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Six Pillars of Pre-Health

Six Pillars To Get Into Professional School

Academics

Each program has a set standard for required GPA and test scores, academic success shows a student’s ability to handle challenges.

  • Work Supplemental Instruction and tutoring into your weekly schedule to help maintain a high GPA
  • Meet your Academic Advisor to develop your four-year academic plan
  • Meet with a Career Advisor to learn about involvement opportunities, as well as programs that will help put classroom knowledge into practical application
  • Give yourself enough time to prepare for the entrance exam
  • Stay engaged with like-minded students on forums by visiting Student Doctor Network
  • Visit your professor during office hours to ask questions and learn about course expectations

Confirming Your Passion

Being able to confirm your passion will allow you to better articulate your motivation for the field or career choice

  • Participate in the Clinical Exploration Programs. More information can be found here: https://cnso.nova.edu/cep/index.html
  • Volunteer at a local hospital, clinic, or private practice
  • Look into the benefits of Medical Scribing opportunities (eg. PhysAssist Scribes)
  • Do informational interviews to learn about other professional’s pathways to their career
  • Attend Pre-Health Day, held on campus, to network with health professionals and participate in a mock interview
  • Shadow a local healthcare professional
  • Sign up for a healthcare internship or find employment opportunities within a medical setting

Research

Research provides you with an avenue to immerse yourself within the knowledge base, enhances your critical thinking, and creates a lasting influence on future goals.

  • There are hundreds of research opportunities at NSU including stem cells, coral reef restoration, and anti-cancer therapies, however you must be proactive in your approach
  • Research allows you to understand current trends in your field
  • Get to work side by side with an expert in the field
  • Research will show that you are a committed lifelong learner
  • The best way to find research opportunities is by conducting informational interviews with faculty
  • Check with a Career Advisor to learn about National research opportunities that provide housing and stipends

Leadership

Healthcare professionals are leaders in their industry, taking on leadership roles can showcase your fit for the industry.

  • Become involved with student organizations, find all organizations on orgsync.com/login/ nova-southeastern-university
  • You do not have to have a leadership position in order to gain leadership skills, show initiative and drive (eg. starting a fundraiser)
  • Attend SHARKAPALOOZA at the beginning of each year to meet all of the on-campus organizations
  • Do not be afraid to start your own organization on-campus
  • Leadership characteristics include: Communication, Integrity, Delegating tasks, Creativity, Motivation, Commitment, and Passion (skills that are needed to succeed in health-related professions)

Transferable Skills

The most successful doctors do not just have strong clinical abilities but utilize a variety of transferable skills to make their patients feel comfortable.

  • Transferable skills are skills developed in a previous setting that can be applied any where
  • Ways to develop transferable skills: become a Resident Assistant on campus, an Orientation Leader, take on a Customer service position, or pursue internships inside and outside of healthcare.
  • Why transferable skills? As a healthcare professional you need to be a problem solver with your patients, although done in a different setting, if you were a resident assistant on campus you probably utilized your problem solving skill which proves valuable when entering healthcare settings
  • Transferable skills include: problem solving, leadership, time management, detail oriented, and adaptability

Community Involvement

Entering the health care field means joining an industry that is focused on serving others, being involved in community initiatives showcase how your values align with that of the industry.

  • Do a Mission Trip or an internship within the Study Abroad program
  • Volunteer to feed the Homeless
  • Special Olympics— Help those with disabilities take part in Unified Sports worldwide, by breaking down stereotypes in a really fun way
  • Cozy Corners— Give children a great homecoming from the hospital, whether it be they might be fighting a terrible disease by redecorating their room as a surprise
  • For more ways to be involved check out the Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Office. They offer programs such as: Days of Service and Sharks and Service Trips (SAS). Visit Visit http://www.nova.edu/studentleadership/index.html
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