The Office of Pre-Health Advising has developed exclusive and impactful programs to support the career development of Oxy pre-health students.
Top image: Oxy student Joan Kronick working over the summer at City of Hope National Medical Center.
Oxy Pre-med Program at Huntington Hospital (HOPP)
Since 2020, our office has partnered with Dr. Kim Shriner ’80 and Dr. Mia Mattioli from the Huntington Hospital to offer virtual preceptorships for pre-health students through the HOPP program (also known as BIO 298). As of September 2024, HOPP has enrolled 94 students, and 20 of them have matriculated to medical schools. For Spring 2025, the HOPP is being taught by Dr. John Black and Kat Wang. This program is open to all second-year pre-health students and up.
The HOPP program is a medical education crash course that includes an introduction to how medical professionals approach patients and diagnostics, the role of the medical interview and the diagnostics including the physical exam, and an opportunity to reflect on the process of becoming a healthcare professional by having interactions with those in the process (medical students, residents, attendings, etc.). Through participating in this program, students will gain valuable insight into career pathways in medicine, how to deliver culturally sensitive care, and how to prepare for future medical school interviews.
Keck Graduate Institute
If you're interested in biotechnology, become a biochemistry major and maintain a 3.2 GPA in the necessary courses, you'll be guaranteed admission to the Keck master's in bioscience program. The Keck Graduate Institute is part of the Claremont Colleges.
City of Hope Clinical Research Fellowship
Through the City of Hope Clinical Research Fellowship and the Hameetman Career Center, students will be selected to participate in a funded research project at City of Hope, a premier cancer research hospital located in Duarte, CA.
Applicant Pipeline Program
The 18-month Applicant Pipeline Program is designed for active medical school applicants including juniors, seniors, and alumni. This rigorous program will offer step-by-step guidance and medical/dental school coaching for students gearing up to apply in the summer. During the 2021-22 medical school admissions cycle, over 90% of the program participants were accepted to medical school, and five students received full scholarships. Those interested in applying to medical/dental/health professional schools, with desired entry in 2025, are strongly encouraged to complete the Intent to Apply form.
Free MCAT Test Prep Resource
Access free-of-charge MCAT test preparation material by scheduling a reservation. Please follow the community rule that the login credentials are confidential and must remain unchanged. Violations will result in suspension from advising service. Request access (Oxy email and/or ID number will be verified)
Doctor of Therapy 4-3 Pathway
Occidental students who aspire to become physical therapists will be guaranteed an interview and have priority consideration in the admissions process to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (MCPHS), Worcester campus. Applicants must complete the DPT pathway prerequisites, fill out an intent to apply form before Oct 15 of their senior year, and apply to MCPHS through PTCAS. More information