So you've chosen to pursue a healthcare field -- what next?

You need to have a plan. It won't be easy. There are a lot of classes you need to take, meetings you need to attend, skills you need to acquire. And you'll need to do them in a specific order to get the best results.

Once you've registered for courses at UAH and enrolled as a Pre-Health Student, we recommend that you make an appointment with us. The UAH Pre-Health Professions Advising Program is here to be your guide as you begin to pursue your goal of being a healthcare professional.

Below you'll find general guidance and a suggested timeline for Pre-Health students.

 

  • Enroll in the Pre-Health Program.
  • Take BYS 100 Intro to Health Professions.
  • Get started in Biology, Chemistry, and Math.
  • Get to know your Academic Advisor and your Pre-Pealth Advisor.
  • Keep a journal of your accomplishments and what inspires you on your path to pre-health professional.
  • Find some extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities and organizations that you'd like to take part in. Check out the Pre-Health Society!
  • Pace yourself for success: balance your schedule so that you are able maintain a high GPA.
  • Think about summer activities such as volunteering in a health care setting to support your goals.
  • Meet with your Pre-Health Advisor at least once a semester!

  • Get to know your science faculty (use their office hours)!
  • Tackle organic chemistry.
  • Add coursework that interests you. Develop a major that will serve you if you are unable to attend a professional school immediately after graduation.
  • Keep up your GPA!
  • Follow the UAH Pre-Health Program's social media and Canvas course announcements for pre-health related workshops and activities.
  • Practice speaking in front of a group and develop your interviewing skills.
  • Reach out to professionals in your desired field for shadowing and volunteer opportunities.
  • Apply to summer research, volunteer, and clinical experience opportunities.
  • Check out the exam prep and study materials in the Pre-Health library over the summer.
  • Meet with your Pre-Health Advisor at least once a semester!

  • Register for BYS 305 in the spring.
  • Focus on doing well in your prerequisite classes while maintaining a high GPA.
  • Start writing your personal statement early. Attend UAH Writing Tutoring for tips on writing a compelling narrative and request feedback from your Pre-Health Advisor.
  • Take professional exam practice tests and mock exams.
  • Continue to gain volunteer and shadowing hours as often as possible.
  • Let the Pre-Health office know if you intend to apply during the upcoming application cycle.
  • In the fall, sign up for the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee Letter if you are pre-med, pre-dental, or pre-veterinary and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Take your professional school entrance exam in March or April of the spring semester. You will have time to retake if needed before applying.
  • Finalize and polish your application materials before applications open in the late spring to early summer. Utilize the Pre-Health office to help you with these items!
  • Apply to your professional school programs at the end of your spring semester. Apply early! Many programs utilize rolling admissions.

  • Enjoy your senior year!
  • Prepare for interviews.
  • Complete any remaining prerequisite coursework.
  • Continue volunteer and clinical experience.
  • Keep the Pre-Health office updated about your interviews and acceptances!
  • Let the Pre-Health office know what school you decide to attend.