Health Professions Advising

The Health Professions Advising Office (HPAO) provides a wide range of advising and support services designed to meet the needs of CSULB students as they navigate through the often-complex process of preparation and application to a health professional program.

We advise students at all stages of the health professions planning process, from career exploration through the interview. Check out the services we offer.

Pre-Health FAQ

Pre-health is a designation for those who seek admission to health professional programs upon completion of a baccalaureate degree (B.A., B.S.). The Health Professions Advising Office serves students interested in pursuing graduate level health professions including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary, and physician assistant.

To utilize Health Professions Advising Office services, please follow these steps:

Step 1

Join HPAO on CSULB Events & Orgs.

  • Watch videos.
  • Find research/volunteer activities.
  • Get notifications on upcoming events.

Step 2

Attend Pre-Health 101.

  • One hour workshop (multiple given throughout the semester - choose one to attend).
  • Check HPAO on CSULB Events & Orgs for upcoming times/dates.
  • Must attend Pre-Health 101 before attending drop-in advising.

Step 3

Attend drop-in advising and and other events.

  • Fall/Spring Fair
  • Info Sessions
  • Application Workshops

Please see the services we offer for more information about how the Health Professions Advising Office can help guide you through your pre-health journey.

There is no "right" major to pursue at CSULB. Students should select a major for which they have a passion and will excel in.

Health professional programs expect all students, whether philosophy majors, biology majors, or business majors, to do well in their chosen undergraduate programs and to demonstrate increasingly challenging curriculum loads in their major. All candidates, regardless of major, must demonstrate strong and consistent performance in coursework, especially in the core science prerequisites.

An extended FAQ is also available.