Medicine Academy for High Schoolers at UC Berkeley

Course Description: Medicine Academy for High Schoolers at UC Berkeley

Healthcare Exploration and Skills Program for Aspiring Health Professionals

Unlock the door to a future in healthcare with our immersive Healthcare Exploration and Skills Program. Designed for motivated students with a passion for medicine and trauma response, this program offers a unique blend of deep learning and practical application, preparing participants for success in any health professional school. Through action-based simulations and expert-led sessions, students will gain firsthand experience of the daily life of healthcare professionals, including suturing, dissection, trauma response, and clinical diagnostics.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Practical Skill Development: Engage in hands-on experiences with essential healthcare techniques such as suturing and trauma response.

• Career Exploration & Planning: Discover diverse healthcare professions and educational pathways while crafting a personalized career plan.

• Critical Thinking & Teamwork: Enhance problem-solving and leadership skills through real-world clinical simulations and case studies.

• Capstone Project: Develop research and presentation skills by designing and presenting case studies on healthcare careers.

Location

Our program takes place in a dynamic learning environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Students will have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and healthcare settings, providing an authentic glimpse into the world of healthcare professionals.

Course Description

Interactive Learning Experience

Dive into an interactive learning journey that encourages teamwork and leadership while targeting skill development applicable to future careers in healthcare and beyond. Through lively class discussions, case studies, and clinical simulations, students will cultivate critical thinking skills and gain insights into the synergy of health-related professions.

Capstone Project

As a culminating experience, students will design a creative presentation focused on a chosen profession in medicine. Working individually or in groups, participants will explore various paths within their chosen field, considering academic requirements, extracurricular activities, and essential skills. Presentations will incorporate personal wellness and public health challenges, using visual aids to enhance storytelling.

Sample Instructor: Taught by faculty of the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program

Admission Criteria

A genuine interest in medicine and trauma response is essential for admission. Applicants must complete the Summer Institute Application to be considered.

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for proactive students passionate about healthcare and considering careers in medicine, nursing, physician's assistance, or healthcare administration. Participants eager to engage in hands-on learning, develop technical and interpersonal skills, and explore diverse career paths will thrive in this immersive experience.

Benefits

Participants will leave with portfolio-building documentation that recognizes their summer achievements, including:

• Practical Skill Development: Hands-on experience with critical healthcare techniques.

• Career Exploration & Planning: Insights into healthcare professions and personalized career planning.

• Critical Thinking & Teamwork: Enhanced problem-solving and leadership skills.

• Capstone Project: A comprehensive presentation on healthcare careers, showcasing research and creative thinking.

Getting There

Details regarding transportation and accommodations will be provided upon enrollment. Please note a supplemental course fee of $195 is required for lab and course materials.

Embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of healthcare and lay the foundation for a rewarding career. Join us and transform your passion for healthcare into a future of endless possibilities.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 University of California, Berkeley – Campus Profile (Berkeley, CA)

The University of California, Berkeley offers an exceptional environment for motivated students who thrive in hands-on, project-based learning. Renowned as one of the top public universities in the United States, Berkeley is celebrated for its leadership in engineering, computer science, business, and cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines.

Students gain access to world-class labs, makerspaces, and engineering facilities, participating in experiential coursework that includes specimen dissections, robotics, medical research, engineering design, and laboratory investigations. Selective academies — including the Berkeley M.E.T. Innovation Academy — immerse students in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation through active, exploratory learning.

Located on a sweeping 1,232-acre campus with views of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley’s vibrant academic and cultural ecosystem offers endless opportunities for exploration. Students enjoy the unique blend of a historic campus, lush green spaces, and the energetic character of Telegraph Avenue, with its bookstores, cafés, markets, and street vendors.

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✨ Program Environment

• Designed for academically driven students passionate about STEM, engineering, robotics, biotechnology, and hands-on research

• Courses taught by instructors selected from Berkeley’s academic community

• Strong emphasis on real-world problem-solving and project-based learning

• Ideal for students seeking challenge in a fast-paced, academically stimulating environment

• Campus located in a lively, culturally rich city with strong roots in innovation and entrepreneurship

• Safe, inspiring environment surrounded by natural spaces, cultural hubs, and Bay Area attractions

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing

• 🍽 2–3 meals per day, 7 days per week (varies by program)

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for included activities

• 🏋️ Use of athletic and recreation facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Blanket and pillow

• 🛡 Full on-campus safety and supervision

Note: Some specialized courses and academies may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🧼 Laundry

• 🛏 Linens

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental course fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

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🎡 Top Activities in Berkeley, California

• 🎮 Dave & Buster’s

• 🎢 Great America and Six Flags

• 🥗 Gourmet Ghetto dining and the Berkeley Farmers Market

• ⚾ Minor or major league sports game

• 🌲 Tilden Regional Park

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco, Live Band Karaoke, and variety performances

• 🌿 UC Berkeley Botanical Garden visit

• 🏛 Campanile (Sather Tower) tour and arena visit

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports leagues, tournaments, game nights, ice cream socials, and more

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music

• 🏠 Evening dorm events: Game Show Extravaganza, Minute to Win It, Casino Night, S’mores & Bingo, and more