BOARD OF REGENTS BRIEFING PAPER 1. Agenda Item Title: University of Nevada School of Medicine Post-Baccalaureate Program 2. BACKGROUND & POLICY CONTEXT OF ISSUE: Meeting Date: March 6 th, 2015 UNSOM s Post-Baccalaureate certificate program launched in 2012. This 1 or 2 year certificate program compliments other pipeline programs. This presentation is an update on the status of the program and the growth of the statewide collaboration (Attachment 1). 3. SPECIFIC ACTIONS BEING RECOMMENDED OR REQUESTED: President Marc A. Johnson presents for information an update on the UNSOM Post- Baccalaureate Program 4. IMPETUS (WHY NOW?): This update is presented in response to a request from the Board of Regents and members of the Health Sciences Committee. 5. BULLET POINTS TO SUPPORT REQUEST/RECOMMENDATION: No action is requested nor are recommendations being made. 6. POTENTIAL ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE REQUEST/RECOMMENDATION: No action is requested nor are recommendations being made. 7. ALTERNATIVE(S) TO WHAT IS BEING REQUESTED/RECOMMENDED: No action is requested nor are recommendations being made. 8. COMPLIANCE WITH BOARD POLICY: Consistent With Current Board Policy: Title # Chapter # Section # Amends Current Board Policy: Title # Chapter # Section # Amends Current Procedures & Guidelines Manual: Chapter # Section # Other: Fiscal Impact: Yes No X Explain: (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 1 of 26
Attachment 1 Post-Baccalaureate Program for Medical School Preparedness March 1, 2015 Access and Opportunity for Careers in Medicine A statewide collaboration of NSHE institutions to offer postbaccalaureate Nevada residents the opportunity to prepare to be a competitive applicant for medical school. (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 2 of 26
Post-Baccalaureate Nevada Consortium * (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 3 of 26
Administrative Support UNSOM Deborah Kuhls, M.D., Associate Dean, Academic Affairs Cherie Singer, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Admissions and Student Affairs Beverly Neyland, M.D., Chair, UNSOM Admissions Executive Committee James Kenyon, Ph.D., Director, Nevada INBRE Josh Baker, Ph.D., UNSOM Faculty, Associate Director, Nevada INBRE Ann Diggins, M.A., Director, Student and Educational Affairs Megan Almansoori, M.A., Coordinator, Educational Outreach and Undergraduate Programs, Reno Ashley Sylvester, Coordinator, Educational Outreach and Undergraduate Programs, Las Vegas Ranna Nash, M.A., Learning Specialist Nevada State College Robin Cresiski, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Scholarship and Experiential Curriculum Andy Kuniyuki, Ph.D., Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Andrea Martin, Associate Director of Admissions and Student Affairs Anthony Morrone, Director of Financial Aid Hon-Vu Duong, M.D., Senior Biology Lecturer and Post-Baccalaureate Program Advisor University of Nevada, Las Vegas* Joseph Nika, Ph.D., Pre Health Advising *Pilot planned for 2015 University of Nevada, Reno Elena Pravasudova, Ph.D., Associate Chair, Biology Molly Beaupre, Coordinator, Records and Registration Maureen Cronin, Associate Registrar (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 4 of 26
Facts at a Glance Year Started: 2012 Reserved Seats at UNSOM: Maximum of 10% of incoming MD class per year, which is currently 7 students out of a class of 70. The University of Nevada School of Medicine partnered with other NSHE institutions beginning in 2012 to implement a Nevada Post-Baccalaureate (PB) Consortium. PB students complete a 12- or 24-month certificate program at UNR, NSC and, in 2015, UNLV. The medical school s commitment to this program includes up to 10 percent reserved seats in each Year 1 medical school class. The program is designed for Nevada students who have already completed their bachelor s degree and desire a career in medicine, but do not have the required grade point average and/or ability to score highly on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) to be a successful applicant. The program recruits students from a variety of backgrounds, including those underrepresented in medicine (URM). Student Enrollment Applied to PB Program Matriculated to PB Program 40 Number of Students 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 35 UNR 7 34 UNR 10 35 7 UNR 5 NSC 12 0 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Academic Year (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 5 of 26
