Premedical Urban Leaders Summer Enrichment (PULSE)
The Premedical Urban Leaders Summer Enrichment (PULSE) program is a six week summer academic enrichment program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a healthcare profession. This program provides academic, clinical, research and service learning opportunities with a focus on urban health needs. Developed by the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), the PULSE program helps students become lifelong learners and empowers them to use their knowledge to make a difference in their communities.
The primary goal of PULSE is to provide students from underrepresented and/or educationally and financially disadvantaged backgrounds exposure to medical professions. PULSE is a full-day program that runs five days per week for six weeks and culminates with the PULSE Symposium. At the symposium, students formally present posters highlighting their summer work or research projects to faculty, family and friends.
Important Dates
Summer 2024 Program Dates: June 3 - July 12, 2024
Application Release Date: November 1, 2023
Application Deadline: Application is now closed
General Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Completed one year of college (by the start of program) and the following coursework:
- At least one semester of biology or chemistry
- One semester of math
- One semester of expository writing or college composition
- GPA requirement (Overall and Science GPA):
- Phase I: 3.0 or higher
- Phase II: 3.2 or higher
- Phase III: 3.3 or higher
Program Phases
PULSE is divided into three program phases, each targeting students at different stages of their education.
Phase I
Designed for students who have just started pre-professional studies and have completed/met the general eligibility requirements (listed above).
Curriculum Highlights
- Topics in Medical Biology
- Critical Thinking and Reading Comprehension
- Health Professions Career Seminars and Workshops
- Learning Skill Workshops
- Service Learning or Community Service Activities
Phase II
Designed for students who have completed/met the general eligibility requirements (listed above) and at least one semester of organic chemistry.
Curriculum Highlights
- Introduction to Biochemistry (lecture and team-based learning activities)
- Reflective Writing Seminar
- Professional Development Workshops
- Volunteering (with an emphasis on patient interaction)
Phase III
Designed for students who are at or near the point of applying to professional school and have completed nearly all pre-professional science requirements.
Curriculum Highlights
- Introduction to Gross Anatomy (lecture and lab)
- Introduction to Biostatistics and Research
- Professional Development Workshops
- American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) Application Assistance
Other Information
Location: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (Camden, NJ)
Academic Credit: Academic credit is not provided. However, students will benefit from the opportunity to network with health professionals and medical school administrators. Additionally, students will receive priority consideration when applying to subsequent phases of the PULSE program.
Daily Transportation: Participants are expected to provide their transportation to campus for the entire duration of the program.
Housing: Housing is provided at Rutgers Camden.
Health Insurance: Health insurance for participating students is not provided. Students must submit proof of health insurance for participation.
Application Process
A COMPLETED APPLICATION CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING:
- An online application form
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended*
- One letter of recommendation from a college advisor
- Response to Essay questions (included in the online application form)
*If you are currently enrolled in courses, please wait to send transcripts until your Fall 2023 grades have been released.
*All materials, including transcripts and recommendations must be submitted by this date. Official transcripts can be emailed directly through your registrar's office to PULSEprog@rowan.edu or mailed to the following address:
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Attn: PULSE Program
401 S. Broadway
Camden, NJ 08103
Note: We welcome students who have previously participated in Phases I or II of the PULSE program to reapply for admission to a more advanced level. Special consideration will be given to students who are underrepresented in medicine and those from educationally and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. However, all applicants are invited to apply.
CONTACT
If you have any questions about PULSE or the application process, please contact:
Taruna Chugeria
chugeria@rowan.edu
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Attn: PULSE Program
401 S. Broadway
Camden, NJ 08103