Academic and other preparation

Academic preparation:

Although the majority of health professions students may choose to major in a science field, it is not required. 

• Coursework guidelines for undergraduate students preparing for admission to health profession graduate programs vary depending on the health profession and the school or program. Health Professions Advising strongly encourages students to research course guidelines based on your future profession and individual schools. Basic pre-requisite course may include:
  • First year biology (with labs)
  • First year chemistry (with labs)
  • Physics (with labs)
  • Organic chemistry (with labs), one or two semesters depending on profession and school
  • First year math
  • English
• However, please note that many schools either require or recommend additional courses depending on the health profession and the school. Some of these courses may be in such areas as biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, immunology, psychology, sociology, and human development.
• Please be aware that merely meeting the minimum pre-requisites is generally not sufficient to be a competitive applicant.
• Coursework for majors: see your academic department.
• Undecided / major-undeclared students receive academic advising through University Studies. 

Academic assistance at Virginia Tech:

• Academic study skills assistance and tutoring through the Student Success Center.
  
• Math tutoring through the Department of Mathematics private tutoring and tutoring lab.
• Writing guidance through the Writing Center.

Preparing to be competitive:

• Undergraduate timeline.
• Professionalism: HPA expects advisees and applicants to exhibit professional conduct and behavior.
• Admission exams: preparation and more information.

Undergraduate and summer research & study opportunities:

• These kinds of opportunities are strongly encouraged both to give you exposure to topics of interest and to strengthen your application.

Extra-curricular preparation:

• Do volunteering & service.
• Shadow health professionals.
• Get to know a health professional in your field.
• Work/volunteer in a clinical setting (clinics, ED/ER, hospital)
• Explore a variety of volunteer and community service activities to determine where you would like to devote concentrated energy and time.
• If you choose to seek employment, consider an opportunity that involves working with the general public in some capacity.
• Plan to obtain experiences where you can take on increasing levels of responsibility and/or leadership.
• Gain leadership experiences through employment, clubs, research projects, course projects, community service, or other relevant opportunities.