Overview
This course provides students with a broad introduction to the journey toward a career in the health professions through self-reflection and career exploration. Through guidance and personal stories from healthcare professionals and educators, students will build the knowledge, confidence, and foundation needed to navigate their unique path toward a future in healthcare. It is recommended to take NSC 107J the spring of your first year.
“The e-portfolio was very helpful for me to see all of my accomplishments come together and helped me form my resume.”
Module 1: Your Professional Identity
- Learn how to confidently answer the interview question, “Tell me about yourself.”
- Reflect on the values and experiences that inspired your interest in healthcare.
- Develop an authentic personal narrative beyond your resume.
- Communicate your unique story in a way that resonates with admissions committees.
Module 2: Your Cultural Awareness
- Explore health disparities affecting populations across Texas.
- Understand how social determinants of health influence patient experiences and outcomes.
- Examine the impact of factors such as environment, income, education, and access to care.
- Develop awareness of the communities and populations you may serve in healthcare.
Module 3: Your Pre-Health Application
- Learn about the key experiences valued in pre-health applications.
- Explore the roles of service, shadowing, leadership, and research.
- Develop strategies for intentionally building meaningful experiences.
- Reflect on experiences to effectively showcase your strengths and personal journey.
Module 4: Your Healthcare Profession
- Explore the wide range of careers available in healthcare.
- Learn about professions beyond medicine and dentistry.
- Compare education requirements, job responsibilities, and earning potential across health careers.
- Gain insight into the many pathways available in the healthcare field.
Module 5: Your Pre-Health Timeline
- Develop resilience for navigating challenges on the path to a health professions career.
- Reflect on effective ways to respond to setbacks and unexpected obstacles.
- Build strategies for adapting when plans do not go as expected.
- Foster a mindset of growth, perseverance, and long-term success.
Module 6: Your Pre-Health Portfolio
- Understand the value of experiential learning beyond the classroom.
- Explore how experiences shape your identity as a future healthcare professional.
- Learn to reflect on and articulate the strengths gained through your experiences.
- Develop strategies for presenting your unique journey to application reviewers.
To gain the most benefit, students are encouraged to take all three seminars in sequence as outlined. Students pursuing the Pre-Health Professionals Certificate are required to take two of the seminars.