Health Professions Advising
Health Professions at Gettysburg College
help students plan and apply to graduate programs in the health professions, such as medical, dental, nursing, and occupational therapy, through advising and experiential learning opportunities.
Majors & Minors
Why study Health Professions Advising?
Gettysburg students aspiring to careers in healthcare pursue a wide range of majors, from Chemistry to Psychology, and from Spanish to Music. All health professions students take rigorous hands-on courses in the biomedical sciences that develop their skills to think critically and apply their knowledge. Our alumni regularly report that their Gettysburg coursework prepared them exceptionally well to succeed in graduate school.
In addition to exceptional advising coursework, Gettysburg emphasizes hands-on experiential learning. Students can engage in internships, clinical experiences, and research opportunities that build practical skills and provide invaluable exposure to real-world health settings. The Health Professions Advising Office works closely with students to identify and apply to the right experiences for them. Through the Guided Pathways, our Alumni Mentoring program, and individualized experiential opportunities, students cultivate professional networks early on. With Gettysburg’s strong alumni connections in health professions and proven track record of preparing students for successful health careers, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in graduate programs and beyond.
Why study Health Professions Advising at Gettysburg
Opportunities
Gettysburg College offers a comprehensive, four-year advising program for students interested in a career in the health professions.
Academics
Learn how to align your coursework today with graduate study course requirements.
Community of Experts and Professors
Our Health Professions advisor and Health Professions Committee can help you connect your coursework with career goals.
Hands-On Experience
Gettysburg College offers numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experience. Engage in research projects, internships, and volunteer work to gain real-world insights and enhance your application for graduate programs. Our partnerships with local healthcare facilities and organizations provide valuable exposure to the healthcare environment.
Guided Pathways
The College’s Guided Pathways program is a unique opportunity to link your co-curricular and experiential activities to your academic and career goals. We have developed specific Pathway models with careers in healthcare in mind.
A Supportive Community
Join a vibrant community of like-minded peers who share your passion for healthcare. Our student organizations, such as the Pre-Health Club, offer additional support, networking opportunities, and extracurricular activities that enrich your educational experience.
Ways to obtain a health professions experiences
- Shadow a physician or other health care professional. This can be done at home during vacations or in the Gettysburg area during the school year.
- Experience an externship. These are typically one-week experiences hosted by Gettysburg College alumni. The Center for Career Engagement coordinates many externships with a variety of health care professionals.
- Enroll in an internship. An internship is similar to an externship, just longer. It is possible to complete an internship locally or at home.
- Volunteer your time. Many social agencies, such as nursing homes and hospices, need help. You can be of service and learn about your capacity for caring for people at the same time. Stop by the Center for Public Service to see what opportunities are available.
- Get a part-time job at a hospital. You may have to start as a volunteer, but this can lead to other opportunities. Students work as phlebotomists, emergency room technicians, and operating room assistants.
- Become an EMT or a CNA. These are excellent ways to obtain valuable hands-on experience with patients.
- Research opportunities.
Resources
Center for Career Engagement
- The Center for Career Engagement can help students identify health care professionals for shadowing experiences.
- The Center for Career Engagement sponsors many externships. Several of these experiences are in health care settings.
- Through the Center for Career Engagement, students can participate in an internship. Stop by the office to see what opportunities are available.
Center for Public Service
- The Center for Public Service organizes, promotes, and supports public and community service by members of the Gettysburg College community. Many local health care facilities need volunteers!
- Immersion projects sponsored by the Center are a great way to demonstrate your commitment to a career or service.
- Be sure to drop by the Center for Public Service to learn about the many available opportunities.
Websites with Lists of Summer Opportunities
Now more than ever, experienced, well-rounded professionals are needed in the constantly evolving health care industry. By beginning your Pre-Health Professions studies at Gettysburg, you gain a unique perspective shaped by hands-on learning centered around the liberal arts and sciences that you can carry with you to graduate school.
Below are links to professional association websites which provide common requirements for health professions schools as well as comprehensive information on applications, requirements by school and information about centralized application services, among other things.
Use this as a guide in early exploration to ensure you have enough information to prepare for the right path for you! As you narrow down and confirm your career choices, make sure to develop a list of potential schools to identify any requirements unique to their programs.
*This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but representative of the most common programs pursued by Gettysburg Alumni.
Allopathic
† Minimum requirements for most schools include a year of Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and many now require at least a semester of Biochemistry.
Osteopathic
Gettysburg College offers committee letters for these professions. The committee process begins in the late fall with interviews in the spring.
Gettysburg College courses needed prior to taking the MCAT
Biology 111 and 112, Chemistry 107 and 108, Physics 107 and 108, Cell Biology (or two semesters of Biochemistry) and Genetics, Psychology and Sociology
Pre-requisites
Some common courses are: English, Biology and/or Chemistry, Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Human Growth and Development
Pre-requisites
Common pre-requisites: Anatomy and Physiology, Lifespan Psychology, Statistics and Sociology and Anthropology
- Pre-requisites
- Admissions Process
- Experiential Requirements
Applying for Medical or Dental School
Learn more about applying for Medical or Dental School
Outcomes
Medicine/Health Professions Graduate School Outcomes
Partnership Opportunities
Gettysburg College offers a variety of academic pathways tailored for students looking to expand their education and career opportunities. These opportunities provide a unique combination of rigorous coursework and practical experience, helping students gain valuable skills and credentials while saving time and tuition costs. Each partnership program is designed to enhance academic development and career readiness, preparing students for leadership roles in their chosen fields.
Medical / Science
Health Professions Committee
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