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An Introduction to Pre-Health Advising. Caitlin Bannon Pre-Professional Health Advising University Advising Center. Who Do We Advise?. Students interested in pursuing: Medicine Dentistry Optometry Physicians Assistant Physical Therapy Pharmacy Podiatry Chiropractic medicine
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An Introduction to Pre-Health Advising Caitlin Bannon Pre-Professional Health Advising University Advising Center
Who Do We Advise? Students interested in pursuing: • Medicine • Dentistry • Optometry • Physicians Assistant • Physical Therapy • Pharmacy • Podiatry • Chiropractic medicine • Naturopathic medicine
Health Professions Advising UNH: An Overview • The Pre-Professional Health Program is an intention and a commitment • Students of any major may be “pre-health” by • A) Completing the pre-requisite coursework • B) Registering with our office by signing up for our email list • C) Gaining the volunteer and healthcare experience necessary for admission • D) Preparing to take the required entrance exam (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, OAT, etc.)
Does my major matter? Professional schools do not evaluate applicants based on a specific major. Evaluation for admission is based on: • Grades: Prerequisites, major courses, & all other classes, for all four years • Experiences & Personal Attributes: Demonstrate sustained interest/knowledge in healthcare • Letters of Recommendation: Faculty and Committee • Entrance Exams: Taken only after prerequisites are complete • Interviews: Committee and Medical Schools
Working with Your Advisors Your major advisor – your first stop: • Meet at least once each semester to review academic progress and approve course selection for the upcoming semester • Discuss fitting prerequisite courses around major curriculum • Get advice on program planning, preregistration, understanding and meeting major and University requirements, and general academic and career decision-making
Working with Your Advisors The Health Professions (HP) Advisor: • Assists inidentifying professional school prerequisites and choosing appropriate UNH courses • Provides information about volunteer and community service opportunities and national health profession organizations • Refers to campus support resources • Guides through theapplication process of specific professional programsin which the applicant is interested
Getting Started • Sign up for our email list • Review the New Student PowerPoint and spend time on the website @ http://www.unh.edu/uac/premed-advising/advising • Learn more about health professions options using the Health Professions Fact Sheets and www.explorehealthcareers.org • Monitor the PH website for upcoming events.
Getting Started • Meet with your major advisor to discuss your academic plan and your intention to pursue your pre-professional health track of choice • Take action toward obtaining healthcare experience • Volunteer – winter and summer breaks; academic year • Job shadow professionals in your field of interest • EMT, CNA, LNA certification
What to Do Now • Focus on Academics – get excellent grades, seek help when you need it, get to know your professors (even in large lectures), and work with your advisor • Get Engaged – take advantage of opportunities to learn new things, attend events, join clubs, and be passionate about your learning; college is no place for passivity • Stay Out of Trouble – a judicial or academic conduct issue (or a criminal record) can seriously hamper your future possibilities; make good choices starting now • Practice Professionalism – emails, phone calls, appointments and chance meetings are all moments for you to make a good impression
What to Do Now • Monitor Your Social Media Presence – who are you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.? Others will see, and they will judge • Be of Service – demonstrate compassion, caring for others, and commitment (crucial characteristics for healthcare providers) • Healthcare in Context – consider, learn, and think about the social, economic, and cultural implication of health and healthcare access • Break Out of Your Comfort Zone – learn about others who are different than you
Resources: The Professions, Requirements, and Advising • Health Professions Fact Sheets: overview of the professions and the prerequisite courses, which vary by profession • Pre-Professional Health Advising website • http://www.unh.edu/uac/premed-advising/advising • At this stage, check out the links for: • Advising • Explore the Health Professions • Experiential Opportunities
Resources: Getting Involved • Check out the resources on the HP web page: SeeExperiential Opportunities • Student Orgs and Leadership Opportunities: Office of Student Involvement and Leadership • Community Service and Volunteering: Office of Civic and Community Engagement
Location and Contact Info • The Health Professions (HP) Office is currently located in Kendall Hall • For general inquires, email premed.advising@unh.edu • Schedule an appointment via Wildcat Advising • Directions are posted on our website: http://www.unh.edu/uac/premed-advising/schedule-appointment