What We Do
The Health Sciences Scholars (HSS) Program introduces students to
the wide variety of academic programs and career opportunities in health sciences
and health care. Health Sciences Scholars might be interested in study and careers
in the allied medical professions (athletic training; health information management
and systems; health sciences; medical dietetics; physical, occupational, and respiratory
therapy; or medical and radiologic technology), dental hygiene, dentistry, medicine,
nursing, optometry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine.
Some Scholars may be committed to a particular career or course of
study, while others may wish to explore the many exciting possibilities available
in the health sciences. The Health Sciences Scholars Program enables serious students
to pursue a thoughtfully planned co-curricular program that will help to prepare
them for success in these fields.
For additional information about the Health Sciences Scholars Program, please contact
program manager Julie Humbel-Courtney at 614.688.5898 or via email at
humbel.1@osu.edu.
Community Service
It is very important for students who intend to
pursue graduate and professional degrees in the health sciences
fields to acquire volunteer hours. To help students remain
competitive for graduate and professional school admission,
Health Sciences Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in
a variety of community service opportunities. It is an expectation
that first and second year HSS students complete service
hours each quarter.
Clubs
Ohio State has many options for students who want to become more involved
in Health Sciences related student groups and clubs. The links below highlight the
clubs many Health Sciences Scholars choose to join. Health Sciences Scholars most
often register with these organizations while visiting the annual Involvement Fair
held during Autumn quarter. For more information about Health Sciences related clubs,
click on the links for the following programs:
FAQ
When did the Health Sciences Scholars (HSS) Program begin?
The HSS Program is beginning its 11th year. It began in the
autumn quarter of 2000 with an entering class of 211 students.
Why was the Health Sciences Scholars (HSS) Program created?
The HSS Program was created because a need existed to better
serve students interested in the Health Sciences. One of the main goals of HSS
is to help students explore the options both within and outside of the health
sciences. In this competitive field, students often do not get their first
choice of programs and have a need for multiple options; HSS will help you to
create back up plans.
How long does the Health Sciences Scholars (HSS) Program last?
HSS is a two-year Scholars Program. Juniors and seniors who
“graduate” from the program still enjoy all of the programs benefits, but do not
have the same obligations as first and second year students in terms of
involvement and community service. Upperclassmen typically take on more
leadership roles in the program by serving as Buckeye Buddies to HSS first year students,
participating on the HSS Leadership Council, and by assisting with recruitment
events.
How many students does the Health Sciences Scholars Program
enroll each year?
HSS is currently the largest Scholars Program. Each year, the
program receives many more applications than it can accommodate. There are 152 students enrolled in the 2011 HSS First Year Cohort.
Do I have to be a certain major to be in HSS?
No, as long as you have an interest in a career in the wide world of health sciences.
Whether your interests fall at the undergraduate level (ex: nursing, dental hygiene, respiratory therapy, etc.) or
at the professional level (ex: medicine, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, etc.), you can major in ANYTHING.
For example, there is no “prescribed” major for medical school. You can major in music, athletic training, architecture, medical technology, English,
biology, or any of the other 180 majors at Ohio State. This is one of the biggest misconceptions regarding pre-professional students!!
Your major should be something you truly enjoy and possibly something that you envision as your back up plan should you choose not to pursue graduate/professional school.
What health sciences majors (undergraduate) are offered at Ohio State?
There are many undergraduate programs at The Ohio State University
in the health sciences. These include, but are not limited to: Athletic Training,
Circulation Technology, Dental Hygiene, Health Information Management Systems, Health
Sciences, Human Nutrition and Food Management, Medical Dietetics,
Medical Technology, Nursing, BSPS in Pharmacy, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory
Therapy, and Speech and Hearing Science. At Ohio State there are no “pre” majors
such as pre-med or pre-dentistry. Instead, there is a curriculum that you follow
of about 15 courses that you would take to meet the medical or health-related professional school requirements,
but you can build those into any OSU major.
What Health Sciences professional programs (graduate level) are offered
at Ohio State?
There are many graduate level programs at The Ohio State University in the health sciences. These include, but are not limited to: Dentistry, Health Services Management and Policy, Integrated Biomedical Science, Medicine, Nursing (Advanced/Specialized), Speech Pathology/Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy (PharmD), Physical Therapy, Public Health, and Veterinary Medicine.
Do I have to live in a particular residence hall if I am in HSS?
If you are in the Health Sciences Scholars Program (and will not be a student commuting from home) you will live with other HSS students in the newly renovated Park-Stradley Hall (beginning autumn 2012) located on the south end of campus. Most first year students will be staying in double rooms, equipped with a micro-fridge, loft-able beds, moveable furniture and will share corridor bathrooms. The HSS Program also accepts commuter students who are given access to the residence hall and included in all events.
Do I have to live on campus my second year?
No. Non-commuting HSS students are only required to
live on campus their first year. However, Canfield contains four
single-person rooms.
Would I take different classes being in HSS than being just a regular
pre-med (or whatever) student?
Yes and no. Being in HSS does not change the curriculum of your major
or pre-professional program. The Scholars Programs are mainly co-curricular programs
in nature. However, we do “cluster” some sections of classes that you would
be taking anyway. That means that in those classes, you would be with only other
HSS or Scholars students. The curriculum in clustered courses does not change. By
clustering some courses we make it easier to form study groups and it is also nice
to be in classes with your peers who live in Canfield.
Is my Program Coordinator my Academic Advisor?
No. Each student will have both a college and a major
advisor. Those heading into professional areas will also have an advisor
in those areas. Your coordinator will keep weekly office hours in both
their main office and in Canfield Hall to address general questions and
concerns. Students should seek specific curricular advice from their
academic advisors.
How to Apply
The Health Sciences Scholars Program is selective, and you must apply to be considered. Successful candidates have a variety of qualifications including solid academic records, strong writing skills, significant participation in extracurricular and community activities, and a diversity of life experiences.
Please note: Only new freshmen who begin at OSU's Columbus campus during the autumn semester are eligible to apply for the Scholars Program. Students interested in the Scholars Program must complete the Honors & Scholars Application after applying to the university. The priority deadline is December 15, 2011; the final deadline is February 15, 2012. To complete the Honors & Scholars application you will need your OSU ID, which you receive after you apply to the university; allow one week to receive this ID via e-mail after submitting your admissions application. You do not have to be admitted to the Columbus campus to apply to the Scholars Program; however, you must be admitted to the University in order for your application to advance in the review process.
For additional information about the Health Sciences Scholars Program please contact Julie Humbel at 614.292.5898 or humbel.1@osu.edu.