Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about our learning model, the admission and enrollment process, payment options, and other important details.

Explore All Sections:

  1. General Inquiries
  2. Program Formats
  3. Application and Registration Requirements
  4. Program Experience
  5. Outcomes
  6. Program Fees, Payments, and Financial Aid
  7. Technical Questions

General Inquiries

I’m not sure which program is right for me, how do I choose?

Visit our catalog to see all open programs. You can choose to filter by Program Type, Format, Participant Type, Topic, Specialty or Application Requirements.

Our Program Categories include:

If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have questions about specific programs of interest, contact our team.
 

Can I audit/trial a program before enrolling?

Auditing or trials are not available for the majority of our programs. However, HMX Online Learning programs offer two free preview courses.

Program Formats

How are programs delivered?

At the top of each program page, you'll find key details such as the program dates, location, and the learning format used to deliver the program. Here's a brief explanation of each learning format or modality:

  • Blended: A combination of in-person and online learning. Some sessions may be held in a classroom, others may be delivered live online, and some may be asynchronous online. Physical attendance is required for all in-person sessions.
  • In-Person: Learning that takes place in a single program location with faculty and your cohort gathered together. Physical attendance is required for all sessions.
  • Live Online: Learning that takes place remotely and features live interactions with faculty and your cohort. Live Online learning can involve either full-time days or part-time schedules over several months. No travel is required for Live Online programs.
  • Live Online; In-Person: These programs offer attendance online or in-person.
  • Online; Self-paced: Asynchronous learning where participants access pre-recorded materials at their convenience. For on-demand courses, materials can be accessed and completed at any time. No travel is required for Online programs.
  • Online; Instructor-paced: For cohort-based courses, access will be provided during a set timeframe, with participation deadlines. No travel is required for Online programs. 
     

Are programs available in languages other than English?

Harvard Medical School Office for External Education conducts most of its programs in English. Limited programs offer simultaneous translation into another language. If a program offers this, it will be clearly stated on the program page.
 

What is the time commitment for programs?

Time commitments vary by program. Please review each program page for specific time commitment guidance for that program. 
 

Will I be notified if the program is cancelled or rescheduled?

It is rare for Harvard Medical School to cancel or reschedule a program. However, if a program is cancelled or rescheduled, you will be notified of the change via email from our team.

Harvard Medical School is not responsible for losses due to cancellation of flights, non-issuance of visas, non-refundable accommodation charges or any other costs incurred by learners, including in the event that program dates are changed. 
 

Do you offer programs for companies, institutions, or groups to take together?

Yes. We are happy to provide some additional information regarding group enrollments for your organization. Group enrollment agreements are available with a commitment of 11+ seats for live programs or 25+ seats for HMX Online programs.

If you are interested in discussing this with our team, please submit an inquiry and a member of our team will reach out to you. Otherwise, we encourage your employees to enroll as individual learners through our website. 
 

Where can I find a detailed program schedule? 

Visit each program page for details about program dates. If an agenda is available, it will be listed on the program page. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us.  

Application and Registration Requirements

What pre-requisites or prior degrees do I need to have to enroll in a program? 

Pre-requisites or prior experience requirements vary by program. Visit the requirements section of each program page to learn more. 
 

Are programs open to learners outside the United States? 

Yes, our programs welcome qualified learners from all over the world. We proudly have alumni from more than 100 countries globally. For programs with in-person components, learners are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents to attend the mandatory in-person program workshops. 
 

Do I need to speak English proficiently? 

The language of instruction at Harvard Medical School is English. Proficiency in the language is essential for meaningful engagement in the learning experience. 
 

Can I take more than one program at a time? 

This depends on the program type and your level of bandwidth. HMX Online programs were designed to support enrollment in multiple courses at a time. However, live programs may be more challenging due to scheduling conflicts and time commitment. If you need assistance in understanding which program is right for you, please contact our admissions and enrollment team. 
 

When will I hear about my application decision? 

Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with limited exceptions. Most applicants will receive an admissions decision within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the volume of submissions. All complete applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed, with decisions shared before the enrollment deposit deadline. 
 

When should I book travel for my program? 

We recommend booking refundable travel and accommodations after enrolling in the program. If you require a visa, please wait until it has been issued before making travel arrangements. Harvard Medical School is not responsible for any costs incurred, including non-refundable travel or accommodation, visa issues, or changes to program dates. 
 

Who should I contact for questions about my visa application? 

Your consulate is best suited to help clarify your visa application questions. The admissions email you receive serves as the official documentation for visa purposes. We recommend that you save the email in pdf format and print a hardcopy. 

If you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program, a visa is not required. All other participants must obtain a visa—typically a B-1 visa for business visitors. 

It is your responsibility to review and follow U.S. State Department guidelines to determine visa requirements and initiate the application process. Visa processing can be lengthy, you are expected to begin the application immediately upon acceptance. 

Harvard Medical School does not provide visa assistance.   

Please note: Program participants are not considered full-time students at Harvard University and are not eligible for F-1 student visa sponsorship. 

For programs held outside the United States, you must check with your local consulate for country-specific visa requirements. 

Countries where consular consultation is advised: 

  • Malaysia
  • People’s Republic of China
  • United Kingdom
  • United States 

Program Experience

Can I work ahead of the program or course pace? 

