Graduate-level certificate
- Direct entry into the D.O. program upon completion of the two-semester program
- Enhanced prep for the basic biomedical sciences you will encounter during your first two years at any medical school
Your Academic Journey Includes a Seamless Entry into Medical School
Immerse yourself in all aspects of the medical school experience while building a strong foundation in the basic biomedical sciences with the postbaccalaureate Certificate in Health Professions Preparation (C.H.P.P.) program from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. This unique program not only prepares you academically for entry into medical school, it reserves your seat in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program. Direct entry into the D.O. program is given to students upon completion of the program with a 3.6 GPA, or guaranteed interview option with a 3.4-3.59 GPA, and cumulative MCAT score of 500 or higher by the program’s completion.
“The best part of our careers is providing students the opportunity to show that they can perform in medical school and then allowing them to matriculate and fulfill their dreams.”
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Dr. Christina Brown-Wujick, C.H.P.P. Program Director
Quick Facts
Tuition
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
Credits & Requirements
Earn your graduate certificate in one year. The Certificate in Health Professions Preparation requires 18 total credits over two semesters.
Application Deadlines
AACOMAS Application Due: January 15
PostBacCAS Application Due: June 15
*One, not both, of these applications is required for all C.H.P.P. applicants
Delivery Options
C.H.P.P. is offered on campus (in Tampa & Puerto Rico) and uses a flipped classroom model with asynchronous delivery platforms such as Canvas, Lecturio, and Complete Anatomy. If you’re interested in applying to the new Puerto Rico extension, please email Dr. Brown-Wujick at cbrownwu@nova.edu for more information!
Reserve Your Seat in NSU’s D.O. Program
Designed by the College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty members, NSU’s innovative graduate Certificate in Health Professions Preparation is unique in that it offers direct entry into the D.O. program upon completion of the two-semester program with at least a cumulative 3.6 GPA or higher and required MCAT score. Students who graduate with a 3.4 GPA or higher are also guaranteed an interview. Every student who matriculates into our Post-Bac program has a seat held for them in the following fall’s D.O. class that is reserved just for them until they finish the program.
The college does not guarantee interviews or admission for graduates from any other program, so this is a unique opportunity to develop the skills necessary to become a competent and compassionate future Shark physician.
Doctor of Osteopathic MedicineWhy Prepare for Medical School at NSU’s C.H.P.P. Program?
Direct Entry into D.O.
Admission to NSU’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program is guaranteed once you complete the certificate with a cumulative 3.6 GPA or higher and required MCAT score, or pass the guaranteed D.O. admissions interview.
Medical School Immersion
Learn from the same faculty while studying, and enjoying college activities, alongside medical students on the brand-new Tampa Bay campus.
Faculty Focused on Your Success
Count on faculty members to support you through the entire C.H.P.P. program. That’s because they designed it with one goal in mind: your successful entry into medical school.
Get the NSU Edge
As a student at NSU, you’re not just supported by faculty—you’re propelled forward. It’s part of the NSU Edge and what makes us all Sharks. You’ll benefit from a program that’s designed specifically for you to advance into medical school confident, competent, and ready to be a leader in your class and beyond.
About the NSU EdgeLearn More at a Virtual Open House
Our virtual open houses are your chance to ask specific questions and learn more about the C.H.P.P. program. Hosted on the Zoom platform, all open houses are free and require no reservations.
Upcoming Sessions
- Apr 13, 2023, 02:30 PM
- May 9, 2023, 12:00 PM
C.H.P.P. Curriculum
Master the fundamentals of medicine including anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, genetics, and immunology. Two courses focused on academic success will give you strategies for excelling during your future in medical school.
Which Path Is Right for Me?
Four-Year Track (D.O.) or Five-Year Track (C.H.P.P.)
Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
Great! The first step is to complete your application and submit supporting documents. You can choose to do this through one of the two application services: the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) or PostBacCAS.
Option One: The AACOMAS Application
NSU participates in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service, which provides an interactive, web-based application that can be accessed through aacom.org, for the receipt and processing of all applications. AACOMAS takes no part in the selection of students.
Go to the AACOMAS ApplicationOption Two:
The PostBacCAS Application
While this application option is acceptable for admission into the CHPP program, please note that you will need to fill out an AACOMAS application in order to matriculate into the D.O. program at a later date. PostBacCas takes no part in the selection of NSU students.
Go to the PostBacCAS Application
Complete your application
Choose from the AACOMAS or PostbacCAS application services.
Request your transcripts
Request transcripts be mailed to the AACOMAS or PostbacCAS by the registrars of all colleges and universities attended.
Submit MCAT scores
Scores must be no more than two years from the date your application is submitted.
Preprofessional letters of recommendation
If a preprofessional committee does not exist, three letters of evaluation are necessary (two from science professors and one from a nonscience professor).
All letters should be signed on official letterhead and submitted directly through the application portal you chose.
Letter of recommendation from a physician (D.O. or M.D.)
This letter should be signed on official letterhead and submitted directly through the application portal you chose.
Part Two: NSU Online Secondary Application
Upon receipt of your completed application, NSU will forward to you an online secondary C.H.P.P. application. If you have questions about this or experience a delay in receiving the CHPP application, please contact Melissa Chamberlain (954) 262-1989 or chammeli@nova.edu.
Submitting Your Materials
Please mail all documents to:
Mailing Address (Domestic)
Nova Southeastern University Enrollment Processing Services (EPS)
College of Osteopathic Medicine
3301 College Avenue
P.O. Box 299000
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33314-9905
Mailing Address (International)
For International Students:
Nova Southeastern University
Attn: Enrollment Processing Services
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905
After Applying, What Happens Next?
If selected, you’ll receive an invitation by the Health Professions Division Admissions Office to schedule an interview. This personal interview is the next step and does not guarantee admission. Acceptance is on a “rolling” or periodic schedule, and you will receive decision notices via email and mail.
Interview Process
If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email invitation from the Health Professions Division Admissions Office. A confirmation email will provide an agenda and other important information. Applicants may view their status at any time on the NSU Self-Service Banner (WebSTAR).
Interview Day
The candidate experience is a virtual half day and includes:
- Meeting the College of Osteopathic admissions counselor
- Information regarding the admissions committee decision process
- An overview presentation of the curriculum, facilities, and student support
- A private interview with a small team of faculty members
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Feel free to reach out to any of our admissions counselors or program directors listed below.
Melissa Chamberlain
Director of Graduate Admissions
chammeli@nova.edu
Jermila Claxton
Admissions Counselor
jclaxtonco@nova.edu
Christina Brown-Wujick
Assistant Professor and Director of the CHPP Program
cbrownwu@nova.edu