Yes, this program is a non-degree certificate program from Harvard Medical School. It is administered through the Office for External Education with the support of its service provider, Kaplan North America, LLC. Participation in this program does not affect application decisions for Harvard Medical School’s Program in Medical Education.

• The program is designed for undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students and recent graduates who are preparing for or considering medical school, or a related education or career path. Others, including career changers or those with a general interest in the medical field, are welcome to apply if at least 18 years old. 
• If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 or have not yet completed high school, please instead apply to the Pre-College Online Certificate Program here.

• The program is designed to be 100% flexible between your start and end dates. The lesson content is asynchronous, meaning you study whenever you’d like. 
• Since no live meetings or specific study times are required, you can plan your course time around your other commitments as long as you have approximately 30-35 hours to devote to the course between the start and end dates of your chosen cohort/session. 
• For academic enrichment courses, you should also plan a convenient time to take your final exam (90 minutes) prior to your end date.

• Yes, we are happy to switch your enrollment to any available cohort as long as you request the change prior to your scheduled start date. To make a change to your enrollment, reach out to us at support@pm.hms.harvard.edu.
• If you haven't enrolled yet and aren't sure which dates are best for you, we recommend that you enroll in the cohort that is most likely to work and then contact us later (but at least seven days prior to your start date) to switch, if needed.

Yes! There is no limit to how many courses you can take. In fact, many of our students find it beneficial to take multiple courses to fully explore their academic areas of interest.

Yes, you can participate from any time zone. Mentors most frequently interact during daytime hours in U.S. time zones (U.S. PT/MT/CT/ET), but we have students from all over the world studying with us.

• Academic enrichment course tuition: $1,895.
• Capstone course tuition: $2,195.
• There are no additional fees.

We accept most major credit cards (AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa UnionPay, JCB, etc.), as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.

• We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition.
• If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.  

If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your Profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.

Click here to apply; you’ll be guided through the application. Our application process is straightforward. Tell us why you are interested in medicine and how this program can help you on your medical journey. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required.

• We need some basic information about you and want to know why you’re interested in the course(s) you’ve chosen. The most important part of your application is your personal statement.
• While we welcome students whose primary languages are not English, the course is taught in English, and application submissions must also be provided in English. Applications submitted in languages other than English will not be reviewed.
• Students must be at least 18 years old.

• You can apply to one or multiple courses with one application. Applying to multiple courses does not affect your chances of being accepted to any one course.
• If you are interested in more than one course, we strongly encourage you to choose different dates for each so that you have time to get the most out of each program.

• You’ll usually be notified via email within five business days. At peak times, or if we have questions about the information you’ve provided, it may take a few additional days to review your application and send you a decision.

No, if you’ve already applied and been accepted you can sign in to your Profile and click the Cart icon at the top of the page to edit, remove, or add new programs to your cart.

All pre-med online certificate courses include engaging lessons led by Harvard Medical School faculty via pre-recorded videos, readings, and interactive assignments. Course content can be completed on your schedule and at your pace, but before the course end date. Mentors provide guidance and support throughout your program experience.

In Academic Enrichment courses you will take quizzes and a final exam to assess your mastery of the course content. Academic Enrichment course options:

• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

In Capstone courses, you will complete open-ended assignments and a final capstone project, which allows you to demonstrate what you’ve learned in the program. Capstone course options:

• Becoming a Doctor
• Medical Research

• Courses take approximately 30-35 hours to complete. Academic Enrichment courses  include a 90-minute final exam, which must be taken by your end date. 
• Our course durations vary depending on when you take the course. Regardless of your selection, all options contain the same program content, sessions, and support.
• You have the flexibility to complete the coursework on your schedule, while keeping in mind that all work must be completed before the end of the course you’re enrolled in.
• Note that you will continue to have view-only access to the course for 1 month from your cohort end date.

Most courses can be completed on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, however, some do require additional materials. 

You’ll receive an online course invitation at least two days prior to your course start date. Students who enroll at or near the deadline may receive credentials slightly later.

• No, this program is for enrichment and does not provide college credit.
• You will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School, which you can include on your resume or medical school application(s).

Participation in the pre-med online certificate program will not afford you any preferential treatment in the Harvard Medical School admissions process; however, it will add a university non-credit course to your medical school application(s).

Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion if you complete your course requirements. For Academic Enrichment Courses you need to complete all scored quizzes and the final exam. For Capstone Courses you will need to complete at least 70% of the course assignments and the Final Capstone Project by the end of the program.

• For more information, view the Academic Requirement section of our Terms of Use.
• See a sample version of the Certificate here:

Academic Enrichment Courses

• If you complete all scored quizzes and the final exam, you will receive a certificate of completion.
• Quizzes appear throughout the course. You can retake a quiz if you are not satisfied with your first score (maximum of two attempts per quiz).  
• The Final Exam is timed (90 minutes), but it can be taken on your own schedule during the course.

Capstone Courses

Each unit assignment, as well as the Final Capstone Project, will be assessed on a rubric of:

• Complete - Work that satisfies the requirements of the assignment.
• Incomplete - Work was not submitted or did not address the assignment requirements.

For more information, view the Academic Requirement section of our Terms of Use.

• Capstone courses include engaging, curated assignments at the end of each module aimed to solidify and reinforce your knowledge of the course and culminate in one Final Capstone Project.
• Your final assignment is a project in which you will have the opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned in the program. You’ll choose from a variety of topics covered in your course, get feedback from your mentors on your work.

You will have until the end of the course to complete your assignments, quizzes, and take the final exam or finish the capstone project. 

For Academic Enrichment courses, you can study and take quizzes (untimed) any time during your course. For the final exam, you will have 90 minutes and one attempt, but you can take it whenever is convenient for you.

• Becoming a Doctor
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Medical Research
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

Mentors are well-versed in your course subject and will work with you throughout the course. They will provide encouragement and direction, as well as the inspiration and confidence to be successful. In short, you won’t need to go it alone.

You’ll have the opportunity to connect with your mentor virtually during your course through the Canvas Inbox and discussion board. Reach out to your mentor whenever you have any questions or need support regarding your course content.

• We know that your plans may change. You may cancel your enrollment without penalty and receive 100% of tuition/fees paid if we receive your request to cancel at least seven (7) calendar days prior to your start date.
• All tuition/fees paid for a program become non-refundable six (6) days prior to your scheduled start date for that program. However, you may be able to switch your enrollment to another program or cohort.
• If your plans change after you’ve enrolled, reach out to us at support@pm.hms.harvard.edu as soon as possible so that we can offer you the most flexibility.

• A strong internet connection (WiFi or wired) is required as the course is online.
• Our digital course platform, Canvas, is compatible with most browsers and devices. You can download the Canvas Student app on the App Store or Google Play.

Enrolled students will receive course access via email at least 2 days prior to your course start date. Students who enroll at or near the deadline may receive credentials slightly later.

• Download the Canvas Student app on the App Store or Google Play. 
• Once downloaded, input “Harvard Medical School Pre-Med Online Certificate Program” under “What’s your school’s name?”.
• Then, log into Canvas with your credentials.

• You must complete any requirements  for your course by the end of your course session. You’ll have view-only access to the course for 1 month from your cohort end date.

Email us at support@pm.hms.harvard.edu and a member of our Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible.

You can view our full terms of use here.