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Experience & Opportunities

Why Experience Matters:

Gaining meaningful exposure and experience in healthcare and community settings are some of the most important steps you can take as a Vanderbilt Pre-Health/Pre-Med student.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Begin your journey—discover how below.

These Opportunities Help You...

  • Confirm Your Commitment to a Healthcare Career

    Thoughtful exploration in a career within health professions goes far beyond academic preparation. Clarify why you are deeply committed to pursuing a specific health profession role as your lifelong path in public service. With over 250 roles in the interprofessional healthcare team, what makes this particular profession the right fit for you? Reflect on how it aligns with your personal values, academic growth, and professional goals—and how it supports your development as a person, scholar, and future healthcare professional (including clinical and non-clinical career opportunities). 

  • Understand Structure & Challenges of Healthcare System

    Exposure and experience in a variety of direct or indirect ways gives Pre-Health/Pre-Med students valuable insight into the healthcare system—its structure, operations, and challenges. This understanding is essential for future health professionals to navigate their careers effectively and make informed, impactful contributions to the field. 

  • Gain Exposure & Engagement with Diverse Patient/Community Populations

    Healthcare exposure and community engagement allows Pre-Health/Pre-Med students to work with patients and community members from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. This exposure fosters cultural competence and deepens their understanding of the distinct healthcare disparities and challenges faced by various communities. 

  • Develop Essential Skills

    Experience provides Pre-Health/Pre-Med students with opportunities to build vital skills that are essential to healthcare service, including communication, empathy, and teamwork. Overall, your ability to demonstrate the core competencies necessary for future success in all health professional roles (A-Z: Athletic Training to Veterinary Medicine) is vital in the healthcare industry. This approach is endorsed by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) and applies broadly across all roles (clinical and non-clinical) within the healthcare team.

    To Learn More: AAMC Pre-Med Competencies Resources

  • Demonstrate Commitment & Industry Dedication

    Gaining experience in healthcare and serving the community shows professional schools that you are dedicated to your chosen career path and a lifelong commitment to public service. It reflects your readiness to invest time and effort to develop practical skills, understand patient care firsthand, and engage with the real-world challenges of today’s healthcare and community systems.

  • Expand Your Network & Engage with Mentors

    Participation within healthcare, research and community settings helps Pre-Health/Pre-Med students build relationships and connect with healthcare and community-based professionals, researchers, and a variety of mentors. 

  • Build A Well-Rounded Future Application

    Health professional schools often prefer applicants with a diverse range of experiences which you are passionate about. Involvement in healthcare activities like volunteering at hospitals, conducting research, or participating in community health initiatives shows commitment, compassion, and genuine interest in healthcare. These experiences strengthen a Pre-Health/Pre-Med student’s future application, making it more competitive and compelling. 

Community Service Engagement

Community service engagement refers to unpaid, voluntary work that directly benefits the public or local communities—distinct from volunteering for private organizations. Health professional schools value applicants who demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving others through meaningful community engagement. As a future healthcare professional, your responsibility will be to serve people across the entire lifespan—providing care ‘from womb to tomb’—and to work with individuals from all backgrounds.

To prepare for this role, actively engage with diverse communities, step outside your comfort zone, and develop your cultural awareness and humility. These experiences will shape you into a more compassionate, competent, and inclusive provider. Below are a few examples of organizations offering community service engagement opportunities to get you started.

Enrichment Experiences

Healthcare Industry Exposure

There are many ways to learn and engage with the exploration of healthcare and further validation in your adult viewpoint to ensure that your specific role in the healthcare industry is truly a lifetime calling of public service within a healthcare setting (clinical or non-clinical roles).  

Healthcare Industry Exposure Resources

  • Observation / "Shadowing" & Informational Interviewing

    Shadowing and informational interviews are just two ways to:

    • Explore and observe healthcare careers.

    • Gain real-world industry insight.

    • Help you determine if a specific role out of the over 250+ career paths in the healthcare industry is the right fit for you.

    • Learn directly from professionals in the field.

    Both shadowing and informational interviews can be done either in person or virtually. Some healthcare professional school programs (A-Z: Athletic Training – Veterinary Medicine) might recommend or require some form of shadowing or informational interviewing.

    However, current industry trends indicate that it is not required to observe / shadow to apply to medical school. See below for important details, additional guidance, and context regarding the statement above.

    What is observation / “shadowing”?

    Shadowing involves observing a healthcare provider’s day-to-day work. It is just like it sounds. You are only allowed to “observe” a provider and/or their environment, if approved by the provider and their healthcare clinic / hospital facility.

    Medical School: While most medical schools do not require shadowing for admission, it can be one way to demonstrate your exposure to the healthcare field.

