Cal State Fullerton is thrilled to announce the launch of a new spring 2026 cohort for its Pre-Health Program, designed for competitive professional health care and medical school applicants. This program offers a unique opportunity for non-science college graduates looking to switch careers into the health care or medical field, providing comprehensive preparation and pathways for admission into medical school and other health professions.
The Pre-Health Program at CSUF is renowned for its robust curriculum and extensive support network, ensuring students are equipped to meet the challenges of health professions applications and subsequent studies. The program emphasizes the development of essential skills and knowledge, tailored to meet the diverse needs of health professions and medical schools.
Brandy Schaal, program lead and adviser for more than 10 years, shares her enthusiasm about the upcoming cohort: “The Pre-Health Program at CSUF is designed to transform the career trajectories of our students, offering them a competitive edge in the health professions arena. Our linkage agreements with top medical schools not only expedite the application process, but also significantly reduce costs, making it accessible for a wider range of applicants. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive and achieve their professional goals. I look forward to meeting prospective students in our upcoming information sessions.”
One of the key features of the Pre-Health Program is its linkage agreements with several prestigious health professional schools. These agreements provide students with special consideration for admission, eliminating the need to apply to multiple schools and reducing the financial burden associated with travel expenses for interviews. This streamlined process allows students to save time by skipping the “glide year,” which is traditionally used to prepare health professional school applications.
The program was developed for career changers and those from non-science backgrounds. It offers tailored advising and resources to help bridge the gap between their previous experiences and the demands of medical school. Students will receive guidance on prerequisites and application strategies, ensuring they are well-prepared for the academic challenges and opportunities ahead.
CSUF’s Pre-Health Program also emphasizes the importance of diverse backgrounds in the medical field to serve unique communities. By cultivating a pipeline of mature, quality students through its linkage and partner programs, CSUF contributes to the enrichment of professional schools. These institutions include: Columbia College of Dental Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, UC Riverside School of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. These institutions and others are actively seeking students with varied life experiences, and CSUF is committed to meeting this demand.
For those interested in joining the spring 2026 cohort, CSUF is offering an information session on July 16 at 6:30 p.m. Students can also schedule a personal advising appointment with Schaal via Zoom.
The new spring 2026 cohort for CSUF’s Pre-Health Program represents a significant opportunity for college graduates seeking a rewarding career in the health professions. With its strategic linkages, dedicated support and commitment to student success, CSUF continues to be a leader in preparing the next generation of medical professionals and leaders. For more information about the program and application details, please visit the Pre-Health Program page.