Are you a pre-health student looking to strengthen your application and gain meaningful experience? The Health Professions Office (HPO) is your go-to resource for guidance on opportunities that align with your goals. Below, you’ll find a curated list of programs, volunteer options, and resources to help you get started.
Featured Experiential Programs
These programs offer hands-on experience in clinical, research, and leadership settings—ideal for building your skills and exploring careers in healthcare
- Texas Health Catalyst Associate Program - Be a part of theTexas Health Catalyst's work to accelerate the translation of innovations to health products through its semester-long program.
- Health Leadership Apprentice Program - Dell Medical School’s experiential learning program for aspiring health leaders including projects that improve health and health care in Texas
- MD Anderson CATALYST Summer Research Programs – Collection of summer research and career programs in cancer, anesthesia, veterinary medicine, imaging, and therapeutics.
- Health Careers Mentorship Program - Interested in physician shadowing and learning about the world of medicine? If you answered “yes,” then you’re a perfect fit for the UT Health Careers Mentorship Program
Volunteer Opportunities in Health
Volunteering is a great way to engage with your community and gain exposure to healthcare environments:
- Hospice Austin Volunteering
- St. David’s Hospital Volunteering
- NAMI Volunteering
- Volunteer Crisis Counselor
Databases & Resources for Health Experience
- HPO Resources for Getting Direct Patient Care Experience
- EduMed's Guide to Summer Healthcare Research & Internship Opportunities
Allied Health Professions Training
Allied health careers offer direct patient care opportunities and typically require an associate’s degree and certification. These roles are in high demand across Texas and can be a great fit for students seeking hands-on experience during college or gap years.
Here are some options available through Austin Community College (ACC):
EMS Professions (1-6 semesters)
- EMT Basic - 1 semester
- EMT Advanced / Paramedic - 5 semesters
Medical Laboratory Technology (5 semesters)
- Students who complete the Medical Laboratory Technician program help with the analysis and diagnosis of blood and fluids. They can work in hospitals, clinics, medical labs and blood donation centers.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (6-7 semesters)
- Occupational Therapy Assistants help Occupational Therapists work with patients to help them engage in daily activities to improve their quality of life. They can work in rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
Pharmacy Technician (4-6 semesters)
- Help in the preparation and dispensing of medications and can work in pharmacies or hospitals.
- Pharmacy Technician Level 1 - 4 semesters
- Pharmacy Technician Level 2 - 2 semesters
Phlebotomy Technician (1 semester)
- Phlebotomy technicians are in charge of drawing blood for patients and preparing the samples for lab work. They can work at clinics, hospitals or blood and plasma donation centers.
Physical Therapist Assistant (4-5 semesters)
- Physical Therapist Assistants assist Physical Therapists rehabilitate patients by improving mobility and relieving pain.
Radiology (6-10 semesters)
- Radiologic technologists obtain diagnostic images such as x-rays, MRI and CT scans. Radiology techs can work in clinics, hospitals, imaging centers and doctor’s offices. After certification, radiology techs can choose to specialize in different areas such as CT, mammography, MRI, and cardiovascular interventional technology.
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology (6-7 semesters)
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology: Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) Level 2 (3-4 semesters)
Sonography
- Sonographers use ultrasound machines to create images of tissue and organs in the body to diagnose conditions. They can work in hospitals, diagnostic clinics and clinics. You can specialize in cardiac sonography, diagnostic cardiovascular and vascular technology.
- Sonography: Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography) (5-6 semesters)
- Sonography: Cardio-Vascular Sonography (2 semesters)
- Sonography: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (5-6 semesters)
- Sonography: Medical-Vascular Sonography (2 semesters)
- Sonography: Cardiac Sonography Certification (3 semesters)
Surgical Technology (3-5 semesters)
- Surgery technologists assist surgeons in the operating room by setting up tools and materials needed, ensuring there is a sterile environment and working along healthcare professionals to perform surgeries.
Veterinary Technology (6-7 semesters)
- Veterinary technologists assist veterinarians in the care of animals and help diagnose and treat different diseases and conditions. Vet techs can also specialize in difference fields like dentistry, anesthesia, surgery and emergency care.