UF Summer Health Professions Education Program

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a FREE summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions.

SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools

UF SHPEP 2024 will be offered in a hybrid delivery format. During the first two weeks of the program, all events, workshops, and instruction will be held virtually. All programming during the remaining four weeks will take place in-person on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL, during which participants will be provided on-campus housing and meals.

SHPEP akills lab

2024 Event Dates

May 13 – June 21, 2024

Applications for the UF SHPEP 2024 cohort will open from Nov. 1, 2023 – Feb. 5, 2024 at 11:59pm (EST).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Be a new participant to SHPEP (have not previously participated in the program)
  • Be a college freshman or sophomore at the time of application (possess less than 60 credits, excluding AP credits)

Additional Considerations

  • Identifies as a first-generation health professional (i.e., applicant’s legal guardian(s) did not receive graduate degrees in a Health Profession).  
  • Identifies as a first-generation college student (i.e., applicant’s legal guardian(s) did not receive undergraduate degrees).
  • A University of Florida Pell Grant recipient, Promise Student, or Machen Florida Opportunity Scholar.  
  • Comes from an economically and/or educationally disadvantaged background. 
  • Demonstrates a desire to work as a health professional in underserved communities.
  • Identifies as a Non-traditional student with less than 60 credits.  

Highlights of the Pharmacy Career Pathway

  • Learn about the many diverse career opportunities in the field of pharmacy
  • Shadow pharmacists in a variety of practice settings including clinical pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, research labs, community pharmacy and compound pharmacy
  • Have the opportunity to meet and interact with pharmacy faculty and students
  • Exposure to the pharmaceutical skills lab
  • Make connections, bond, and network with students who have similar goals

SHPEP Interest Form

Name(Required)

FAQ

Will meals be provided during my time at UF SHPEP?

Meal plan is provided to all scholars to use at the University of Florida’s dining locations on campus. 

What is the stipend amount?
Scholars will receive a $1000 stipend.

Can I participate in SHPEP if I am a junior or senior in college, or if I have already graduated from college?
No. SHPEP is exclusively for current freshman and sophomore college students.

I am a freshman and have not received my grades yet. Can I submit my high school transcript?
High school transcripts are not accepted. If you are a freshman and you have not received your first semester grades, please allow them to be finalized before you submit your transcripts.

Can the recommendation be submitted by a previous employer or high school teacher?
If a recommendation cannot be submitted by a pre-health advisor or college professor within your major, the National Program Office will accept one from an employer that is within a health professions field or from a science high school teacher.

I’m applying online and I see medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and public health as my career path choice – I’m interested in another career in health, what do I do?

While students select from four main concentrations – Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Public Health – selected students will be given the opportunity to learn hands on about veterinary medicine, nursing, physician assistant, and a number of public health professions such as Clinical and Health Psychology, Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Health Administration, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. It is at the student’s discretion which concentration they should choose when they apply.

I don’t have health insurance. Is there a UF health insurance option for successful applicants?

If a scholar does not have insurance, a limited insurance plan will be purchased by the UF SHPEP program for that scholar.

Will I have free time to explore Gainesville?

Scholars have a full menu of extracurricular activities to enjoy. Possible adventures include: touring UF Museums, talent show, kayaking, disc golf, volleyball, swimming, tubing, social gatherings with professional students, bowling, movies, and summer concerts on the plaza.

Is housing provided? Where will I live during UF SHPEP?

Scholars stay in dormitories located in the center of campus free of cost.

Should I bring a car? How will I get around?

Dorms are a ten-minute walk from the Health Science Center. Scholars also have free access to the campus and city buses.

Will I receive aid with travelling to Gainesville?

Travel expenses will be compensated.

Is there a cost to attending UFSHPEP?

No. Students will be provided with housing,meals, and a stipend that will cover through the 6-weeks.

Who should I pick to write reference letters for me?
This should be someone who knows your academic and personal character. Ideally this should be a pre-health advisor and/or a college professor. If none of these persons know you well enough, a high school science teacher or a local dentist or physician who knows you well is acceptable.

For more answers concerning admissions and all things SHPEP, go to http://www.shpep.org/apply-to-shpep/faqs/

CONTACT INFORMATION

Rachel Powers

SHPEP Program Coordinator
Phone: 352-294-8628
Email: uf-shpep@ufl.edu
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