Program Overview

Introduction to the Health Professions Advisory Committee

The Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) is designed to support students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. This advisory group provides supplemental guidance to students, in addition to their academic advisors, to help them prepare for professional schools.

Services and Functions of the HPAC

The HPAC offers a range of services to support pre-health students, including:

• Updated information about requirements for entering professional programs, including prerequisite courses, admissions tests, and other requirements
• Advice about choosing a healthcare profession and alternative healthcare career options
• Workshops and other venues for preparation of the personal essay/goals statement for professional school applications
• A credit course on "preparing to apply" to professional schools
• Access to books and other resources in the conference room/study area to help students prepare for admission to professional programs
• Assistance for student groups in finding informative speakers and connecting with visiting professional school recruiters
• Information about opportunities for clinical exposure, summer programs for professional school preparation, and service activities
• Online information, updated annually, about healthcare careers and application requirements
• Interviews and committee letters of evaluation for students applying to professional programs
• Collaboration with Financial Aid to award scholarships and fellowships

Eligibility and Registration

To be eligible for HPAC services, including scholarships and other benefits, students are invited to register with the committee each fall. The HPAC serves students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, optometry, and other healthcare fields.

Benefits of HPAC Registration

Registration with the HPAC provides students with regular announcements and access to various services, including those listed above. By utilizing the HPAC, students can gain a competitive edge in their applications to professional schools and make informed decisions about their healthcare career paths.