Healthcare and Medical Pathway

Supporting first-generation students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare

Overview

The Healthcare & Medical Pathway supports students pursuing careers in medicine, healthcare, and related health professions.

Barrier Breakers provides expert college admissions advising aligned with pre-health pathways, paired with mentorship and long-term support throughout college and beyond. Our work begins with helping students make strong, informed college choices that position them for success in rigorous pre-medical and healthcare tracks.

Each year, we support dozens of students interested in pre-med pathways, and more than 30% of the students we serve pursue pre-medical coursework during college.

Healthcare pathways are academically demanding and highly structured. First-generation students often face additional barriers accessing accurate guidance, mentorship, and professional exposure.

This pathway exists to ensure students are making informed decisions early — and that they are supported throughout college, graduate preparation, and early career transitions.

What We Do

  • 1:1 College Advising

    Personalized 1:1 support fwith a focus on identifying institutions that support pre-med and pre-health success

  • Mentorship

    Mentorship from healthcare professionals and related fields

  • Career Opportunities

    Career exposure opportunities, such as shadow days, informational interviews, and employer-led programming

  • Support During College

    Ongoing support during college and graduate school including persistence check-ins, wellness support, and preparation for next steps

BS/MD and Early Assurance Programs

Barrier Breakers also supports students applying to BS/MD and other early assurance medical programs.

Each year, we work with students pursuing these highly competitive pathways by:

  • Helping them identify programs aligned with their academic profile and goals

  • Supporting application readiness and narrative development

  • Referring students to specialized partners for program-specific advising when appropriate

Our approach emphasizes fit, preparation, and ethical guidance.

Pre-Med Academic Advising & Medical School Admissions

Pre-medical academic sequencing and medical school admissions advising require highly specialized, up-to-date expertise.

For this reason, Barrier Breakers refers students to a vetted network of trusted partners for:

  • Pre-med academic planning and course sequencing

  • MCAT-related guidance

  • Medical school application strategy and advising

Our trusted partners include:

These partners share our commitment to access, integrity, and student-centered advising. Barrier Breakers remains involved throughout the process, continuing to support students holistically as they navigate demanding academic and professional pathways.

For students pursuing medical school or other healthcare graduate programs, Barrier Breakers continues to provide mentorship, wellness support, and long-term guidance, while leveraging trusted referral partners for specialized admissions advising.

Regardless of how graduate admissions support is delivered, we remain committed to walking with students through graduate school and into early career stages.

Become a Mentor, Institutional Partner, or Student Sponsor

You can play a direct role in supporting first-generation students on their path to college, graduate school, and meaningful careers. As a mentor, you provide guidance, encouragement, and insight into professional pathways. As a corporate partner, you help expand access to internships, career exposure, and early professional experiences. As a student sponsor, you make it possible for aspiring low-income students to receive expert advising, continued wellness support, and long-term mentorship at no cost — ensuring they are supported every step of the way.

Student sponsorships directly support aspiring low-income students by funding college advising, mentorship, and continued wellness support throughout their educational journey.