Advisor, Office of Pre-Health Programs

Advisor, Office of Pre-Health Programs

Professional Services Specialist 2 (AFT Range 24)

Department: Office of Pre-Health Programs, University College

Rowan University is seeking an Advisor for Pre-Health Programs to provide exceptional support for students in pre-health related fields including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, and other health professions. The Advisor will provide individual advising and workshops for students and will support health-related student organizations and multiple communication strategies for the Office of Pre-Health Programs. The Advisor will implement multifaceted initiatives and be an active partner in collaborative efforts across Rowan’s academic Colleges, two medical schools, veterinary school, and University and community support and pipeline programs.

The Advisor will be a key team member in building opportunities at Rowan for pre-health students individually and collectively through advising, proactive intervention and communication, and expanding co-curricular opportunities including through student organizations and experiential learning activities such as service projects, mentoring programs, internships, research, and clinical experiences. This position reports to the Director of the Office of Pre-Health Programs within University College at Rowan University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement pre-health advising strategies based on best practices, including integrated support with students’ primary program advisors
• Maintain accurate records (including electronic notes) of interactions with students
• Refer students to the appropriate specialized staff for services such as tutoring, testing, counseling, financial assistance, study abroad, etc.to provide comprehensive student success services
• Provide proactive and holistic advising support to students with interest in a health profession including those in the academic Colleges/Schools across all of Rowan’s campuses
• Develop and implement advising and other educational resources for pre-health students to ensure student preparation for admission to a wide range of programs in health professions and to assist with recruiting and welcoming a diverse population of students
• Serve as an advisor for health-related student organizations and initiatives
• Strengthen undergraduate professional development and co-curricular programming via numerous channels such as designing and delivering workshops on a variety of careers as well as processes and criteria for applying to medical and other health professional schools; engaging with a Living Learning Community; developing and promoting service, mentoring, research, and clinical experiences; and planning events such as panel discussions for current or prospective students, visits from graduate and professional schools, career and test preparation workshops, etc.
• Develop and use tools and resources to communicate and promote opportunities to students, including websites, social media, print material, newsletter, etc.
• Work closely with the Office of Pre-Health Programs team to guide students for admission to professional school including ensuring that students understand the prerequisite course requirements; are prepared for standardized exams, application essays, and interviews; and know about how to obtain appropriate clinical and community service, internships, research experiences, and letters of recommendation and to select appropriate target schools
• Collaborate with partners in the academic Colleges/Schools across all of Rowan’s campuses, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine
• Collaborate with student success offices at Rowan including University Advising Services, Office of Career Advancement, Accessibility Services, and ASCEND for coordinated support for students in pre-health programs and with the Divisions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Strategic Enrollment Management; Student Life; and Advancement to improve pre-health opportunities for all students
• Represent Rowan University at Open Houses and other student recruitment efforts
• Assist the Director in supporting students with seeking clinical opportunities to develop professional competencies through the HOPE (Healthcare Opportunity Program Experience) program and other healthcare opportunities
• Develop and build relationships with stakeholders and admissions members at local health professions schools
• Engage in professional development activities, including but not limited to, memberships in professional organizations; attendance at conferences, workshops, and training sessions; stay current with information technology skills
• This is an in-person position; may be eligible for one remote day per week, depending on Department needs
• Occasional evening and weekend activities are required
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience working with students in a post-secondary educational institution or other appropriate educational setting
• Master’s degree in a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in advising a pre-health program or related area with extensive knowledge of requirements for successful applicants to competitive programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary, and other health professions is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to and ability to implement organizational change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Experience working with students with a variety of academic interests and abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, e-mail, student information systems (i.e. Banner, Degree Works, Starfish)
• Working knowledge of NACADA Advising Core Competencies