Health Professions Education (CAGS)

We are not accepting applications to the CAGS in Health Professions Education Program at this time.

About the Program

Our Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) Health Professions Education is designed for students who hold a master's degree in a health professions specialty. All classes are online, allowing students to continue their careers while becoming certified. Learn more about the CAGS program.

How to Apply

We are not accepting applications to the CAGS in Health Professions Education Program at this time.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have a Master's degree or higher academic degree in public health or in a clinical discipline from an accredited US institution. Applicants need to have practical experience in their field within the past three years, and have current licensure if relevant. An overall GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate studies is also required.

Application Procedure

An applicant will be considered for review if the following requirements are submitted and completed by the deadline:

  1. Complete application
  2. Letter of Intent
  3. Current resume
  4. Three letters of recommendation
  5. Official college transcripts from all institutions attended, whether or not a degree was earned
  6. GRE and/or TOEFL, if applicable
  7. Analytical writing sample that has not been published or professionally edited

Once you submit our electronic application, please check the self-service portal to determine that all required application materials have been received.

Academic Records

Official transcripts are required for all courses completed (undergraduate and graduate) at accredited US post-secondary institutions, whether or not a degree was awarded. If you attended a study abroad program and a separate transcript exists, send that as well. Educational documents should clearly indicate the degree earned and the date awarded.

If you hold a visa other than F-1 and you earned a degree abroad, academic records must include end of year marks sheets for each year of attendance, not just final exam results or a copy of the degree. Educational documents should clearly indicate the degree and date awarded. Overseas post-secondary institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country. Academic records in the native language and an official English translation, if needed, are required.

The Office of Admission may require an evaluation of an applicant's academic credentials from abroad. These evaluation reports do not replace the need for signed/sealed academic records. These reports are interpretations of a student's academic history and US colleges and universities may accept all or partial information in these assessments. Our preferred provider is WES. Evaluations should include English translations and US equivalencies of all transcripts including a course-by-course evaluation with grades.

The Office of Admission also accepts electronic transcripts from certain vendors including Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse.

Standardized Test Scores

Official GRE scores are required. GRE is not required if an applicant has an overall GPA of 3.5 in all graduate studies. No exceptions are made for lower GPAs. We are unable to accept electronic scores or copies of student score reports. Please allow 4-6 weeks for official scores to be received by the office. The Simmons GRE code is 3761.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official English language test scores taken within two years prior to the application deadline. These include the TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English and IELTS. Other English proficiency exams can be considered on a case by case basis. This requirement is based on native language, not citizenship.

Applicants who have graduated from post-secondary institutions abroad (recognized by the Ministry of Education in the host country) in English-speaking countries only or applicants who have earned a bachelor's or master's degree at an accredited U.S. institution do not need to submit TOEFL.

The required scores for the TOEFL are: 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based). Copies of student score reports are not acceptable. Please be certain to take the TOEFL 2-3 months in advance of the deadline to assure that we receive an official score report on time. The Simmons TOEFL code is 3761. Further information about this exam can be obtained by directly contacting TOEFL by telephone at 215-750-8050 or by visiting the TOEFL website.

Recommendations

Three recommendations, written within six months of the deadline, are required. We do not accept recommendations from individuals who have a personal relationship with you (family members, friends, religious personnel) or from politicians since we need evaluations from individuals who can assess your academic ability to engage in graduate studies. Instructions for the online recommendation process can be found within the application.

Enrollment Deposit

Accepted applicants who choose to enroll are required to submit a nonrefundable $750 enrollment deposit. This deposit is applied to the first term bill.

Deferred Entrance

An accepted student may request, in writing, to the Director of Admission a deferral of the entrance date for one year. The student must indicate what they will do in the interim. If granted a deferral, a nonrefundable enrollment deposit is required by the date stated in the letter of admission to ensure enrollment.

Reapplication Procedure

An individual who wishes to re-apply should email or call the Office of Admission at 617-521-2605 for details. All re-applicants are required to submit a new electronic application and any official academic transcripts for courses completed since the initial application. A reapplication fee is required.

If you require an F-1 visa to study in the U.S., you must be accepted to and enrolled in a degree seeking program on a full time basis. The CAGS program is not offered on a full time basis, thus individuals requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible to apply. Taking courses as a non-degree student is not possible.

If you hold an H visa, please contact the Office of Admission via email or at 617-521-2605 to determine if you are eligible to apply. Be certain to tell us what type of H visa you hold and when/where you obtained your bachelor's and master's degrees.

Resources


Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.

Merit scholarships and funding options

We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.

Health insurance

All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.

Contact us

Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2605. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours