A Structured Pathway to Health Professions 

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The University Honors Health Fellows Program is a structured, multi-phase pathway for University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students pursuing careers in the health professions.

Through a partnership between University Honors and the UT Health Sciences, Health Fellows engage in academic preparation, mentorship, leadership development, service, and early clinical experiences. 

Students must successfully complete each phase and meet all program requirements to maintain eligibility for a reserved-seat opportunity in a participating UT Health Sciences professional program. For all participating programs other than medical school, the MCAT requirement for admission will be waived. Program participation does not replace the admissions process or guarantee admission. Students must complete all UT Health Sciences and program-specific requirements

Health Professions Pathways 

Health Fellows may pursue a variety of health professions, including: 

• Medicine 

• Physician assistant 

• Pathologists’ assistant programs 

• Dentistry 

• Pharmacy 

• Physical therapy 

• Occupational therapy 

Recruitment and Selection 

University Honors recruits and selects students for the Health Fellows Program based on the following criteria: 

• Minimum ACT score of 34 

• Minimum high school GPA of 4.5 

• Demonstrated leadership potential 

• Demonstrated commitment to a health profession 

Selection by University Honors is required for participation in Phase 1. 

Note: The following timeline applies to the 2027 Cohort and beyond. Honors scholars eligible to join the 2026 Cohort will receive information about the new program timeline and expectations.  

 

Phase 1: Honors Health Fellow 

First-Year Scholars 

During their first year, Honors Health Fellows begin exploring the health professions and developing the academic, leadership, and professional skills needed for future success. 

First-year requirements include: 

• Participation in a health professions seminar 

• Mentorship and early career exploration 

• Leadership and community service 

Sophomore-Year Experience: Declaration & Validation 

In their sophomore year, students deepen their engagement with UT Health Sciences and begin the process of declaring and validating their intended healthcare pathway. 

Second-year requirements include: 

• Enrollment in the Leadership in Health Careers Seminar 

• Declaration of an intended healthcare pathway 

• Submission of an application and personal statement 

• Introduction to healthcare systems, ethics, and professional expectations 

• Interview with representatives from the intended UT Health Sciences professional program 

• Approval to transition to Senior Health Fellow status 

Students who are approved for advancement participate in an official ceremony recognizing the partnership between UT Health Sciences and the university. 

Phase 2: Senior Health Fellow Experience 

Junior and Senior Years 

Senior Health Fellows continue their preparation through sustained academic support, advising, mentorship, service, and professional experiences. 

Senior Health Fellows must: 

• Maintain a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA 

• Maintain a minimum 3.75 BCPM GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics coursework 

• Participation in the Sophomore Year Experience at UT Health Sciences in the summer between their second and third year 

• Attend a UT Health Sciences campus visit 

• Participate in semester advising and faculty mentorship 

• Complete community service 

• Participate in clinical and simulation experiences at UT Health Sciences

• For the medicine track, complete MCAT preparation and meet the established benchmark 

• Additional requirements may vary by intended healthcare pathway. 

Final Validation 

To complete the Health Fellows pathway and remain eligible for a reserved seat opportunity, students must: 

• Graduate from UT with University Honors distinction 

• Complete all required prerequisite coursework 

• Submit all required UT Health Sciences application materials 

• Meet all program-specific academic and professional benchmarks 

• Receive the required letters of endorsement 

Final validation is dependent on successful completion of all fellowship, UT Health Sciences, and professional-program requirements.