Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pre-Professional Health Advising


Dr. Sharon Babcock, Director
Heather Patterson, Assistant Director
Phone: (540) 568-6652
Email: pph@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/pph

Pre-professional health (PPH) advisory programs outline recommended courses, activities and competencies for students who are preparing for careers in health professions that require masters or doctoral education. PPH programs are advisory; they are not undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations or tracks.

Health profession schools are most concerned with the overall scope and quality of an applicant’s undergraduate performance. Students are encouraged to select a major based on interests and aptitudes. Regardless of baccalaureate degree program, competitive applicants must demonstrate excellence in academic accomplishments, prerequisite course work, career exploration, health-related experience, community service and standardized admission tests, as well as intra- and inter-personal competencies. Students are encouraged to establish mentoring relationships with faculty, clinical mentors and supervisors. Pre-professional health advisers are available to assist students in making academic and career-related decisions. Planning and evaluation services are available for students and alumni during the application process to health profession schools.

Service in the community and experience in health-care settings are highly recommended to students considering a professional health career. Requirements for these types of activities vary among programs; students should inquire with their respective program adviser for guidance. Student organizations provide venues to participate in community service and to interact with health professionals; thus, students are encouraged to become involved in the American Medical Student Association, Pre-Dental Society, Pre-Med Association, Pre-Occupational Therapy Association, Pre-Optometry Club, Pre-Pharmacy Society, Pre-Physical Therapy Society, Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Pre-Vet Society, International Service Learning Club, The Huber Connection and The Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Pre-professional health course work recommendations are intended as guidelines. The courses outlined below fulfill the admission requirements of many, but not all, professional programs. Since professional schools have unique requirements, students must inquire with schools of interest for definitive admissions requirements.

Programs