Preparing for a Health Career

This is a valuable resource where you can take an assessment, connect with alumni who share your interests and find out more about the careers you are considering. Visit the site and schedule an appointment or consult with the health professions advisor for more tailored suggestions.

Career Center

Road Trip Nation has been traveling the country in a green RV to talk to people who love their jobs for the past 20 years. They share the career information of almost 4,000 people they have learned about their day-to-day lives, their educational paths and hurdles that they overcame along the way. Choose to watch over 1,000 videos and multiple documentaries to learn how people like YOU found work that they love.

Campus Ministry offers numerous weekly service programs that offer experience in health settings including: Lankenau Hospital, Inglis House (wheelchair community), Simpson House (nursing care facility for the elderly), as well as soup kitchens and Project HOME for the homeless. There are also service immersion trips during summer and break periods. For more information, check out the Campus Ministry Weekly Service website or contact Beth Ford McNamee.

There are several clubs and organizations for you to engage in to develop your interests in pursuing a career in the health professions. Please review the clubs and reach out to the contact listed for further information or to join. 

Health Related Clubs and Honors Societies

There are many chances to assume leadership roles in clubs and organizations on campus, including the following:

• Teaching Assistants – talk with biology, chemistry and physics chairs about becoming a TA for a basic science course that you have taken and in which you have excelled – this also allows you to reinforce your basic science skills that are tested on the MCAT, DAT, etc.
• Resident Assistants – beginning in the sophomore year, you may apply to Residence Life to become an RA in one of the campus dormitories, houses or apartments.
• Orientation Leader – “Red Shirts” are selected through a competitive process to lead the freshman orientation groups in the summer – apply through the Student Activities and Leadership office in Campion.

it is very important for you to test your interest in a health career by getting some clinical exposure to patients and health professionals who work in your intended career field. You are encouraged to shadow professionals in their practice. Ask your own healthcare providers or professionals in your hometown if you can spend time with them in their daily practice. Members of the SJU Medical Alumni are also often willing to mentor students, you will need to make some initial contacts through the SJU Connects platform or do some exploration and research on LinkedIn. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with the Career Center on Handshake for additional support.  

• Sign-up for the health professions email list. 
• Begin taking the appropriate prerequisite coursework in the sciences such as general chemistry and biology. If unsure about your course selection, make an appointment with with your faculty adviser to discuss your academic progress, future plans, etc.
• Attend programs and events sponsored by the Health Professions Advising Office.
• Get to know your professors.
• Research your intended career and talk to people in the field.
• Join at least one club/activity in which you are interested and that offers leadership opportunities.
• Get involved in a community service project or volunteer in a healthcare setting to test your interest in the field.

• Continue taking the appropriate prerequisite coursework.
• Attend programs and events sponsored by the Health Professions Advising Office.
• Continue to build relationships with your professors as you will be asking them for letters of evaluation in junior year.
• Read about current issues and topics in healthcare. Stay informed about your intended career field.
• Get clinical experience in your area of interest through shadowing or volunteering in a healthcare facility.
• Consider research opportunities including the SJU Summer Scholars Program.
• Get involved in an activity that interests you and seek a leadership role.

• Complete any missing prerequisite coursework.
• Attend programs and events sponsored by the Health Professions Advising Office.
• If you're planning to matriculate into professional school directly following graduation, attend the HPAC information session
• Ask your professors for letters of evaluation.
• Determine how you will prepare for the required admission tests (MCAT,DAT, GRE, etc.) and register for a course if desired. 
• Complete HPAC review (application, letters of recommendation, interview).
• Continue getting clinical experience in your area of interest.
• Make plans for a summer internship or research experience if desired.
• Register and take the appropriate admissions entrance exam and send scores to the health professions advisor.
• Complete professional school applications for by mid-to-late summer
• Request committee letter be sent to professional schools

• If you're planning to take a gap year(s) before matriculating into professional school, attend the HPAC information session
  • You will complete the HPAC review during your senior year
• Prepare for professional school interviews & complete a mock interview.
• Wait for decisions on your applications.
• Fill out financial aid/scholarship forms.
• Keep the health professions advisor informed about all decisions on your application.
• If you need to improve your academic record prior to applying to a health professional school, consider a post-baccalaureate enhancement program and apply if needed.
  • All advising services are available to alum