Non-Degree Programs | Loma Linda University

Non-degree programs allow you to take courses without being enrolled in a degree program. As a non-degree student, you can earn credits toward prerequisites, explore career paths, get certified for a job in the medical field, or gain hands-on research experience.

Certificate Programs

Our certificate programs provide you with a clear path to enter the medical field, often without a degree. You can complete a program and earn your certificate in six to 18 months.

Loma Linda University
View certificate programs offered by schools on the LLU campus.

San Manuel Gateway College
The San Manuel Gateway College offers entry-level job training and educational opportunities in the medical field through the following certificate programs:

Pipeline Programs

Pipeline programs highlight healthcare career opportunities for students, usually during high school. Through interactive and educational activities, students broaden their understanding of health sciences and the pathways available to them.

Discovery Program to the Health Professions

The Discovery Program to the Health Professions is a two to three week program offered to underrepresented minority (Black, Latino, and Native American) high school students interested in a career in the health professions. During the program, students spend two weeks on the LLU campus in an interactive learning environment focusing on the importance of patient care, health sciences research and laboratory studies. Participants will learn the essentials such as time-management, study skill preparation, and interview and leadership skills. Students also learn the importance of wellness through healthy meals and fun fitness activities at the Drayson Center.

My Campus

My Campus is a quarterly, full-day event held on our campus. It is designed to expose minority high school students to opportunities in the health professions. This program seeks to inspire, motivate, and educate students from our nearby communities through fun, interactive, carefully planned activities. The main goal is to give youth opportunities to connect with mentors and inspire them to pursue college education to eventually enter the health professions. Learn more about My Campus.

Minority Introduction to Health Sciences

Minority Introduction to Health Sciences (MITHS) is a challenging three-week summer program designed to introduce Black Seventh-day Adventist high school students to careers in the health sciences. Students in the program have a first-hand opportunity to experience the gamut of educational activities that take place at a health sciences university campus, from studying the basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology), to participating in clinical courses (nursing, medicine, medical technology, dentistry, dental hygiene, physical therapy, and public health), to research. This program prepares students for their senior high school year and beyond. Learn more about MITHS.

Minorities in Dentistry

Minorities in Dentistry is a one-day session that, in collaboration with the Careers in Dentistry Program, is designed to attract Black, Hispanic and Native American students to the field of dentistry. Students learn about the process and requirements for entering into dental school or a dental hygiene program, as well as the financial assistance resources available. Participants also receive the opportunity to meet successful alumni and network with current dental students.Learn more about Minorities in Dentistry.

Open House

Open House is a yearly event where prospective students meet our faculty, learn about our programs, and get answers to their questions. This is the single, largest, and most important opportunity for all interested student applicants to learn more about the various programs offered and network with LLU students, faculty, and staff. Learn more about Open House.

Minority Research Programs

Our Office of Student Development promotes an environment that reflects and builds respect for the diversity of humanity. Our goal is to reduce the documented disparity in the number of U.S. minority students who graduate with biomedical and clinical sciences doctoral degrees. We start by developing and coordinating new academic programs to increase the number of underrepresented students graduating from our basic and medical science programs. By increasing diversity on our campus, we’re then able to continue providing high-quality education in an increasingly diverse local and global community.

Summer Research Programs

Apprenticeship Bridge to College (ABC) - High school students participate in an eight-week summer internship program in health disparities research.
Undergraduate Training Program (UTP) - College students participate in a nine-week summer internship program, gaining practical lab research experience.
Medical Training Program (MTP) - Medical students participate in a summer research project with prominent scientists.

Minority Fellowship

Our Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) is an NIH-funded graduate training program that complements your educational experience as a fellow. You receive guidance publishing peer-reviewed research articles, attend seminars on health disparities, get one-on-one mentoring, and more. IMSD provides full tuition and salary support for PhD students enrolled in the Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies Program.