Program Overview

Introduction to Pre-Professional Programs

The Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) is designed to support students in their preparation for postgraduate programs leading to careers in the health professions. This advisory group is supplemental to academic advisors and is available to students who seek its services.

Services and Functions

The HPAC offers a range of services and functions 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 or other venues for preparing the personal statement/goals essay required for professional school applications
• A for-credit course on "preparing to apply" (e.g., interviewing, MCAT/DAT, etc.)
• Books and other resources in the conference room/study area to help students prepare for admission to professional programs
• Student support groups, such as the MED Club, that invite informative speakers to campus and advertise campus visits by professional school recruiters
• Information about opportunities for clinical exposure and opportunities for service activities
• Online information, updated annually, about healthcare careers and application requirements
• Committee interviews and committee letters of evaluation for schools that request them
• Information about how to apply/qualify for HPAC scholarships, Ward Society scholarships, and Ward Research Fellowships
• Information about prep courses for various professional entrance examinations (MCAT, DAT, etc.)

Medical Schools that Have Accepted Students

A recent sampling of medical schools that have accepted students from the program includes:

• Drexel University
• East Tennessee State University (Quillen College of Medicine)
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Indiana University
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Lincoln Memorial University (DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine)
• Medical College of South Carolina
• Meharry College of Medicine
• St. Louis University
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• University of Alabama-Birmingham
• University of Arkansas
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of Kentucky
• University of Louisville
• University of South Alabama
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• Wake Forest University

Healthcare Professions

The HPAC serves students interested in healthcare professions other than nursing, including:

• Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Dentistry
• Veterinary medicine
• Physician assistant
• Physical therapy
• Optometry
• Other healthcare fields