Take a deeper dive into specific career paths within health care and medical professions, including:
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We’re building and adding to the Resource Portals and Common Career Path resources regularly so check back frequently for the most current updates.
Looking for general #HMP resources?
Discover sample internships, job and internship feeds, student organizations, and examples of professional associations.
Pre-Medicine
Sample Resumes
Specialized Job Boards
- (coming soon)
Recent Articles
Explore
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) – AAMC Website
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA) – AMSA Website
Test Prep and Application Resources:
- AAMC MCAT Preparation Hub – MCAT Prep Hub
- Khan Academy MCAT Prep (Free) – Khan Academy MCAT Course
- AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) – MSAR Website
Gain Experience:
- Med School Insider’s Pre-Med Guide – Pre-Med Timeline & Checklist
- Pre-Health Shadowing (Virtual) – Pre-Health Shadowing Website
- Free Virtual Clinical Shadowing – HEAL Clinical Education Network Website
Medical School
Medical school application cycles are well-defined, and early application is highly recommended.
- AMCAS (MD Programs): Opens in May; submit in June. Primary application deadlines are typically between October 1 and December 15. Early Decision deadlines are usually August 1.
- AACOMAS (DO Programs): Opens in May; submit in June. Deadlines range from October to April, with most schools requiring submissions by December 1.
Key Application Systems:
- AMCAS (MD) – AMCAS Website
- AACOMAS (DO) – AACOMAS Website
Resources, Tips and Tools
- Podcast with Harsimran Kalsi ’20 (Revolutionizing Health Care, Curing Diseases Faster and Making the World a Better Place)
- What are Postbaccalaureate Programs?
- Finding the right Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program for you
- AAMC Postbac Premedical Programs database
- MD Journey’s 10 Best Post Bacc Programs For Med School
- Different Types of Post Bacc Programs
Mental and Behavioral Health
Sample Resumes
Career Spotlight
Case Manager (coming soon)
Corrections Officer (coming soon)
Specialized Job Boards
- (coming soon)
Explore:
- American Psychological Association (APA) – APA Website
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – NAMI Website
Experience Opportunities:
- Volunteer Opportunities in Mental Health – Look for positions at organizations like Crisis Text Line.
- Pre-Graduate School Prep – How to Apply for Grad School in Psychology
Resources, Tips and Tools
- (coming soon)
Nursing
Sample Resumes
Career Spotlight
Certified Medical Assistant (coming soon)
Licensed Practical Nurse (coming soon)
Specialized Job Boards
- (coming soon)
Explore:
- American Nurses Association (ANA) – ANA Website
- National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) – NSNA Website
- Nursing School Hub – Explore Nursing Degrees
Pre-Nursing Experience:
- AllNurses Pre-Nursing Forums – AllNurses Website
- Nursing Volunteer Opportunities – Contact local hospitals or use platforms like Volunteer Match to find healthcare-related volunteer positions.
- TeleShadowing (Virtual Nursing Shadowing) – TeleShadowing Website
Graduate Study
Graduate programs in nursing (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing [MSN], Doctor of Nursing Practice [DNP]) often have rolling admissions but generally follow this application timeline:
- Priority Deadlines: November 1 – February 1 (for Fall start)
- Regular Deadlines: February – April (for Fall start)
- Rolling Admissions: Some programs offer rolling admissions with deadlines through summer
Nursing School Applications
- NursingCAS (Centralized Nursing School Application Service) – NursingCAS Website
- Nursing School Application Guide – Applying to Nursing School
Key Application Systems:
- NursingCAS – NursingCAS Website
Resources, Tips and Tools
- (coming soon)
Pharmacy
Explore:
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) – AACP Website
- PharmCAS (Centralized Application Service for Pharmacy School) – PharmCAS Website
Experience:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Resources – PTCB Certification
- Pre-Health Shadowing – Virtual Pharmacy Shadowing.
Pharmacy School
Pharmacy schools generally offer rolling admissions, but it’s best to apply early to maximize your chances.
- Priority Deadlines: September 1 – December 1
- Final Deadlines: March – June (varies by school, rolling admissions common)
Key Application Systems:
- PharmCAS – PharmCAS Website
Pharmacy School Applications
- Pharmacy school application guide – FAQ About Pharmacy Admissions
Resources, Tips and Tools
- (coming soon)
Public Health
Sample Resumes
- (coming soon)
Career Spotlight
Public Health Worker (coming soon)
Specialized Job Boards
- (coming soon)
Explore:
- Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) – ASPPH Website
- American Public Health Association (APHA) – APHA Website
Internships and Experience:
- CDC Undergraduate Public Health Internships – CDC Internships
- State Public Health Departments – Explore internship opportunities through USA Jobs.
