Classroom knowledge is both necessary and beneficial for a career in the medical, dental, or veterinary fields. Post-bac students also gain valuable experience in local hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and social service agencies. Volunteering in a clinical setting allows students to both gain experience interacting with patients and further explore the field in which they’re interested. Our students reap both personal and professional rewards from their volunteer experiences during the program, and we require a 4-6 hour commitment per week during the fall semester for this very reason. We assist students as they research and apply to volunteer and shadowing opportunities in Claremont and the greater Los Angeles area.
To gain clinical exposure, past student experiences include volunteering at the following hospitals and healthcare facilities, where they have been able interact with patients and physicians while giving back to the local community:
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County
- COPE Health Scholar Program
- Huntington Memorial Hospital
- Lestonnac Free Clinic
- Loma Linda Medical Center
- Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center
- Los Angeles Free Clinic
- LAC+USC Medical Center
These experiences allow post-bac students to learn more about their chosen career path, build relationships with mentors, and participate in meaningful outreach work.
Increasing numbers of prospective medical students cite scientific research experience on their medical school applications. Many Scripps post-bac students gain research experience during the academic year as well as during the glide year following completion of the program.
Students seeking research opportunities have done so at the following locations:
- Casa Colina
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County
- City of Hope
- Claremont Graduate University
- Loma Linda University Medical Center
- CHAP Medical and Dental Health Center Community Health Alliance of Pasadena
Some students complete their volunteer experience at community outreach organizations and social service agencies, including:
- American Cancer Society
- Foothill AIDS Project
- Planned Parenthood
- American Red Cross
- Foothill Family Shelter
Post-Bac program advisors guide students as they choose the volunteer experience that best fits their goals. Students are given dozens of opportunities to choose from, and some students find opportunities on their own if they have a particular field of interest.