9. What kinds of experiences do I need to have outside the classroom?

Virtually all health profession schools want to know that you are a person of good character and that you have enough experience in your chosen career field to say that you understand the job you are seeking and will thrive in that environment. These schools don’t want to accept a student who wilts with stress or one who faints at the sight of blood. Your job is to show them that you understand what you are getting into.

The best way to do this is to work in the field. Most commonly, students look for volunteer or internship opportunities in hospitals, clinics or settings where health care practitioners work. Ideally, you will have experience with patient contact and be in a position to observe or shadow a health professional. We have a list of Volunteer Opportunities, available either on-line or in our office, of area hospitals, clinics and hospices willing to work with our students.

These experiences will not be scheduled for you or handed to you. You will have to seek out a position that is right for you and gives you the kind of experience that will achieve the goals listed above. You will also need to develop relationships with your supervisor(s) and with the health practitioners, with the goal of asking them for a recommendation that will strengthen your application. These recommendations not only verify your experiences to the application committees, but also can address important issues such as evaluating your communication and “people” skills, your integrity and your overall ability to function in a health field.