Pre-Professional Program Advising

What does it mean to be a “pre” student?

All new students accepted by the College of Health Professions (COHP) clinical programs are admitted as a “pre” professional student for our programs that require a clinical. COHP accepts a limited number of students who qualify into these programs. There are specific qualification criteria to assure adequate preparation prior to entrance into the profession/clinical sequence of courses for the program.

Students are required to meet the qualifications and apply to the clinical phase of the program, for the following:

• Radiography
• Nursing
• Diagnostic Medical Imaging
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Nuclear Medicine
• Dental Hygiene

The program limitations are based on the availability of clinical or internship sites, as well as the individual program accreditation and state regulatory agencies that provide guidelines for class size. These programs are popular and the demand is high for many of them, however, the COHP will admit any student who meets the qualification criteria for their selected program as space becomes available. Due to the demand, some programs may have a 1, 2, or 3 year wait from the time you qualify before you begin the clinical professional phase of the program. However, please be advised there is not a wait list, students must reapply each year for consideration.

As a “pre” professional student, your first priority is to meet the program qualification requirements. While you might not be admitted into the clinical sequence after your first application, you can still make progress toward graduation by completing the general education requirements for your degree.

The link below will give you details as to what the qualifications are and outline some common Q&A regarding the application process. Make sure to review this material and if you have questions, contact one of our academic advisors in the College of Health Professions.

Qualifying for Clinical Programs

1. You must work on the qualifications outlined for your program. When you will have met the class requirements, minimum grade requirements and GPA is when your qualifying semester is determined.
2. Each year there is a one-time application process for the students that have met their qualifications within the COHP.
3. Applications will be prioritized by when you qualify. For instance, if we have 100 applications for 24 seats accepted, we will prioritize by who met the requirements fall semester, spring semester or summer semester. You will be ranked by your qualifying semester. The earliest qualifying semester will be considered first.
4. If there are more in a qualifying semester then we can accept, the tie breaker will be based on who took the most hours at FSU and when you submitted your original application to this program or performed a program change.

If You Are Accepted

You will start the clinical/ professional phase of the program in the next academic year.

If You Are Not Yet Accepted But Do Meet The Qualifications

1. You will need to reapply during the next application cycle.
2. You can continue to work on other general education requirements required for your degree. You cannot take classes in your clinical program at this point.
3. You can take time off from college; reapply to the university and your program in the next application cycle. Resume your enrollment when you are in the clinical/ professional phase of your program.
4. You can enroll part time to keep enrolled, but this is not required.
5. You can enroll in a certificate, minor (if enrolled in a bachelor program) or another degree that will work well with your COHP program of choice.

If You Are Currently Enrolled, How Do You Make An Appointment With Your Advisor?

You may schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with your advisor by calling the Dean's office at (231) 591-2264.

Please note that advising holds are removed only after students attend a Group Advising session. Group Advising dates can be found in the "College of Health Professions Pre-Professional Student" portal on OrgSync. These dates are posted in October and February of each year, prior to registration.

If You Are Inquiring About A Health Care Program

Please review Admissions to the Clinical Programs or feel free to contact one of the pre-program advisors in the College of Health Professions:

• Angela Ryan - Academic Advisor
• John Cowles - Academic Advisor

College of Health Professions
(231) 591-2270
[email protected]