MSU Pre-Health: Guiding Spartans to successful careers in healthcare

For Michigan State University students aspiring to careers in healthcare, the MSU Pre-Health program offers

a comprehensive range of resources and personalized advising to help them navigate the complex path to professional school. Whether becoming a physician, dentist, physician assistant, genetic counselor or another health-related profession, MSU Pre-Health is designed to guide students every step of the way.

“Connecting with MSU Pre-Health as early as possible helps you feel confident in your course selection and with staying

on track to meet your long-term career goals,” said Sarah St. Germain, a senior in the Human Biology program. “Pre-Health provides access to resources like shadowing, volunteering and other experiences that can be difficult to find on your own, that can really set you up for continued success in the health field.”

What is MSU Pre-Health?

MSU Pre-Health is more than just a resource hub — it’s a supportive community dedicated to helping students reach their goals in the health professions. The program provides tailored advising services, access to a wealth of online resources and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the rigorous application processes of medical and other health-related schools.

"Pre-Health at MSU is a one-stop shop for undergraduates interested in any healthcare career," said Janae Lawler, Director of Academic Advising & Strategic Initiatives. "Our advisors are here to help students explore different major options, understand the requirements for professional school and build a successful undergraduate experience that will maximize their potential."

Personalized advising

One of the standout features of MSU Pre-Health is its personalized advising. Students can meet with a faculty or staff advisor to discuss their career aspirations, course selections and application strategies. These advisors are experts in the field and have a deep understanding of what it takes to be a competitive candidate for professional schools.

"Having specific knowledge about what students need to be competitive for these programs is crucial," said Kate Thome, assistant director of Human Biology and Pre-Health Advising. "For instance, career services or the writing center can help with general writing advice, but we know the specific things that medical schools are looking for in a personal statement or what types of clinical experiences will count for PA school."

This specialized knowledge sets MSU Pre-Health advisors apart, as they can offer targeted guidance that aligns with the unique demands of health profession applications. From crafting compelling personal statements to selecting the right clinical experiences, advisors are equipped to help students present the strongest possible application.

Exploring Diverse Career Paths

A common misconception among students is that they must major in human biology or a similar field to pursue a career in healthcare. However, MSU Pre-Health advisors encourage students to explore a wide range of majors and career paths, emphasizing that passion and dedication in any field can lead to success in the health professions.

"We’ve had students major in English, theater, business, and still go on to medical school, dental school or PA programs,” Thome said. “Meeting with us can open doors to these possibilities, as we help them figure out how to integrate their passions with their career goals."

This flexibility allows students to pursue other academic interests while still completing the necessary prerequisites for professional school. The advisors' independence from specific majors means they can focus solely on what is in the best interest of the student, without the pressure of steering them towards a particular program.

Comprehensive resources and peer advising

In addition to personalized advising, MSU Pre-Health offers a wealth of resources on its website. These include information on different health professions, guidance on course selection, tips for building a competitive application and details on professional school requirements. The website also features a sign-up option for students to register as Pre-Health students, allowing them to receive informational emails about events and resources directly from the Pre-Health office.

The program hosts and shares events that are highly beneficial for Pre-Health students, such as lectures, workshops and hands-on professional resource events. These events are designed to provide students with practical skills and insights that are crucial for their future careers.

MSU Pre-Health also offers a peer advising program, where students can receive advice from their peers who have already navigated similar paths. These peer advisors are carefully selected for their diverse career interests and experiences and are trained by faculty and staff advisors to provide accurate and helpful guidance.

"Peer advisors can answer questions about the basics because they’ve been through it themselves," said Thome. "They’re a great resource for students who might feel more comfortable asking questions of someone who’s closer to their own experience."

“My time working alongside the Pre-Health Advising team as a Pre-Health Peer Advisor (PPA) had a profound impact on my journey toward a career in healthcare,” 2024 Human Biology and Psychology graduate Bella Livingston said. “It gave me the opportunity to serve as a mentor to my peers while gaining a deeper understanding of the medical school application process. The ability to present information, lead discussions and advise others has boosted my confidence, and I believe these skills will be invaluable in future interviews and leadership roles as I continue on my path toward becoming a physician.”

Advocating for student success

One of the unique aspects of the MSU Pre-Health program is its commitment to advocacy on behalf of students. The advisors are not just guiding students through their academic journey; they are actively working to ensure that the university offers the necessary courses and resources that Pre-Health students need to succeed.

"When new courses are developed, we’re the ones asking if they can count as prerequisites for health professional schools," Lawler said. "We’re in regular contact with professional schools across Michigan, asking what makes students more competitive, or if our courses meet their requirements. If we know that a course is critical for our students, we’ll advocate for more seats or additional sections to be available."

This proactive approach ensures that MSU Pre-Health students have access to the courses they need when they need them, helping to minimize delays in graduation and keeping students on track toward their career goals.

“As an undergraduate student aspiring to pursue a competitive field, I turned to my advisors who provided me with endless support each step of the way,” said Darby Durrant, a second-year medical student at MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Through multiple meetings discussing my course schedule, to providing me feedback on numerous drafts of my personal statement and discussing interview preparation, MSU Pre-Health Advising played such an integral part in my undergraduate education, which has led me to where I am today.”

For any MSU undergraduate considering a career in healthcare, the MSU Pre-Health program is an invaluable resource. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or you’re ready to apply to professional school, the program offers the support and guidance you need to succeed.

"At MSU Pre-Health, we’re here to help students every step of the way," said Lawler. "Our goal is to empower them to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams in the health professions."

To learn more about the resources available and to schedule an advising appointment, visit the MSU Pre-Health website.