Number of Students 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 7 Progress Toward Medical School Matriculated to PB Program Completed PB Certificate Applied/applying to Medical School Extended Program 1 year Matriculated to UNSOM 7 6 2 2 10 9 8 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 5 3 Academic Year 12 Underrepresented in Medicine: The University of Nevada School of Medicine Post- Baccalaureate program reaches out to qualified students who will add value to the educational experiences of all medical students and provide healthcare for the Nevada communities who have the most serious disparities in accessing care and health outcome measures. These include: First generation college students: Students who are the first in their families to attend college. Applicants from low-income households: Students who meet federal definitions for poverty and/or who have had to work to help support their families. Minorities underrepresented in healthcare: Students who identify as African-American, Latino/Latina, or Native American. From medically underserved communities: Students from rural and urban-underserved communities. US Military Veterans: Nevada has a high population of veterans, both retired and active duty, as well as strong partnerships with the VA medical centers statewide. (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 6 of 26
Demographics of Post-Baccalaureate Matriculates 100% Underrepresented in Medicine First Generation Economically Disadvantaged Medically Underserved Percent of Cohort 75% 50% 25% 86% 85% 57% 56% 44% 29% 92% 56% 58% 58% 33% 33% 0% 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Academic Year Undergraduate Institutions Represented (where participants received their Bachelor's Degree) University of Nevada, Las Vegas Nevada State College University of Nevada, Reno Out of State Institution 17% 34% 10% 38% (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 7 of 26
NV Resident Home Towns Las Vegas/Henderson Reno/Carson City Rural Nevada 12% 40% 48% Campus Partners 2012-2013 University of Nevada Reno and UNSOM 2013-2014 University of Nevada Reno, Nevada State College, UNSOM 2015-2016 University of Nevada Reno, Nevada State College, University of Nevada Las Vegas, UNSOM The University of Nevada School of Medicine has developed partnerships to form the NSHE Post-Baccalaureate Program Consortium. The program began with UNR and has expanded to include Nevada State College. Plans are underway to expand the program to UNLV in 2015-2016. Affordability and Costs: Students pay all regular NSHE undergraduate tuition and fees at the home campus where the student attends the Post-Baccalaureate program. Post-Baccalaureate students are eligible for a financial aid according to federal student loan policies. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid early. (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 8 of 26
Cost of Attendance: Post-Baccalaureate Program estimated costs based on in-state tuition and fees, based on the undergraduate institution s cost of attendance. Note that out-of-state students pay non-resident tuition: University of Nevada, Reno Nevada State College University of Nevada, Las Vegas In-State Tuition and Fees $7,046 $5,140 $6,993 Room and Board: $10,592 $10,200 $9,350 Transportation: $3,100 $2,520 $2,814 Other (books, personal, etc.) $3,798 $2,800 $4,068 Annual Total: $24,536 $20,360 $23,225 Average Educational Debt of the 2012-13 PB Cohort, UNSOM Class of 2018: Undergraduate Debt includes both Bachelors Degree and Post-Bac debt Medical School Unsubsidized Loans Graduate Plus Loans Total Student Loan Debt to Date Projected Total Student Loan Debt by End of Medical School $19,914 $40,500 $4,623 $65,046 $200,415 Scholarships: At this time, there is only one scholarship available to Post-Baccalaureate Program participants, the Lisa Lyons award, which is given to one student each year who shows the greatest financial need. There are otherwise no scholarships directed specifically toward students in the NSHE Post-Baccalaureate Program Consortium for which all participants are eligible. The University of Nevada School of Medicine has entered into discussions with UNR development to identify scholarship funding for these students. Students who matriculate to UNSOM from the Post-Baccalaureate program are eligible for scholarship support using funds identified by the Development and Alumni Office. Students in the 2012-13 cohort received an average of $6,500 in scholarship funds to off-set the cost of their medical education. (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 9 of 26
Applicant Selection The Post-Baccalaureate program is open to students from a broad range of backgrounds. Upon full implementation, a maximum of 30 students will be selected annually for the program. Students will complete their Post-Baccalaureate certificate at one of three undergraduate partner campuses, depending upon on space availability and student preference. Prospective students apply using the UNSOM Post- Baccalaureate Program online application starting November 15 th through January 15 th of each year. Selected applicants are offered an on-campus interview in either Las Vegas or Reno in February. The Post- Baccalaureate Admissions Committee reviews and ranks applicants for admission using an holistic approach supported by the American Associate of Medical Colleges for medical school admissions. Students must be US citizens or permanent residents of the US. Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree, or be on track to complete their degree by the start of the Program and should have an undergraduate GPA between 2.85 and 3.40, or a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 30 credits of college coursework. Applicants must have completed the prerequisite course requirements described below and must also demonstrate significant clinical and community service experience to be considered. Students are required to have completed the minimum prerequisites before starting the Post- Baccalaureate Program: 15 credits in biological sciences 8 credits in general chemistry 8 credits in organic chemistry 8 credits in physics 3 credits in psychology Preference for the Post-Baccalaureate Program is given to Nevada residents who identify as a member of a group that is underrepresented in healthcare, or as coming from a medically underserved community. Nevada residency is determined using the criteria set forth by the Nevada System of Higher Education s Board of Regents Policy (Title 4, Chapter 15, Sections 1-4). Program Expansion The program will grow to a total of 30 students in the statewide consortium once programs are in place at all three NSHE undergraduate campuses. Expansion of the program will also be dependent upon financial and student support resources available at the medical school and undergraduate partners. The program s mission is to keep costs as low as possible for students (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 10 of 26
to help minimize their educational debt prior to medical school. However, the students require significant support resources to help them successfully achieve their educational goals. These resources include the academic support and assessment services described earlier in this report. Structure of the Program The program offers academic structure, support services, individual assessment and course selection for students who need to demonstrate improved academic performance to prepare to apply to medical school. Students focus on improving: Test taking skills Study strategies Time management Enhance their academic record Track 1: 12-month certificate Students are required to complete a total of 32 credits throughout the UNSOM Post- Baccalaureate Program. The courses taken to reach those 32 credits vary by student based on a review of their undergraduate transcripts the Program Coordinator provides the list of required classes each semester. The majority of classes taken will be upper-division (300 level or above) science coursework, though some lower division courses may be required if necessary to repeat a prerequisite. A portion of the 32 required credits may also include the MCAT Preparation course in the summer after the academic year. Track 2: 24-month certificate Some students require additional time for coursework completion, preparation for the MCAT or the time to strengthen their application by participating in research or additional clinical experiences The two-year track would include 3 full-load semesters (15 17 credits) of Post- Baccalaureate approved coursework plus an additional semester where the student takes a minimum of 2 upper division science courses while studying for the MCAT. The summer between years 1 and 2 will be used for additional MCAT preparation, academic counseling, educational assessment and/or research or clinical experience, depending on the student s individual needs. Track 2 students must complete at least 53 credits by the end of their second year. Academic Program Curriculum: Students are required to complete a total of 32 credits throughout their UNSOM Post-Baccalaureate Program. The courses taken to reach those 32 credits vary by student based on a review of their undergraduate transcripts the Program Coordinator provides the list of required classes each semester. The majority of classes taken will be upper-division (300 level or above) science coursework, though some lower division courses may be required if necessary to repeat a prerequisite. (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 11 of 26
Co-curricular requirements: Advising: PB students must provide academic updates to the Program Coordinator after each course exam, and are required to meet with the Coordinator monthly for program advisement. Program Meetings & Learning Workshops: Students are required to attend weekly program meetings and learning workshops throughout the year, including Team-Based-Learning (TBL) MCAT preparation workshops as scheduled by the Program Coordinator and the UNSOM Learning Specialist. Research/Clinical Requirements: Some students may be required to complete clinical and/or research experiences as part of their curriculum. This requirement is determined and organized by the Program Coordinator. MCAT Preparation: MCAT Preparation is required coursework for many students throughout the year, as is the MCAT Intensive Summer Prep Course. This MCAT Preparation courses may count toward the program s 32 required credits. Attendance and participation in this course is mandatory regardless of the number of credits a student enrolls in, though students may opt-out of the course completely if they wish to utilize a different preparation program, or if they have already completed the MCAT with a satisfactory score. Study Skills and Test Taking Strategies: Study skills and test taking strategies are discussed and assessed throughout the Post-Baccalaureate Program. Students meet both individually and as a group with the program coordinator