Health Professions Advising
Interested in a career in the health professions? Our dedicated health professions specialists support Gustavus students and alumni navigating their journeys toward graduate health programs. We provide comprehensive guidance on prerequisite course requirements and essential clinical experiences, including shadowing, volunteering, and patient care roles. From your first year on campus to your final graduate program application, we provide dedicated, step-by-step support.
Contact
Location: Student Union
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 507-933-7575
Email: hbanks [at] gustavus.edu (hbanks[at]gustavus[dot]edu)
Instagram: gustavushealthprofessions
Gustavus Health Professions Podcast: Spotify
Support: Range of Health Professions
At Gustavus, we support students across a comprehensive range of health professions, helping you discover and navigate the right career path for you. The healthcare field is incredibly diverse, offering a vast array of unique opportunities that extend far beyond traditional tracks. Our health professions specialists work with you to turn your interests into an actionable plan, aligning your major with required graduate school prerequisite courses and mapping out your academic journey. Each step of the way, we provide the steadfast guidance and resources you need to stay on track.
Opportunities for Experience
Several popular local opportunities are available to shadow or gain hands-on experience in the medical field.
River's Edge Hospital and Clinic
Pre-physical therapy and pre-occupational therapy students can volunteer at River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic in Saint Peter to set up equipment, assist patients with an exercise plan, or work with patients who have Parkinson's disease and are a part of the clinic's therapy program. Talk with your health professions specialist to learn more.
Mayo Clinic Partnership
Through our exclusive Caring Hands volunteer program with Mayo Clinic Hospital in Mankato, students provide gentle, non-therapeutic hand massages to patients and caregivers. It is a powerful win-win that lowers stress for patients and families while providing our students with high-impact, compassionate bedside experience.
Ecumen Hospice Companion Volunteers
Become a compassionate care team volunteer dedicated to bringing comfort, friendship, and a reassuring presence to patients and families navigating the end-of-life journey. As an Ecumen volunteer companion, you will make a profound difference by providing meaningful bedside companionship, offering much-needed respite for family caregivers, or assisting with light, practical tasks around the home.
Health-Affiliated Student Clubs
Looking to meet people who share your passion for healthcare? Join one of the many student organizations focused on health professions! These groups are a great way to make new friends, explore different career paths, get insider tips on grad school, and start building your professional network—all while having fun with like-minded students.