A gap year can be a powerful step on your path to a career in the health professions. Whether you’re taking time to strengthen your application, gain real-world experience, or explore your interests before graduate or professional school, there are countless ways to make that time valuable and rewarding.
Gap years aren't pauses in your journey—they're purposeful transitions that help you grow as a future healthcare professional. WVU’s Pre-Health Professional Development Office is here to help you plan a gap year that aligns with your goals and strengthens your readiness for the next phase.
Explore common gap-year pathways for pre-health students:
Would you like assistance in exploring specific programs or creating a personalized gap-year plan? Feel free to reach out to the Pre-Health Professional Development Office for guidance and support.
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Research Fellowships & Lab Positions: Engage in meaningful research to deepen your scientific understanding and enhance your application
- NIH Postbac IRTA Program A one- to two-year full-time research opportunity at the National Institutes of Health, ideal for those planning to apply to graduate or professional school.
- NIMH Postbaccalaureate Program Offers recent graduates the change to work in clinical or laboratory settings under the mentorship of experienced investigators.
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Global Health & Service Opportunities: Broaden your perspective and contribution to global health initiatives
- Peace Corps - Health Sector Serve in communities abroad focusing on maternal and child health, HIV prevention and health education.
- IVHQ Medical Volunteer Abroad Programs Offers affordable medical volunteer opportunities in various countries, suitable for pre-med, nursing students and professionals.
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Clinical Experience Programs: Gain direct patient care experience to enhance your clinical skills
- Medical Scribing - Work alongside healthcare professionals, documenting patient interactions and learning medical terminology
- Dental Assisting - Work alongside dentists and dental hygienists assisting during procedures, ensure patients’ comfort, learn sterilizing techniques
- Clinical Associate/Assistant - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Medical Assistant - Obtain certifications and gain hands-on experience in hospitals
- EMT Training - Build clinical skills and confidence, demonstrate your commitment to healthcare, strengthen your communication in high-pressure situations and interact with a variety of patients and healthcare professionals
- Post-baccalaureate Clinical Internships - Some hospitals offer structured gap-year positions for pre-med/pre-PA students.
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Academic Enhancers: Strengthen your academic foundation and meet prerequisites
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Formal Post-Baccalaureate Programs - Designed for career-changers or academic enhancers in the health sciences
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Graduate Certificates or Master’s Programs - Short-term options in fields like public health, physiology, or biomedical sciences.
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Bridge Programs - Can serve as an alternative pathway to admissions for students who may not meet the regular admissions criteria, such as GPA or standardized test scores. They are designed to bridge knowledge gaps and provide necessary prerequisites for a student to successfully enter a specific academic field or career path.
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Personal and Professional Development: Use time to reflect, grow and prepare holistically
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Shadowing and Mentorship Opportunities - Gain insights by observing professionals in your field of interest
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MCAT/DAT/GRE Preparation and Application Counseling - Prepare for entrance exams and seek guidance on the application process
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Travel, Writing, or Self-Directed Study in a Health-Related Area of Interest - Pursue personal projects that align with your career goals
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