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 in identifying 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 the application process of specific professional programs in 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: See Experiential 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