Getting direct patient care is an important part of any professional school application. Whether looking to get started or searching for opportunities to diversify your patient care experiences, visit the CLAS Advising Center Volunteer & Healthcare Experience site for more information about the following entry-level roles: 

• Certified Nursing Assistant, Nurse Tech, or Medical Assistant
• Direct Care/Support Professional 
• Medical Scribe
• Emergency Medical Technicians 
• Pharmacy Technician
• Phlebotomist

Utilize your Bachelor’s degree to find employment in a research setting.  Utilize the GVSU Career Center to prepare for your job search. 

• Colleges and universities hire recent graduates in research positions or as lab assistants.  
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers research training programs for recent graduates.

Many companies and hospitals will hire recent graduates for entry-level lab positions.  Examples include: Charles River, Perrigo, Aerotek, Amway, Corewell and Van Andel Institute.  Visit the Career Center’s Handshake site to find more opportunities. 

Demonstrating a genuine interest in helping others is an important aspect for any competitive healthcare application and there are many opportunities for a recent graduate.

• Short-term Volunteer: Volunteering can be a great way to get experience in a healthcare setting, but it is also important to volunteer in non-clinical settings.  Check out the CLAS Advising Center Volunteer & Healthcare Experience for volunteer recommendations.  
• Full-time Volunteer: 1-2 year fellowship programs offer the opportunity to gain professional experience while also addressing a social cause.  For a recent graduate you might have the flexibility needed to relocate and commit to this type of program.  Examples may include Americorps, City Year, Teach for America, Peace Corps.  For more examples see our Gap Year list.  The programs normally have an extensive and competitive application process; however, they also come with benefits like a living stipend, health insurance, housing, and an education award.    

For graduates who have below a 3.4 overall and science GPA, it is recommended to take science classes to build your post-baccalaureate GPA.  This can be done by taking/retaking undergraduate classes at a University, or beginning a Master’s program that is designed to enhance your science knowledge.  Discuss options with a preprofessional academic advisor. 

If you have a low score on the MCAT, DAT or OAT, taking a gap year can provide the time you need to revamp your study methods.  Check out the CLAS Advising Center Test Prep Resources website

Professional school will be rigorous, followed by a demanding career.  Utilize your gap year to refresh and find ways to improve your overall wellness.  Visit the GVSU Recreation & Wellness site for resources.    

• Mental Health
• Healthy Habits
• Job Shadow and Network
• Manage your Finances
• Travel

You might also find yourself facing a gap year because of an unsuccessful application cycle.  If that is the case, utilizing these recommendations also applies.  

Check with the schools you did not get into your first application cycle and find out if they offer any application feedback or advice for a future application. Professional schools are more likely to admit you in a future application cycle if you make suggested improvements. 

Meet with a Preprofessional advisor in the CLAS Advising Center to review your application and get advice. It’s possible you need to work on your writing, the timing of your application, experiences, GPA/entrance exam, or interviewing skills (to name a few). 

Update your letter writers and let them know you plan on reapplying and what your strategy is for the reapplication. Ask if they are willing to meet with you closer to the next application cycle for updates on your application.  Reapplicants are discouraged from reusing outdated letters from a previous cycle.  It is recommended that you get new or updated letters.

Resources

GVSU Career Center Podcast: Is a Gap Year Worth It?

• Are you unsure exactly what you want to do after graduation? Gap years can help! Taking a break from one opportunity and trying something new opens the door for plenty of experiences, understanding, and realization for your future. In this episode of Work Like a Laker, listen to Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick discuss the benefits of taking a gap year with special guests Dani Lauer and Jaclyn Ermoyan.

All Access Podcast: Gap Year Questions 

• Dr. Nobay is the Associate Dean of Admissions at Rochester and a physician in Emergency Medicine.  Dr. Nobay hits the first full episode out of the park!  We talk all about the University of Rochester with some excellent tips sprinkled throughout the interview.  The show wraps up with us answering listener questions about gap years.  

American Dental Education Association: Gap Year Students

• Are you thinking about taking a gap year? Make sure you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish during this time away from school and plan wisely—a year (or two) can fly by.

Association of American Medical Colleges: 

• Is a Postbacc Program Right for Me?  
• What to Do During Your Gap Year(s) - If you are considering taking time after graduation and wondering what you could do, we’ve compiled a list of things for you to think about.
• Postbaccalaureate Program Information - Check out more recommendations from the AAMC about planning for a gap year.