SHPEP Program Details

SHPEP at Columbia University Irving Medical Center provides students interested in pursuing a career within the health professions with a well-defined, integrated approach to learning, focusing on the core science curriculum needed to apply to health professions schools for medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nutrition. Students will engage in intense coursework, labs, and career development courses during the six weeks of the program while participating in practical experiences and seminars.

The program strives to help students enhance and improve their chances of becoming successful applicants and students at the health professions school of their choice.

Clinical Experience: Clinical experiences are incorporated into the curriculum for all scholars based on their specialty of interest. Each pre-medical scholar receives clinical experiences in a hospital, outpatient clinic or community setting. Students in the dental pathway participate in weekly pre-clinical lab experiences. Students in the nursing pathway are provided shadowing opportunities at the Primary Care Practice of the School of Nursing in Washington Heights as well as various clinical sites in New York City. Students on the physical therapy pathway have hands-on experiences in a lab/clinic and shadow practitioners across a range of practice areas to include behavioral health, physical disabilities, and cognitive rehabilitation.

Meals: A stipend to cover meals is distributed in three installments during week 1, week 3, and week 6 in addition to the general stipend to cover the cost of breakfast, lunch and weekend meals throughout the duration of the program. In addition, the program sponsors group dinners which are held on Mondays through Fridays. Program participants have the opportunity to interact with CUIMC medical, dental, and nursing students and faculty at the sponsored group dinners.

Travel Assistance: Travel assistance is provided for all program participants. Round-trip travel arrangements are made for students upon confirmation of program participation. Cost of travel to and from the program is covered by the program.

Stipend: A stipend is distributed in three installments for all participating scholars during the first, third and sixth weeks of the program.

Housing: Housing is provided free of charge to program participants at Columbia University Medical Center Campus in Bard Residence Hall.

Health Insurance: All scholars are required to have health insurance to participate in the program. Confirmed program participants are asked to submit health insurance information. Support is provided for students who are unable to access health insurance.

Social Activities: Exposure to the diverse social and cultural environment of New York City through various group activities (e.g. museums, landmarks, plays). Social activities are planned and led by Resident Assistants.