Application Requirements

Applications are submitted online via our Submittable portal. Applicants will create an account in order to save and come back to edit their in-progress applications prior to submission. All supporting documents are uploaded through the application portal. To be considered, the application must be fully complete with recommendation forms returned in Submittable and submitted by April 8, 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Complete the online application within the Submittable portal, including:

• 500-word personal statement outlining: a) your plans to enter a health profession or b) why you should be selected as a Summer Health Careers Academy fellow

2. Submit supporting documentation by uploading it to your Submittable application:

• Current unofficial transcripts
• For 2026 high school graduate applicants only: documentation by a counselor on school letterhead confirming anticipated 2026 graduation date or a copy of letter of acceptance to an accredited undergraduate program.

3. Professional references: provide email addresses of two (2) professional references to fill out a reference form on your behalf.

• Professional references can be an employer, community individual, teacher, or academic advisor
• Entering your references' email addresses into the application will automatically send a reference form directly to their inbox
• Important: Your professional references must return their reference forms by the application deadline for your application to be considered complete.

The online application must be submitted by April 8, 2026 at 4:59pm EDT.  

Summer Health Careers Academy Eligibility Requirements

Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Physician Assistant (PA) Track Requirements:

• Must be a South Carolina resident or enrolled in a SC school, college or university
• Must be 18 years old by June 1, 2026 - no exceptions
• Must have sincere interest in one of the participating health professions
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must be currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college or university for the fall of 2026 with an interest in pursuing a career in a designated Academy career path
• Must have completed graduation/GED requirements by June 1, 2026

Dental Track Requirements:

• Must have graduated from high school by December 2025 and earned a minimum of 12 hours of academic credit from an accredited college or university
• Must meet all other eligibility requirements stated above  

Note: Applicants not meeting all eligibility requirements will not be considered.  

Questions?

For questions related to the Summer Health Careers Academy, please contact the South Carolina AHEC team at 843-792-4431 or email Paula M. Jones at jonespa@musc.edu.