Certificate Curriculum and Advising

Students can start the certificate program any semester (Summer, Fall, or Spring) as students are accepted using a rolling admissions model. However, it is recommended to start in the summer, which allows for the most expeditious completion of the program. 

Academic advising, professional advising, and specific coursework (electives) are tailored to each student and their career goals. For students considering Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physician Assistant, or Physical or Occuptational Therapy additional pre-requisites are needed, including anatomy and physiology.

After individuals are notified of their acceptance to MSU and the program, they are responsible for getting in contact with HPA to set-up an initial academic advising meeting. During this meeting, students will create (with HPA) a rough draft of their program and sequence of classes, discuss career goals, and receive information on registration.

Following the intial meeting, students will meet with HPA at least one-time per semester to discuss course registration. Individuals in the program are encouraged to meet with HPA more than that if they have questions. Once an MSU student, post-bacc's can also take advantage of all the resources and sponsored events HPA hosts to help with exlporation and education on health professions pathways. 

Course timeline and format depends on the semester. Summer session courses are currently taught in a 6 week format starting at the beginning of May. Fall and Spring courses are taught in a 16 week format beginning at the end of August for fall semester and beginning of January for spring semester. For specific term dates, please see the academic calendar. To look at the course enrollment numbers, faculty instructor, and course delivery format, please see the schedule of classes.

A fulltime course load at Montana State University is considered 12 credits or more. Tuition is based on the number of credits you enroll in each semester. New students who are unsure of their residency status should talk with the Office of Undergradaute Admissions prior to and during the application process. 

Example Schedule of Required Courses:

Certificate of Completion is awarded to students who complete a minimum of 30 credits during the program. The updated curriculum plan allows for more flexibility and customization for students. Making it easier to tailor to your specific academic needs as a pre-health student. Below you will see the new certificate requirements:

Courses offered through the Health Professions Advising office.

Updated 06/2022