Gaining a Competitive Edge

Before investing too much time and effort on preparing for application to professional school, you are advised to seek out first-hand experience in a health-care setting. Clinical experience of some kind is required by virtually any program. These experiences also give you the opportunity to develop important skills and demonstrate your ‘intangibles" to potential recommendation writers. Most importantly, it will help you decide if you are pursuing the right career for you. Enjoying work in a medical setting is essential to a successful health career.

Shadowing / clinical volunteering:

  • helps you decide whether you are pursuing the correct career path, and
  • lets admissions committees know that you are serious about becoming a health care provider.

To really "set yourself apart" from the average applicant, seek out experiences that are "challenging", that take you out of your "comfort zone". Work with diverse groups of peoples, of various ethnic origins and social classes.

NON-MEDICAL VOLUNTEERING

Some of your volunteer work can be (and should be) outside of medical settings.  Show that you truly care about others, are willing to give your time and labors, that you have compassion and empathy for others.  Search CNU's Center for Service Learning and Social Entrepreneurship's Service Database for places to volunteer.

You will probably want to request a letter from your supervisor for your medical/professional school application, so be sure that you perform your duties reliably and responsibly.

For additional advice, contact the Council for Health Profession Preparation.