Health Professions Advising Office
Our office provides advising, resources, and programming for students interested in careers including medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, optometry, and veterinary medicine. We work closely with students to help them make informed decisions, build strong academic and experiential foundations, and navigate the professional school application process.
What We Offer
HPAO offers comprehensive support to help you prepare for a successful career in the health professions, including:
- Drop-in Advising
- Individual advising appointments
- Guidance on course planning and prerequisite requirements
- Support with gaining clinical, research, volunteer, and leadership experiences
- Application preparation for professional schools (AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS, CASPA, OptomCAS, PharmCAS, VMCAS)
- Workshops and information sessions on health careers, exams, and applications
- Information about postbacc programs and strategies for making the most of gap years
Our goal is to empower students with pre-health information, realistic timelines, and personalized guidance so they can pursue their goals.
Our Approach
Preparing for a health profession is a long-term process that looks different for every student. At HPAO, we emphasize thoughtful planning, self-reflection, and personal responsibility. Advisors work collaboratively with students to help them understand expectations, evaluate readiness, and develop a plan that aligns with their academic goals and personal circumstances.
While HPAO provides guidance and resources, students are responsible for staying informed, meeting deadlines, and actively engaging in their preparation.
Getting Started
Students interested in HPAO are encouraged to explore our website to familiarize themselves with health profession pathways, timelines, and available resources. Students can also sign up for our HPAO Canvas page, which provides access to pre-health resources, instructions for making advising appointments, and important updates.
Students are also welcome to visit the HPAO office Monday - Thursday from 9:00am - 4:00pm for a drop-in to speak with one of our peer mentors. Peer mentors can help answer general questions, provide guidance on next steps, and connect you with appropriate resources. Students can also email us at [email protected], where our student assistants will be available to answer any questions.