The Pre-Health Sciences Scholars Program at Pacific Lutheran University provides a structured, two-tiered pathway designed to recognize and empower students preparing for competitive healthcare careers. Scholars integrate academic achievement with verified experiences across six core pillars to build a well-rounded portfolio for professional school admission.

Program Breakdown by Tier

Program Element Tier 1: Pre-Health Sciences Scholars Tier 2: Distinguished Pre-Health Sciences Scholars
Primary Target Early-stage, exploratory, or academic-recovery students Advanced, application-ready, high-performing scholars
GPA Requirement 2.75 – 3.19 Cumulative GPA 3.20+ Cumulative GPA
Activity Volume 2 activities per semester (4 per year) 4 activities per semester (8 per year)
Required Pillars Any 2 categories per year Clinical Experience + 3 other pillars
Program Recognition Program Completion Certificate Distinguished Honor Cord, Commencement Bulletin Mention, & Dean’s Commendation Letter

Types of Eligible Experiences

You can complete and log activities across six core categories. Events do not always need to be strictly health-specific—as long as you submit a brief reflection explaining how the experience contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or clinical understanding, it can qualify!

  • Clinical Experience (Patient-Facing & Direct Care): Certified clinical roles (CNA, EMT, Phlebotomist, MA, PT/OT Aide), clinical internship programs, regional clinic or hospital volunteering, hospice care, behavioral health support, and direct provider shadowing (in-person or virtual).
  • Guest Speakers & Lecture Series: Educational presentations, practitioner Q&As, meet-and-greets, campus wide guest lectures, departmental seminars, or regional symposia hosted by PHSAT, academic departments, or student organizations.
  • Departmental & Career Events: Skill-building workshops, resume/CV feedback sessions, personal statement prep, mock interview practice, graduate school timeline planning, or campus career fairs.
  • Alumni Outreach & Networking: 1-on-1 informational interviews with healthcare alumni or practicing professionals, campus networking mixers (such as LuteLink events), and mentoring connections.
  • Campus Leadership & Community Engagement: Student club leadership, peer tutoring, TA positions, Student Government, campus employment, NCAA or intramural athletics, local community service, civic advocacy, or family caregiving responsibilities.
  • Advising & Academic Planning: Checking in with advisors across campus—including Pre-Health Sciences Advisors, major faculty advisors, academic support staff, or degree planning check-ins.

Have an activity outside this list? Simply submit it through the reflection form detailing how it helped prepare you for professional school or enhanced your skills.

Academic Support & Remediation Policies

Academic Probation & Tier Transitions

If your GPA falls below your tier minimum, you enter a supportive academic recovery semester. You will meet with an advisor within the first two weeks of the term to build a course and tutoring strategy. Tier 2 scholars whose GPA falls between 2.75 and 3.19 transition smoothly into Tier 1. Tier 1 scholars whose GPA drops below 2.75 receive academic coaching to help restore active standing.

Engagement Remediation

If you fall short on logged activities during a term, you enter an engagement remediation period for the next semester. You can restore full active standing by completing your missing logs alongside your current term’s required activity load.

Program Recognition & Scholars Benefits

Formal Distinction & Graduation Honors

  • Distinguished Scholars Honor Cord: Tier 2 scholars earn an official pre-health sciences honor cord for commencement.
  • Commencement Bulletin Mention: Tier 2 scholars receive formal distinction notation in the official PLU Commencement Bulletin.
  • Certificate of Completion: Active Tier 1 and Tier 2 scholars receive an official program completion certificate upon graduation.
  • Dean’s Commendation Letter: Tier 2 scholars receive a formal letter of commendation from the Academic Dean recognizing high academic standing and clinical commitment.

Community Features & Priority Access

  • Student & Alumni Spotlights: Opportunities to be featured on PLU web channels, social media, or serve as student panelists.
  • Priority Event Access: Early registration for limited-capacity workshops, alumni mentorship mixers, and mock interview days.

Apply for the Pre-Health Sciences Scholars Program

Ready to formalize your pre-health sciences pathway? Fill out our quick application form to join Tier 1 or Tier 2, access specialized advising, and track your activities toward graduation honors.

Complete the Scholars Application Form

Mission Statement

The Pre-Health Sciences Scholars Program (PHSP) is committed to identifying, cultivating, and promoting exceptional academic and professional talent among undergraduate pre-health sciences students. Operating under the administrative guidance of the Pre-Health Sciences Advising Team, the program aims to democratize access to high-impact health professional preparation while driving rigorous academic achievement, meaningful clinical engagement, and ethical leadership development.