Pre-Medical Academy

Program Overview

The Pre-Medical Academy (PMA) is a 10-month pipeline program designed to support undergraduate and graduate students preparing to apply to medical school. Running from August to May, PMA offers a more robust experience than the summer program, allowing for deeper engagement and growth.

Participants take part in a wide range of application-focused workshops, panels, seminars, and hands-on opportunities such as volunteering, shadowing, and educational clinics. These experiences strengthen clinical exposure and community involvement – key components of a competitive medical school application – while fostering meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and healthcare professionals at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

PMA equips students with the insight and tools to navigate the medical school application process confidently, while also encouraging informed career exploration and decision-making. The program emphasizes community, mentorship, and social support, creating a collaborative environment for aspiring physicians.

Rooted in the college’s four pillars – Education, Research, Clinical, and Community – PMA helps students prepare for holistic review and positions them for success on their path to medical school.

You can download Pre-Med Academy Application Guide (PDF)

Program Requirements

Students accepted into the Pre-Medical Academy are expected to fully engage in the program through the following commitments:

• Volunteer Service: Students must complete 100 hours of service at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. This typically involves 1–2 shifts per week, each lasting 4 hours, scheduled based on student availability.
• Workshop Attendance: Participation in a minimum of 10 workshops is required throughout the program. Most sessions will be held in person, with limited virtual options available to accommodate student schedules.
• Shadowing Opportunities: Shadowing is an earned experience designed to reward dedication. For every 30 volunteer hours completed and 3 workshops attended, students unlock 1 physician shadowing shift.
   

Requirements and Eligibility:

• Applicant must be 18 years of age or older
• Undergraduate or graduate student residing in Phoenix, Arizona from August 2025 – May 2026
• In good academic standing (we understand academic journeys may vary)
• Demonstrated interest in advancing equity in healthcare or serving under-resourced communities

Program Activities Will Include:

• Workshops (preparing to apply)
• Panels
• Seminars
• Volunteering
• Shadowing
• Educational clinics

Important Dates

Contact

Lonntiay Williams, Coordinator, Pipeline Initiative
U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix, Office of Admissions and Student Services
602-827-2565 | @email