Application Resources:
- SOPHAS (Centralized Public Health Application Service) – SOPHAS Website
- Public Health Graduate School Prep – MPH Degree Guide
Resources, Tips and Tools
- (coming soon)
Veterinary Medicine
Sample Resumes
- (coming soon)
Career Spotlight
Veterinary Technician (coming soon)
Explore:
- Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) – AAVMC Website
- Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) – VMCAS Website
Experience Opportunities:
- Animal Shelters and Volunteer Work – Connect with local shelters or zoos for hands-on experience.
- Veterinary Shadowing – Use platforms like Vetsetgo or check with local clinics.
Veterinary School (DVM)
Veterinary schools have a single application cycle, with early applications encouraged.
- VMCAS Opens: January
- Primary Deadline: Early September (for Fall start)
Key Application Systems:
- VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) – VMCAS Website
Resources, Tips and Tools
- Podcast with Lily Atkinson ’18 (The World of Veterinary Medicine)
Dentistry
Sample Resumes
Career Spotlight
Dental Technician (coming soon)
Explore
- American Dental Association (ADA) – ADA Website
- American Student Dental Association (ASDA) – ASDA Website
Pre-Dental Experience Opportunities
- Preparing for Dental School – Shadowing (from ADEA)
- Pre-Dental Summer Programs – Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
Dental School Timelines
- AADSAS Application Opens: Early June
- Primary Deadlines: September 1 – February 1 (varies by school)
- Priority Deadlines: August – December
Key Application Systems
- AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) – AADSAS Website
Physical Therapy (PT)
Explore:
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – APTA Website
- Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) – PTCAS Website
Pre-Physical Therapy Experience:
- Physical Therapy Volunteer Opportunities – Contact local rehabilitation clinics or hospitals to gain observation hours.
- Physical Therapy Shadowing – Look for opportunities to shadow PT professionals in your area or through virtual platforms like Pre-PT Grind.
Application Timeline
Physical therapy programs follow a well-defined timeline, and many schools operate on rolling admissions.
- Application Opens: Late June for the following year
- Priority Deadlines: October – November
- Final Deadlines: January – March (varies by school)
Key Application Systems:
- PTCAS (Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service) – PTCAS Website
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Explore:
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) – AOTA Website
- Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) – OTCAS Website
Pre-Occupational Therapy Experience:
- OT Volunteer Opportunities – Connect with hospitals, schools, or outpatient clinics to gain experience in a rehabilitation setting.
- Free Virtual Clinical Shadowing – HEAL Clinical Education Network Website (not specifically OT, but helpful).
Application Timeline:
Occupational therapy schools may offer rolling admissions or set firm deadlines.
- Application Opens: Early July
- Priority Deadlines: October – December
- Final Deadlines: January – April (varies by school)
Key Application Systems:
- OTCAS (Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service) – OTCAS Website
Physician Assistant (PA)
Explore:
- American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) – AAPA Website
- Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) – CASPA Website
Pre-PA Experience:
- Clinical Experience for PA School – Work as a medical assistant, EMT, or phlebotomist to gain direct patient care hours.
- PA Virtual Shadowing – Check out platforms like Pre-Health Shadowing for online shadowing opportunities.
Application Timeline:
PA programs typically offer rolling admissions, so early application is crucial.
- Application Opens: Late April
- Priority Deadlines: August – October
- Final Deadlines: November – March (varies by program)
Key Application Systems:
- CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) – CASPA Website
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Explore:
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – ASHA Website
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) – CAA Accredited Programs
Pre-SLP Experience:
- SLP Volunteer Opportunities – Seek out volunteer positions in schools, hospitals, or clinics that provide services to individuals with communication disorders.
- Speech-Language Pathology Shadowing – Pre-SLP Virtual Shadowing resources
Application Timeline:
SLP programs often have specific deadlines, but many follow a similar timeline to OT/PT programs.
- Application Opens: Early July
- Priority Deadlines: November – January
- Final Deadlines: February – April (varies by school)
Key Application Systems:
- CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service) – CSDCAS Website
Allied Health Professions
The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions defines allied health as the segment of the health care field “that delivers services involving the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; and rehabilitation and health systems management.”
The following professions are included in allied health:
| Anesthesiologist Assistant Athletic Trainer Audiologist Biostatistician Cytotechnologist Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Health Administrator | Medical Illustrator Midwife Registered Dietician Nutritionist Respiratory Therapist Social Worker Speech-language Pathologist |