Trying to balance academics, clinical experiences, community service, research, other extracurricular activities, hobbies, and relationships?  Not feeling ready to prepare for your standardized test for admission to health professions schools or to tackle the application process? Not absolutely sure of your career path? Have something you want to explore? Think about taking time (a “gap,” “bridge,” “opportunity,” or “glide” year or years) between completing your undergraduate education and entering health professions school.

Many universities and health professions schools now offer the opportunity to earn more than one degree in joint/combined/dual/double degree programs. Individual institutions use these terms in different ways, so read the descriptions and outcomes on individual websites carefully as you compare programs. Work closely with your advisors, mentors, and faculty to decide if a dual degree program is necessary to meet your career goals.

Becoming a health professional requires a true dedication to serving others. Often health professionals are asked to put the needs of their patients ahead of their own. Health professions schools want to see that applicants care enough for others that they are willing to volunteer their time to help them. They will be interested in seeing evidence of your service to your community since high school.

First and foremost, you do not need to have all A grades to be accepted into a health professions school. But schools will want to see evidence of ability in the sciences and strong study skills that will allow you to succeed in a graduate academic environment.

Health professions schools are interested in individuals who are broadly educated. Experiences such as study abroad may be particularly useful if you learn about and immerse yourself in the culture and people of the country in which you study.

Health professions schools establish their own individual admission requirements. This resource provides an overview of commonly required courses for health professions schools, advice for planning your schedule, and other academic advising information.

Health Professions Advising is pleased to offer students and alums a discount on common test prep products, including Princeton Review, AAMC Prep Bundle, DAT Bootcamp, & UWorld MCAT Prep.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat people with speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. They work with patients from all stages of life, including newborn babies with nursing difficulties, elementary school children with disabilities, adults with brain damage, and elderly people with dementia.

Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who treat people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to improve their movement, reduce pain, restore lost function, prevent future injury, reach fitness goals, and generally promote an active lifestyle. PTs are experts on the movement of the human body. They educate patients, recommend exercises for their specific situation, and provide hands-on care such as deep-tissue massages.