The Health Professions Scholars program is a selective merit-based program for academically strong students interested in pursuing a health-related major. Students selected to participate in the Health Professions Scholars program spend two years working closely with faculty mentors learning about the many health-related professions. The program prepares students to pursue interests in a variety of professional paths, including medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant, nursing, physical therapy and veterinary programs. Health Professions Scholars are part of the pre-health track that includes a community of peers from various majors.

Student Experience

Year One

In the first year, students deepen their understanding through engaging opportunities with a variety of medical professionals, learning about their educational and professional experiences.

Health Professions Scholars will:

  • Enroll in Ƶ 1010 with other Health Professions Scholars
  • Work closely with the director of Pre-Health Advising to develop a four-year plan to fit their career goals
  • Enjoy a lecture and a meal with an expert speaker on a health-related topic, including a workshop on curricular issues specific to the health professions
  • Meet with Kernodle Center for Civic Life staff to learn about specific health-related opportunities
  • Participate in discussions about important issues in health-related fields
  • Attend a panel of health professionals who will explore different career pathways through discussion of a case study
  • Meet faculty in Ƶ’s School of Health Sciences and tour the state-of-the-art Gerald L. Francis Center
  • Attend SURF (Spring Undergraduate Research Forum) to learn about the variety of research carried out by other Ƶ students

Year Two

The second year of the program is devoted to “medicine in action,” highlighted by student collaboration on community-based, service-learning opportunities.

  • Share first-year experiences at a Health Professions Scholars welcome back event
  • Collaborate with fellow Scholars and identify community-based organizations, to identify health-related service opportunities
  • Engage with Ƶ’s Student Professional Development Center staff to discover health or science focused summer research and internship opportunities
  • Complete a health professions plan in collaboration with an advisor from the Health Professions Advisory Committee

Ready to Apply?

Students with substantial and broad leadership experiences in their high school and/or communities and who have a 3.8 GPA or higher are competitive candidates for the program. Fifteen Health Professions Scholars are selected in each first-year class.

The Scholars application opens February 1, 2026. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.

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