From aspiration to acceptance: Launch your health care career at UTC

The opportunity for UTC students to job shadow in the Erlanger Baroness Hospital Emergency Department came about thanks to a partnership between UTC, Erlanger and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine – Chattanooga. The groups met for a job shadowing orientation in late January. Photo by Angela Foster.

The journey into professional health care programs is tough—just as tough as the careers they kickstart.

It’s why the Pre-Health Professions Advising program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga exists, serving as a bridge for students determined to become tomorrow’s leaders in tomorrow’s health care landscape—whether as doctors, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, veterinarians or allied health care professionals.

Believing in yourself and the journey you’re on is crucial, and the program equips students with up-to-date knowledge, skills and connections to smoothly navigate the intricate world of health care education and professional practice.

It’s more than just a class or club; it’s a direct link to professional schools, recruiters and practicing health care providers.

Theresa Blackman

“Our mission transcends conventional education. We’re connecting future health care professionals with the experiences and networks they need to thrive,” said Theresa Blackman, assistant director of pre-health student services at UTC.

It’s free and open to all UTC students interested in health care careers. Start by scheduling an appointment with Blackman directly through the program’s webpage.

Participants get access to hands-on opportunities through partnerships, including exclusive internships, volunteer positions and shadowing experiences at local hospitals and health care facilities, including Erlanger Baroness Hospital.

The Pre-Health Advising Program fosters a supportive atmosphere that promotes peer networking, professional development and personal growth, equipping students to navigate both the academic rigors and the emotional and cultural complexities of health care careers.

“We’re not just preparing students for tests; we’re preparing them for life in health care, with all its challenges and rewards,” Blackman said.

Highlighting its commitment to student success, the program also features signature initiatives like the annual Pre-Health Expo and a variety of pre-health events each semester. Yet, the core of its impact lies in its day-to-day dedication to student advancement.

Engaging a significant portion of the UTC student body, this program is a testament to its pivotal role in shaping future health care leaders. With recent partnerships like the one with Erlanger Baroness Hospital, students gain rare insights through job shadowing, further enhancing their readiness for professional roles.

Since its inception, the program has seen a remarkable increase in the average acceptance rate of participants—from 25% to 40%. This notable achievement underscores its effectiveness in preparing students for the rigorous admissions processes of professional schools.

Through its targeted support and resources, UTC not only prepares students academically but also strategically positions them for success in the competitive world of health care professions.

“In every challenge, there’s an opportunity. Our goal is to turn those opportunities into tangible successes for our students, guiding them into careers that make a difference,” Blackman said.