What is the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Club at VMI?

The Pre-Professional Health Sciences Club aims to offer opportunities for cadets to learn more about various health professions and requirements for admittance into the various graduate programs. The Health Science adviser assists developing health care professionals in taking the appropriate undergraduate courses to meet the prerequisites to increase competitiveness in various health professions. Health science professions include medical and dental school applicants as well as nursing, physician assistants, physical therapists and occupational therapists to name a few.

Are there qualifications or requirements to join?

The minimum qualifications vary with each profession and the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Club is open to all cadets interested in the healthcare profession.

What are the attributes of a successful candidate for post-graduate health professions programs?

Successful candidates for all post-graduate programs will have a superior GPA usually above a 3.5. Many Health Profession programs have additional testing requirements such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for medical school. Other programs have discipline specific exams or will use the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). 

In addition to academic requirements, most programs will also require shadowing or medical experience to ensure the candidate is aware of the full scope of the field they plan to enter.  Some programs may also require volunteer experience to show the candidate is able to work with others, show compassion, and connect with the community.

Who should I contact if I have questions or want to join?

The faculty advisor for the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Club is Maj. Alison Burke, burkeak@vmi.edu.