1. An Introduction to Pre-Health Advising
Caitlin Bannon
Pre-Professional Health Advising
University Advising Center

2. Who Do We Advise? Students interested in pursuing: Medicine Dentistry
Optometry
Physicians Assistant
Physical Therapy
Pharmacy
Podiatry
Chiropractic medicine
Naturopathic medicine

3. 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 list
C) Gaining the volunteer and healthcare experience necessary for admission
D) Preparing to take the required entrance exam (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, OAT, etc.)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Getting Started Sign up for our email list
Review the New Student PowerPoint and spend time on the advising/advising
Learn more about health professions options using the Health Professions Fact Sheets and
Monitor the PH website for upcoming events.

8. 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

9. 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 – s, phone calls, appointments and chance meetings are all moments for you to make a good impression

10. 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

11. 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
At this stage, check out the links for:
Advising
Explore the Health Professions
Experiential Opportunities

12. 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

13. Location and Contact Info
The Health Professions (HP) Office is currently located in Kendall Hall
For general inquires,
Schedule an appointment via Wildcat Advising
Directions are posted on our website: appointment