New health care exploration initiative offers conditional admission to graduate programs for Belmont undergraduates
Belmont University today announced the launch of its Health Care Exploration for Aspiring Leaders (HEALs) program, a pioneering initiative designed to solidify Belmont's position as a premier destination for aspiring healthcare professionals.
The HEALs program offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to explore diverse health care career options while working towards conditional admission into Belmont's prestigious graduate-level health care programs. This innovative approach encourages students to make informed decisions about their career pathways in the rapidly evolving health care landscape.
"We're thrilled to see this program come to life,” said Dr. Gary Austin, assistant dean for student success and formation and professor of physical therapy. “HEALs will give students a rock-solid foundation for our graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy and medicine — setting them up for success from day one of their professional education.”
The program's development was spearheaded by a collaborative effort between Belmont's health science departments, the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, reflecting the University's focus on interdisciplinary education.
Dr. Karen Lewis, associate dean for student affairs & diversity for the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, emphasized the program's significance: "HEALs represents our commitment to nurturing the next generation of health care leaders. By providing students with a comprehensive exploration of various health professions, we're ensuring they find the path that best aligns with their passions and strengths."
Program highlights include:
- Diverse Career Exploration: Students spend their first year exploring various health care careers, broadening their perspectives beyond traditional paths.
- Conditional Admission: Successful applicants gain conditional admission into Belmont's graduate programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy or Medicine.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program is a partnership between multiple colleges at Belmont - The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics and the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine – offering students a comprehensive and holistic view of the health care field.
- Rigorous Standards: Applicants must meet specific academic and experiential requirements, ensuring only the most dedicated students are selected.
Dr. Beth Bowman, assistant dean for the College of Science and Mathematics, pre-health advisor and director of undergraduate research, and Dr. Caleb Marsh, director of pathway programs and recruitment for the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, played pivotal roles in launching the program.
"HEALs is not just about admission to graduate programs; it's about shaping well-rounded health care professionals who understand the intricacies of various medical fields,” said Bowman. “This holistic approach sets Belmont apart as a leader in health professions education."
Sophomore students can apply for the HEALs program each August. The application process will include academic transcripts, essays reflecting on health care experiences and faculty evaluations.
For more information, visit: Belmont - HEALs Information Request
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