So you've chosen to pursue a healthcare profession: what next?

You need to have a plan. It won't be easy. There are a lot of courses you need to do well in, skills you need to acquire, and experiences you need to have. And you'll generally need to do them in a specific order to get the best results.

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

 Year One

  • Enroll in the UAH 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-Health Advisor.
  • Follow the UAH Pre-Health Program's social media and Canvas course announcements for pre-health related workshops and activities.
  • Explore extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and student organizations you might join.
  • Check out the Pre-Health Society and Global Medical Brigades!
  • Pace yourself for success: balance your schedule so that you are able maintain a high GPA.
  • Plan summer activities like volunteering, working in a healthcare setting, or shadowing professionals.
  • Meet with your Pre-Health Advisor at least once a semester!

Year Two

  • Get to know your science faculty (use their office hours)!
  • Add coursework that interests you.
  • Choose a degree you can use if you are unable to attend  professional school right after graduation.
  • Keep up your GPA!
  • Keep a journal of your accomplishments and what inspires you.
  • 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.
  • Sophmore summer is the time to start studying for the MCAT or DAT.
  • Meet with your Pre-Health Advisor at least once a semester!

Year Three

  • 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. Request feedback from your Pre-Health Advisor.
  • Take professional exam practice tests and mock exams.
  • Continue to gain volunteer and shadowing hours.
  • Let the Pre-Health office know if you intend to apply during the upcoming application cycle.
  • 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 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.

Year Four

  • 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.

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.