Health Careers Program

Do you dream of becoming a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, or a leader in the scientific community? If you have the drive and the talent, but feel like educational or financial barriers are holding you back, the Health Careers Program (HCP) is here to bridge the gap.

We help highly motivated students from disadvantaged backgrounds build competitive profiles for admission into top-tier health professions and graduate schools — including medical, dental, optometry, podiatry, osteopathic, and veterinary programs. 

Through tutoring, mentoring, and specialized workshops, and powerful real-world experiences like nationwide clinical externships and research placements at Montclair State University, HCP gives undergraduates the competitive edge they need to gain admission into top-tier health professions and graduate schools.

Health Careers Program Eligibility

• High school seniors who are highly motivated and academically capable from financially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Must meet Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Income Guidelines 
• United States citizen or permanent resident, with New Jersey residency.
• Demonstrated ability, competence, and serious interest in science and mathematics, as indicated by high school courses and science-related extra-curricular activities. Potential candidates must have taken math and science courses beyond the minimum requirement (i.e., laboratory science, with biology and chemistry a minimum). Candidates must have taken at least three years of math (i.e., algebra I and II and geometry).
• A minimum "B" average in science and mathematics.
• Average to above grade point average (GPA).
• Median class rank or higher.
• SAT scores reviewed in consideration with science and mathematics courses taken, GPA and class rank.
• 10th grade reading level, preferably above.
• Command of the English language.
• Satisfactory performance on diagnostic/placement tests.
• Personal interview with applicant and parent(s)/guardian(s).
• Recommendations from teachers of mathematics, science and English.
  • A high school graduate or college student may supply recommendations from knowledgeable community persons or employers in addition to recommendations from professors.
  • Greatest emphasis is given to recommendations that attest to capabilities, level of performance and motivation.

Other opportunities offered through the Health Careers Program include affiliations through consortiums, articulations and partnerships.

Application Process

1. Submit application for general admission to Montclair State University.
2. Submit official copies of high school transcript and SAT scores.
3. Submit three letters of recommendation, including letters from mathematics, science, and English teachers (unless otherwise specified).
4. Submit essay/personal statement that includes career goals.
5. Personal interview with applicant and parent(s)/guardian(s) with Health Careers Program Committee at Montclair State University.

Application Deadline: March 1