NIU’s pre-health professions program is making a significant impact on students pursuing careers in healthcare. The program ensures students are well-prepared for their future in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health professions by providing comprehensive support through academic guidance, professional development and application assistance.
“Over the past 18 months, NIU’s pre-health professions program has been instrumental in preparing students for the challenges of applying to professional schools,” Tracy Ash, pre-health professions director said. “By integrating academic preparation, hands-on experiences and structured application support, the program empowers students to achieve their career aspirations in healthcare.”
Starting in fall 2025, NIU will introduce the pre-health professions transcript notation, a formal recognition of students’ dedication to professional school preparation, highlighting a commitment to fostering a well-rounded education. To earn this, students must complete eight required courses, participate in 10 NIU engagement activities across campus, complete 25 hours of healthcare simulation or shadowing, participate in one research or leadership experience, and attend a professional development training academy.
Julia Bogunia
“The transcript notation motivates me and enhances my application as it reflects a commitment I made during my journey at NIU. It allows me to have formal recognition of my ability to complete relevant coursework and excel academically,” Julia Bogunia, a senior biology major who is applying to medical school said.
A new, centralized letter packet service being piloted this semester streamlines the process of gathering faculty and professional recommendation letters for students applying to medical, dental and other healthcare professional schools. This service removes barriers and ensures that students present strong application materials, by providing a structured and efficient approach and will be fully available in spring 2026.
“The letter packet service has been incredibly helpful in my medical school application process. Instead of managing multiple letter submissions myself, NIU’s pre-health advising office compiles all my recommendation letters into a single, organized packet and submits them directly to the application services,” Aleena Kallan, a senior biology major said. “This saves me time, allows me to focus on other important aspects of my application and ensures my letters are submitted professionally and efficiently.”
Aleena Kallan
To provide students with easy access to crucial resources, the pre-health professions program has developed a dedicated Blackboard Community. This space includes career exploration tools, application guidance, experiential learning opportunities and advising updates to help students navigate their pre-health journey. Also, a newly revised pre-health professions website is in development to provide comprehensive guidance on course prerequisites, application timelines and career pathways while serving as a go-to information hub for pre-health students.
In addition to academic and application support, pre-health students have access to tailored graduate school preparation advising services, personal statement workshops, interview preparation sessions and assistance in securing meaningful clinical, research and volunteer experiences. This helps ensure students meet admission requirements, while developing the skills and experiences necessary to stand out in the competitive healthcare field.
“I have received valuable guidance on course selection, application timelines and extracurricular involvement ensuring I stay on track for medical school. Professional development opportunities such as workshops, mentorship programs and networking events have helped me build essential skills beyond academics,” Kallan said. “These experiences have not only strengthened my application but have also reinforced my passion for medicine by exposing me to different aspects of healthcare.”
Alpha Epsilon Delta
NIU’s vibrant pre-health community is strengthened by three active student organizations that provide networking, mentorship and peer support. These organizations play a critical role in fostering collaboration and professional growth among students:
- Pre-Professional Association (PPA): A general pre-health student support and networking organization.
- Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED): NIU’s chapter of the national pre-health honor society.
- National Pre-Med Association (NPreMA): A student organization focused on medical school preparation.
“Being president of two student organizations has allowed me to gain a sense of community and understand the importance of collaboration, while allowing me to enhance my communication with varying professionals to bring diverse events to life,” Bogunia said. “This has empowered me to build upon my personal characteristics such as adaptability, time management and teamwork which are all crucial traits for future healthcare professionals.”
Visit NIU’s pre-health professions program website for more information. Current students in the program are encouraged to share their experience with [email protected] to help inspire future students.
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