Health professions counseling begins during the Freshman Orientation Programs and continues throughout and sometimes beyond four years. Students are urged to see a health professions counselor in the College Center for Academic Support and establish a file at the Career Center during the first years of college. It is advisable to begin collecting letters of recommendation even that early, and these letters will form a vital part of the faculty advisory committee letter which will be prepared for the student at the time of application to a graduate or professional program. The Hyman J. V. Goldberg Career Library in the Career Center also contains numerous publications describing individual health professions, helpful information and comments from recent alumni, catalogs for graduate and professional programs, and lists of opportunities for volunteer service. With the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry next door and numerous hospitals and clinics in the Rochester area, students have many opportunities both to observe health professionals at work and to participate in research and clinical activities.
Some students find paid positions, while a variety of volunteer opportunities is also available.
Many students volunteer in area hospitals and clinics, either in clinical or research capacities. Lists of volunteer possibilities both at the University of Rochester and in the larger community are available in the Community Service Programs Directory. The College Center for Academic Support sponsors several meetings and workshops of interest to students considering a career in the health professions. Applicant meetings take place throughout the spring semester and help students begin the application process for programs in medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, optometry, podiatry, and veterinary medicine. During the fall semester, there are information sessions on preprofessional course requirements and program planning.