Preprofessional

Preprofessional programs provide guidance, mentoring, and advice for students who plan to enroll in professional programs upon their graduation from St. Mary's College.

Preprofessional / Health Careers Advising / Getting Started

Getting Started

Is a career in healthcare the right choice for you? It is a good idea to explore your options before committing to a career path.

These are just a few of the ways you can learn about careers in healthcare:

Self-Reflection is the key to finding out what is right for you. You should ask yourself, is this really what I want to do and am I committed to a plan both academically and as a life choice. Be sure to answer these questions honestly.

Questions you should be thinking about:

  • Why do I want to enter the medical field?
  • Am I a person of service?
  • What personal experiences do I have that have fueled my interest in health care?
  • Am I committed to striving for a GPA of 3.5?
  • Do I want to do more than fulfill the minimum requirements for my degree?

Do I have any practical experience with health care that:

  • Has helped me commit myself to the challenge of fulfilling the necessary course work required for a graduate program in the health sciences?
  • Will strengthen my application to graduate work by giving me hands on experience and demonstrate that I am fully aware of what the career I have chosen involves.

Am I willing to find and take advantage of experiences such as:

  • A summer research internship
  • An independent research project
  • Assuming leadership roles in campus programs?

Timeline

If you are still unsure review this timeline to gain an understanding of what will be in store for you.

When should you go to your first HSAC meeting?
Fall or spring of your first year.

When should you fill out the HSAC introductory worksheet?
Your first/second year, or when you decide you want to pursue a career in health.
Download the worksheet here.

When should the student talk to the HSAC chair about setting up a file?
End of sophomore / start of junior year.

When will you be assigned an adviser?
January / February of the year your plan to apply for professional school.

When should you begin asking for letters of recommendation?
Right away! Letters should be collected throughout your undergraduate education to show consistency and growth.

What to do if you decided on a career in healthcare late in the game…