Shadowing

Center for Pre-Health Professions

Shadowing and observation of surgery are exciting opportunities in CPHP for our students to engage in first-hand, “day-in-the-life” experiences. After your first year at ACU, with the necessary GPA and science course credits, choose a professional or practice for an excellent way to evaluate your career choice and identify areas of greatest interest.
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Shadowing and observation of surgery are exciting opportunities in CPHP for our students to engage in first-hand, “day-in-the-life” experiences. After your first year at ACU, with the necessary GPA and science course credits, choose a professional or practice for an excellent way to evaluate your career choice and identify areas of greatest interest.

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Immerse Yourself in Experience

Be Ready To Jump In

Our students further their passion for medicine through shadowing professionals in the field and observation of surgeries and other clinical procedures. Once a few basic requirements are met, you’re ready to take the next step toward your professional goals.

Requirements

  • Overall 3.5 GPA ; required science curriculum with 3.25 GPA
  • Approval through a clearing process to move forward with personalized matching by your discipline

Why It Matters

  • More than 50 local physicians and professionals open their clinics, offices and operating rooms for our students.
  • Students shadow eight weeks each semester beginning their sophomore year.
  • Our students average three hours/week in operating rooms and clinics around town.
  • These opportunities open doors for summer work, professional networking and professional school letters of recommendation.

Engaging in the Abilene Community

ACU holds a close relationship with our local hospital, Hendrick Health. A short five-minute drive from campus brings you to the heart of serving patients in our community. Additionally, across the city, more than 50 physicians, specialists, dentists, ophthalmologists, veterinarians and other health-related professionals welcome CPHP students into their offices.

Students working together in a lab

Investing in Patients

“Every time I went in to interact with someone who was sick, I was calm and chatted with them about why they came in. Of course, I didn’t know everything they would tell me, because I am not yet a doctor, but it gave me the chance to interact with patients one-on-one and feel like I connected with them. I heard their current concerns as well as the full medical histories some of them had. I also watched the doctor work with his patients, some he has been treating for over 20 years.” 

Halle, ACU alumna, current medical student and Hendrick Health observer 

Meet Our Partners at Hendrick
Each ACU player wore a red sweatband around an ankle during the 2012 game with Incarnate Word.

Always Learning the Latest

“I witnessed the occupational therapist make a splint for a man who had recently endured surgery and could not bend one of his fingers. The process of her building the splint from scratch was interesting to watch, because she used several materials I had never seen or heard of before, such as thermoplastic material, that molded to fit around his arm.”

Brittany, ACU alumna

Learn More about Occupational Therapy
terri aldriedge director of recruitment for body soul

Your Personal Guide

Terri Aldriedge serves as our welcoming guide to CPHP. She’s available to answer your questions from the admissions process through your academic journey at ACU. If you’re interested in learning more about the Center for Pre-Health Professions, set up an appointment with Terri today.

Contact Recruiter