    Athletic Training to Veterinary Medicine (A-Z) Schools: Other professional school health programs—such as those for physician assistants, physical therapists, or occupational therapists—might require a minimum number of observation / shadowing hours to apply, though admissions requirements vary widely.

    First, please be sure to research the specific admissions requirements of your top-choice school(s) to understand what is required versus what is simply recommended. Overall, each professional school is individually accredited and requirements may vary from program to program. To determine if observational hours / "shadowing" truly required (or not, only recommended), please refer to the individual program's admissions website. All admission requirements are subject to change per admission cycle, so please review requirements on an application cycle basis.

    Please Note:

    • Each hospital / clinic has its own policies and procedures for allowing observations or shadowing. Please review the clinic’s / hospital’s official website for any specific instructions, pre-eligibility and overall requirements.

    • It is not guaranteed that a hospital/clinic will allow or consider requests to observe / shadow a provider or automatically match you with a provider as a pre-health/pre-medical student.

    • Always remember that it is a privilege, not a right to be accepted by a clinic / hospital (and provider) to observe / shadow in any healthcare facility.

    • Are you a Vanderbilt University undergraduate student? Interested in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) - Vanderbilt Observational Experience (VOE)?
      Learn more here.

    What is Informational Interviewing?

    Informational interviews involve structured, pre-scheduled conversations to gain deeper insights into their career and overall professional experiences. Overall, they are an open dialogue you arrange with someone 1v1 who works in a profession that you want to learn more about. These conversations often can give you significant insight into a healthcare career role that interests you.

    You can discuss with the professional you visit with about:

    • Seek realistic insight into their day-to-day experiences at work, environments, etc.

    • What they love and what they don’t love about their role.

    • Current events, industry topics, concerns / opportunities in their field.

    • The particular path they took to their career.

    • What advice would they give someone in your position.

    • And anything else you want to ask about if you had time with a professional.

    Resources:

  • Pre-Health Related Student Organizations

    Find Your Fit: VU Student Clubs for Every Future Healthcare Professional 

    Get involved, build your community, and connect with others at Vanderbilt who share your passion for health, medicine, veterinary care - no matter where you are on your pre-professional journey towards a future of service in the healthcare industry.  

    While we don't endorse any specific club as the “right” one to join, we encourage all Vanderbilt pre-health/pre-med students to view community involvement as a meaningful way to demonstrate commitment to their future in healthcare and to the local, state, national, or global communities they hope to serve.  

    All Vanderbilt Student Organizations - search by “categories” or healthcare/group area of interest. 

  • Pre-Health Resource Library

    Why Read? 

    Openly exploring pre-healthcare literature is a powerful way to deepen your understanding of the field, 250+ career role options, and the overall industry. We recommend: 

    • Monthly: Incorporate one pre-health/pre-med-related literature book reading a month a powerful way to deepen your understanding of the healthcare field. It also prepares you for future experiences such as volunteering, observation/shadowing, and/or service in direct, hands-on patient care roles and clinical work.
    • Weekly: Combine your monthly reading habits with weekly, self-reflective journaling. You can also journal after any new experience. This practice has been found to genuinely enrich your pre-professional journey towards healthcare, support your personal growth, and help you develop the insight and empathy essential for a compassionate career in healthcare.
    • Each Semester: As you explore careers in the health professions, make it a habit to stay informed by reading current news, scholarly articles and podcasts related to healthcare and your field of interest. Choose one / two relevant articles each semester regarding current events in your industry, ethical dialogues, etc. Journal or consider starting a discussion group with other VU pre-health/pre-med peers to reflect on what you’ve learned. 

    Why Self-Reflection Writing/Journaling?  

    Journaling/written reflection is endorsed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and helps you:  

    • Process experiences and understand real-world clinical & community settings.  
    • Improve written/oral communication skills.  
    • Grow as an empathetic, thoughtful pre-health/pre-med student.  
    • Sharpen your ability to approach complex problems / consider multiple perspectives. 
    • Build key skills in the AAMC Core Competencies for a future healthcare career. 
    • Clarify one’s adult-viewpoint motivations for a specific, lifetime healthcare role calling. 
    • When you are holistically ready to apply, it is also very useful when writing your professional school applications, personal statement, and preparing for professional school interviews. 

    Sources: 

    Healthcare Field Literature Library & Journaling Resources 

    Curious about what pre-health/pre-med advisors around the country are recommending? From non-fiction, ethics and poetry to medical education and the admissions process – you can gain meaningful insights into real-world challenges, emerging trends, and the daily experiences of professionals in the field.  