and learning specialist to improve academic habits. Learning Resource Centers are also available in each location and students are referred to their services as needed. Sample Program Schedule: The general schedule for the Track 1: 12 month certificate is outlined below. For more specific dates and details, please contact the Post-Baccalaureate Program Coordinator. Program Orientation Week before the start of fall semester classes at UNR and NSC. Fall Classes Begin Post-Bac Meetings and Advisement Sessions Begin Wintermester Spring Classes Begin Start of UNR or NSC s fall semester (late August.) Exact dates may be found at: UNR: http://catalog.unr.edu NSC: http://nsc.edu/calendar.asp Weekly or bi-weekly meetings will occur throughout the fall semester, then continue in late spring. Individual advisement sessions occur monthly or as needed throughout the program. Sessions are scheduled by the Post-Baccalaureate Program Coordinator. Both are required. Students may opt to take a course during the winter semester if there is one available that fits their program of study. Start of UNR and NSC s spring semester (mid-late January.) Exact dates may be found at: UNR: http://catalog.unr.edu NSC: http://nsc.edu/calendar.asp (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 12 of 26
Medical School Applications Workshops Begin around Spring Break and continue throughout the summer as the MCAT Course schedule allows. MCAT Intensive Summer Prep Course Starts the week after the completion of UNR s spring semester final exams and continues through July. Exact finish date will depend on student progress and MCAT testing date. Attendance is required for students who choose to take the course. Take the MCAT Late July August (preferred for consideration in early admissions). UNSOM Early- Decision Applications Due UNSOM Early- Decisions Matriculate into Medical School August 1 (one year after students began the Post-Baccalaureate Program). Students contacted in October following program completion The following August (2 years after students began the Post- Baccalaureate Program). (This portion intentionally left blank) (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 13 of 26
Post-Baccalaureate Program for Medical School Preparedness (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 14 of 26
What is the Post-Bacc Program? Statewide consortium One of several UNSOM pipeline programs 1 or 2 year certificate program with partner campuses Prepares a diverse group of students for competitive application to medical school 10% of UNSOM seats (7 of 70) held for students who meet requirements (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 15 of 26
Post-Bacc Students at UNR (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 16 of 26
Post-Bacc Students at NSC (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 17 of 26
40 Post-Bacc Student Enrollment Applied to PB Program Matriculated to PB Program 35 30 35 34 35 Number of Students 25 20 15 10 UNR UNR 10 7 UNR 5 NSC 12 5 7 0 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Matriculation Year (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 18 of 26
Who are our Post-Bacc Students? Demographics of Post Baccalaureate Matriculates 100% Underrepresented in Medicine First Generation Economically Disadvantaged Medically Underserved 75% 86% 85% 92% Percent of Cohort 50% 25% 57% 56% 44% 29% 56% 58% 58% 33% 33% 0% 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Academic Year (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 19 of 26
Where do our Post-Bacc Students Come From? NV Resident Home Towns Las Vegas/Henderson Reno/Carson City Rural Nevada 12% 48% 40% (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 20 of 26
What is the Progression? Admission GPA, application, interviews Post-Bacc curricula: 32 / 53 credits Test taking / academic support / advisement MCAT preparation Clinical experiences Application to medical school August 1 Matriculate following August Currently 5 students at UNSOM 2 entered into PB AY12-13 3 entered into PB AY13-14 (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 21 of 26
Costs of Post-Bacc Program University of Nevada, Reno Nevada State College University of Nevada, Las Vegas In-State Tuition and Fees $7,046 $5,140 $6,993 Room and Board: $10,592 $10,200 $9,350 Transportation: $3,100 $2,520 $2,814 Other (books, personal, etc.) $3,798 $2,800 $4,068 Annual Total: $24,536 $20,360 $23,225 (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 22 of 26
Student Financial Support: Undergraduate Federal loan rules Scholarship: Lisa Lyons Award Exploring other scholarship funding with campus partners (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 23 of 26
Student Financial Support: Medical School UNSOM Scholarship Support Students in 2012-13 Cohort average $6,500 (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 24 of 26
Program Expansion UNR started 2012 NSC started 2014 (with support of Nevada INBRE) UNLV to formally begin 2015 Increase to 30 students statewide goo.gl/nfxesj (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 25 of 26
Thank you (HEALTH SCIENCES SYSTEM COMMITTEE 03/06/15) Ref. HSS-7, Page 26 of 26