Focus on academics- This is the time to establish strong study skills and habits that will enable you to excel in upper-level courses. #PRE-HEALTH LEARNING
Start shadowing- Get into the clinic or hospital and begin to shadow nurses and/or nurse practitioners. Use this opportunity to become sure that nursing is the career for you. Check out other health careers as well (MD, NP, PA, OT, PT, RDN, etc). Nursing schools want to know that you have a clear idea of the career you’re getting into- start gaining this understanding early and often. #CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Choose activities wisely- Nursing schools want to see that you care about people. Get involved in organizations and activities that get you out into the community. It doesn’t have to be a health-specific activity, just something that shows a drive to help others. Start an activity now and carry it through the next four years. #SHOW YOU CARE
Meet with a pre-health advisor in the spring semester- Even if this person is not your major advisor, it’s good to establish a connection with someone who will help guide your academic and extracurricular decisions as you aim for nursing school. You should routinely evaluate your academics and activities, and an advisor helps you think realistically and objectively before making big decisions. #PRE-HEALTH ADVICE
Consider study abroad opportunities- Most students can fit in study abroad (typically during junior year) with careful planning and guidance from their advisors. Many biology majors choose the programs in Denmark, Kenya, New Zealand, and Australia, though other programs are certainly an option. Even if you decide not to go abroad for a semester, consider these summer opportunities: Health Care Delivery (Kenya), Extreme Physiology (Africa), Neuroscience of Fear (Denmark), Learn Spanish in Nicaragua (Health Careers Language and Internship) (Nicaragua). #EXPERIENCE THE WORLD
As the year is ending, consider applying to be a TA for next year- As a TA or tutor, you will be tasked with communicating with and supporting students in their learning. This is an excellent way to keep your knowledge of a particular topic fresh in your mind and will challenge you to communicate information in creative ways to help others understand. And not to mention the great letter of recommendation you’ll get from the profs you work with…. #BE KNOWN
Consider how to best spend your summer. The summer between first year and sophomore years is a great time to obtain a certification as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), EMT or phlebotomist. Of these options, CNA is in most demand as a part-time job and most directly linked to a nursing career. Check out community colleges, technical schools, hospitals, or nursing homes in your area well ahead of the summer in order to make plans. #HANDS-ON TRAINING
Sophomore Year
Stay focused academically- You will encounter tough courses this year, so draw upon the skills you developed as a first-year and learn new ways to study as you move into upper level courses. #PRE-NURSING STUDY
Keep up with shadowing… and more?- You should continue to periodically shadow nurses to demonstrate sustained interest in the field AND to observe different sub-specialties. Clinical experience is also great for your resume; if you haven’t already done so, consider completing training as an EMT, a phlebotomist or CNA in order to work during summers/vacations in one of these areas. #MORE SHADOWING
Keep up with extracurriculars- Be sure to make some time for the people-focused activities you started last year. #CONTINUED CARE
Consider research- An increasing number of students who get accepted to healthcare programs have research experience. This doesn’t necessarily have to be research in biology or chemistry, but can also include projects in psychology and sociology. Talk to a professor whose course you liked or approach faculty whose projects sound interesting to you (read up on the department websites!) to find out what opportunities might be available to you. Even if you don’t get involved as a sophomore, you can make plans to apply for a SLU Fellowship or external summer research programs. Involvement in research shows that you’re interested in new ideas and continuing to learn. #ASK QUESTIONS
Consider applying for SLU Health Coaches- This is an excellent opportunity to get patient experience. In the fall semester, you will learn the foundational concepts for working with patients to achieve change, and in the spring semester, you will meet with your patient and help them follow their care plan. Apply during the spring semester for the course next fall. #SLU HEALTH COACHES
Meet with your pre-health advisor again in the spring- Be sure you’re still #ON PRE-NURSING TRACK.
Use your summer- This is a great time to do more shadowing or work/volunteer within the healthcare environment. Even if you have another non-health-related job, reserve some time to work on the clinical experience portion of your #PRE-NURSING PREP.
Junior Year
Academics, shadowing, extracurriculars- You get it by now, maintain your #PRE-NURSING FOCUS.
Before Thanksgiving break, attend the HCC informational meeting- Learn about how to prepare for your HCC interview in the spring semester. Complete the form stating the list of faculty you would like recommendations from and turn it in to the biology department secretary ASAP, so your recommenders get an online link for their comments. Stop by their offices and make your request of faculty members now, so they have plenty of time to complete the forms in a non-hurried manner. #HCC INTERVIEW PREP
Over winter break, complete your HCC Interview paperwork- In order to best represent yourself, you will need to complete these forms in a thoughtful manner. Waiting to work on this until when you get back to campus for the spring semester is not the best idea, since you’ll be busy with new classes. Spend time on your personal statement in particular. #SELF-REFLECTION
Complete a HCC Interview in February/March- Be prepared to discuss your submitted interview materials. You will meet with the HCC chairperson after your interview to gain feedback. #HCC FEEDBACK
Consider applying for a SLU Fellowship to perform summer research with a faculty mentor. Start planning this in the fall semester. #SLU SCHOLAR
If you didn’t apply to the Health Coaches program last year, consider applying in the spring to participate during your senior year. #SLU HEALTH COACHES
Senior Year
Don’t slow down before reaching the finish line- Continue to challenge yourself academically and don’t ease up on your dedication to courses. #LIMIT SENIORITIS
Stick to the plan that’s gotten you here- Don’t give up your people-focused community activities. Taking time to help others helps to keep your life in perspective. #MAKE A DIFFERENCE
During the fall semester, make a list of the programs (and their deadlines) to which you plan to apply. Ask faculty/staff for recommendation letters and make a plan for completing applications- typically deadlines are in the spring. #PLAN and APPLY
When you begin to submit your applications, take a moment to consider your online presence. “Google” your name to be sure that no concerning content appears. Change your Facebook and other social media accounts to “private” and verify that all publicly viewable information and profile pictures are appropriate. Graduate and professional schools will look at these media sources when considering your application. Be sure that any media or online resources linked to you provide a positive, professional impression of who you are. #PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE
