The Health Professions Advisor (HPA) provides support to students and alumni pursing graduate education and careers in the health fields (e.g., medical and dental school). HPA coordinates closely with the Career Development Office (CDO) and the Graduate School Advisor (GSA) to provide students, alumni, and academic advisors with support and resources.
Whether you are in your first year or further along in your studies, now is an excellent time to explore a path in the health professions. Sign up to receive regular emails with important deadlines, event announcements, advising tips, and curated opportunities.
To support your exploration, review the HPA Handbook for a clear overview of career pathways in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health fields. The handbook includes guidance on recommended coursework, prerequisite planning, application timelines, professional competencies, and reflections on ethical and humanistic preparation for clinical careers.
Career Pathways: From Applicant to Admit - Dentistry (Video)
Stay informed about upcoming information sessions, clinical skills workshops, recruitment events, and special lectures designed to enhance knowledge and readiness for health professions.
Explore the signature Soka clinical advocacy opportunities—competitive programs that offer meaningful, hands-on experiences designed to deepen understanding of health care, advocacy, and service. Learn more about the application process and how to join these distinctive opportunities.
Summer Clinical Preceptorship
Senior Health Advocacy Internship
Youth Health Advocacy Internship
Explore a wide range of internal and external opportunities for research, internships, and volunteer work that complement academic preparation and help develop professional skills. Students can meet with the Career Development Office to enhance their cover letters and resumes as they apply for these opportunities.
Students can review common prep materials available on campus as they decide what resources would be best for them. We have designed a sample MCAT study schedule, which is available for download using the links below. Periodically, we offer mock standardized testing dates on campus to help students prepare under realistic conditions.
Mock MCAT Testing (December)
Mock MCAT Testing (May)
Sample MCAT Study Schedule (Excel)
Sample MCAT Study Schedule (PDF)
Find step-by-step guidance on applying to health professional schools, including detailed timelines, required materials, and tips for success. This section also explains Soka’s Committee Letter service, which offers a holistic narrative evaluation, institutional endorsement, and organizes your letters of evaluation to strengthen your application.
