Pre-Health Plunge Program

Ready to jumpstart your healthcare education? Join our free, 10-day residential program where you'll prep for Anatomy and Physiology coursework, engage with area healthcare professionals, and receive college transition support from college staff. It's the perfect way to get ahead.

August 3 – August 12, 2026

Contact:School of Nursing & Health Sciences

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Ready to register or want to learn more?

I'm Interested

Group of students standing in front of a pre-health presentation poster in a classroom

About the program:

Is the Pre-Health Plunge Program for Me?

A free opportunity — made possible by a donation from the AllOne Foundation — to get a fundamental head start into your healthcare education. Through the Pre-Health Plunge Program, you'll get foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology concepts so that you are prepared to succeed in your Human Anatomy & Physiology course in the fall semester.

Eligibility
  • Entering your first semester in college
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA between 2.5 and 4.0 (75–100%)
  • Need to take BIO103 Human Anatomy & Physiology Survey or BIO115 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • Completed math placement testing into MTH108 Elementary Algebra II or higher

Why Apply for the Pre-Health Plunge Program?

Focus on this fundamental coursework as part of your transition to college. By participating, you’ll benefit from:

  • No-cost education preparation, and living expenses including food and dormitory during the Program
  • Direct connections to faculty and staff in micro-class settings
  • Early move-in to campus and college living
  • Connect with the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence, the Center for Career Design, Math and Counseling departments before the rest of the campus student population

Supported by the AllOne Foundation

 

The Pre-Health Plunge Program is offered at no cost to all chosen participants because of the generous support of the AllOne Foundation. The AllOne Foundation seeks to enhance the present healthcare delivery system of Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania, and chose to support Penn College's Pre-Health Plunge Program to support the college transition and education preparation of students in the School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

AllOne Foundation

More About the Program: This program is perfect for new students looking to:

Build a foundation for healthcare success

Create an early routine for college living

Navigate support services and prepare for college

Develop relationships with peers and practicing healthcare professionals

Group of students standing in front of a pre-health presentation poster in a classroom
group of students wearing medical scrubs
a group of students pose on a roller coaster
students pose in front of a whiteboard with formulas
a group of students riding a boat
Group of students standing in front of a pre-health presentation poster in a classroom

Program Application:

If you meet the criteria, please opt-in to be considered for the program. Once you log into your Applicant Dashboard, simply click the “I’m interested” option to register your interest in the program. Finalists will be selected and notified early in July. Preference will be given to early responders.

I’m Interested

Important Information

 

  • August 3 at 8:00 a.m. | Early move-in for Pre-Health Plunge Program students
  • August 3 – 12 |  Academic workshops and student life activities
  • August 12 – 16 | Welcome Week for all freshman students

Hear from a student mentor

In addition to Penn College faculty and staff members, program participants will be guided by a student mentor from a major in the School of Nursing & Health Sciences. Last year's participants were led by nursing major Faustina Haas, who guided a group of students through the Pre-Health Plunge Program.

female student smiling in healthcare lab

Faustina Haas

One moment that really stands out to me actually happened after the program had ended, during the following semester. I was at the LEC dining hall when one of the students I had mentored recognized me and came over to say hi. That moment reminded me just how meaningful it is to create connections and build a sense of community. I know for me and I’m sure many other students as well, seeing familiar faces and having connections like that especially during the first year can help you feel less alone and more supported as you adjust to college life. This moment showed me firsthand how the Pre-Health program not only supports academic growth but also fosters meaningful relationships that help students thrive.