- Statistics 7 or 8