Prepare

Preparing for a career in healthcare is a multifaceted journey that requires careful planning and dedication. Aspiring healthcare professionals should focus on building a strong academic foundation by excelling in relevant pre-health courses and maintaining a competitive GPA. Engaging in extracurricular activities such as volunteering at healthcare facilities, participating in research projects, and joining student organizations can demonstrate a genuine commitment to the field. 

Additionally, gaining exposure to different health professions through workshops, seminars, and networking events can help students make informed decisions about their career path. Developing strong communication skills and cultivating empathy are also vital, as healthcare is inherently patient-centered. Finally, seeking guidance from experienced advisors and mentors, like those available through UC3P, can provide valuable insights and support throughout the application process

Quick Links

Finding your passion
Gaining Experience
Expanding Involvement

Finding Your Passion

Discover Your Passion and Purpose

Finding your passion in the health profession is a journey of discovering where your unique experiences and strengths can make the greatest impact. As an underrepresented or first-generation individual, your perspective is not only valuable but essential in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system. Whether you are driven by a desire to serve your community, advocate for health equity, or contribute to groundbreaking research, there is a place for your voice in this field. Explore opportunities, connect with mentors, and find the path that aligns with your passion and purpose.

Self-Assessment:

Self-assessment is a tool to reflect on your unique strengths, lived experiences, and the challenges you’ve overcome. It helps you identify how your academic achievements, community engagement, and personal growth contribute to your readiness for a healthcare career. By understanding your journey and addressing areas for growth, you can confidently align your skills and passions with your goals, preparing to make a meaningful impact in a healthcare system that needs diverse voices and perspectives.

Link to Self-Assessment

Academics:

As a pre-health student from a marginalized or first-generation background, maintaining a strong GPA is essential, as it not only demonstrates your academic readiness for professional programs but also reflects your resilience in overcoming systemic barriers. Prioritize mastering core science courses and take advantage of academic support, such as tutoring and office hours, to reinforce challenging concepts. Build relationships with your professors—not only for academic success but also to secure strong letters of recommendation later on. By strategically planning your courses and actively using campus resources, you’ll empower yourself to thrive on your academic journey and pave the way for a future in healthcare.

Link to GPA Tracker

Gaining Experience

Research:

While not mandatory, research experience is highly valued by admissions committees in health professions. Many assume that research only involves lab coats and petri dishes, but there are several types of research that can enhance your profile in different ways.

 

Clinical Research:

Clinical research focuses on improving patient care, often through quality improvement projects or clinical trials. It can also involve helping patients navigate the healthcare system or developing new medical devices and screening tests. One major benefit is the opportunity to interact with patients, gaining hands-on experience that can be valuable for personal statements and interviews. Clinical research can be conducted in academic settings, private clinics, or hospitals of any size.

Social Science Research:

Social science research examines human behavior, often involving sociology and statistics rather than direct medical or clinical applications. It offers valuable insights into patient behavior, which is critical for healthcare providers. This type of research is also increasingly important with the addition of a social sciences section to the MCAT. Social science research helps build interpersonal skills and strengthens your knowledge for both the MCAT and future patient care.

Bench Research:

Bench research involves working in a lab with tissues, specimens, and cell cultures. This type of research provides essential skills in microbiology, specimen handling, and basic science knowledge. It’s a common research path for pre-med students and can be highly valuable, especially if it leads to publications or significant results, which can be great topics for medical school interviews.

UCI Research Opportunities

Bio 199 and how to apply
Faculty members actively looking for lab members

Patient Contact

Gaining patient contact experience is invaluable for pre-health students. Shadowing medical professionals and volunteering at hospitals or clinics provide firsthand exposure to healthcare settings and patient interactions.​

Double-check the specific requirements of each program, as the number and type of letters needed can vary.

Shadowing physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals allows you to:

  • Gain insight into the challenges and rewards of the profession
  • Picture yourself in the role of a healthcare provider
  • Clarify and solidify your career goals

 

Volunteering and sustained clinical experience help you to:

  • Understand the inner workings of hospitals and clinics
  • Appreciate the teamwork required to deliver quality care
  • Show your commitment and understanding of the profession to admissions committees
  • Stay inspired and motivated throughout your pre-health journey
  • Remind yourself of the ultimate goal you’re working toward

There are many hospitals, clinics, and care centers in Irvine. Any opportunity providing quality experience is good. Here are a few contacts for large hospitals in the area.

UCI Health Volunteer

Cope Health Scholars 

CHOC Hospital Volunteer

Careers ScribeAmerica

Lestonnac Free Clinic

ICNA Relief Crescent Clinic Volunteer 

UCI Health Irvine Clinical Experience Volunteer

Certificate Programs to Gain Paid Positions:

If you’re looking for paid positions that offer patient contact, completing a certificate program can be a valuable investment of time and money. Some programs can be finished over the summer, while others may take up to two semesters to complete. These certifications open up opportunities for hands-on experience in healthcare settings.

EMT Certificate Programs

EKG Technician Certificate Program

Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate Program

Pharmacy Technician Certification

Physical Therapy Aide Certificate Program

Dental Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Expanding Involvement:

Extracurriculars & Leadership

Why Extracurricular Activities Matter

Extracurricular activities, such as involvement in student clubs, organizations, and leadership roles, are an important component of your health professions application. Schools are looking for well-rounded candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and a commitment to their communities.

Types of Extracurricular Activities

  • Pre-Health Clubs: Joining or leading pre-health clubs or student organizations shows your active interest in healthcare and allows you to network with peers and professionals in the field.
  • Community Service Groups: Involvement in community service clubs demonstrates your commitment to giving back and working with underserved communities, a quality highly valued by health profession schools.
  • Cultural or Advocacy Groups: Participation in organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion shows your dedication to addressing disparities in healthcare and supporting underrepresented populations.

How to Highlight Extracurriculars in Your Application

When discussing your extracurricular activities and leadership roles, be sure to:

  • Be Specific: Mention your role, responsibilities, and the outcomes of your involvement (e.g., led a campus health initiative, organized a fundraiser for a free clinic).
  • Reflect on Your Growth: Describe how these experiences have prepared you for a career in healthcare and how they’ve shaped your perspective on leadership, teamwork, or serving your community.

Leadership Experience

Taking on leadership roles within organizations can set you apart as an applicant. Leadership experiences develop critical skills, including:

  • Team Management: Leading a group, managing projects, or coordinating events.
  • Initiative: Showing that you can take charge and make a positive impact within an organization.
  • Problem Solving: Handling challenges and finding solutions in group settings.

Extracurricular Activities Resources

Student-Led Organizations

 

Service & Community Learning

Summer Programs

GET INVOLVED!