Post-Baccalaureate Programming
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center provides a unique training experience that builds upon Vanderbilt's extraordinary record of research and training in biomedical science, with the goal of promoting a pathway to cancer care and research careers.
Programs Designed for Post-Baccalaureates
Whether you're taking a gap year before pursuing further education or figuring out what career path is the best fit, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center provides opportunities for post-baccalaureates to learn about careers in cancer research and medicine.
VERTICAL Program
The Vanderbilt Educational Research and Training in Cancer and Leadership (VERTICAL) Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center provides a unique training experience for post-baccalaureate fellows that integrates within the Vanderbilt ecosystem focused on research and discovery. The program’s specific objectives are to provide:
- Mentored research experiences for individuals with bachelor’s degrees
- A robust and individualized curriculum to support participants in acquiring the knowledge and skills to pursue higher education leading to future careers in cancer research or medicine
- Opportunities for community engagement to support a community of practice
VERTICAL fellows participate in an in-person, two-year program of mentored basic, clinical/translational, and/or population science cancer research, cancer education, professional development, and community outreach activities. The overall program activities are individually tailored to meet the needs of each VERTICAL fellow.
VERTICAL Program Details
Review benefits, eligibility, application information, and contact information for the program.
Benefits
Leveraging the strengths of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, and Vanderbilt Health, this paid program will immerse you in a research laboratory for two years working with a Vanderbilt faculty member on a cutting-edge cancer research project.
Through this program you will gain the knowledge, skills, and community to further your career in cancer research or medicine.
In addition to your research, fellows will participate in:
- Responsible Conduct in Research training
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP) coursework
- Individualized research development plan
- Introduction to Cancer Biology course
- Clinical Cancer Medicine course
- GRE or MCAT preparatory course
- Meharry Medical College-Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center-Tennessee State University Cancer Partnership (MVTCP) online modules
- Cancer Biology Science Hour presentation
- VICC Annual Scientific Symposium, MVTCP retreat, and other retreats
- Scientific conferences
- Career Path Lunch & Learn Sessions
- Online resources from Vanderbilt University, Nature Masterclass
- Science & Community Impact Talks
- Volunteer opportunities
Eligibility
Eligible candidates for the VERTICAL program will be:
- Individuals with bachelor’s degrees from nationally accredited colleges or universities who desire to pursue doctoral degrees and careers in science or medicine, with a focus on cancer.
- Able to commit to the full-time, two-year program which runs from August to August in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Individuals who are interested in pursuing doctoral degrees and careers in science or medicine, with a focus on cancer, will benefit most from the program.
Application Information
For those interested in applying for the VERTICAL Program, please complete the interest form to receive the formal application in January. Please see below for the list of required application components.
- One-page statement of interest
- Copy of college transcript (does not need to be official)
- Two letters of recommendation from prior educators and/or employers
A current resume or CV
Contact
All questions should be directed to the program by email.
VERTICAL Interns
Bryan Hernandez, BS
Christin Keeton, BS
Jordan Swaby, BS
Jose Chavez Orozco, BS
Monique Dacanay, BS
Zaima Aline, BS
VERTICAL Testimonials
Personalized for Participants
“The ability to personalize each fellow's experience to their interests (academic or otherwise), needs, and goals.”
Individualized Attention
“The individualization of the process of preparing us for our specific goals. The program has been very easily tailored to meet my personal goals, which are very different from others in the cohort.”
Focused on the Future
“I believe the strongest aspect of the program is the full exposure to the research setting and being able to work on your own research project early on in your career. I honestly do not feel like I am in a post-baccalaureate program, but rather in the beginning stages of graduate school due to the increased independence and importance of my work in this program. This has really opened my eyes in terms of pursuing a career in research and understanding how to navigate the road to an academic future.”
Well-Rounded Programming
“The strongest aspect of the VERTICAL program is giving us the opportunity to gain research experience while we prepare to get our applications together for medical school. Also, supporting us financially with the MCAT prep and test registration. I love the American Cancer Society events we are invited to as well. Two years is a great amount of time for someone to get everything together to be a competitive applicant!”