Health Professions Advising

Welcome to Health Professions Advising

The Health Professions Advisor (HPA) provides support to students and alumni pursing graduate education and careers in the health fields (e.g., medical and dental school). HPA coordinates closely with the Career Development Office (CDO) and the Graduate School Advisor (GSA) to provide students, alumni, and academic advisors with support and resources.

Whether you are in your first year or further along in your studies, now is an excellent time to explore a path in the health professions. to receive regular emails with important deadlines, event announcements, advising tips, and curated opportunities.

Jacqueline Mills smiles and works with students on SUA's campus

Getting started with HPA

Explore health careers and find guidance for every stage of your journey

To support your exploration, review the for a clear overview of career pathways in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health fields. The handbook includes guidance on recommended coursework, prerequisite planning, application timelines, professional competencies, and reflections on ethical and humanistic preparation for clinical careers.

Dr. Vernard S. Fennell, MD MSc speaks to students during the HPA speaker series

Events and Workshops

Enhancing your preparation through campus programming

Stay informed about upcoming information sessions, clinical skills workshops, recruitment events, and special lectures designed to enhance knowledge and readiness for health professions.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Two students wearing teal scrubs review imaging during their neurosurgery preceptorship in Summer 2023.

Soka Clinical & Advocacy Programs

Distinctive experiential learning opportunities unique to SUA

Explore the signature Soka clinical advocacy opportunities—competitive programs that offer meaningful, hands-on experiences designed to deepen understanding of health care, advocacy, and service. Learn more about the application process and how to join these distinctive opportunities.

Summer Clinical Preceptorship 
Senior Health Advocacy Internship 
Youth Health Advocacy Internship

Students and their instructor look at scans during their clinical neurosurgery preceptorship

Research, Internships & Volunteering Opportunities

Other experiences to support professional development

Explore a wide range of internal and external opportunities for research, internships, and volunteer work that complement academic preparation and help develop professional skills. Students can meet with the Career Development Office to enhance their cover letters and resumes as they apply for these opportunities.

Research, Internships, & Volunteering Page

Students use their laptops to study.

Test Prep Support

Resources to support standardized test preparation

Students can review common prep materials available on campus as they decide what resources would be best for them. We have designed a sample MCAT study schedule, which is available for download using the links below. Periodically, we offer mock standardized testing dates on campus to help students prepare under realistic conditions. 


 

Dr. Vernard S. Fennell, MD MSc speaks to two SUA students during their neurosurgery clinical and research preceptorship

Application to Health Professions Programs

Step-by-step support for a competitive application

Find step-by-step guidance on applying to health professional schools, including detailed timelines, required materials, and tips for success. This section also explains Soka’s Committee Letter service, which offers a holistic narrative evaluation, institutional endorsement, and organizes your letters of evaluation to strengthen your application. 

Application Process Page