2025 Rowan-Virtua Summer PREP Program

The 2025 Rowan-Virtua Summer PREP (Pre-Medical Research and Education Program) is an immersive, fully funded summer internship designed to support underrepresented New Jersey undergraduates pursuing medical careers. PREP accepts exceptional rising sophomores and juniors from colleges and universities across New Jersey and provides a comprehensive introduction to osteopathic medicine through a blend of biomedical research, clinical exposure, academic preparation, and professional skill-building. Funded by the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), the program eliminates costs for participants and offers additional supports including a stipend and free MCAT preparation resources. PREP's curriculum emphasizes professional training and mentorship: scholars shadow Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine clinical physicians and engage in research or clinical evaluations under faculty guidance.

The program fosters networking with campus leadership, current medical students, PREP alumni and peers, and culminates in formal presentations where scholars showcase their research findings or clinical experiences. Academic preparation is a core component of PREP. Participants receive instruction and tutoring to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), along with coursework in Anatomy, Physiology, Problem Based Learning and Health & Wellness. The program also provides training in academic success strategies, test-taking techniques, and financial planning for medical school. Scholars are introduced to the medical school admissions process, including interview preparation, positioning them for stronger future applications. Experiential learning rounds out the PREP experience through seminars, enrichment activities, trips, webinars, and demonstrations that expose students to the SOM campus community, faculty, students and diverse healthcare and research areas. Program activities primarily take place on the Rowan-Virtua SOM Stratford and Sewell campuses, where students can participate in on-site laboratory experiences.

While academic credit is not provided, scholars receive a certificate of completion and are expected to arrange their own health insurance and vaccination documentation prior to arrival. The PREP program provides targeted, practical preparation and mentorship intended to strengthen participants' readiness for medical school and future careers in osteopathic medicine.