



The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a FREE summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions.
SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools
UF SHPEP 2024 will be offered in a hybrid delivery format. During the first two weeks of the program, all events, workshops, and instruction will be held virtually. All programming during the remaining four weeks will take place in-person on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL, during which participants will be provided on-campus housing and meals.

2024 Event Dates
May 13 – June 21, 2024
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rachel Powers
SHPEP Program Coordinator
Phone: 352-294-8628
Email: uf-shpep@ufl.edu
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application Considerations
Consideration is given to applications who Identify with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in the health professions. Additional considerations include that the applicant comes from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, however all applications are considered.
Highlights of the Pharmacy Career Pathway
- Learn about the many diverse career opportunities in the field of pharmacy
- Shadow pharmacists in a variety of practice settings including clinical pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, research labs, community pharmacy and compound pharmacy
- Have the opportunity to meet and interact with pharmacy faculty and students
- Exposure to the pharmaceutical skills lab
- Make connections, bond, and network with students who have similar goals
SHPEP Interest Form
FAQ
Can I participate in SHPEP if I am a junior or senior in college, or if I have already graduated from college?
No. SHPEP is exclusively for current freshman and sophomore college students.
I am a freshman and have not received my grades yet. Can I submit my high school transcript?
High school transcripts are not accepted. If you are a freshman and you have not received your first semester grades, please allow them to be finalized before you submit your transcripts.
Can the recommendation be submitted by a previous employer or high school teacher?
If a recommendation cannot be submitted by a pre-health advisor or college professor within your major, the National Program Office will accept one from an employer that is within a health professions field or from a science high school teacher.
I’m applying online and I see medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and public health as my career path choice – I’m interested in another career in health, what do I do?
While students select from four main concentrations – Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Public Health – selected students will be given the opportunity to learn hands on about veterinary medicine, nursing, physician assistant, and a number of public health professions such as Clinical and Health Psychology, Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Health Administration, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. It is at the student’s discretion which concentration they should choose when they apply.
Will meals be provided during my time at UF SHPEP ?
Dining debit cards are provided to all scholars to use at University of Florida’s dining locations on campus. All dining locations are open seven days a week.
I don’t have health insurance. Is there a UF health insurance option for successful applicants?
If a scholar does not have insurance, a limited insurance plan will be purchased by the UF SHPEP program for that scholar.
Will I have free time to explore Gainesville?
Scholars have a full menu of extracurricular activities to enjoy. Possible adventures include: touring UF Museums, talent show, kayaking, disc golf, volleyball, swimming, tubing, social gatherings with professional students, bowling, movies, and summer concerts on the plaza.
Is housing provided? Where will I live during UF SHPEP?
Scholars stay in dormitories located in the center of campus free of cost.
Should I bring a car? How will I get around?
Dorms are a ten-minute walk from the Health Science Center. Scholars also have free access to the campus and city buses.
Will I receive aid with travelling to Gainesville?
Travel expenses will be compensated.
How does the stipend work?
Scholars will receive a $600 stipend.
Is there a cost to attending UFSHPEP?
No. Students will be provided with housing,meals, and a stipend that will cover through the 6-weeks.
Who should I pick to write reference letters for me?
This should be someone who knows your academic and personal character. Ideally this should be a pre-health advisor and/or a college professor. If none of these persons know you well enough, a high school science teacher or a local dentist or physician who knows you well is acceptable.
For more answers concerning admissions and all things SHPEP, go to http://www.shpep.org/apply-to-shpep/faqs/