For instructor-led courses, learners are expected to follow the course pace. Coursework should be completed as it is released, unless the program is listed as “On Demand.” We recommend referring to the program page for details. 
 

What are the requirements to successfully complete a program? 

The requirements to successfully complete a program may include attendance at workshops, live webinars, or lectures. There may be additional requirements such as quizzes, exams, team assignments, or capstone projects depending on the program. Program requirements are highlighted on each of the program pages. 
 

How long will I have access to program materials? 

This depends on the program. Visit the program page for more details. 
 

How do I complete the post-test or program evaluation for programs and courses which offer Continuing Education credits? 

After completing a live course or applicable certificate program you will receive an email to complete the program evaluation.  

After completing the content, learners need to pass the posttest of a self-paced or on-demand continuing education course.  Once complete, you will be directed to MYCE portal to complete the program evaluation.
 

Are there discussion forums or areas where I can ask questions in your online programs? 

Yes, many of our online programs feature discussion forums where learners can engage with each other or course moderators. 

Outcomes

What do I receive upon completion of the program? 

This can vary by program. For specific details, please refer to each program page. 
 

Can I apply credits from a program to a degree program? 

Our programs are non-degree granting and do not provide learners with academic degree credits. 
 

How should I list my credential on LinkedIn or in my resume? 

Courses you complete are valuable for both your LinkedIn profile and resume. Here’s how to list them effectively: 

LinkedIn: 

Include any courses in the “Education Section” as follows:  

School: Choose the appropriate option from list below: 

  • Harvard Medical School Professional, Corporate, and Continuing Education
  • Harvard Macy Institute 

Degree: Add the appropriate representation here (e.g., Certificate of Completions, etc.) 

Field of Study: Leave blank  

Start/End Year: Year in which you completed the course(s)  

Grade: Leave blank  

Description: Course/Program Name (e.g., Safety, Quality, Informatics and Leadership) 

 

Resume:  

List the course/program in the Education or Certifications section, beneath any degrees you’ve earned.  

Format it like this: [Name of course/program], Harvard Medical School, [Year of completion]. 

Program Fees, Payments, and Financial Aid

When do I need to pay for my program? 

Full program fees should be paid by the program’s enrollment deadline.  
 

What payment methods are accepted? 

  • Credit card: Preferred Method 
    We recommend that you contact your credit card issuer to pre-authorize your payment.
  • Check: Made payable in USD to Harvard Medical School 

    Mail to the following addresses: 
    USPS: 
     HARVARD COLLEGE 
     PO BOX 417476 
     BOSTON, MA 02241-7476 

    COURIER (UPS/FedEx): 
     BANK OF AMERICA LOCKBOX 417476 
     MA5-527-02-07 
     2 MORRISSEY BLVD 
     DORCHESTER, MA 02125
  • Wire Transfers: Inquire with your bank before sending. For checks and wire transfers, the payment memo line must reference your last name and the name of the program you are participating in.  Learners who choose to pay via wire transfer are responsible for ensuring that the full program fee is received and for covering any associated wire transfer fees. Please confirm with your bank that the total amount sent includes both the program fee and any applicable transfer charges.

    Wire payment to: 

    Bank Name: Bank of America 
    Bank Address: 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110 
    WIRE ABA#: 026009593 
    SWIFT Code: BOFAUS3N 
    Account Name: President and Fellows of Harvard College 
    Account #: 9372639404 

    Please send receipt of wire transfer to learn@hms.harvard.edu to allow us to process your order. 
     

Can I use US federal student aid or my GI Bill benefits to pay for my program? 

No. Our programs are not eligible for US federal student aid or GI Bill benefits.
 

Can someone else pay for my program on my behalf? 

We are happy to receive payment from sponsors on behalf of the learners, including from Employers. Payment requirements remain the same if tuition is being paid for by a third party. 
 

Will I receive tax credits for your programs? 

Our programs are not an eligible institution for tax credits, so you will not receive a 1098-T form. 
 

Will I need to purchase additional materials?  

Most programs do not require additional purchase of materials to attend. Those that do will indicate supplemental materials are needed in the formal letter of acceptance or on the program page site.  
 

What is the cancellation policy? 

You can review our cancellation policy here.


What is the refund policy? 

You can review our refund policy here.
 

Can I defer my enrollment? 

You can review our deferral policy here. 

Technical Questions 

What are the technical requirements for online programs? 

The lessons require a modern browser, and the latest Chrome, Safari, or Firefox applications should work well. A broadband internet connection is recommended to access the rich media in the program. If you’re unsure of what browser version you’re currently using, check WhatsMyBrowser.org for more information. 
 

What bandwidth is required for online programs? 

We recommend bandwidth of at least 750 Kbps download speed to properly engage with online course content. At this speed, there may be video buffering and some slowness. Videos can be viewed in HD, or ‘high’ quality with a minimum recommended bandwidth of 2Mbps download speed. 
 

How do I access my online program? 

Instructions to access your online program will be included in your program welcome email. If you cannot locate this email or are experiencing access issues, contact us for support. 
 

How can I get support or help with my account? 

For support with your account, contact us.