    It also helps you think critically, stay informed, and confirm whether a career in healthcare aligns with your long-term goals, values, and career aspirations. 

    Local/Regional Articles & News:  

    National Articles & News: 

    Podcasts (Endorsed by AAMC & TMDSAS): 

     

Healthcare Industry Experience

  • Direct, Hands-On Patient Care Experience

    Ready to Make a Direct Impact in Healthcare? 

    If you're looking to take a more active role in patient care and contribute meaningfully to a collaborative healthcare team, proper training or certification is both ethically and legally essential. 

    Explore opportunities to gain hands-on clinical experience—whether by getting certified as a medical assistant, EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, pharmacy technician or another patient-facing role. These experiences not only build your skills and confidence but also allow you to start making a real difference today. 

    Take the Next Steps!  

    Step 1: Learn About Healthcare Environments / Options to Serve 

    There are many environments that pre-health/pre-med students can consider serving but many roles in healthcare settings may require additional training. Before you decide possible role(s) to serve, learn about all of your environments and options first, such as: 

    • Blood Donation Centers & Mobile Units 
    • Clinical Research Centers & Labs 
    • EMS & Ambulance Services 
    • Free & Community Health Clinics 
    • Hospitals 
    • Long-Term Care Facilities 
    • Hospice Care Facilities 
    • Rehabilitation Facilities 
    • Primary Care & Specialty Clinics 
    • Telehealth & Virtual Health Platforms 
    • Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics 

     More Info & Resources: HealthCare Industry Experience - Work Environments & Common Roles as a Pre-Health/Pre-Med student.

    Step 2: Get Trained 

    Figuring out when, where, and how to pursue training, credentials, or certifications can be more complex than it seems. We recommend starting with the following 3 steps to create a realistic and achievable plan aligned with your goals. 

    1. Explore Training Programs: Research training programs, certification options, and volunteer roles healthcare settings near you or in your hometown.  
    2. Be proactive: Identify at least 5 facilities in Nashville or your hometown (especially if you're home for the summer) that regularly hire or seek volunteers with specialized skills before you invest in specific healthcare training or certification. Review their job descriptions to understand common tasks, duties, and qualifications. Not sure where to find healthcare-related facilities in the U.S.? Use the Nationwide U.S. Healthcare Facility Locator tool.
    3. Be practical: Research the cost / commitment of time to become trained or certified for specific roles to ensure it is the best fit for your timeline and budget. 

    Many positions require certification and/or training. Below are just a few different options to consider.  

    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)  
    • EMT  
    • Medical Assistant  
    • Medical Scribe  
    • Phlebotomist  
    • Pharmacy Technician  
    • Registered Dental Assistant 
    • And more!  

    National & Local Training Resources 

    Step 3: Get Hired or Serve (Volunteer): 

    Once you’ve completed your training, the next step is to create a plan for when and where you will apply your skills—whether through paid work or volunteer service. Here are some suggested steps to help guide that process. 

    1. Consider Your Timing: If you're still an undergraduate student, be realistic about your ability to take on part-time or full-time healthcare work or service alongside academics, exam prep (MCAT/DAT, etc.), research, and/or other commitments. If your schedule is too limited during the semesters, plan to use your training/certification skills in healthcare-related settings over the summer or during a gap/enhancement year after graduation. 
    2. Prep Professionally: Before you begin your job / volunteer search, update / tailor your resume to highlight any clinical skills, certifications, or volunteer experience.  
    3. Focus Your Search: Identify roles or volunteer opportunities that align with your skills and goals (e.g., hospitals, community clinics, research labs, etc.). Don’t forget to tap into your existing network or past contacts, especially if you've volunteered or made connections in a healthcare / community setting before. 
    4. Apply Early: Be proactive. Start applying (often online) at least 3 months before your intended start date. Many healthcare roles involve multiple steps, including HR review, interviews, onboarding, and background checks.  
    5. Be Patient & Professionally Persist: It may take several weeks to hear back. Keep searching and follow up when appropriate. No matter what happens, always stay professional and courteous throughout the job application process. Even if you’re not selected, express gratitude—every opportunity depends on timing and the applicant pool, and a positive impression can open doors in the future. 
  • Healthcare-Related Volunteering

    Volunteering can take many forms! Whether through an on-campus Vanderbilt club, community organizations, or in a healthcare setting like hospitals, clinics, and community centers. While some opportunities support public or private organizations, all types of volunteer experiences are valuable when you self-reflect upon skill-building.   

    Health professional programs often consider the variety and impact of an applicant’s volunteer work during the admissions process.  

    There are many meaningful ways to contribute to your community but start by reflecting on what you already know. Take time to journal or self-assess your current understanding of the community through the lens of your lived experiences. As a future healthcare provider, you’ll be caring for people across all stages of life—so grounding yourself in awareness and empathy is essential, no matter where you eventually practice. 

    Here are a few examples of impactful ways to begin brainstorming how you might get involved that can contribute to your overall development. 

    Volunteer with Local Health Organizations  

    • Free/Low Cost Clinics: Many communities have clinics that serve uninsured or underinsured populations. These often-welcome pre-health volunteers for administrative tasks, patient intake, and translation.  
    • Community Health Centers (CHCs): Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide care to underserved populations. Volunteer roles vary but may include public health outreach, health education, or scribing. 
    • Skill-building: Gain firsthand exposure to patient care, social determinants of health, and the overall healthcare system.  

    Participate in a Public Health Campaign  

    • Local Health Departments: Often need help with vaccination drives , health fairs , smoking cessation programs , opioid awareness, etc.  
    • Nonprofits & Non-Governmental Organizations: Organizations like the Red Cross or Planned Parenthood regularly involve students in outreach and education. 
    • Skill-building: Learn about population health, improve your communication skills, and engage with preventive medicine/health initiatives.  

    Work with Vulnerable Populations  

    • Homeless shelters, refugee centers, or food banks often collaborate with health organizations and need volunteers.  
    • Help with screenings, hygiene kit distribution, language translation/interpretation or connecting individuals with services. 
    • Skill-building: Deepen your understanding of health disparities, communication skills and empathy in practice.  

    Get Involved in Research  

    • Public health or community-based research projects at your university or local hospitals can be a powerful way to learn how health interventions are designed and assessed.  
    • Topics can include mental health, nutrition, substance use, maternal health, etc. 
    • Skill-building: Learn study design, ethics, and data interpretation.  

    Join, Start or Get Involved with a Health Advocacy Group – On & Off Campus 

    On-Campus Resources:  Vanderbilt Student Health & Wellness  

    • Work with Vanderbilt students to:  Promote health literacy on campus , advocate for policy change (e.g., mental health access, reproductive health, food insecurity, etc.) and organize donation drives or fundraisers. 
    • Skill-building: Leadership, organization, working within teams and public speaking.  

    Off-Campus/Local Resources:  

    Health Policy & Advocacy Organizations  

    • Tennessee Hospital Association (THA): THA advocates for hospitals across Tennessee, focusing on state and federal policy matters to ensure quality care delivery.  
    • Partnership for a Healthy Tennessee: A statewide coalition working to enhance healthcare access and affordability through patient assistance programs and policy advocacy.  
    • Tennessee Justice Center (TJC): A nonprofit law firm in Nashville that represents low-income families, focusing on healthcare access, food aid, and public policy reform.  

    Mental Health & Disability Advocacy  

    • NAMI Tennessee: This organization advocates for mental health policy improvements and provides support for individuals affected by mental illness.  
    • NF Tennessee: Disability Advocacy Agencies (multiple). 
      • Examples:  
      • The Arc Tennessee: Provides services such as information and referral, systems navigation, and individual advocacy for people with disabilities and their families.   
      • Disability Rights Tennessee: Offers legal advocacy services for individuals with disabilities, addressing issues like employment discrimination and access to healthcare.  

    Community Health & Immigrant Support  

    LGBTQ+ & Reproductive Health Advocacy  

    • Nashville CARES: Focuses on HIV/AIDS advocacy and provides support for individuals living with HIV, including policy advocacy and community-building efforts.  
    • A Better Balance – Nashville Office: Advocates for workplace policies supporting reproductive health, paid family leave, and accommodations for pregnant workers.  

    Aging & Caregiver Support  

    Local Volunteering / Patient Contact or Support Resources  

    National Resources  

    Tips - Making Your Community Impact Matter:  

    • Focus on Continuity: Consistency of your involvement matters more than a laundry list of short stints. Focus on the quality over quantity of your personalized involvement, advocacy, etc. 
    • Reflect Regularly: Keep a weekly journal of what you learn, challenges you face, and what moves you. This helps for personal growth and self-reflection for future professional school applications, essays and interviews (written and oral communication).  
    • Stay Culturally Humble: Work with - not for - communities. Ensure you listen more than you speak. 
  • Research

    Overall, Vanderbilt has over 800 labs in the biomedical sciences to explore and countless other research opportunities in the social sciences, engineering sciences, and education. More info and resources at: Research

  • Summer Programs

    Summer programs offer valuable opportunities for pre-health/pre-med students to explore the field and gain hands-on experience. Some of these programs actively seek applicants who are first-generation college students and/or come from backgrounds underrepresented in healthcare.