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Current Students

The College of Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Programs unit seeks to provide its students with the best possible preparation for a rewarding career in healthcare. We will help students to understand how to be a competitive applicant for health professional programs by guiding them through the academic and extracurricular expectations, the necessary application components, and the application timeline. The office will help students to identify resources to assist them in exploring various opportunities in the healthcare field. We encourage students to utilize the information provided on this page to assist in the planning process. We also recommend meeting regularly with the Pre-Health Academic Program Coordinator or an advisor to help in developing an individualized path. To find contact information for a major or program-specific advisor please visit our Pre-Health Advising page.

Students who utilize the Pre-Health Programs' services will be able to:

  • Understand the academic and extracurricular expectations required for admission to your preferred health professional program and undertake the necessary preparation during your undergraduate career
  • Identify the appropriate science and other prerequisite coursework needed for admission to your preferred professional program
  • Navigate the professional school application process with confidence
  • Be aware of the unique pre-health opportunities available at Kent State University

The College of Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Programs unit also coordinates Kent State University's Early Assurance Program partnerships with the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

HEALTHCARE CAREERS

Once you have decided to pursue a career in the healthcare field, visit our Healthcare Careers page to find out more information about how to prepare.

SHADOWING EXPERIENCE

For the vast majority of pre-health program applications, a certain amount of shadowing experience will be required. The number of hours varies from program to program; be sure to understand how many hours are necessary and complete them over a series of months or even years. Try to gain experience shadowing several different professionals working in a variety of fields. This will give you a good sense of the different types of medicine, approaches to patient care, and how offices and organizations of different size operate. Through your commitment to gaining significant shadowing experience you are demonstrating your dedication to the profession and increasing your understanding of the realities of the job. Finding a health care professional to shadow will require initiative on your part. There are some observation or experiential education programs within hospitals that you can apply to, which will help to connect you with a practitioner in their system. Also consider:

  • Asking your/your family health care professionals if you may shadow him or her, or ask if he or she could recommend someone.
  • Speaking with other pre-health students, advisors, friends, and family members for recommendations.
  • Volunteering in an office or clinic to become familiar with the health care professionals before asking if you may shadow.    
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Several student organizations of interest to pre-health students can be found at the Department of Biological Sciences Student Organizations page or through the Center for Student Involvement. Students should also get involved in clubs, organizations, or activities that connect with their personal interests, even if they are outside the medical or healthcare area.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

For every health professional area, you will be expected to have gained knowledge of your field of interest through relevant paid or unpaid experience. The most common way to get experience in a healthcare setting is through volunteering at a hospital or other medical organization. We've listed some local hospitals and free clinics below to help in your search, but also recommend volunteering at nursing homes or hospice care to get experience. For veterinary school preparation, consider volunteering at local animal shelters and sanctuaries, in addition to looking for internships at your local zoo. 

Akron Children’s Hospital – Akron and Beeghly campuses

Aultman Hospital – Canton, OH

Cleveland Clinic Akron General – Akron, OH

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital – Canton, OH

Open M – Akron, OH

Summa Health – Akron, OH

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center – Ravenna, OH

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Undergraduate research experience is a great way to demonstrate thinking and reasoning and science competencies, all of which are desirable attributes for health professional schools. Students can participate in undergraduate research through academic departments or other institutions.

Department of Biological Sciences 

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Department of Physics

Department of Psychological Sciences

Neuroscience

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) KSU Undergraduate Research

Office of Student Research

PRE-HEALTH EVENTS

Virtual Events for Summer 2023

Physician Assistant/Physician Associate Virtual Fair

  • May 10, 2023 - 9 AM-9 PM ET
  • Free for all prospective students
  • Meet school representatives from PA programs at colleges and universities from across the US
  • Register here

Choose DO Medical School Virtual Expo

  • May 24, 2023 - 12-6 PM ET
  • Free for all prospective students
  • Meet with colleges of osteopathic medicine
  • Register here

Optometry Virtual Fair

  • June 8, 2023 - 9 AM-7 PM ET
  • Free for all prospective students
  • Meet representatives from schools & colleges of optometry in a live virtual setting
  • Register here
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