Medical and Graduate Education
Preparing Students to Enhance Health
Why Penn State College of Medicine?
Health Systems Science
Penn State College of Medicine was one of 11 U.S. medical schools to receive a five-year, $1 million Accelerating Change in Medical Education grant from the American Medical Association to develop a new curriculum component in health system science.
This program includes opportunities for students to serve as patient navigators across the system.
Read more about health systems science at Penn State College of Medicine.
Integrated Research
Research is a key part of what students do at Penn State College of Medicine.
Students enhance health through biomedical research and innovation that leverage the clinical strengths of Penn State Health and the research strengths of Penn State College of Medicine.
Master's and PhD students work on research projects alongside faculty, and MD students complete a research project as part of their curriculum.
Humanities and Ethics
Our College of Medicine produces students who are well-rounded, critical thinkers with an acute understanding of their own capabilities.
Through Medical Humanities, our students learn to demonstrate respect for the diverse values, beliefs and practices encountered in the field of healthcare, while embodying a commitment to becoming an ethical, reflective, humble, informed and compassionate health professional.
Educational Opportunities
Medical Education and Physician Assistant Education
Penn State College of Medicine opportunities include a medical degree, a physician assistant degree, as well as many combined program opportunities.
Graduate Education
Graduate studies at Penn State College of Medicine offer a variety of PhD and master's degree options in diverse areas such as biomedical sciences, anatomy, neuroscience, public health, biostatistics, laboratory animal medicine and more.
Other Opportunities
In addition to the various degrees offered by Penn State College of Medicine, students and health professionals can expand their education in a variety of other ways, including graduate certificates, undergraduate programs, residencies and fellowships and continuing education.
Innovative Initiatives
Simulation Center
The Clinical Simulation Center at Penn State College of Medicine is designed to improve patient outcomes through simulation programs that enhance practitioner skills, clinical competence, teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
University Park Curriculum
The University Park Curriculum is a four-year medical curriculum that uses early immersive practice-based experiences and patient stories as the springboard for integrated learning in basic science, clinical science, health systems science and health humanities.
Students have the opportunity to take advantage of the resources of a major Big Ten University campus and engage in health care at the community level while pursuing the full range of career options in medicine.
Global Health Center
Global health programs for medical and graduate students at Penn State College of Medicine provide immersive worldwide educational opportunities for students interested in international health, including challenges that commonly present a greater burden to disadvantaged populations.
Harrell Health Sciences Library: Research and Learning Commons
The Harrell Health Sciences Library offers print and electronic materials, as well as clinical information, to meet a variety of educational and research needs. The library is a 24-hour facility that offers individual and group study spaces for College of Medicine students, professional-level audio and video recording, and a sandbox lab for technologies such as virtual reality and 3D printing.
Student Resources
Penn State College of Medicine strives to create the best culture of respect and inclusion for our students. A number of programs, services and facilities are available.
- Cognitive Skills Program
- Disability Services
- Diverse student groups
- Harrell Health Sciences Library
- Office for Culturally Responsive Health Care Education
- Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Office for Professional Mental Health
- Office for a Respectful Learning Environment
- Simulation Center
- Student Health
Campus Life
Student Housing
Penn State College of Medicine offers housing in its University Manor East or University Manor West apartments to full-time students, residents, postdoctoral scholars and visiting scholars.
Life in Hershey, PA
Penn State College of Medicine's primary campus is located in Hershey, Pa. The area provides numerous diverse and delicious dining experiences, sports, concerts and entertainment, and is a short drive away from the Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, metro areas.